UB Chronicle
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University
September 2025 Volume 5 Issue 1
Embedded Files
23 Lessons To Maximize A Student’s High School Experience:
23 Lessons To Maximize A Student’s High School Experience:
Taken from: College Flight Path
High School Tips to Prepare for College
High School Tips to Prepare for College
Don't be afraid to ask questions in class. Clarifying your doubts is more important than worrying about what others might think of you.
Develop good study habits that work for you. Cramming is never a good idea. Start studying weeks and days in advance of a test. Make a plan for the month ahead and stick to it.
Balance school work with socializing. Don't let school work consume all of your free time. Find a balance between your studies and social life.
Get involved in extracurricular activities. There are so many clubs and activities available that it's a shame not to participate. Extracurricular activities are a great way to make new friends.
Learn to put your phone away and be present. This will make an enormous difference in your social interactions and build deeper connections with your friends, family, and teachers.
Get enough sleep. You cannot function well in school without sleep, especially on a test or during a presentation.
Don't compare your grades to others. Remember that everyone is different, and what someone else earned on an assignment does not reflect on you as a student so swim in your own lane.
Start college work early. Procrastination is dangerous, especially when it comes to preparing for college applications. Use your summer before senior year wisely.
Don't let others' opinions influence your decisions. Take your friends' opinions into consideration, but remember that no one knows you better than you do.
Don't be too hard on yourself. If you get a bad grade, learn from it and make adjustments for the next assessment.
Meet with your teachers. They are always willing to help, so don't be afraid to schedule a time to talk about a subject or concept that is difficult.
Do your assigned readings. Summaries and cliffs notes can only get you so far; you will never be more prepared for class than if you actually read the material.
Find healthy ways to manage stress. High school can be overwhelming, so find a mental health routine that includes physical movement, connecting with friends, and hobbies to channel your emotions in a healthy way.
Get to know your classmates. Making an effort to know as many people in your grade will make you feel more connected with your community and classmates.
Attend sports games. It's an easy way to demonstrate school spirit and support your classmates.
Don't jump to conclusions. Gather all relevant information before building your perspective about a situation.
Be nice. Kindness goes a long way.
Learn to accept responsibility. It's hard to admit when you're wrong, but taking responsibility is an important lesson in learning how to be reflective, accepting one’s behavior, and learning to move on.
Embrace change. You will change and that's okay. It is completely normal, and will feel uncomfortable, but you have terrific support systems and it will be OK.
Be reliable. Be an active and dependable member of a group project, friendship circle, your family, and any community that you occupy. You showing up on time and prepared is important.
Don't dwell on mistakes. Learn from them and move on. We all make them and learning from them is the most important part.
Enjoy high school. It goes by fast, so spend time with your friends and family, and take this time to simply be a high schooler. Enjoy every moment.
And Finally…
23. Learn to trust your gut. Your brain and gut are connected in a bidirectional communication axis linking the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with your peripheral intestinal functions.
In short, if something doesn’t “feel right” your tummy will alert you, listen to your body’s warning system and make good decisions.
Make the Most of Your High School Experience
Make the Most of Your High School Experience
Making the most of your high school years is not only about succeeding academically but also about personal growth and preparing for your future. Understanding what to do in high school to prepare for college is a crucial part of this journey.
Embrace every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore your interests. Make the effort to develop good habits, balance academics with social activities, and establish healthy stress management strategies.
Remember, these high school tips aren't just about getting ready for the next step - they're about enjoying the journey and growing into the person you're meant to be. So, be proactive, be open, and be prepared to make the most of your high school experience.
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are currently accepting new student applications.
9th, 10th, or 11th grade students at the following high schools: Bath, Bracken, Boyd, East Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Harrison, Johnson Central, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Paul Blazer, Robertson, Rowan, and West Carter High Schools, are eligible to apply.
Students can submit the Online Application through our recruitment site at join.moreheadub.org or students can obtain a paper application by visiting our website or their high school guidance counselor for assistance.
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
- Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA
- Be first-generation (Neither Parent has a Bachelor's Degree), and/or meet federal income requirements
- Be College Bound
- Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.
Achieve More by Setting Smart Goals
Achieve More by Setting Smart Goals
These practical tips on goal setting can help make it easier to set and reach goals:
1. Specific, realistic goals work best. When it comes to making a change, the people who succeed are those who set realistic, specific goals. "I'm going to recycle all my plastic bottles, soda cans, and magazines" is a much more doable goal than "I'm going to do more for the environment." And that makes it easier to stick with.
2. It takes time for a change to become an established habit. It will probably take a couple of months before any changes — like getting up half an hour early to exercise — become a routine part of your life. That's because your brain needs time to get used to the idea that this new thing you're doing is part of your regular routine.
3. Repeating a goal makes it stick. Say your goal out loud each morning to remind yourself of what you want and what you're working for. (Writing it down works too.) Every time you remind yourself of your goal, you're training your brain to make it happen.
4. Pleasing other people doesn't work. The key to making any change is to find the desire within yourself — you have to do it because you want it, not because a girlfriend, boyfriend, coach, parent, or someone else wants you to. It will be harder to stay on track and motivated if you're doing something out of obligation to another person.
5. Roadblocks don't mean failure. Slip-ups are actually part of the learning process as you retrain your brain into a new way of thinking. It may take a few tries to reach a goal. But that's OK — it's normal to mess up or give up a few times when trying to make a change. Remember that everyone slips up and don't beat yourself up about it. Just remind yourself to get back on track.
Understanding School Attendance Law House Bill 611
Understanding School Attendance Law House Bill 611
Kentucky's school attendance law, House Bill 611, took effect in July 2024. The law amends the state's approach to truancy and now requires stricter reporting and intervention measures to address student absences.
Under HB 611, a director of pupil personnel must report to the county attorney if a student in kindergarten through grade five has 15 or more unexcused absences. The same reporting requirement applies to students in grades six through twelve who are habitual truants and have been absent without an excuse for 15 or more days. The new law aims to involve the legal system more directly in cases of chronic absenteeism, ensuring that parents or guardians are held accountable for their children's attendance.
Additionally, HB 611 modifies the requirements for diversion agreements, which are alternatives to formal court proceedings for students facing truancy complaints. The law now states that if a student under a diversion agreement has four or more unexcused absences, they will be considered to have failed diversion and will be referred to the county attorney for formal court action. The maximum duration for a diversion agreement is set at 12 months.
These changes are part of a broader effort to reduce absenteeism and ensure that students receive a consistent education. By involving county attorneys more directly, the law seeks to provide additional consequences for non-compliance and encourage better attendance practices.
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Ashley Cooper (Associate Director UB Central)
Schools Served: Elliott, Morgan, and Magoffin
Brandon Isaac (Associate Director UBMS North)
Schools Served: Mason, Fleming, and Rowan
Gabby Johnson (Associate Director UBMS South)
Schools Served: Boyd, Paul Blazer, and Robertson
Gabe Markwell (Associate Director UB East)
Schools Served: Bracken, Lawrence, and Johnson
Cheyenne Wilson (Academic Coordinator)
Schools Served: Bath, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas
We are in the process of hiring a new Academic Coordinator who will serve Menifee, Lewis, East and West Carter.
In the meantime, if you need to contact UB, the UB Admin Staff member who is serving your school is listed below:
Brandon: Lewis
Ashley: East Carter
Cheyenne: West Carter
Gabe: Menifee
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Morehead State University.
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