What Did You Do this Summer?

I have been academically coaching and teaching kids outside of a traditional classroom since 2006. I own and operate S.L.A.M. Academy where we focus on homework accuracy, comprehension and performance skills in science, literacy, arts & math. Most of our students seek assistance in math and literary interpretation.

About a dozen students worked on Aleks.com and Khanacademy.org this summer as a hybrid academic and creative summer camp. Most have continued into their fifth week of school. 

The reports I am receiving currently from parents and students vary tremendously, as expected. Parents, clustered at the favorable end of the spectrum, want their children working on Aleks.com daily about 15-20 minutes during the school year. Kids are claim, "I just don't have enough time...,"  not understanding that they will save time in the long run, improve their grades and raise their standardized test scores.

My decision, clearly explaining to students the maturity it takes to understand the benefits of their investments  benefiting life options they have not yet realized. Try that one for size... too big for anyone! So, "...trust me..." creeps into the conversation occasionally and at the end kids walk away almost rolling their eyes and parents follow not quite shrugging their shoulders, taking a deep breath, and mouthing, "Thank you."

The benefit of these investments, former students getting into the colleges of their choices and calling you to say, "Thank you so much for everything. I couldn't have done it without you." What they mean is someone like me. Reach out educators! Mentor the ones who reach out to you, and know the ones that don't need you more.

The Day Yellow Burst into My Life

In response to my quest for a longer lasting nail color, my nail tech suggested this fun yellow. Its shocking effect spurred jests and complements for days. Running errands and snapping photos of this dominant yellow inspired the question,  "Does "industrial yellow": form a stronger bond?" Known fact: yellow travels farthest among the colors in the light spectrum. Does the light spectrum leader take the medal in the strength category as well? "Does bold orange-yellow nail polish look better longer?

Opening an Independent Learning Center v Franchising

Franchising was exciting and rewarding, especially for the acceleration of progress.

Now I am opening my own learning center and I am not battling with the cable company to install my Internet without me having to finance a new tower behind my building located on a main thoroughfare... actually the busiest freeway exchange possibly in the world. The reason I am sharing this is the first time I had no time to spend the countless hours and dollars trying to get my Internet service turned on in an established business district adjacent to the city councilman's office, who ended up having to intervene on my behalf for Internet service. Now, I have the time, but no need really. I have no franchise content to access and not many students to service.

Yep, the first time around I couldn't get Internet service, now I don't want one. Actually, there is no budget for it. There is no budget for anything. We pay as we earn... for everything. There are no necessities. Everything is a luxury this time around.

When students don't show up, I look for projects to accomplish. This eliminates the need of falling behind on my To Do list. It's different and I like it. And not having Internet, an abundance of students nor employees; my carpet and windows are extra clean these days. I have mopped the bathroom floor twice this week, despite the fact that no one has used the room between the moppings.

Am I enjoying it? Yes, in many ways.