Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-January 20, 2010 Issue

January 20, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 11 Schools Now Registering (ARA) True or false: Men have more ability in math and science than women. The correct answer is false, and America’s workforce is finally beginning to reflect this. New and pervasive research demonstrates there is no difference in ability between men and women. The differences in achievement only appear when lower expectations and distorted perceptions of what is achievable affect motivation levels and confidence. The good news is that universities across the country are seeing an increase in the number of female college students in various degree programs that have been more popular among male students in the past. And, the number of women pursuing careers grounded in science, technology, engineering and math in the U.S. is growing. Breaking barriers: Women can excel in math, science When Michelle Obama gave her commencement speech at the Washington Math Science Technology Public Charter high school in 2009, she encouraged students to have confidence, believe in their abilities and to disregard the “doubters” they will inevitably encounter. This is the same sentiment that Jessica Galloza, associate engineer for Sypris Test and Measurement says helped her get where she is today. Galloza was not encouraged in high school to take higher-level math courses or to think of college as an option, but rather these are things she pursued on her own. After deciding that a career in law was not for her, she chose to major in electronics engineering technology because of the growing opportunities in that field. Kids must create positive digital reputations (NAPSI) With every post and click, your children are creating a digital reputation. A positive online reputation can open doors for educational, scholarship, and employment opportunities. A negative one will have the opposite effect. Often, your digital reputation is the first impression someone has of you. That is one reason parents need to communicate with their children about their digital reputations and to keep checking their Internet activity. Expert Opinion According to Davina Pruitt-Mentle, director for Educational Technology Policy, Research and Outreach at the University of Maryland, “As a parent, it’s important to know about digital reputation--for kids to understand their future in terms of admission to college, internships, externships and scholarships, whether it be academic or sports. But more, they need to understand the consequences down the road.” Forty-three percent of job recruiters eliminate candidates due to negative content found online. At the same time, only three percent of people self-search online for reputation problems. What to Do The American School Counselor Association and iKeepSafe.org have teamed up to provide families with a number of resources that will help them build an online reputation that is an asset rather than a liability. Suggestions for creating a positive online image: • Maximize networks. Use online communication and tools to connect with people you know, including teachers, coaches, and employers. • Use e-portfolios to share your creativity and interest for college admissions and scholarships. • Share your expertise and passions. • Share your skills, knowledge, and creativity for employment and internships. Too many young people, however, make choices they may regret later. According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy: • Seventy-one percent of teen girls and 67 percent of teen boys who have sent or posted sexually suggestive content (known as sexting) say they have sent it to a boyfriend or girlfriend. • One in five teens say they have sexted, even though the majority know it could be a crime. Helpful Resources To help families understand the impact of online reputation and view a short video portraying the true story of two teens facing the positive and negative consequences of their digital reputation, visit to www.iKeepSafe.org/ reputation. “I embraced my studies as a challenge and knew that I was working toward a career that would support me and my family,” says Galloza. “I think it’s important for parents, teachers and guidance counselors to plant career seeds into the minds of young girls so they can realize their goals and work to achieve them as adults. Why not offer a young girl a science kit as opposed to a doll?” “It’s important that girls engage in activities that expand their ability to be naturally curious and apply logic in a variety of ways,” according to Accenture Health and Public Services Operating Unit Lead Angela Jones. “Our world is changing so quickly. Tomorrow the tools will be different, and the way we interact and collaborate will continue to change. It will be our ability to adjust and problem solve within those environments that will help us be competitive.” Some institutions are doing their part to dismantle the social stigmas keeping young women from pursuing math and science. In order to maintain global economic competitiveness, it is imperative to encourage increased education and participation of groups, including women, who are currently under-represented in science, technology, engineering, and math. Girls are encouraged to explore their options to pursue fulfilling careers with high potential for growth in the 21st century. First Step Preschool, Inc. 454 Pulis Avenue • Franklin Lakes We are now enrolling for September 2010 Small Class Sizes with an Academic Curriculum Ages 2½ - 6 Years PM K-Enrichment Class Karate for the Special Needs Child YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD CAN:  Learn better social skills  Learn language - from games & activities  Learn sensory stimulation  Learn motor development  Have fun! Selecting the right program for your Special Needs Child is challenging -- finding ways to reach your exceptional child is important. If the above mentioned skills in your child are delayed, maybe we at Mayer’s Karate & Fitness can help. Certified Special Needs Teacher on Staff. 201-847-8198 Please visit our website: ﬁrststeppreschoolnj.com Pinnacle Learning Center 1-13-10 Pat from Janine At the Ramapo Reformed FirstStepPreschool2x3(1-13-10)Church 109 West Ramapo Ave., Mahwah 2 col x 3” Conveniently located just off Route 17 7 AM - 6:30 PM M-F Yr. Round Flexible Hrs. Half and Full Day Pre-School - 2½ - 6 Years Crafts, Music, Spanish, Computers, Science AM & PM Academics. NEW Mommy & Me Program Owner/Director/Teacher Maria Cancelosi NJ State License CPR Trained Affordable - Sibling Discount Saturday M Program N orning ow Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate & Personal Training Available �� High Mountain Plaza Shopping Ctr (just 2 miles from The Market Basket) �� 5 Sicomac Road • North Haledon �� 973-238-8600 Register for September 2010 201-512-3313