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Avoiding Summer Brain-Drain
If most students had their way, books
would probably sit on the shelves during the summer
and take a nice, long rest. As a parent you know that it
makes sense to keep those juices flowing even
during the summer months. This can make the
transition to the new school year run smoothly.
At
Back to Basics, a state-approved facility, we offer
many options for the learning
process to continue throughout the summer. The
family can still take vacation and students will still feel
like they have plenty of free time. Yet the mind can stay
alert and creative outside of the traditional
classroom.
MAKE UP AND
ORIGINAL CREDIT
These
options were mentioned in detail in an earlier edition
of our newsletter but are very important this time of
year. Briefly to reiterate, a make up credit can be taken
for a course failed during the school year. Original
credit classes are classes never taken before but can
be completed to lighten next year's course load or to
enhance transcripts.
STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOPS
These workshops are offered for
students in grades 5-12. Techniques learned include,
but are not limited to, time management, note-taking,
outlining and reading for meaning. Students will
create their own reference notebook which can be
used time and time again when applying what they
learn in the coming year. Morning and evening
sessions are available.
PRE-ALGEBRA COURSE
This class is open to grades 6-9. It will
teach and review basic math skills that are essential
to success in Algebra I. Morning and evening classes
are available.
SAT
PREPARATION WORKSHOPS
SAT prep in this small group setting is
available for grades 10-12. Students will learn content
material as well as testing and timing strategies.
Diagnostic and progress testing will be administered.
Students will gain confidence and reduce anxiety in
preparation for the test.
HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY
Essay writing is offered for grades 6-12.
The fundamental skills of essay writing will be
covered. Students will be able to learn different writing
styles, improve their own writing style and learn how to
develop a strong paper with descriptive language and
powerful introductions and conclusions. Morning and
evening sessions are available.
SUMMER READING
MATH CAN BE
FUN
These worshops are
offered for grades 1-12. They assist with summer
reading lists and math reinforcement respectively. The
subject matter in these workshops is offered on a one-
on-one basis. There is a set number of hours offered
for various grade level groups, such as 8 hours for
grades 1-4 in reading.
Remember, one-on-
one instruction is always available for these subject
areas and many more, around 50 in all! Have
a "smart" summer with Back to Basics.
Find out more....
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Schoooool's Out For Summer...
The lyrics to this popular, seasonal song are being
heard quite frequently on the radio these days.
Students are no doubt elated to be finished with the
three Rs, at least for a little while.
Our
homeschool students here at Back to Basics are no
exception. However, before putting away their books,
several of them went on a field trip to historic
Philadelphia. The following information was provided
by one of our students, Marc B.
"On Monday June
4, 2007, Back to Basics sponsored a field trip for 14
students, parents and tutors to Philadelphia. On this
trip we visited several interesting historical sites. The
first place we stopped was where Thomas Jefferson
lived. This site was being excavated to find artifacts.
The next thing we saw was the Liberty Bell which rang
for 90 years until it cracked. Then, we went to the
foundation of Benjamin Franklin's old home. After that,
we all went and had lunch at the City Tavern where we
dined like authentic colonials. After lunch, we visited
Independence Hall where we where the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution were
created."
Thanks, Marc, for a great summary of
your adventure in Philadelphia!
Special quote of the month regarding
fathers:
"He didn't tell me how to live, he lived, and
let
me watch him do it."-Clarence Budington Kelland
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| Hats Off to Dad! |
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Students may think the most important, only day that
counts in June is the last day of school. Of course,
most things are a matter of perspective. Since we paid
tribute to mom in her month of May, we feel it only
proper to honor dad during his month of June. Once
again, this doesn't necessarily have to be a biological
parent. Any male whom you feel has shaped, changed
or been an unseparable, integral part of your life
deserves recognition on this day. Let's take a look at
the
beginnings of Father's Day.
A married daughter,
Sonora Smart Dodd, is actually credited with having
the idea for Father's Day. She was listening to a
church sermon, oddly enough on Mother's Day which
was praising the maternal sacrifices given for
children. In Sonora's family, the opposite was true.
Having lost her mother during childbirth early in her
life, Sonora and her 5 brothers were raised by their
father. She recalled the many sacrifices he made for
her and her siblings. She made a suggestion to the
members of the Spokane YMCA that a day be set
aside to honor fathers. The idea spread and interest
grew. But when it reached the all-male Congress, they
felt it might be seen as them tooting their own horns.
President Wilson personally celebrated with his family
in 1916 and in 1924 President Coolidge
recommended that each state celebrate in their own
way. Many efforts were made to make this a national
day of recognition. In fact, in 1957 Senator Margaret
Chase Smith said we should honor both parents or
neither. To single out one over the other is an insult.
Finally in 1972, Father's Day was established
permanently by Richard Nixon.
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View the complete article here... |
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| Tutor Spotlight |
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Michael Zimansky
is in our tutor spotlight this month and has been with
Back to Basics for five and a half years. He
tutors almost every variety of History, including
Government, Civics/Economics, World and U. S.
History. He instructs at the 7th-12th
grade levels. His vast knowledge and diverse
methods of teaching, such as using videos and the
newspaper help his students stay engaged in the
subject matter and succeed in reaching their
goals.
Mike grew up in Northern New Jersey and
then attended the University of Delaware. After
graduating he stayed in this area and was employed
by a bookseller. Mike then began teaching and also
joined the Back to Basics staff. Now, he solely tutors
for Back to Basics. He feels the one-on-one
instruction allows him to teach more to the specific
student's needs.
Mike resides in Newark with his
wife. He also has two grown daughters. When he's
not tutoring, Mike likes to work with model trains and
is a big sports fan, especially of football. His family
likes to travel on the open road, preferring a car to a
plane ride since you can see so much more.
Mike
sums up his love of History in this way; "Whether you
realize it or not, you are affected by history just by
being alive. Studying the past explains how you live
your life today. By living today you never know
how you may influence the future!"
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Read on... |
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