Yesterday the GEAR UP program had a SUPER TREAT for the sophomore class of 2011...for those who obtained their parent's permission they were able to see the movie Freedom Writers and hear from one of the Freedom Writers in person.  Mauricio Antonio Becerra who works with Erin Gruwell from the Freedom Writers Foundation and who was characterized in the movie spoke to our students in the theatre before the movie was showed.  He did classroom presentations where he encouraged and motivated our students to stay in school and further their education even when life gets tough.  Mauricio shared some of his personal experiences during his high school years and students had the opportunity to ask questions and advice from him.  All sophomores received a free copy of the book Freedom Writers Diary and there was a book signing at lunch time.

Freshmen and Sophomores we hope you enjoyed your assemblies as much as we enjoyed preparing and presenting them to you.  We want to encourage you to do your best in school and to plan for your future...life after high school.  Remember you all have the potential to achieve your dreams if you really want them.  Don't forget our main message...Don't Drop Out, Stay In School!!!! 

The Ram Counselors along with Mr. Peter Alvarez from Catch The Dream Program have been super busy Bees this week!  Here are some of the events that we set up for you this week:

11/14/08 CSU Long Beach Presentation (50 students participated)

11/17/08 CSU San Bernardino Presentation (48 students participated)

11/18/08 UC Riverside and Cal Baptist Fieldtrip

11/19/08 Chico State Parent Presentation (Evening)

11/20/08 St. Mary's University Fieldtrip

11/17-11/21 Counselors Available for University Online Applications             (at the Career Center on rotating periods)

 

Andy Radler, a representative from Universal Technical Institute (UTI), came to visit DMHS on November 12th.  He gave an informative presentation to our students and emphasized the importance of advancing your education after high school.  He informed our students about UTI and their specialized training and certified programs in automotive/diesel technology, collision repair and refinish technology.  Many former DMHS students who have attended UTI have come back to the Coachella Valley and have been hired at high end dealerships and automotive repair shops.  We had a little over 200 students attend this workshop!

Congratulations to Jannell Garcia, Class of 2008, for winning a Full Scholarship from Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services which will cover all her college expenses for the next 4 years.  In addition to the monetary aid, Jannell will be doing an internship with them and has a guaranteed part-time job and summer job with them.  Jannell was selected for this scholarship based on an essay she turned in and after being interviewed by Burrtec representatives.  Mrs. Alicia Garcia, our school's registrar and Mr. John Garcia who also works at CVUSD are the proud parents of Jannell.  Special thanks to the Burrtec Company for believing in our students and making their college dreams a reality. 

On November 12th the counselors did a PowerPoint presentation for the Junior Class.  Topics covered included graduation requirements, what to expect your senior year, and life after high school.  5 short video clips were presented covering different career options that require a University Degree, community college, trade/tech school, apprenticeship or just a high school diploma.  We want our students to start thinking about what they plan to do after high school so that we can help guide them in the right direction.

DMHS Counseling Department was honored to present speaker Dr. Raul Ruiz to all 10th, 11th and 12th graders on November 3rd.  Dr. Ruiz gave an inspiring and very motivating presentation that kept students' attention and who responded with excellent questions.   

Raul Ruiz MD, MPP, MPH, graduated from Coachella Valley High School and grew up in Coachella with parents who were migrant farm workers.  He completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA before acquiring a Medical Doctorate at Harvard Medical School and a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He also completed a fellowship in International Emergency Medicine and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and a Masters in Public Health at Harvard School of Public Health.  He currently works as an emergency physician at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California and focuses his skills in developing policy to improve emergency care for vulnerable populations such as the poor and civilian victims of war and terrorist activities.  He became the first Latino to receive three graduate degrees at Harvard University.

Si Se Puede!!!