Mayor's Kids Summer Reading Challenge - Volunteers Needed

This year, for the 7th year in a row, Mayor Brown hosted his Kids Summer Reading Challenge, where students were asked to read 7 books over the summer and write a summary on each. As a reward, the students are invited to a prize ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, October 18th at the Buffalo Convention Center

In order to make this event successful, over 300 volunteers are needed. There are a variety of tasks to accommodate all ages and physical abilities. Both teen and adult volunteers are welcome.

There are three volunteer opportunities available:

1) Moving Prizes: Wednesday, October 15th - 12 - 1 PM. Able-bodied volunteers are needed to help carry bicycles (many small children's sizes) from City Hall to the Convention Center (We will be raffling the bicycles and want to keep them in pristine condition).

2) Set Up: Friday, October 17th from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Buffalo Convention Center. Please consider helping on your lunch break or after work.

3) Prize Ceremony: Saturday, October 18th. Volunteers are needed anytime from 10 AM - 4 PM. Different tasks include registration and certificate and prize distribution. There will be both sitting and moving tasks available for those with varying physical abilities.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for both adults and also for teens and college students who need community service hours.

If you are able to help, please contact Jessica Maglietto at jmaglietto@city-buffalo.com or X4172.

Volunteer Opportunity

This Labor Day weekend is Wing Fest in Buffalo. Literacy Volunteers will have a table at the event to do crafts and activities with children, recruit new volunteers, and to spread the word about Literacy Volunteers and our mission. It will be a fun, upbeat event with a lot to keep you entertained.

They are looking for volunteers to help out at their table for both Saturday, August 30th, and Sunday, August 31st. They have different shifts to accommodate everyone. The shifts for Saturday and Sunday are from 10-2, 1-5, and 3-7. If you would like to help out, and get into the event for FREE, rather then paying $5 admission, please contact the office at 716.876.8991 to check shift availabilities. You can speak to the receptionist about the times you would like to volunteer. They can be flexible with your schedule if the times are not perfect for you.

Any volunteer hours would help out LV tremendously!!!!

For those of you who missed the Summer Institute....

Class of 2010: you can go to School #8 and the forms are on the counter - grab one of the study skills packets and one on the new CAS guidelines. I'll be meeting with you after the annual class meeting to go over some important information.

Class of 2009: I'm still working on a date to meet with those of you who couldn't make it to UB. It should be sometime in mid-August. There are extended essay packets and study skills packets for you to pick up at School #8 as well. They are on the counter. Please remember that your FINAL rough draft is due the first week of school. It would greatly benefit those of you who didn't make the program to talk to someone who went to find out what we did.

City Honors International Baccalaureate Facebook Page

I will be using the Facebook page I created to send out important messages, via Facebook, to all current IB students. If you want to be able to receive a message (instead of checking the blog on your own), then join the group.

Last minute info for c/o 2009 Summer Institute

1. I have parking passes for the three days. I will be in the Fronczak Lot by 8:45 am with them and will wait until 8:55 am.

2. Bring your rough draft on a thumb/flash drive. You'll have time each day to do research and/or work on it on UB's computers.

Class of 2010 CHANGE of VENUE for IB Summer Seminar

The one-day IB Summer Seminar will now take place on Monday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

There will be signs to let you know where to go once you arrive. Plan on being in the conference room at 9 a.m. The seminar will end at 3 p.m.

Refreshments will be served in the morning and lunch is now being provided (i.e. it's free).

Class of 2009 IB Summer Institute Locations

Each morning we will meet promptly at 9 a.m. in Capen 201. It is upstairs in the Undergraduate Library. We are pursuing the possibility of guest parking tags for you and will post if we are successful.

Otherwise, the parking information for UB is as follows:

Parking for visitors is limited to certain lots and metered areas on each campus. Visitors to the North Campus can park in the Center for Tomorrow Lot off Flint Road, without a charge and utilize our shuttle service. Additionally, on the North Campus, Visitor Paid Parking is available in the Fronczak Lot. There is an entry charge of $4.00 ($2.00 after 1:00pm). Here is a link to the UB North Campus Map. Capen Hall is number 25 and visitor parking is not far from there.

Remember to bring in a letter if you can't make the IB Summer Institute

IBers in the Class of 2009 and 2010 are required to bring in a note explaining why they cannot attend the summer institute/seminar. The note should also included contact information for the summer so that I (Mrs. Banas) can contact you during the summer.

'09 CAS Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for 6-8 juniors to help out at graduation by handing out programs. Volunteers would need to arrive at 6 p.m. Please see Mrs. Banas to sign up.

We are also looking for five juniors to come in to school during Regents exams to help pack up items in the offices on the first floor. Please see Mrs. Banas to sign up.

Class of 2010 IB Summer Seminar Information

IB SUMMER SEMINAR INFORMATION
2008-2009


Dear Class of 2010 IB Diploma Candidates,

You are Buffalo’s most ambitious and conscientious students! As you move through your experience in IB, we want to assist you in seeking a path to increase chances of being successful within the IB program and in school in general. Therefore, at no cost to you, we have developed a one-day seminar on study skills and time management. Additionally, information on CAS and other aspects of the IB program will be introduced and handed out.

Mrs. Holden and Mrs. Banas believe that the skills you will take home on July 7th will greatly benefit you in the rest of your high school career as well as in college.

This year, the IB Summer Seminar is scheduled for Monday, July 7th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the conference facilities in the Larkin at Exchange building (726 Exchange Street, Buffalo, 14210).

You will be responsible for transportation and money for lunch (either pizza will be ordered or we will eat at the cafeteria in the Larkin at Exchange building).

All candidates are expected to attend the seminar. If you cannot attend, you must notify Mrs. Banas by Friday, June 13. At that time, you will submit a note from a parent explaining why you cannot attend. You will also supply Mrs. Banas with all of your summer contact information (phone numbers, email, address) and when you will be available this summer so that you can be contacted for an appointment later in the summer.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Banas at ebanas@buffaloschools.org or 816-4235.

Class of 2009 IB Summer Institute Information

IB SUMMER INSTITUTE INFORMATION
2008-2009

Dear IB Diploma Candidates,

You are Buffalo’s most ambitious and conscientious students! As you move through your experience in IB, we want to assist you in seeking a path to increase your mastery the Extended Essay process. With you in mind, we have developed the 1st Annual IB Extended Essay Summer Institute! Participating in this program is mandatory. It will greatly improve your critical thinking capacity, writing skills, research proficiency, and your approach to the Extended Essay project – all undeniably necessary for successfully completing the IB Extended Essay. This institute is being run at no cost to you.

In an enthusiastic partnership with the University at Buffalo, we plan to take you through an intensive three day collegiate institute where you will have access to a vast array of resources that are normally reserved only for enrolled UB students. You will participate in four seminar courses:
• Academic honesty – what is expected of you as IB Diploma Candidates, proper source citation, and avoiding plagiarism pitfalls.

• Library Research – improving your ability to use a university library while accessing all of its resources during your EE research journey.

• Extended Essay Format – clarifying the expectations of the Extended Essay assignment and providing you with the opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of model EE papers.

• Study skills/Time management – skills that will help you with your Extended Essay and with all of your academic endeavors.

This year, the IB EE Summer Institute is scheduled for three days from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30th through Wednesday, July 2nd at the University at Buffalo North Campus. Please check the City Honors IB Blog at: ibcityhonors.blogspot.com for the exact meeting location. Currently, the plan is to meet in the morning for the seminar courses, give you time to get lunch on the campus, and return in the afternoon to give you time to research and/or write your EE. Mrs. Holden and Mrs. Banas will be available for guidance every day after lunch.

All candidates are expected to attend the institute. If you cannot attend the institute, you must notify Mrs. Banas by Friday, June 13. At that time, you will submit a note from a parent explaining why you cannot attend. You will also supply Mrs. Banas with all of your summer contact information (phone numbers, email, address) and when you will be available this summer so that you can be contacted for an appointment later in the summer.

To reduce the burden on parents, it is highly recommended that you take the time now to arrange driving schedules and carpool to and from UB North.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Banas at ebanas@buffaloschools.org or 816-4235.

Class of 2009 onward : Extended Essay Guide

A reminder that the Extended Essay program is changing slightly - beginning with the Extended Essays student in the Class of 2009 will turn in to IB. Go here to read the guide and get a head start on the essay!

Topics for 2009 are: English A1, Biology, Business and management, Chemistry, Computer science, Dance, Design technology, Economics, Environmental systems and societies, Film, Geography, History, Human rights, Information technology in a global society,
Mathematics, Music, Peace and conflict studies, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Social and cultural anthropology, Theatre, Visual arts, World religions, or a paper written in either French or Spanish detailing literature in that language.

Class of 2010 NEW CAS Guide

Go here to read the new CAS guide and get a head start on knowing what you'll need to do come this summer! Again, this is only for the Class of 2010 and beyond. The Classes of 2008 and 2009 are under the old CAS guide.

Buffalo Riverkeeper Volunteer Opportunity

On April 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. a group will be meeting at the Buffalo River Ohio St. Fishing access site to clean up that area of the Buffalo River.

There are sign up sheets posted throughout the school and in Mr. Alesse's classroom.

Be sure to dress warmly, bring garden gloves and snacks.

Theme Tray Basket Auction Volunteers - Friday, April 11

Volunteers are needed for the annual Theme Tray Basket Auction on Friday, April 11.

Students are needed to sell raffle tickets during lunch periods for the Wii system being raffled off.

Students are also needed the night of the event to help out with various activities.


Email: Mrs. Sue Zuchlewski at szuchlewski@roadrunner.com to volunteer.

Another volunteer opportunity - WNY Earth Day Committee-Family Expo at the Buffalo Zoo

Community Service Opportunity
WNY Earth Day Committee-Family Expo at the Buffalo Zoo
( www.wnyearthday.org )

Extra hands are needed to help with a major, annual event June 21, 2008 (described below). A list of needs with an estimate of time follows. Whatever your service hour commitment, they can work with you. They can also help with TRANSPORTATION.

Organization Mission: To inform, and inspire the WNY community to protect and enhance our environment.

Event goal: To provide environmental activities and information for children and their parents, and help youth develop an appreciation and life long commitment to protecting our environment.

Event Structure:
· Environmental organizations set up exhibits and activities for children. In 2007, 22 groups participated, and over 400 children and parents.
· A scavenger hunt is set up for the children to find information, and when completed receive a bag of goodies.
· FREE raffle for bicycle donated by Ski Market, and Buffalo Zoo donation of a Family Pass to the zoo.

Needs:
· Attend planning meetings, design flyers, advertise, stuff goodie bags, call/email exhibitors, and other jobs as needed. Meeting dates are 3/31, 4/28, 5/19, 6/2, at 4:00, site to be arranged. Each session counts as 2 hours, including some travel time. Total available 19 hours.

· Event set up Friday, June 20 at the Buffalo Zoo, 4-5 . 2 hours
· Event Saturday, June 21, 8-5, or schedule arranged. Total available 9 hours. Project TOTAL 30 hrs.

Contact: Sharon Benz, sbenz@daemen.edu , 839-8524,

Where in the world are the Internal Assessments going?

English A1 HL: the Czech Republic
French B SL: France
Spanish B SL: Germany
Economics SL: Australia
History of the Americas HL: the Czech Republic
Biology HL: Singapore
Physics HL: Jordan
Math Studies SL: Argentina
Mathematics SL: Jordan

IB Summer Education Opportunities

Oxford Study Courses run a program for IB Preparation, Revision, and Review. The IB Examiners who visited the last week in February said that the courses are extremely beneficial. They are costly, but we were told that the organizer of the program will not allow money to come in the way of having a student benefit from the course....

Go to: Oxford Study Courses for information on Pre-IB and Mid-IB summer schools and courses. They are held in the USA and in Oxford, England.

Also, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology runs a Talented Youth Summer Program from July 13-August 3, 2008 in Hong Kong. They advertise "Accelerated Societal Development through Science and Technology." Go to: Talented Youth Summer Program
for more information.

City Honors does not endorse or vouch for any of these programs. We simply want to let you know about these opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival

The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival is looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to help with the festival.

It takes place from March 24 through March 29, 2008.

Volunteers will be assisting in marketing/distribution, guest services, ticketing, theater operations, and festival maintenance.

Volunteers will be required to sign a volunteer commitment form, attend at least one training session, be able to provide a minimum of eight hours per week leading up the festival (16 hours during the festival), and must be at least 17 years of age.

For more information on volunteering, or to obtain a Volunteer Application Form, please visit www.buffaloniagarafilmfestival.com. You can also email them at: bnffvol08@buffaloniagarafilmfestival.com or call Madeline at 693-0734.

Spanish II Tutor Needed

A freshman is looking to be tutored in Spanish II. This would be eligible for service CAS hours. Please see Mrs. Banas if you're interested.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters - CAS Opportunity

High School Junior and Seniors:

You will mentor a child who could benefit personally and academically from having a special friend that offers attention and encouragement during the school year. The relationship you build with your Little Brother or Little Sister will make a BIG difference in his or her life and yours, too!

You will share planned educational and recreational activities with your Little Brother or Sister.

You will meet one time per week and you choose the day and site where you would like to volunteer.

A BBBS Site Coordinator will be at each visit to help you develop your friendship.

Sites, times and days:

3:30-5:00 p.m.
Monday or Wednesday
BPS #53
329 Roehrer Avenue, Buffalo 14208

3:30-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday or Thursday
Seneca Babcock Community Center
1168 Seneca St., Buffalo 14210

3:30-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday or Thursday
Enterprise Charter School
275 Oak St., Buffalo 14203

4:00-5:30 p.m.
Monday or Wednesday
D'Youville College Center
320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo 14201

To learn more, contact Shanna Williams at 873-5833 or go to www.beafriend.org

Volunteer Opportunity at JCC

The JCC is having their 4th Winter Carnival on Sunday, January 27th, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

This event draws a crowd of approximately 300 people, most of them young families. Volunteers are needed to help run the games, do face painting, help with cookie decorating and the like.

The Winter Carnival is held here at the JCC’s Holland Family Building, 787 Delaware Avenue at the corner of Summer Street.

Volunteers do not need to help the entire time if they have other commitments on that day. The JCC can use some help with last minute set-up and after the event clean-up as well, so any number of hours between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. would be much appreciated.

Any interested students should contact Barbara Stone Reden, Director of Early Childhood Services, in advance at 886-3172 X408.