Bowie Insider - Issue #091

Help Shape Our Community, Preparing for the Final of HS, Pickleball Anyone

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Bowie Insider
April 03, 2024

In this issue of the Bowie Insider…

🌧️ Weather Forecast 
🗣️ Shape Your Community: Share Your Input on Bowie's Annual Action Plan - April 3 at 7:00pm
✔️ Preparing for the Final Stretch: Essential Tips for Parents of High School Juniors
🤾🏽‍♂️ Experience the Joy of Pickleball: Where Everyone Plays
🎒 Back in the School Building for PGCPS Students
🗓️ Upcoming Events
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Quote of the Day

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things I haven’t done." ~ Lucille Ball

Shape Your Community: Share Your Input on Bowie's Annual Action Plan - April 3 at 7:00pm

The City of Bowie is inviting the public to contribute ideas and feedback for its FY 2025 Annual Action Plan, related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This plan specifies the city's strategies for utilizing CDBG funds in various initiatives such as single-family rehabilitation, workforce development, and fair housing education, in alignment with the goals outlined in the City's Five-year Consolidated Plan for Community Development. These initiatives aim to address housing, economic development, special needs, and broader community development goals. Residents are encouraged to engage in this planning process to help shape the city’s efforts in improving community welfare and development.

Preparing for the Final Stretch: Essential Tips for Parents of High School Juniors

As your child enters the junior year of high school, the countdown to graduation begins. This pivotal time sets the stage for their final year and the transition into adulthood, whether that involves heading to college, entering the workforce, or exploring other post-graduation paths. For parents, this period is crucial for providing support and guidance. Here are some invaluable tips to help your high school junior prepare for graduation and beyond.

1. Start the College Conversation Early

If college is on the horizon, now is the time to discuss options. Explore different types of institutions, from community colleges to universities, and consider factors such as location, size, and programs offered. Assistance with researching scholarships and understanding financial aid can demystify the process for both of you.

2. Encourage Exploration of Interests

Junior year is an excellent time for students to delve into their interests and passions, whether through extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work. These experiences not only enrich their high school journey but also bolster college applications and provide clarity on future career paths.

3. Focus on Academic Excellence

Maintaining or improving grades is crucial during the junior year. Encourage your child to seek help when needed, whether through tutoring, study groups, or talking to teachers. This year’s performance can significantly impact college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

4. Plan for Standardized Tests

Whether it’s the SAT, ACT, or both, standardized tests are a key component of the college application process for many students. Discuss test prep options, from self-study materials to courses or tutors, and help them schedule test dates well in advance.

5. Foster Independence

As your child approaches adulthood, encouraging independence in both academic and personal matters is vital. Support them in managing their time, making decisions, and taking responsibility for their future. This autonomy will serve them well in their post-high school endeavors.

6. Visit Post-Secondary Institutions

If higher education is part of the plan, visiting colleges or universities can be an enlightening experience. These visits offer a glimpse into campus life and help students visualize where they might fit best. Start planning these visits during junior year to avoid a rushed decision-making process later on.

7. Discuss Financial Responsibility

Understanding personal finance is essential for young adults. Discuss budgeting, saving, and the financial realities of life after high school, whether that involves college tuition, living expenses, or starting a job.

8. Prioritize Mental Health

The pressure of junior year can be overwhelming. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage your child to speak up if they’re feeling stressed. Prioritize mental health and seek professional help if needed.

9. Celebrate Achievements

Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, big and small. Acknowledging their hard work and resilience can boost their confidence and motivation as they prepare for their senior year and beyond.

10. Plan for the Summer

Use the summer between junior and senior years productively. Whether it’s a part-time job, an internship in their field of interest, college visits, or dedicated time for SAT/ACT preparation, planning ahead can help make the most of this time.

The junior year is a critical time for students and parents alike. By following these tips, you can provide the guidance and support your child needs to navigate this challenging yet exciting phase successfully. Together, you can prepare for a future that’s both rewarding and aligned with their aspirations. Your school guidance office is also a good resource.

Experience the Joy of Pickleball: Where Everyone Plays

Pickleball, a vibrant blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is sweeping communities with its engaging and accessible gameplay. Originating in the mid-1960s on Bainbridge Island, Washington, it has evolved from a backyard pastime into a globally recognized sport, celebrated for its inclusive appeal. Played on a court smaller than tennis, it offers a mix of strategy and physicality, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. The sport's charm lies not just in the competition but in its power to connect people, creating a lively, supportive community around the distinctive sound of a whiffle ball meeting paddle. As pickleball continues to grow, it weaves a tapestry of friendship, fitness, and fun, embodying the heart of community sports.

Below are a few places to play pickleball in Bowie:

South Bowie Community Center - 3 Courts.

Belair Swim & Racquet Club - 6 Courts

Bowie City Municipal Gymnasium - 4 Courts

Lake Arbor Community Center - 3 Courts

Mitchellville South Park - 4 Courts

Bowie Community Center - 2 Courts

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