The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

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1. Jackson High School
... year of learning. Last years test results were the best in ... 2340 klined@butts.k12.ga.us Jackson High School Administration ... June 2 Last day of school June 2 Graduation @ 7:30PM Butts ...
http://www.jacksonhigh.org/handbook.htm

2. Project GRAD Houston
... and higher achievement test scores Students with ... Increased college graduation rates Since ... Graduating from high school by 94 percent ... TX; Atlanta, GA; Newark, NJ; Los ...
http://www.projectgradhou ...g/press/factSheet.htm

3. http://ucda.net/education.html

4. Success Stories
Milton High School Alpharetta, GA Grant: $25,000 Check out their ASA project. This Advancing Student ... ... pass the math section of the Georgia High School Graduation Test the first time, and those students ...
http://www.actuarialfound ...t/success/milton.html

5. Ithaca High School Class of 1994
... St. #4, Athens,GA other comments:..never ... and Marketing. After graduation, took some time off ... Pierro, Brian Ithaca High School Class of 1994 aaron ... at the NWS's Sterling Test and Evaluation Site in ...
http://www.webpagecreation.org/ihs.html

6. Caroline Mooney
... the ACT, SAT, and GA High School Exit Exam. All students, L1 and L2 learners, entering high school after July 1, 1994, must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Writing Test to graduate ...
http://www.writetothepoint.net/stepstocollege.htm

7. Available Released Items From Various States
... Practice Test Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying ... asp California California High School Exit Examination yes http ... GHSGT yes http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/curriculum/testing/index.asp ...
http://www.kenton.k12.ky. ...ssment/stateitems.htm

8. USG: Board of Regents Policy Manual: Section 400: Student Affairs
... exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In those instances involving discretionary admission ...
http://www.usg.edu/regents/policymanual/400.phtml

9. Georgia Graduation High Result School Test
... http://www.cobb.k12.ga.us/ http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/pandp/math/mattest1.htm x/TOP 8 Ways To Make ... ... on November 25, 2004 Copyright © 2005 Georgia Graduation High Result School Test All Rights Reserved
http://georgiaghrst13.ol94.info/

10. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
... Administrative Assistant (CMAA) test provided by the National ... Contact Time: Company: High School Graduation Year: Select one ... CA - Los Angeles CO - Denver GA - Atlanta IL - Chicago MA ...
http://newhorizonsma.search4careercolleges.com/

11. ELAN - Georgia's Test Results
... The Macon Telegraph, Georgia The Georgia Department of Education released the stateÄôs High School Graduation Test results on Tuesday, which showed that juniors continue to struggle in science. ¬ This ...
http://www.wallacefoundat ...s/news_ga_5_11_05.htm

12. Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers
... High School Graduation Test. As they ... in science test scores directly ... middle and high school students ... the 2004-2005 school year. Georgia ... Drive, Marietta GA, 30060 Telephone ...
http://www.gystc.org/acc2005.html

13. EPAA Vol. 6 No. 13 Mehrens: Consequences of Assessment
... used for high stakes decisions (e.g. high school graduation and merit pay) are likely to have ... ... improvement in student learning, or just higher test scores? E. Restore public confidence or provide ...
http://epaa.asu.edu/epaa/v6n13.html

14. New America Media
... Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Date of Death: Feb. 4, 2005 Incident Location ... ... the Marine Corps after his 2002 graduation from Edison High School in Fairfax County. He hoped that ...
http://news.newamericamed ...d57bc98ba0f2b6f327a7d

15. http://www.discoverlife.org/ed/tt/acc.proposal.1998.html
... High school student problem solving abilities will be determined as a function of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GASGT) subscale scores for numerical analysis and problem solving. A problem ...

16. Rockdale County Public Schools | High School Summer Program
... Georgia High School Graduation Test Remediation Tuition/Fees Tuition free Class Size Maximum class size will be 25 students. Dates June 13 - July 15, 2005 Daily Schedule 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. ~ English ...
http://www.rockdale.k12.g ...igh-summer-school.htm

17. Union County Chamber of Commerce
... 47th 95th UC 47th 64th 48th 56th 58th MEC 23rd 36th l9th 45th 02nd GA 46th 53rd 56th 51st 57th GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TEST Grade 11 READING MATHEMATICS WRITING Score % Passing Score % Passing ...
http://georgiamagazine.com/chamber/union/

18. Education Coordinating Council
... to pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) were ... Criteria for Unacceptable: School dropout rate is less than 1 ... ECC website at http://www.state.ga.us/ecc/ and included as a part ...
http://www.state.ga.us/ec ...s/minutes5_23_02.html

19. FAQs
... count towards Emory graduation credit. We will ... and their standardized test scores fall in our ... nominated by their high school for this award. The ... of Admission. © 2005 Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
http://www.emory.edu/ADMISSIONS/faq.htm

20. Electric Nevada, Apr 18 - 24, 2004 edition
... former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga. (Who did you think I was ... ELKO - In what was the first test of Nevada's new law concerning ... nationally for its high school graduation rate and dead last ...
http://www.electricnevada.com/

21. PrintEd Testimonials
... the printing industry after graduation or moves on to study ... Buford, GA Last year I graduated from Hononegah High School ... last year&have allowed me to test out of Graphic Communication ...
http://www.gaerf.org/prin ...nted_testimonials.htm

22. ETI Career Institute
... take a national certification test as a Medical Administrator ... Institute, Located in Atlanta, GA. First Name: * Last Name ... Zip Code: * Country: * High School Graduation Year: Select one ...
http://eticareer.search4careercolleges.com/

23. DCSS: 2005 Summer School Program
... CRCT & Algebra I) High School Summer Program High School Summer Program Brochure Ga High School Graduation Test Program SAT Summer Seminar ESOL Summer Academy (Grades K-12) Driver Education ...
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/calendar/summer/

24. Westlake High School Home
... Dates Fulton Schools District Test Dates School Monthly Calendars ... 2370 Union Road, SW Atlanta , GA 30331 404.346.6400 NFL & ... Nov. 7th-8th Georgia High School Graduation Retest Copyright ...
http://www.westlakehs.com/index.php

25. Course Syllabus for D. Wright
... Ms. D. Wright (229) 245-2280 dwright@lowndes.k12.ga.us Health and Earth Science: Geology, Astronomy ... ... Objectives, Prep for the Georgia High School Graduation Test prep for Local, State, National ...
http://lms.lowndes.k12.ga ...ht/coursesyllabus.htm

26. http://nashville.emmyonline.org/
... HARD NEWS Driver's Test, Barry Simmons, Mike ... Cam Cornelius, WSMV High Dollar Highways, Phil ... WFMY Kicking It Old School, David Willis, WKRN ... several years. After graduation, Nicís experience ...

27. Graduation - High School Graduation Announcement
... By Vitamin C Ohio Graduation Test Personalized Graduation Gift ... career center, calendar, graduation project, and library. JCCHS ... High School: News and Announcements Located in Marietta, GA ...
http://graduation.researc ...aduationannouncement/

28. schools review nurse info
... school townsend ga correspondence school ... company lsat tip lsat test high school sports ... home school transcript high photography portrait ... school of law california law schools graduation ...
http://www.savecow.com/

29. uconn school of pharmacy
... school scholarships massage school cambridge hudson wisconsin school district ga high school graduation test grad school letter of recommendation belchertown state school old school premiere st ...
http://www.matolkm.ca/uco ...hool-of-pharmacy.html

30. Vestavia Hills High School ::
... Mar. 6-10 Alabama High School Graduation Exams ( including Pre ... SAT: www.collegeboard.com ACT Test Dates **Registration Deadlines ... not given in AL but IS given in GA, FL, SC, NC, TX, AZ) August 19 ...
http://www.vestavia.k12.a ...s&func=display&pid=62

31. LSUE Online Application
... you took or plan to take the Test of English as a Foreign ... BC CA CN CO CT CZ DC DE FC FL FM GA GU HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA LB ... 25. Indicate your high school graduation date or date diploma ...
http://spud.lsue.edu/apply/apply.asp

32. Paine College
... of high school graduation or equivalency ... a copy of the high school diploma ... of Education School District is ... standardized test scores waived)¬ ... Street Ä¢ Augusta, GA. 30901 Copyright ¬ ...
http://www.paine.edu/Admi ...FirstTimeFreshmen.htm

33. Science Index
... us Willis, John Teacher John_Willis@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Course Offerings Freshmen Technical Biology ... ... on the Science content of the Georgia High School Graduation Test. The science department at Parkview ...
http://www.parkview.net/m ...nce/scienceindex.html

34. AugustaShowcase2004
... and Augusta Technical Institute www.augusta.tec.ga.us. Columbia County Schools: http://www.ccboe ... ... the state average on the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) achieving the following ...
http://www.augustashowcase.com/links.htm

35. Tackling the TAKS 8: Testimonials
... a parent from Covington, GA, says,"My son has taken ... the Georgia Science Graduation Test book to study ... After he took the test, he walked in the door ... Bedgood, Calhoun High School, AL guidance ...
http://www.taks8.com/testimonials.html

36. Michael A. Fletcher
... on Hate, or Heritage? Ga. School Divided Over ... states adopt high school graduation tests, an ... preparing them for the high-stakes exams. Michael ... Fletcher After Schools' Test Success Comes Worry ...
http://www.fairness.com/r ...tion?relation_id=7898

37. College scholarship search - includes nursing scholarships , minority schola...
... years of high school graduation. Must be a U.S ... Must take the ACT test. Must be single (not ... High School Senior, High School Graduate, College ... topic: "What aspect of GA safety does not get ...
http://www.collegeaid.com ...holarship-search.html

38. Instructional Portal
... Released Tests End of Course Tests GA DOE - EOCT GA DOE - EOCT Study Guides North Carolina - Sample ... ... released end of course tests Georgia High School Graduation Test DOE High School Graduation Test info ...
http://www.apskids.org/students.asp

39. Central High School, Macon GA
... Center Guidance Services Assessment Calendar Graduation Info Student Info Grading Philosophy Words & ... ... Ga. High School Assn NCAA Eligibility Activities/Photos High Schools That Work Grad Test ...
http://www.bibb.k12.ga.us/central/index.htm

40. Request to Amend Accountability Plan - Georgia - NCLB Policy Letters to States
... 2062 Twin Towers East Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Ms. Barrs and Ms ... centers will either have their test scores counted back to their ... the Enhanced Georgia High School Graduation Test were ...
http://www.ed.gov/admins/ ...nt/letters/acga5.html

41. Rose.Net
... must submit proof of high school graduation or GED and two forms ... must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to employment. It is the ... 111 Victoria Place Thomasville, GA 31799 (229) 227-7042 24-hour ...
http://www.rose.net/jobs.shtml

42. ARLS-Internet Resources-Education
... online and check its status. GA-Easy Learn more about Georgia ... study abroad, financial aid, test preparation, and career ... diploma. GHSGT Georgia high school graduation test. GMAT: Business ...
http://www.clarke.public. ...ources/education.html

43. School Profile
... Our Georgia High School Graduation Test scores meet or exceed both Metro and Georgia averages and are closing in on GCPS averages in all areas of the test. Shiloh High School has served as the center ...
http://www.shiloh.high.gw ...a.us/info/profile.htm

44. Testing - Testing Information
... Report Cards 2001 - 2002 GA School Council Institute Report ... and students Printing an OAS Test Printing in Word Results ... Information Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) Georgia ...
http://www.wcpsteacher.or ...?sectiondetailid=9133

45. Achieving success with NovaNET online curriculum system: Houston County Care...
... Career and Technology Center Warner Robins, GA "Pearson Digital Learning NovaNET is the perfect ... ... state averages on the 2002 Georgia High School Graduation Test using Pearson Digital Learning ...
http://www.pearsondigital ...net/houstoncounty.cfm

46. American Book Company - Passing the Georgia Writing High School Graduation Test
... Passing the Georgia Writing Graduation Test 192 pages, 8 1/2" x 11" #GA-W1000N Download Sample Pages (358 KB, 19 pages) Our Basics Made Easy Series is perfect for reviewing foundation principles and ...
http://www.americanbookco ...com/GA/GAwriting.html

47. Consortium on Chicago School Research | Publications
... Public school graduation rates in the ... and the origins of test score pollution ... Chicago's high schools: Research ... under Chicago school reform. Paper ... Atlanta, GA. Hess, G. Alfred ...
http://www.consortium-chi ...blications/pva01.html

48. welcome to phoenix! home
... will go to the Red Cross. High School Graduation Test Nov. 7-10 Print a copy of the Phoenix ... ... School is a special purpose high school. 2818 Airport Rd. Dalton, GA. 30720 Phone: (706) 260-2206 ...
http://www.whitfield.k12.ga.us/phoe/

49. Science GA: Grade Six
... Tests in science. This document is a collection of test content descriptions for the science component of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests. GA: Grade Six The Intermediate 3 level of the ...
http://612curr.troup.k12.ga.us/CP33906.HTM

50. The First Lady's Children's Cabinet
... average of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS ... Number/Percent of high school students that are ... within 12 months of graduation Prepared to become ... State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 Office Phone: 404 ...
http://www.opb.state.ga.us/safekids/benchmark.htm

51. Calvary Christian School - Calendar
... 21 Stanford Achievement Test Apr 21 Junior / Senior ... for Preschool May 19 High School Graduation - 7 ... Center May 23 K-5 Graduation, Last Day for K-5 ... School " 7556 Old Moon Road " Columbus, GA ...
http://www.calvaryknights.com/quick-calendar.htm

52. Standardized Tests, Glynn County School System
... High School Graduation Tests Students ... to obtain a high school diploma ... the Glynn County School System, visit ... website www.doe.k12.ga.us where you can ... and report cards. TEST TAKING TIPS Get a ...
http://helpdesk.glynn.k12 ...Standardized_Testing/

53. Cherokee County School District Technology Training
... GALILEO (GA Residents) United Streaming (GA Educators) Math Suggested Sites Language Arts ... ... System SAT Online Prep USA Test Prep for High School Graduation Test Class XP Test Scores ...
http://webtech.cherokee.k12.ga.us/tech/training/

54. GADOE.org - Testing Programs: Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT)
... Quality Measures Reading: GA READS Reading: Reading First ... Technology Planning: System Test Scores Testing Dates Testing ... Authors Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) Online ...
http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ ...lum/testing/ghsgt.asp

55. CER Education Reform Newswire November 19, 2002: Information Crisis in Big C...
... of the five subjects on the Georgia High School Graduation Test outpaced the state, 93% to 85%. In ... ... To view the full report go to: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/charterschools/about.html. This is not ...
http://edreform.com/update/2002/021119.html

56. DCS.Com Aug 03
... The GA High School Graduation Test is the bench mark for the high school and this year all first time special education test takers in T he 11th grade must take the high school graduation test unless ...
http://www.dodge.k12.ga.us/DCScom/August2003.htm

57. Mathematics 9-12
... education for Georgia's children. For further information on the Georgia High School Graduation Test, click http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/curriculum/testing/ghsgt.asp For further information on the Georgia ...
http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/pandp/math/in-m912.htm

58. New Georgia Encyclopedia: Public Education (PreK-12)
... High School Graduation Test are ... a state has in its test-takers, the more ... average throughout high school are ... are blind. The school also offers a ... In addition, the GA PINES program ...
http://www.georgiaencyclo ...icEducation&id=h-2619