A Fresh Start

How can Successful Solutions help?

As students prepare to go back to school, Successful Solutions is preparing to offer programs to assist a variety of needs for a wide range of students. First, as we have for the past 5 years, private tutoring in the areas of math, study skills/organization, reading, college essay writing, and test prep for students in Grades 1-12 address the specific needs of individual students by providing specialized instruction in one hour sessions.

The underlying goal of each tutorial beyond developing and strengthening skills in a specific content area is to build confidence to take academic risks and develop independence. Something I have noticed over the years is that as students gain independence through tutoring, they no longer need the one-to-one attention, but, while many are ready to be fully independent after a period of tutoring, others benefit from a transitional experience. How could I support these students while also moving them toward further independence? The Learning Center was created to meet that end.

In the Learning Center, small groups of students work independently on school assignments while I monitor, guide, ask questions of them, assist with brainstorming, organization/planning, clarification of directions, problem solving approaches, and any other needs that may arise during the session. While helping students complete assignments thoroughly and on time, I also model for them how to approach a variety of problems that come up with the idea that eventually, they build more independence to work completely on their own.

The Learning Center is open on Mondays beginning September 13th from 7-8:30 PM for students in Grades 7-12. It is limited to the first 7 students to register for any given Monday. If the demand is great, Wednesdays at the same time will be added to the schedule. Students have plenty of space to distance from others, keeping their work and questions between them and the teacher. The cost is $45 per session. Registration must be made in advance by noon on the day of that session and payment is made at the time of registration. Due to the limited number of spaces, payment is non-refundable.

On September 13th, students should feel free to bring all of their notebooks, binders, schedules, etc. so that I can offer strategies to organize before accumulating too many papers/notes. Once a month, a "mini" lesson (approximately 15 minutes in length) will be offered to help students with strategies for study techniques, note-taking, breaking down assignments, and suggestions from the students themselves. Topics and dates will be announced in advance.

Individual snacks will be provided each session. For more information, visit successfulsolutionstutoring.org, email me at kathyells84@gmail.com, or call 978-595-2590 and leave a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Here's to a positive, successful school year!