Family Newsletter
Welcome EEP Family to the winter term, it is time for a New Year. We hope you had warm and joyful family holiday celebrations. It is always exciting to turn that calendar page, perhaps a chance to refresh and renew. Fall quarter was fairly normal but normal in EEP means lots of stuff happening. Check out the events below. Take care and great wishes for a super new year!
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Last Quarter's EventS
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EEPC hosted a Fall Welcome Back party in the EEP kitchen on Thursday, September 25, 2008. This was a great way for the EEPsters to have fun while building the EEP community and culture! Thank you to EEPC who helped make this event possible. :)
A large number of EEPsters volunteered at the Sally Ride Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2008. EEPsters volunteered their time to represent EEP to the university and to meet astronaut Sally Ride. A great way to be engaged in school activities and network with faculty and administrators.
The PEEP Fall Welcome was held Sunday, October 5, 2008. PEEP alums Ned and Susan Fenton hosted this lovely Brunch at their Griffith Park adjacent home. The Director told the brief history of EEP and mingled with new PEEPsters.
EEPC held their annual EEP Fright Night on Friday, October 24, 2008. This year for the first time the event moved off campus, perhaps less frightening but hopefully more camaraderie. EEP parents David Bouzanquet & Teresa Aguilar hosted this event at their San Gabriel home.
The General Education Honors Program and The General Education Honors Club hosted a preview dinner on Thursday, October 30, 2008 in the Golden Eagle Ballroom. GE Honors students and their parents enjoyed the evening. Professor Margaret Jefferson (Biological Sciences) gave the keynote talk.
EEPC hosted their annual Thanksgiving Potluck in the EEP Kitchen on Thursday, November 25, 2008. Many hungry EEPsters were able to enjoy an array of savory foods such as turkey and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and pie. Thanks to all our students, staff and parents who donated food for the potluck. :) Special thanks to Sharon and Nancy for readying the kitchen/-dining hall for the festivities.
The annual EEPC Holiday Party took place on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Pasadena Ice Rink and Paseo center. EEPsters had 2 hours of ice-skating, pizza eating, and White Elephant presenting. As the Director noted at group meetings, it is a time for peace and love.
EEPC held their annual Big Bear Trip. This event was from Monday, December 08, 2008 through Thursday, December 11, 2008. Thank you to parent chaperones Dan York (Caitlin York) and Abe Sanchez (John Michael Sanchez), all the EEPsters and the Elder chaperones that helped make this event possible. :)
The EEP Lounge and EEP was once again the host site of a donation box for the annual CSLA EPIC Food and Toy Drive through the month of December. Thanks to all our students, staff and parents who donated toys and food items. The EEPC donated many games from their game cabinet. Once again, our box overflowed with goodness…peace and love, right?
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AnnouncementS
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The SEAA has been postponed pending approval of a new testing instrument.
Lisa has been unable to work this term due to a job classification error pending administration action.
We remind EEPsters to vote on the EEPC constitution modifications, e-mail plus attachment sent earlier last quarter.
EEP 2009 Yearbook is coming this spring. Capture your student memories, order Your Yearbook ASAP. Order forms will be sent electronically and available in the EEP Computer Lab document holder
EEPC provides Bluebooks and Scan Trons, available in the new Cubby room document holder
EEPC sends a reminder for members to pay their club dues. Dues are used to serve students through subsidized trips and activities and supplies and services. Dues invoices available in the Office hallway document holder
We congratulate Constance J. on winning the EEF/PEEP Program logo contest. The logo will be used on new EEP tote bags provided through a grant from LSI Corporation procured by the Foundation. We thank all EEPsters who submitted entries and we foresee each logo entry being used in some manner in the future. To see all the entries visit the EEF at http://www.earlyentrancefoundation.org/newsletter16.html
We are looking for an EEPster for the lounge manager position. Interested students should contact the office ASAP.
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StudenT NewS & AccomplishmentS
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Claire W, a member of the CSULA women's cross-country team, helped the team to place 13th in the nation at the 2008 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Slippery Rock, PA on November 22, 2008.
Alumni Visits and Written Communiqué this Quarter:
• Natasha Spottiswoode (Graduating class of 2008) visited Rich on September 24, 2008
• Bibhu Mohanty (Graduating class of 2004) visited Rich on September 24, 2008
• Chris Chien (Graduating class of 2001) visited Rich on September 24, 2008
• Daniel Tamae (Graduating class of 2001) visited Rich on September 24, 2008
• Sonia Levitin (Graduating class of 2006) visited Rich on September 25, 2008
• Edward (Travis) Rust (Graduating class of 2008) visited Rich on October 16, 2008
• Samantha Hsu- (Graduating class of 2008) visited Rich on October 16, 2008
• Amanda Jancu- (Graduating class of 2008) visited Rich on November 24, 2008
• Danielle Krasner- (Graduating class of 2008) visited Rich on November 25, 2008
• Albert Hung- (Graduating class of 2007) visited Rich on November 25, 2008
EEP Alum Jeffrey Lin (Graduating class of 2004) will be graduating from law school this Spring and is in the process of applying to film school. Congratulations Jeffrey and keep up the good work!
EEP Alums Chris Chien M.D and Daniel Tamae PhD (010) (EEP graduating class of 2001) spoke to the EEP Freshman in the Intro to EEP class. Thank you both for your time and wonderful, sage advice.
EEP Alumna Susan Ngo recently emailed Rich to check in and give him an update on her life. She is currently working for Deloitte as a Senior Consultant.
EEP Alum Edwin Peng recently emailed Rich to let him know that in a few weeks he will be leaving California to attend graduate school. We wish Edwin the best of luck. Edwin dropped by the office on December 12th to detail his grad school plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin as a fully funded doctoral student. His department in Mechanical Engineering is ranked 10th in the nation. Edwin also told us he was accepted to six of seven grad schools he applied to this year, wow!
Remember, many of these EEP Alumni and others have provided the EEPsters with their e-mail addresses for consultation and advisement (in the Student Information Binder) with new additions available at Group Meetings quarterly.
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ReminderS
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Priority Registration for Spring 2009 will be during the 4th week of Winter 2009 Advisement Slips due by Wednesday, February 4 @ noon (12:00pm) Tuition due by Monday, January 26, 2009 Priority Registration is January 26, 2009 Remember, Advisement Slips will be due by noon on Wednesday, February 4th
Remember to use Lounge Resources
• Student Information Binder (campus policies, alum contact e-mails, etc.) A new binder arrangement in the living room await students in fallwinter
• Course Evaluation Binders (faculty ratings / course evaluations by EEPsters)
• Group Meeting Binder (opportunities, EEPCevents, sign-ups, policy changes)
• Hanging Wall File & Stand Alone File (campus forms and information on clubs, scholarships, campus phone directory, Honors classes, etc.)
• Cubby Shelf Unit (interesting magazines, old schedules, class materials, weird EEP stuff, spare umbrellas, etc.)
Remember that lounge, campus presence allows for a more normal school experience that builds social skills plus opportunities to be involved and engaged.
Remember that unauthorized use of university equipment (including OMNI lock devises) and resources is forbidden. Staff approval is required for use of all equipment.
Remember to properly store and safeguard personal and Program property. Last quarter the following items were found left unattended in the lounge common space overnight: 2 laptop power cables, an ipod, a gold credit card, half a dozen textbooks, 2 full backpacks among many others
Remember the lounge is closed during break periods; students may not access the lounge without staff approval during these periods.
CSULA-EEP Important Dates
• Dec 7- Jan 4 Fall 2008 Quarter break
• Jan 5th Winter 2009 Quarter classes begin
• Jan 5th- 20th Late registration/adjustments
• Jan 12th No record drop deadline
• Jan 13th Winter 2009 “W” withdrawal period begins
• Jan 19th University Closed – Martin Luther King Holiday
• Jan 20th Winter 2009 ADD Deadline
• Jan 20th- 21st EEP Group Meetings
• Jan 26th Payment for Spring 2009 Priority Reg. Due
• Jan 26th Spring 09 Priority Registration Date
• Feb 4th EEP Advisement Slips Due by noon
• Feb 19th “W” Withdraw Period Ends
• Feb 20th Emergency Withdrawal Period
• Feb 24th- 25th EEP Group Meetings
• Mar 16th -21st Winter 2009 final examinations
• Mar 22nd - 29th Winter 2009 Quarter break
• Mar 30th Spring 2009 Quarter classes begin
• Mar 31st University Closed – Cesar Chavez Holiday
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News, Notices, Cheers and Jeers
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A Message to the Parents of the EEP from Richard S. Maddox
Our exclusive delivery method for the entire Newsletter and the Meeting Schedule are now through e-mail. If you want a printed version of the entire text mailed home call the EEP office at 323-343-2287
Just a brief reminder that a student-enhanced version of the EEP Quarterly Newsletter with photos is available on-line at: http://www.eepclub.org.
See many previous Newsletters and For the EEF Newsletter go to: http://www.earlyentrancefoundation.org/newsletter.html
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News and Notices
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Each fall in my preparation for the freshman EEP 101 course (formerly EEP Study Hall), I try to focus on helping our new students learn effective study methods in addition to the normal transition to university and EEP culture. In this effort, I created two brief outlines covering study techniques and paper writing methodology. I also created the following acronym to help them remember some of these techniques: Be Active in Your Learning (BAIYL), pronounced bail. This info was also shared with all EEPsters in-group meetings. I encourage all members of the EEP family to review this material, as I believe it may be useful in helping students learn.
In addition, I thought I would share some research-based info on student success in this newsletter. See below.
From an article on adolescent motivational beliefs, social interactions and engagement from Patrick, Kaplan and Ryan (2007) in the Journal of Educational Psychology.
Success in school depends on the extent that students engage adaptively. Engagement is related to student perceptions of themselves, their motivational beliefs and their academic performance. During school, students work and interact with peers and adults and these relationships are related to and predictive of school-related outcomes. Student perceptions of their social environment including affiliation, mutual respect and support are associated consistently with adaptive motivational techniques and achievement behaviors. It is proposed that self-regulation strategies (cognitive engagement) and collaboration (behavioral engagement) are related to achievement.
From an article on School engagement by Fredricks, Blumfield and Paris (2004) in the Review of Educational Research.
School engagement is supported as a means to improve academic motivation and achievement. Engagement is malleable, responsive to contextual factors and environmental change. Engagement is defined as being actively committed, involved, occupied and participatory in school related activities involving social and academic behaviors. Furthermore, Engagement may be defined in three ways as follows:
Behavioral engagement: participation and involvement in academic, social and extracurricular school activities in addition to collaborating with peers and classmates
Emotional engagement: reactions to peers, adults and the institution in addition to willingness to complete work
Cognitive engagement: Associated with investment, thoughtfulness and willingness to exert effort necessary to comprehend and master material in addition to adapting self-regulatory techniques.
From an article on Self Regulation among high achieving university students by Ruban an Reis (2006) Roeper Review (gifted student research journal)
Academic self-regulation refers to the degree that students are metacognitvely, motivationally and behaviorally active participants in their own learning process. Self-regulated learners are self-starters who manage their learning experiences. Students who are self-regulated employ learning strategies, monitor their performance, are self efficacious, are inquisitive about intellectual interests, are persistent when facing difficulties and are dedicated to the attainment of knowledge and skills. Self-regulation has been associated with academic performance and success as well as a solution to problems involving gifted underachievers. Research supports the notion that a major cause of academic learning difficulties is the insufficient ability to self regulate. Self-regulation “can help high achievers reach their potential.”
Next quarter at group meetings I will introduce being: Polite, Responsible, on time and dedicated (PROD) as another means toward school and personal success. I hope this data is helpful. Thanks -- RSM
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." -- Norman Vincent Peale
Should any parent want to discuss their child’s performance or if there are any questions or concerns please call the office to schedule a meeting. You may also feel free to call or e-mail Jeff, Lisa, Koryna, or me. Have a great quarter!
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CHEERS & JEERS
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Cheers to the freshman class who completed their first full time term.
Cheers to all those who participated school events and activities. Engagement as you now know is very important to student success.
Cheers to the PEEP and the EEF (Early Entrance Foundation), from chaperoning events to providing counsel and support with all manner of program needs, they are spectacular. Parent support for the Program is very important and appreciated. Cheers to Margaret Lee and David Segall and the rest of this year’s EEPC board! We look forward to an exciting new year with you!
Cheers to all the EEPC board and others who decorated the EEP lounge for the holidays... It looked quite festive!
Cheers to parents who support their students and school.
Cheers to the new University Student Union opening.
Jeers to all the students who left personal and Program property out of place and at risk.
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StudenT ContributionS & The EEPC Presidential Message
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No contributions submitted to the offices – See Student enhanced Newsletter version for more
President’s Message
Presidoop’s Message
Hello, again! It’s good to see you. How are things at home? It’s been a while—I do hope you’re well.
This quarter has just been incredibly tumultuous and wonderful for…somebody, probably. Maybe it was you! I hope it was.
EEPClub continues to wend its way through a path littered with bagels and yearbook order forms and sweatshirts. We really are doing what we can to make these dreary days more…reary. Here a few of the things that we’ve been up to:
• Providing cake for EEPsters in the month of their birthday!
• Sleeping!
• Continuing the tradition of free blue books and Scantrons and food for our crazy kids!
• Planning really delicious events!
• Arranging secret celebrity guest appearances!
A few things we’re looking forward to include a Valentine’s Day tea party, our traditional Spring Formal, and sandwiches (sandwiches not necessarily promised)! Please please please tell us if you want something to happen, or you missed out on something and want memorabilia, or if we just didn’t hang out with you enough. We’ll fix it.
-- Margaret!
Departmental Messages:
• Please check that we have an up to date e-mail address for all members of our EEP family, we get many bounce backs, ,
Thank you
Nancy and Sharon
• Please review the grade and advisement report sent home every quarter and contact the office with questions
Thanks,
Koryna
• Please check that each student sets and keeps their appointments with me
Thanks,
Jeff
PEEP Message:
• For the latest and greatest on PEEP please go to the PEEP website at http://www.earlyentrancefoundation.org/peep
Other EEPC Stuff -- None submitted as of distribution time
Newsletter contributions welcome for Spring 2009 - All rebuttals will be processed
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Individual Meeting Schedule
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Individual Meeting Schedule – Winter 2009
Meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:30am -12:30pm. Check your meeting time and make any changes ASAP. You may see Lisa anytime she is available. Please attend your scheduled meeting on time.