zgp

1. Let nothing hold you down…
ZERO GRAVITY PROJECT

2. WELCOME TO
ZERO GRAVITY
PROJECT 2013
Mr. Brandon Boles
Mr. Parker Miles
Parent Orientation 1/29/13

3. WHY ARE WE HERE?
 Your sons were recommended by one or more of
their teachers, counselor or administrator as
young men who show potential, academically and
socially, to be leaders and positive role models at
Gar-Field HS and beyond.
 We’re all here this evening to discuss the purpose
and expectations of the Zero Gravity Project,
which aims to help our sons and students learn
the skills necessary to live up to that potential.

4. WHAT IS ZGP?
Origins:
 Gar-Field High school serves on of the most diverse
student bodies on Prince William county schools.
 There is a need for more Tier 2 interventions
intended to identify unique subgroups of students
and address their needs academically, emotionally,
and socially.
 The Zero Gravity Project helps to meet that need

5. WHAT IS ZGP?
Impetus:
 Schools that encourage social/emotional development
reap important rewards for their students including
greater academic success, fewer problem behaviors
and improved relationships. (CASEL 2003)

6. WHAT IS ZGP?
Impetus:
 52%/58% national 4-year graduation rate for black
males and Latino males, respectively
 51% GFHS Math SOL pass rate for Black and Latino
males (2011-2012; combined)
 88% GFHS Reading SOL pass rate for Black and
Latino males (2011-2012; combined)

7. OUR VISION
To achieve the following upon ZGP completion:
 100% 4-year graduation rate for participants
 75% GFHS Math SOL pass rate for participants
 90% GFHS Reading pass rate for participants
 ZERO Behavioral discipline referrals

8. ZGP GOALS
 Impact measurable targets and address the
following social and emotional skills:
 Academic Skills
 Social Skills and Awareness/Anger Management
 Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Male/Female Relationships/Sexual Health
 Family Relationships
 Career Planning/ Post Secondary Education

9. EXPECTATIONS FOR
STUDENTS
 Interest and investment in your own education
 Agreement to attend monthly meetings and
Saturday Flight School Sessions
 We adhere to the Student Motto…

10. STUDENT
MOTTO…
II ddeeddiiccaattee mmyysseellff ttoo bbeeiinngg
RREESSPPOONNSSIIBBLLEE aanndd
AACCCCOOUUNNTTAABBLLEE ssoo tthhaatt nnootthhiinngg
hhoollddss mmee bbaacckk……

11. EXPECTATIONS FOR
MENTORS
 Be role models in speech and action
 Supplement the social and emotional needs of
students while at school
 Be a liaison between students, parents, and their
teachers/administrators
 Help students continue to develop the skills
necessary for success at GFHS and beyond

12. EXPECTATIONS FOR
PARENTS
 SUPPORT! ZGP Parents are expected to assist
with transportation, monitor academic progress
(via Parent Portal) and continue ZGP Lift-Off
conversations at home.

13. OPERATING PLAN
 Bi-weekly meetings, February through April
(tentative calendar):
 Feb 12: Academic Skills
 Feb 26: Social Skills/Anger Management
Mar 12: Family Relationships
Mar 19: Sexual Health/ Male Female Relationships
 Apr 9: Healthy Lifestyle Choices
 Apr 23: Post Secondary Education/ Career Planning

14. OPERATING PLAN
 Once monthly Saturday outings
 Partnering with “Restoring Lives”
 Develops leadership skills and teamwork
 Provides structured weekend activity, with a meal
provided
(tentative calendar)
 Feb 23: Activity TBA
Mar 16: Activity TBA
 Late April : Overnight Virginia College Tour
 Summer component with Restoring Lives is in
the works. Details will be forthcoming.

15. Q&A
 Are there any questions for us?