Youth Enrichment Services http://youthenrichmentservices.org Pittsburgh, PA Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:10:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Preparing for Fall Programming http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/preparing-for-fall-programming/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/preparing-for-fall-programming/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:10:48 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=492 Continue reading →]]> Whelp, as of last Thursday, our summer programs officially ended. On August 18th, we held our Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet to celebrate each programs’ success, and to honor the students and staff for their hard work throughout the summer. There were roughly 110 people in attendance at the banquet; out of those 100 people, we recognized over 60 youth and staff members. It was extremely exciting and heart-warming to see so many parents and guardians support their children. All in all, the banquet was a great success.

As the summer comes to end, our college interns will soon return back to their respective colleges. Their hard work and effort over the summer does not go unnoticed. They are an extremely valuable asset to our organization, and they will be missed, as we move forward with our fall programs.

Moving forward…
In a few weeks, our fall programs will begin; more information regarding YES MEN, Sister Circle, and Image will be available in the coming weeks. Times, dates, and locations will be announced as this information is solidified.

Be on the look out for more information.

We wish all the students the best of luck as they begin the 2011–2012 School Year. Happy Studying.

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/preparing-for-fall-programming/feed/ 0 Summer Dreamers Academy– The Wiz http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-dreamers-academy-the-wiz/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-dreamers-academy-the-wiz/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:33:29 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=449 The Wiz

Check out this powerpoint. It captures the entire SDA experience.

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-dreamers-academy-the-wiz/feed/ 0 It’s Show Time http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-show-time/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-show-time/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:29:11 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=430 Continue reading →]]> Today is the second day for SSFS presentations. The students did an excellent job with their work. On the first day, we had over 20 students present. Most of them were nervous; however, their hard work paid off. Many of the students are presenting presentations for the first time, so they are not too familiar with presentation etiqutte. It is exciting to see 11 year olds speak about and defend their research presentations before a panel of young professionals. Overall, the students are performing well and exceeding all of my expectations.

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-show-time/feed/ 0 THE DAY IS HERE! http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/the-day-is-here/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/the-day-is-here/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:56:44 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=427 Continue reading →]]> Summer Dreamers Academy presents: “The Wiz” today. The students, staff, and parents are extremely excited about the final production. The students’ hardwork and dedication will show as they present “The Wiz”. Whelp, it all goes down at Peabody High School. Stay tunned for the outcome of the performance.

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/the-day-is-here/feed/ 0 It’s Almost Time!!! http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-almost-time/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-almost-time/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:51:26 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=425 Continue reading →]]> Summer Study for Success

Today was an extremely hectic day. There were students at the office as early as 9:00am, anxiously waiting to work on their projects. This is the last week of the program, so the students are working tirelessly to complete their required work. It is amazing to witness their determination and hard work. The focus of each class today was to complete the required document for their presentations. I could hear the students rehearsing their presentations in my cubicle. With some more practice, I am sure the students will due a fine job. In fact, as of Friday, each student attended a PowerPoint workshop, which was set in place to help the students properly prepare a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.
Whelp, that’s all, folks!!!

Summer Dreamers Academy
It’s almost that time!! With the show only two days away, the students are becoming anxious, nervous, and excited all at once! They can’t wait to show off what they have been working so hard for over the past four weeks. They are working harder than ever to perfect lines, blocking, dance moves and songs. They are doing great helping one another out and each student is doing what they can to be sure that they will have the absolute best performance! The students are also excited to see what the other performing arts groups have been working on, too. Wednesday is sure to be a very exciting and interesting day for Summer Dreamers!

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-almost-time/feed/ 0 It’s Crunch Time http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-crunch-time/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-crunch-time/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:34:47 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=421 Continue reading →]]> SSFS
The office was filled with students, today. The deadline for presentations is quickly approaching, so the students are working diligently to complete their projects. Every computer in the office was occupied this morning; not a seat left in the room. When the writing lab opened, the students immediately took advantage of the writing consultant and the resources available. Most of the students have 2 to 3 pages of their research project complete. Additionally, the students have begun completing their PowerPoint presentation to accompany their APA Research Paper. On Friday, the students will attend a brief workshop regarding professional ways to create and present a PowerPoint. They will be introduced to guidelines and unspoken rules about Microsoft PowerPoint. Two classes met today: Sports Science and Entrepreneurship. They both had great sessions; the students were attentive and focused. Whelp, tomorrow should be filled with fun, excitement, and hardworking students.

Summer Dreamers Academy
Wow, what a day. Well, our performance is in less than two weeks, and there is still a lot of preparation needed. During our session today, the students ran the first scene of the ‘The Wiz’ on stage. This is the first time the students practiced their roles collectively. Although there are only officially 7–8 roles, the other students are helping out in different capacities. The students continuously recited their lines and rehearsed their roles. Additionally, the students reviewed the choreography for “Ease on Down the Road.” Students are both singing and dancing to this song. Thus far, the students are doing a phenomenal job. Their hard work is commendable and admirable. Keep up the good work, Dreamers!!!

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/its-crunch-time/feed/ 0 Workin’ it!!! http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/workin-it/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/workin-it/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:15:03 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=418 Continue reading →]]> Summer Dreamers Academy
Excellent progress is being made towards the production of ‘The Wiz’. Students are challenging themselves to memorize lines, rehearse songs, and not only learn choreography, but also add their own creativity into each piece. The final performance date is quickly approaching, so students are working diligently to perfect their roles. Students are currently learning choreography to the songs ‘Ease on Down the Road, You Can’t Win, and Mean Ole Lion. Later this week, they will be introduced to new material. Later this week, students will have the opportunity to explore the August Wilson Center. This cultural excursion will truly benefit the students as they prepare for their final piece.

Summer Study for Success
Several students filled the YES Office early this morning, as they prepared to embark on their respective class field trips. The Culinary Arts class ventured to Savoy, a prominent, classy supper-only restaurant, located in the heart of Pittsburgh. The students had the opportunity to meet the Sous Chef (Executive Chef) and receive a tour of the newly built facility. The students were amazed at the equipment and dining room facility. Additionally, African American History students had a Soul Food celebration at the YMCA. During the celebration, the students not only enjoyed a wonderful meal, but the students also presented their version of inventions from famous Black inventors. The other classes in session today included Computers and Technology, Sports Science, and Entrepreneurship.
That’s all folks!!!

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/workin-it/feed/ 0 Rainy Days in the Burgh! http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/raining-days-in-the-burgh/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/raining-days-in-the-burgh/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:14:27 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=415 Continue reading →]]> Summer Study for Success
Students, from a variety of classes, arrived at the YES Office as early as 9:00am to attend their respective class field trips. As the coordinator for SSFS, it is amazing to witness the students’ eagerness to learn. Today, Law Enforcement Students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; they had a chance to observe a court hearing and all that it encompasses. Additionally, there were over 25 students present at the office today. While here, they gathered information for their research projects, wrote in their journals and started preparing their PowerPoint presentations. Keep up the great work, students. There is approximately 3 weeks left.

Summer Magic
Summer Magic went extremely well today. There were many students present (14), all of which were extremely engaged and focused in the material presented. The students continued reading their short stories and narratives. Additionally, the students participated in a plethora of games that surrounded math concepts, designed to help them grasp the concepts more effectively and efficiently. The students seemed to have had a great experience.

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/raining-days-in-the-burgh/feed/ 0 Summer Breeze http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-breeze/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-breeze/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:06:48 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=407 Continue reading →]]> Summer Dreamers:
Today is an exciting day for Summer Performing Arts: The Wiz. The students are eager to learn the roles in which they will play for the upcoming production of The Wiz. Among many things, the students danced, sang, and began to review the script for The Wiz. As of Monday, the students were placed in their respective roles. In our class session today, they began to learn the choreography and stage placements. After speaking with many of the students, they seem to have a strong sense of excitement; they’re thrilled to work together throughout the coming weeks.

Summer Study for Success:
Omg, it’s already the third week of SSFS. The students are working tirelessly to commence their research projects. Many students are in the office today completing their thesis statements and skelton outlines. There is definitely an extreme amount of positive energy filling up the office. In addition, the Computers and Technology class ventured to Carnegie Mellon University to explore the technology facilities on their campus. Many students are interested in Information Technology and are excited to learn more about opportunities available in the Computer Science field. On the other hand, students in African American History are in the process of writing poems about a personal experience that has influenced them in some way. Interestingly enough, the students are star spoken word artists, already. The students are treasuring the opportunity they have to express themselves, orally. Whelp, that’s all folks!!!

]]> http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/summer-breeze/feed/ 0 http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/july-12th/ http://youthenrichmentservices.org/blog/july-12th/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:36:52 +0000 denise http://youthenrichmentservices.org/?p=400 Continue reading →]]> Today, all three summer programs are in session. As always, it is exciting to see the youth engage in the enrichment programs we offer.

Summer Study for Success:

This is the second week of SSFS. The students are truly enjoying their experience thus far. The students are exposed to a wealth of knowledge regarding their respective electives. Today, several students traveled on field trips as well as participated in their respective classes. The two classes that are in session today at the YES Office include: Computers and Technology and African American History. Students participating in the Culinary Arts class explored University of Pittsburgh’s Food Service Facilities. Additionally, students taking part in Law Enforcement explored the Mayor’s Office, the Council Chambers, and the 311 facility.

Summer Dreamers:

Today is the second day of the Summer Dreamers Program. The students are thrilled about the opportunity to use their artistic talents and skills in a space that allows for them to be unique and creative. Although this is only the first week of the program, the students are preparing for The Wiz, which is their culiminating project. Over the course of the program, the students will read short stories, poems and plays from well-known authors and poets that capture the feelings and emotions of the 70’s time period.

Summer Magic:

Similarly, today is the second day of Summer Magic. There are three components of this program. The three classes the students partake in include: Math, English, and Physical Education. Students are exposed to a variety of material regarding these three subjects. The students are working on more effective reading and comprehension strategies. Currently, the students are reading and analyzing short stories that are relevant to their interest. Furthermore, the students are also practicing their Math skills, by completing worksheets and participating in fun games. Once the academic workshops are complete, the students get a chance to exercise their physical intelligence. They enjoy playing in the park and engaging in boot-camp style activities. The youth also get a unique opportunity to eat at a local soup kitchen. By doing this, they get a chance to interact with community members and other youth around the city of Pittsburgh.

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