2019 Eye on Education

Eye on Education

A Publication of The Victorville Daily Press · May 19, 2019

Eradication through Vaccination: Why the Measles Outbreaks reminds us of the Importance of Immunization The recent Measles outbreak has been a top focus in health news.

This is distressing since Measles has been considered eradicated in the U.S. since 2000. Measles outbreaks ought to lead to increased awareness of the dangers of not vaccinating children and other at-risk segments of the population. According to the CDC, 206 cases of measles have been reported from Jan 1st to Feb 28th. In 2018, 372 cases of measles were reported in the United State.

Measles is a contagious viral infection spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs or has other contact with an infected person’s mucous membrane. An unvaccinated person is at unnecessary risk and can pose a threat to the well-being of a community.

As a primary care giver, it is my job to educate parents and discuss barriers to receiving vaccines. Many people who use the internet as their source of information have been misled about the safety of vaccines. Much misinformation is the result of myths promoted by celebrities who have no medical basis for their claims. Jenny McCarthy, who has claimed the MMR vaccine caused her son to develop Autism, based her assertion on the works of Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield’s work was found to be based on falsified and manipulated data. Some parents are reluctant to have their children receive vaccines because they fear introducing too many vaccines at one time. A child’s immune response is equipped to handle multiple vaccines at once. An important aspect of my job is to provide accurate descriptions of the risk of the MMR vaccine and educate parents accordingly. The MMR vaccine is well tolerated and common side effects include redness, swelling at injection site, and fever. These side effects are miniscule compared to the benefits of having a society that has achieved herd immunity.

Herd immunity requires approximately 95% of the population to be vaccinated. Generally, anyone born before the year 1957 is considered to have immunity to Measles. Persons born between the year 1963-1967 who received 1 inactivated vaccine (very late baby boomers and Gen X) are recommended to receive the 2 live vaccines if not previously done. Unless there is a contraindication, which includes pregnancy, person with weak immune system, persons with very low platelets, severe immunodeficiency and anaphylaxis to previous vaccine, everyone is advised to receive the MMR vaccine.

A PUBLICATION OF: The Victorville Daily Press 13891 Park Ave. Victorville, CA 92392

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Signs advertising free measles vaccines and information about measles are displayed at the Rockland County Health Department, in Pomona, N.Y., last month. A measles outbreak there has infected more than 160 people since October.

[AP PHOTO/SETH WENIG, FILE]

The chances of coming into contact with someone who has Measles are still relatively low. Thankfully, the vast majority of the population is vaccinated and protected from many devastating diseases. However, there are some pressures which could lead to an increase in the number of exposures and outbreaks. First, false information has led many parents to be skeptical of the efficacy and safety of vaccines, so more children have not been vaccinated than in the past. Second, international travel and migration could spread exposure, either from citizens of the U.S. travelling abroad or from unvaccinated foreigners entering the U.S. The best way to be sure that an individual is safe in the case of exposure is to be vaccinated.

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Eye on Education 2019 3

How to help kids adjust to starting daycare Children reach many milestones throughout their lives. While a child’s first step and first tooth may garner the bulk of the milestone glory, other moments are just as significant.

One milestone that parents may not look forward to is their kids’ first day away from mom and dad. For many children, that day is spent at daycare. Parents may get emotional when dropping their young children off at daycare for the first time, and those emotions might only grow stronger if children cry when Mom and Dad walk away. Fortunately, there are ways to help kids adjust to starting daycare.

• Drop by before the first dropoff day. Many daycare facilities encourage parents to visit the facility with their children before youngsters’ first official day at daycare. This allows kids to meet their teachers as well as other children who will be in their class. That familiarity can make first-day dropoff that much easier.

• Speak with kids about daycare in advance of their first day. As kids’ first day at daycare approaches, parents can speak with them about what to expect. Discuss changes in routine as well as more exciting things, like the chance to play with other kids.

If you were able to visit before the first day, mentions teachers

and other children your child met during the visit. That can help calm their nerves about leaving Mom and Dad.

Why students choose Barstow Community College:

(Continued on Page 6)

2700 Barstow Rd. Barstow, CA 92311 760.252.2411 www.barstow.edu

*affordable, quality education *diverse programs *small classroom sizes *active student life *caring faculty and staff *centrally located *athletic programs

Barstow Community College, where STUDENTS are our FOCUS! 4 Eye on Education 2019

Choosing a Pediatrician If you already have a family doctor, you may not think you need a pediatrician. Although a general physician is licensed to care for children, they lack the training of a pediatrician. To become a pediatrician, a doctor has to have four years of medical school and three more years of residency working solely in pediatrics. Some are further specialized in a field like neonatalogy or cardiology.

You should start looking for a pediatrician in the seventh month of pregnancy.

Start compiling the list by asking family and friends if they have any recommendations. Check with your insurance company for eligible pediatricians and with your local hospitals to see if they have referral services. Ask your obstetrician or family doctor if they know of someone. Research. Ask yourself if you want a male or female doctor. There may be a point when your child gets older that they will feel more comfortable with a doctor of the same sex. Do you want an older or younger doctor? An older doctor will have more experience, but could be set in their ways and not open to new technology or methods. They might be thinking about retirement. A younger doctor, on the other hand, may be more open to new technology or methods, but lack the experience of an older doctor.

Like choosing an obstetrician, do the work – find out what fits you and your lifestyle. You’ve narrowed your list of choices, now comes some investigative work. Before interviewing a pediatrician, check with the state medical board to see if any disciplinary action or professional peer reviews have been made against the pediatrician Check out the books put out by the Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. These list doctors who have been disciplined by a state or federal government. As you interview the candidates on your list, look for a pediatrician who is open-minded and compassionate to your feelings and thoughts. Make sure the pediatrician is covered by your insurance and will actually be seeing your child. Most pediatricians will do these interviews for free, but some will charge. If they charge, see if the fee can be applied to the first office visit. If a pediatrician won’t do an interview, be wary of them.

Once you have made your choice, there are no hard and fast rules that say you have to stick with it. If you ever become concerned with your child’s care, discuss the situation with the pediatrician. If the problem continues, find a new pediatrician. Choosing a pediatrician for your child may be the single-most important decision you make for their young years. Unfortunately, most people don’t spend enough time doing so. Next to parents, a pediatrician is one of the most important people in a child’s life, so choose wisely.

Pediatrics: Dineshchandra Ghael, MD Call us or visit us online at www.FPAmedical.com to schedule an appointment.

Hesperia Location: (760) 948-1454 11919 Hesperia Rd · Hesperia, CA 92345 Apple Valley Location: (760) 946-1100 15863 Kasota Rd · Apple Valley, CA 92307

How to help kids adjust to starting daycare (Continued from Page 4)

• Practice leaving your child with someone else. Much of the fear kids have when being dropped off at daycare for the first time is seeing mom or dad leave the facility. Kids who have seen this before, whether they’re left with a babysitter or a relative for a couple of hours, are more likely to smoothly adjust to being left at daycare. Parents who haven’t yet enjoyed a date night or time away from their children can book some time away together so their children can get used to spending time with someone other than Mom and Dad. • Invite other children from the daycare over for play dates.

Another way to help kids embrace their first days at daycare is 6 Eye on Education 2019

to invite some of their prospective classmates over for a play date. If parents who live nearby recommended the facility, invite their children over for a play date. Familiar, friendly faces can help the transition to daycare go smoothly.

• Let kids take a comfort item with them. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can calm kids’ nerves as they transition to daycare. Before telling kids they can bring such an item along, confirm if it’s allowed with the program director.

The first day at daycare is a milestone for kids. Parents can take various steps to make that day go as smoothly as possible.

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7

The oldest universities in North America colleges and universities as well. The following is a look at some of the oldest institutions of higher learning that North America has to offer.

• The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, 1551: The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico was founded on September 21, 1551, by a royal decree signed by Charles I of Spain, in Valladolid, Spain. It is generally considered the first university founded in North America and second in the Americas.

Today’s high school students interested in pursuing higher education have many colleges and universities to choose from, both at home and abroad.

In Europe, there are many old, established institutions of higher education. In fact, many schools in Europe are among the oldest in the world. But North America has its share of centuries-old

• Harvard University, 1638: One of the original nine colonial colleges, Harvard University was funded by a bequest by namesake John Harvard. It was twice what the Massachusetts Bay Colony had set aside to establish two schools in the area.

• Université Laval, 1663: Université Laval is the oldest institution of higher education in Canada and the first North (Continued on Page 10)

Excelsior Charter Schools Excelsior Charter School is an accredited and State-funded charter school, serving 7th through 12th grade students. Excelsior’s program is a self-directed learning, independent-study program with lots of on-campus resources and programs for students.

Excelsior Charter School was first opened in 1995 under a charter granted by Victor Valley Union High School District in Victorville, CA. Since then, Excelsior has grown tremendously. To best serve our students Excelsior has opened school sites in Barstow, Phelan, North Victorville, Ontario, and Highland. Excelsior received its first WASC accreditation in 1997 and continues to remain WASC accredited.

Excelsior’s Vision and Mission is “Preparing students to be successful adults.” This is grounded in the beliefs that: • All students can and will achieve.

• We believe in doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

• Students require a safe environment to learn.

• Education is an investment in the future.

• Expectations determine outcome.

academics by selecting a career path at their first facilitator meeting. This is their PLP; Personal Life Plan. They are given the option of a college, vocational, or military path. Students’ PLP is flexible and revisited at every facilitator team meeting.

Excelsior is fortunate to have an excellent relationship with local community colleges including Barstow Community College, Victor Valley Community College, Chaffey Community College and San Bernardino Community College. A growing population of students takes advantage of our concurrent enrollment program that offers reduced tuition and reimbursement for textbooks upon successful course completion.

• Everyone has something valuable to contribute.

At Excelsior, we are dedicated to student success during and beyond high school.

Excelsior’s Personal Life Plan supports individual student needs and goals in the areas of academics and 21st century life skills.

Students are encouraged to understand the purpose of required

www.excelsior.com (760) 245 4262

8 Eye on Education 2019

‘Footsteps To You’ opens at Victor Valley Museum

Victor Valley Museum is proud to present the exhibit Footsteps to You: Chattel Slavery, curated and hosted by the Black Voice Foundation. The collection of documents and artifacts was bequeathed to the Foundation in 2016 by the estate of historian Jerry Gore. The exhibit opened May 2.

The Gore Collection helps explore the institution of slavery in America. It illuminates abuses inflicted on enslaved men, women, and children and outlines the strengths they needed to surmount the physical and psychological terrors of forced servitude.

This exhibit presents unique artifacts collected by Gore including first-person accounts, newspaper articles, and original objects of the slave trade.

Railroad Tours to demonstrate first-hand about the people who sought freedom or who helped others achieve it along one of the central routes of the Underground Railroad, Kentucky to Canada.

The Victor Valley Museum, a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum, is at 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, Calif. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. General admission is $5 (adult), $4 (military or senior), and $2.50 (student and child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

According to Hardy Brown II, chairman of the Black Voice Foundation, Footsteps to You immerses the visitor in a world where people were considered objects, based on the color of their skin.

Visitors are challenged to ask themselves ‘What side of history would I have been on?’

Since 1996, the Black Voice Foundation has hosted more than 2,200 educators on the Footsteps to Freedom Underground

The oldest universities in North America (Continued from Page 8)

American institution to offer higher education in French.

• The College of William & Mary, 1693: The College of William & Mary was established when land for the college was purchased in 1693. The school claimed that it was in the planning stages decades before Harvard was established.

• Yale University, 1701: Yale University began as the “Collegiate School.” It was renamed in 1718 and has become one of the world’s most prestigious schools.

• Washington College, 1782: Chartered in 1782, Washington College can trace its origins to a gift of 50 guineas provided by George Washington. Washington granted permission to use his name on the school, which grew from the existing Kent County Free School.

• St. John’s College, 1784: St. John’s College is the third oldest college in the United States, tracing its origins back to the King 10 Eye on Education 2019

William’s school in the colony of Maryland. The school was not chartered as St. John’s College until 1784.

• The University of New Brunswick, 1785: The University of New Brunswick is the oldest English-language university in Canada, and among the oldest public universities in North America. It was founded by a group of seven loyalists who left the United States after the American Revolution.

• The University of Ottawa, 1848: The University of Ottawa was established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the first bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa, Joseph-Bruno Guigues. It was renamed the College of Ottawa in 1861 and received university status five years later through a royal charter.

• The University of Windsor, 1857: The University of Windsor was established in 1857. when the first students arrived to study at its predecessor, Assumption College. It eventually became one of the largest colleges in Ontario.

Eye on Education 2019 11

BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Barstow Fine Arts Academy

The history of the graduation cap

set to open in August

Barstow Unified School District (BUSD) is proud to announce the highly anticipated Barstow Fine Arts Academy (BFAA), scheduled to welcome students on August 8, 2019 for the 2019-2020 school year.

The Barstow Fine Arts Academy is in its final stages of construction and will house a brand new stage, collaboration classrooms, outside performance spaces, and a state of the art central kitchen to serve the 11-school district. The Fine Arts Academy received great community response with enrollment between April 15 and April 26 and will accommodate a student body of up to 650 students.

The new school will cover the state Common Core Standards as well as the California State Standards for Fine Arts. With a primary focus on theatre, music, visual art, and PE/Dance, the BFAA plans to prepare students academically as well as nurture their creativity, promote community engagement and build life skills. Heading the new school is Heather Bjornberg, who is enthusiastic about the project and brings a wealth of experience in education and performance to Barstow. Bjornberg said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of such a groundbreaking project and can’t wait to see what our students will accomplish.”

Barstow Unified School District would like to thank the community and all those who made this project possible.

If you would like more information about BUSD or the Barstow Fine Arts Academy, please visit the website at www.barstow.k12.ca.us or call Public Information Officer Devin Vargas at 760-255-6000.

Graduation ceremonies are a tradition that dates back to the first high schools and universities. While many aspects of graduation ceremonies have evolved over the years, the graduation cap has remained a hallmark of such ceremonies.

Graduation caps are one of the most visible aspects of graduation dress. Many scholars believe the mortarboard style cap graduates don was developed from the biretta, a similarlooking Italian hat worn by Roman Catholic clergy. In the 12th and 13th centuries, students and teachers typically wore clerical clothing because the church was highly influential at this time.

Medieval universities helped inspire academic dress, including the familiar graduation cap.

Mortarboards are shaped like a square, perhaps to give them a scholarly appearance like a book or to represent the shape of a quad on the campus of England’s Oxford University, where many graduation dress customs are believed to have originated.

Others theorize that the mortarboard, which is named after the flat board used by bricklayers and masons, represents the skill of a master workman.

Many graduation caps were initially black or gray. According to the graduation information site Graduation Source, when color photography became the norm in the 20th century, schools began to use gowns and caps in different shades because they would show up in photographs. Schools often coordinate caps and gowns so their colors reflect their official school colors.

While certain degrees warrant different styles of gown, cowls and hoods, mortarboard caps are relatively standard. In addition to the cap, there is a single button at the top. Tassels hang from these buttons. At commencement, tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the cap and then moved to the left once graduates receive their diplomas.

Graduation caps are part of the larger scope of academic dress that comprises school traditions. Millions of graduates across the globe will don their caps and toss them into the air later in celebration of their hard work.

14 Eye on Education 2019

How to face the challenges of saving for college tuition Parents likely don’t need to be told that college tuition is expensive. Whether you’re a parent of a high school student on the verge of applying for college or of a newborn with decades to go before the first college tuition bill comes due, the burden of how to pay for higher education is likely something you’ve considered.

While the cost of college tuition isn’t on the decline, parents might be happy to learn that such costs aren’t rising as fast as they once were. According to the “Trends in College Pricing 2018” report from The College Board, between 2001 and 2012, tuition increases at four-year public colleges ranged from 5.7 percent to 13.3 percent per year. Between 2012 and 2018, those same schools raised tuition raised tuition by just 3 percent per year.

The challenge of saving for college might be more manageable if tuition costs don’t rise as sharply as they did between 2001 and 2012. But such costs are unpredictable, so parents should explore other ways to save for college tuition.

• Start saving as early as possible. It’s never too early to begin saving for a child’s college education. According to rules

governing New York’s 529 College Savings Program, adults cannot open 529 Savings plans for unborn children, as beneficiaries must have a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number. However, expecting parents or young adults who one day plan to have children can open accounts and name themselves as beneficiaries and then change the beneficiary to their child once the child is born.

It might seem odd to start saving for college tuition before you even have children, but it’s never too early to start growing a college fund.

• Choose a diversified portfolio. Most people are familiar with the adage, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” That adage is especially noteworthy when saving for college.

Many people recognize that simply saving for college isn’t enough, and that directing college savings into a 529 plan that allows that money to grow is a savvy way to build college savings accounts. When choosing investments, (Continued on Page 16)

Eye on Education 2019 15

A. Paul S. Bell, DDS

How to face the challenges of saving for college tuition (Continued from Page 8)

Dr. Paul Bell and staff were voted “Best of the Desert” by readers of the Daily Press newspaper. Dr. Bell and his entire team are dedicated to the area of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, providing preventative maintenance and restorative dental health care for our patients.

Take advantage of our modern dental facility and excellent dental care. Dr. Bell has been selected as a 2012 Top Dentist in Victorville by the International Association of Dentists and has been spotlighted in the renowned publication, The Leading Physicians of the World.

At our Victorville dental office, you will experience all that modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of the whole family. Our goal is to assist each patient in achieving and maintaining long-term dental health and a beautiful smile.

We’re committed to providing the necessary dental care you need and understand that professional dental procedures may come with elevated cost. Dr. Bell is proud to offer affordable dental care and also recommends you check out our special dental care offers on common procedures.

It’s never too early for parents to begin saving for their children’s college tuition.

parents can combat market volatility by investing in diversified portfolios that makes their savings less vulnerable to loss. In fact, the NY529 Direct Plan allows parents to choose age-based options that automatically shift investments from aggressive to conservative mutual funds as children age.

• Take your tax deduction. Families are faced with a host of bills each month, and that can make some parents wonder if it’s even possible to contribute to college savings accounts. Speak with an accountant to help you make room in the budget for such contributions, which are often eligible to tax deductions that make it easier and more sensible to save for college.

Saving for college tuition can be made easier by employing various strategies to grow college savings without adversely affecting monthly budgets.

Did You KNow?

A. Paul S. Bell, DDS, Inc. 12637 Hesperia Rd · Victorville, CA 92395 Phone: 760.245.8684 · www.drpaulbell.com

16 Eye on Education 2019

According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Education, women have earned a disproportionate share of college degrees compared to men over the last 12 years. In 2018, women were on target to earn 141 college degrees at every level for every 100 degrees earned by men. That trend isn’t all that recent, as women have earned the majority of degrees at every level of higher education for years and, in many cases, several decades. For example, DOE statistics indicate that women have earned the majority of associate’s degrees every year since 1978 and the majority of bachelor’s degrees every year since 1982. That trend also is reflected in postgraduate degrees, as women have earned the majority of master’s degrees every year since 1987. The female majority in regard to doctoral degrees earned is a relatively recent yet still impressive trend that dates back to 2007. Estimates suggest these trends will continue, as DOE forecasts suggest that, by 2027, women will earn 151 college degrees for every 100 degrees earned by men.

6 ways to recognize autism awareness Autism has become a household word because of the vast number of lives impacted by this highly scrutinized and often confusing series of conditions. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that 1 in 59 children currently has autism spectrum disorder in the United States.

ASD can affect the entire body, but it is typically marked by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Difficulties with communication, intellectual disabilities and impaired social interactions also are noted. The autism awareness organization Autism Speaks estimates that one-third of people with ASD are nonverbal as well.

Research implicates genetics as the cause of ASD in the vast majority of cases. Generally speaking, children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having autism than those born to younger parents. Despite controversy, there is no definitive link between ASD and immunizations.

Each April is Autism Awareness Month. April also hosts World Autism Day (April 2). The Autism Society, one of the leading autism organizations, established the observance month to “promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and to assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.” There are many steps people can take to help the group achieve that goal, both in April and throughout the year.

1. Wear blue. One of the significant markers of autism support and awareness is the displaying of the color blue. Many organizations sell blue t-shirts and other promotional items that help raise awareness and money for the cause.

2. Attend an event. There are many marches or fundraisers for ASD in April. Participating in such events shows those with ASD that people care about them.

3. Go to a sensory friendly event. Venues like movie theaters and amusement parks offer “sensory-friendly” days for individuals with ASD and their families.

4. Embrace the ribbon. The puzzle piece ribbon represents the complexity and diversity of those with ASD. Pin a ribbon to clothing or attach ribbon magnets to cars.

5. Learn more. Dr. Temple Grandin is an autism expert who is on the spectrum herself. Through her own words, Grandin shares unprecedented insights into what the autistic brain experiences. This education can be used in one’s own life or in the classroom. There are other educators with ASD who also offer their expertise online.

6. Donate when possible. Although there is no cure for autism, researchers continue to work to learn more about it and any potential treatments that can improve the lives of those with ASD. Learn more about ASD at www.autism-society.org.

18 Eye on Education 2019

Make good use of your final days as a student as graduation nears Graduation is the culmination of a lengthy journey students take in pursuit of their academic and professional goals. As graduation day draws near, it can be tempting for students to take their foot off the gas and spend their time having fun with their fellow students before everyone goes their separate ways. Such an attitude can derail years of hard work. Though the temptation of celebrating with friends may be hard to resist, the following are some ways prospective graduates can stay on course as graduation day draws near.

(Continued on Page 21)

Eye on Education 2019 19

Opportunities abound in the field of engineering Engineering is a vital component of many industries. Engineers affect nearly every aspect of daily life, and a career in engineering can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

According to PayScale.com, degrees in the STEM fields, which focus on science, technology, engineering, or math, continue to be at or near the top of the site’s College Salary Report. Engineering seems to be an especially lucrative degree to have. In fact, the 2018 report found that three of the top four highest paying jobs for people with a bachelor’s degree were in the field of engineering.

A high salary is certainly enticing, but many professional engineers feel their jobs are more than just a paycheck, as overcoming the challenges posed by a career in engineering can lead to great personal satisfaction.

The various disciplines within the field of engineering attract students from all walks of life, making engineering an attractive career path for young people with an array of skillsets and interests.

The following are just some of the many potential career opportunities for students who earn degrees in engineering.

• Electrical and electronics engineer: Technology is vital to daily life in the 21st century, and electrical and electronics engineers play an integral role in making the connected world a reality.

Electrical engineers work on everything from computers to wireless networks to automobiles and aircrafts.

20 Eye on Education 2019

• Chemical engineer: Combining the principles of biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, and physics, chemical engineers strive to convert chemicals, energy and other materials into useful products. Chemical engineers work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petroleum, energy, and manufacturing. Some chemical engineers focus on research, while others may work on quality control or safety procedures.

• Computer engineer: Whether using their smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops, few people now go a full day without using some type of computer. They have computer engineers, who create and improve existing computer technologies, to thank for that. Computer engineers may focus their efforts on wireless networks, the internet or other systems that businesses and people rely on every day.

• Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers are involved in the research, design and development of machinery. Such machinery may include medical devices, appliances people have in their homes that they use every day or turbines.

The field of engineering can be rewarding and lucrative. Becoming a professional engineer requires years of schooling, but the rewards of such a pursuit can be well worth the effort.

Make good use of your final days as a student as graduation nears (Continued from Page 19) • Maintain your academic focus. It can be easy to get caught up in upcoming celebrations and the next chapter in your life, but students should stay the academic course until their final day in the classroom. Keeping grades up is important, as no one wants to put graduation at risk when it is so close .

• Familiarize yourself with your school’s guidance office.

Guidance counselors often provide information on coursework and future schooling options, but they can guide you in other ways as well. Some guidance offices double as career placement services, helping students prepare résumés, cover letters and portfolios. Some also help students with career assesments that can guide them as they look to begin their careers as professionals.

• Gather some references. The organizers behind the Sales Innovation Expo, a professional networking gathering, indicate that 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking. Begin talking with all of the people you can, particularly during

internships or volunteer opportunities. Contact trusted confidantes, be it current or former supervisors and professors, to serve as references.

• Have an idea of your next steps. It’s not necessary to have everything mapped out just yet, but you should have a good idea of whether you’re going on to more schooling, taking a vocational career tract, entering the workforce, or even taking some time to travel. Create a road map on paper showing where you want to be and when.

• Plan for some downtime. After all of this hard work and dedication, set some time aside after the graduation celebration to recharge your batteries. Some time off can help you focus on the future when you’re rested and ready to approach new goals.

Taking certain steps leading up to graduation can help you focus more readily on the future.

Eye on Education 2019 21

Learn more about valedictorian honors Commencement season is an important time in a soon-to-begraduate’s life. There is excitement at the prospect of new opportunities on the horizon as well as a feeling of accomplishment for successfully making it through years of schooling.

Receiving a top honor such as valedictorian can be the icing on the cake of a job well done.

Academics can be very competitive. The highest academic honor a student can receive in high school is to be named valedictorian of his or her class. Typically, valedictory honors are determined by grade point average; however, some schools may measure rankings differently. For example, certain schools may have weighted GPAs, which means students in higher level classes can earn weighted GPAs. If a student takes an advanced-placement course, he or she can garner a 5.0 score for that class by earning an A grade. Standard courses may top out at a 4.0 for a course for an A grade, according to PrepScholar, a school-testing guide and tips resource.

Even though top grades are part of the equation, it may take more than grades alone to be named valedictorian. Some schools

Make graduation day comfortable Graduation day will arrive before many students have a chance to pause and reflect on their time as students.

The pomp and circumstance are deeply rooted traditions passed down through academia. If only comfort was automatically built into the graduation equation.

Most graduation ceremonies occur at the end of the school year when temperatures tend to be rather warm. For schools with large student bodies, the distribution of diplomas might take place outdoors on a football field or under a tent. Some ceremonies may take place in poorly ventilated auditoriums. That can make conditions less than comfortable for graduates.

Attire also can make grads uncomfortable. Graduation caps and gowns can be cumbersome, especially the heavily robed and layered gowns that signify higher academia.

Finally, graduation ceremonies tend to be lengthy, which can only exacerbate any discomfort grads may feel.

Discomfort need not dominate come graduation day.

In fact, students can take various steps to ensure graduation day is as comfortable as possible.

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may weigh other achievements as well. It is important for students to speak with a guidance counselor about their school’s requirements to be named valedictorian.

Once these qualifications are determined, students eager to compete for the top prize can do the following.

• Take a variety of courses, including AP classes when available.

• Study and do well on exams and in-class assignments.

• Do not be afraid to take risks and challenge oneself.

• Maintain a good rapport with teachers and seek extra credit when available.

• Maintain an optimistic outlook even when things may not be going as planned. Adapt to the situation and make changes that can bring success, rather than throwing in the towel.

Being named valedictorian is a great honor for students that may propel some to academic success for years to come.

celebrates excellence, looks to bright future The Victor Valley Union High School District has once again been recognized at the local, regional and national levels, and more accolades are sure to come as the district continues to build a foundation for the future.

In the 2019 Best of the Desert readers’ choice awards, VVUHSD’s University Preparatory was named winner in the Best Middle School category. UP is a California Gold Ribbon School and winner of the Title I Academic Achievement Award.

The district has excelled in the California PBIS Coalition rankings, which recognize schools with a positive climate and culture for students. In 2018 Goodwill Education Center was the only high school in the High Desert to earn a PBIS gold medal.

Adelanto, Silverado and Victor Valley high schools were awarded silver while Lakeview Leadership academy won bronze.

• Wear something lightweight. Layering a gown on top of heavy clothing can be a recipe for overheating. Dress accordingly for the weather that day and the venue. Remember, it’s always possible to add a layer.

• Stick to sensible shoes. That short trek acrosss the stage to receive the diploma will be watched by hundreds in attendance and possibly recorded for posterity. Avoid slip-ups by wearing comfortable, flat shoes that are skid-resistant.

• Bring some tissues along. Reactions and emotions can run high on graduation day. This day is a milestone, and a few tears may be shed. Have tissues handy to catch stray tears.

• Leave ample time. Crowds will be descending on the school for the festivities. Traffic and parking issues are to be expected.

Early birds will get the best parking spaces and will be around to hear their names called.

• Stay hydrated. Stuffy auditoriums or sun-baked bleachers can quickly make for an uncomfortable setting. While you shouldn’t bring along a bag, purse or too many accessories, tuck a small water bottle under your seat to help you stay refreshed throughout the ceremony.

Focus on comfort during a graduation ceremony, as the entire experience should be one to savor and enjoy.

VVUHSD was the first high school district in the Victor Valley, with a tradition stretching back more than a century. The district is making sure that tradition remains strong with upgraded facilities for its older campuses. A new gymnasium was recently constructed at Hook Junior High, and a new building at Victor Valley High will house a performing arts center and new classrooms. VVHS is also upgrading its football field and track.

Lakeview is also looking toward the future with the addition of 10th grade this school year. Lakeview now offers a wide variety of courses for grades 7-10.

With a strong focus on career and college readiness, VVUHSD is the right choice for your grade 7-12 student.

To register, visit www.vvuhsd.org or call 760-955-3201 ext. 10400 for enrollment info.

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