Hello!

DRDFS is busy planning ahead for a few events! We are looking forward to "meeting you" virtually next week. We also have 2 virtual parent orientation sessions happening next week for any parent(s)/guardians looking to learn more about our program. (Details to be sent to parents via email and USPS mail this week!)

Keep reading to learn more about orientation/NLS policy packet, DRDFS staff highlights, and a webinar offered through one of the many resources you'll learn about next week! As always, please feel welcome to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Marissa D'Angelo
Next Level Scholars Program Manager
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars
mdangelo@drdfs.org
(734) 354-7274
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
  • NEW: Next Level Scholars Virtual Program Orientation
  • NEW: Meet DRDFS Staff - Jill Marecki & Erin Talbot
  • Resource Spotlight: Tutor.com's Student Success Webinar Series - Mastering Your Study Skills
  • Featured Resources
NEW: NEXT LEVEL SCHOLARS VIRTUAL PROGRAM ORIENTATION
On Tuesday, January 25 at 9:30 AM DRDFS Staff will be hosting a virtual orientation with all Class of 2024 Next Level Scholars at all of our 14 partner high schools on Zoom!

Prior to the session, be sure to review the Next Level Scholars Program Policies & Expectations packet. (Hint: there will be a quiz for prizes!)

Be sure to check-in with your NLS Program Adviser at your high school regarding how you are expected to participate. Some school groups are planning to gather in-person and attend together virtually. If your school is still in a virtual setting, you will likely need to register individually to attend the session.
NEW: MEET DRDFS STAFF - JILL MARECKI & ERIN TALBOT
Role at DRDFS: Jill Marecki is the Next Level Scholars Program Director. Jill joined the DRDFS team in 2018 to lead student programming and high school support. Now, Jill supports Marissa, as she leads student programming, and Erin, who manages all things Awards and Alumni. Jill also works closely with our post-secondary transition coaches and helps to continuously improve our program through various efforts. Jill’s favorite part of her role is seeing how students grow throughout the program!

Post-secondary experience: Jill earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy and Chinese from Kalamazoo College. She also went to Oakland University for her Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Fun fact(s): Jill is originally from Minnesota and loves to visit her family there in the summer. She now lives in Plymouth with her husband and two sons and enjoys going for walks throughout town.
Role at DRDFS: Erin Talbot is the Awards & Alumni Manager for DRDFS. Erin started with DRDFS back in 2017. 
She manages anything and everything that has to do with scholarships for our Next Level Scholars students and alumni. Erin also works with our alumni while they’re in post-secondary to ensure they are successful in their endeavors. One of the things she likes most about her role is being able to work with students directly, hear how they’re doing, and watching them succeed in life after high school! 

Post-secondary experience: Erin attended Grand Valley State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration upon graduating in 2017.

Fun fact(s): For fun, Erin likes to spend time with her husband, family and friends! As a fun fact—she has been bungee jumping at Victoria Falls in Africa!
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: TUTOR.COM'S STUDENT SUCCESS WEBINAR SERIES - MASTERING YOUR STUDY SKILLS
Can't attend live? Register anyway and you'll receive the session recording via email!
Not quite on top of your studies? Learn how to bring better study habits into your routine and take better notes in this Student Success Series webinar, where tutor.com will help you discover: 

  • Effective reading comprehension strategies 
  • Efficient approaches to test preparation
  • Strategic use of different note-taking methods
  • The power of wellness in studying (#selfcare) 

This session is hosted by Tutor.com’s Senior Director of Learning Strategies and Professional Development, Dr. Amy Dietzman. There will be a Q&A session after the presentation, so stick around at the end! Register here.
FEATURED RESOURCES:

  • If you or your family are in need of any resources, please reach out to us at any time or explore this list of COVID-19 Resources