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Back to Basics' Education for Children, Adults, Corporations
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Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc Newsletter
A Full-Service Educational Facility Serving
Children & Adults in DE, PA and MD
November 2007

In This Issue

Look What We've Been Up To!

Making a Good "Choice"

Tutor Spotlight on...Virgil Stewart


 

Look What We've Been Up To!
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Back to Basics was founded in 1985 as Back to Basics Tutoring Service, Inc. Over the past 22 years, we have branched out into many other fields of education in addition to tutoring. We are now a full- service educational facility known as Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. Our clients range from Pre-K through adult. Here are some of the services for which we are state- approved and with which you may not be familiar.
Alternative Schooling
We offer a complete alternative to the traditional school setting. Core subjects, English, Math, Science and History, are offered 1-on-1, as well small group electives for a complete curriculum for your child. We nurture your child by encouraging growth in strengths and bridging gaps within weaknesses. We also offer supplemental services if you are homeschooling your own child and need subject specific assistance.
Corporate Contracts
Back to Basics also serves the corporate world. Some of the areas addressed are teaching English to non-native speakers, teaching a foreign language to administrators so they may communicate better with their work force, and time management.
Districts and Schools
Back to Basics has many accounts with schools and school districts. From afterschool programs focusing on math, study skills, writing, high school entrance and SAT preparation to homebound instruction, we assist other professionals in helping children succeed.
Government Accounts
State agencies contract with Back to Basics to provide services for their students. This includes assisting those in college with their course work as well as preparing others for direct entrance into a career or field.
Make-Up Credit For a Failed Class
We offer make up credit as an alternative to summer school. This 1-on-1 option allows flexibility for vacations and work schedules. Your student can still fulfill the requirements to receive credit for a failed class and get back on track for next year.
One-on-One Tutoring
One-on-one tutoring is offered year round, seven days a week. Whether your level of need is remedial, maintenance or enrichment, we can help. Once a personalized match is made, your tutor remains the same throughout the instruction. This allows for an individualized program suited specifically to your student.
Original Credit Courses
This program, also offered 1-on-1, is for classes that have not been taken before. It can be used to enhance transcripts, take a pre-requisite course for a class being taken during the next school year or lighten an upcoming course load.
Psychoeducational Testing
We have a licensed, clinical psychologist on staff for your educational testing needs. If you have a concern about ADD, a learning difficulty, dyslexia, or giftedness, educational testing could confirm this and provide a concrete diagnosis. Accommodations such as untimed testing, taping of lectures, receiving study guides and technological assistance can be obtained as a result of this testing.
Translating and Interpreting
Back to Basics offers translating services for business documents, employee manuals, and labels. We are also available for interpreting in foreign languages as well as sign language for meetings, conferences and visitations Whatever your educational need, consult Back to Basics. We offer instruction for every level, ages three- 103 in over 50 subjects by degreed, experienced professionals. Aim High!

Find out more....


Do You Hear What I Hear?

Every six months, when the time changes, fire personnel remind us to check and change our smoke detector batteries as well. However, to someone who is deaf, hard of hearing or a deep sleeper, fresh batteries won't make any difference in warning them of danger. Did you know there is a device that can give you or loved ones peace of mind?
There are smoke-alarm systems that can be adapted with a vibrating pad and special light. Here's how it works. You place the pad underneath your mattress or pillow. When smoke is apparent, the alarm will go off and signal the pad to vibrate and a strobe light will begin to flash. This unconventional warning method could save many lives.
For more information, visit the Royal National Institute for Deaf People at www.rnid.org.uk

Quote of the month: Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.-Chinese proverb


  • Making a Good "Choice"
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    Your child's education and where he/she receives it is one of the many important decisions you will make in your lifetime. The "right fit" may include consideration given to academics, athletics, social setting, faith- affiliation and size, just to name a few.

    At the start of the 1996-1997 school year, Delaware implemented the Delaware School Choice Program within its public school system. However, there are no regulations on a statewide level that govern this program. Rather, the local school districts are responsible for overseeing their respective policies and procedures. Some of these include:

    • Criteria for acceptance or rejection of applications
    • Priorities for acceptance
    • Districts may also decide, on an annual basis, which schools are and are not open for "Choice"
    • Any other policies the district feels applicable or necessary provided they do not violate the state law

    The deadline for choice applications for students in grades 1-12 is the second Wednesday in January prior to the upcoming school year in September. You must file your application with the District of Choice. Applications for students entering Kindergarten must be received by the Dictrict of Choice by the first day of the current school year. You may obtain application forms from either your district of residence OR district of choice. It is highly recommended that you speak with the contact person in the district of choice. They can advise you of the specific policies of that district as well as schools open for choice and other important information.

    Read on...
  • Tutor Spotlight on...Virgil Stewart
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    Virgil Stewart is in our tutor spotlight this month. September marked five years of service for Virgil with Back to Basics. He tutors students in grades 7-12 and his subject areas include English/language arts, literature, reading comprehension, religion, history, civics, social studies, world cultures, and sociology. Virgil also teaches at Alliance, Inc.

    Virgil was born in South Dakota and has lived in 6 other states before settling in Delaware about 11 years ago. The farthest away he has resided is Los Angeles, CA and he feels fortunate to have lived "coast to coast." Virgil and his wife have one child of their own. However, he said their gift to each other for their 25th wedding anniversay was no more children. Curious about this comment, I asked him to explain. I was not prepared for the incredible, amazingly unselfish and giving answer I received. During their first 25 years, Virgil and his wife opened their home to approximately 300 foster children, ages 4-18!!

    When he's not teaching or tutoring, Virgil loves to hike, backpack and be around horses. He has a Master's degree in Divinity and spent 12 years as a missionary. Virgil is currently a pastor in Sussex County. He says it's a bit of a commute from the Pike Creek area to get to his little church right now but he hopes to retire downstate and will then be closer to the congregation he serves.

    Read on...


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    Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc | 6 Stone Hill Road | Wilmington | DE | 19803