As a tutor, no longer the TEACHER, I still make myself part of the team - teacher, parent, child, and ME!  I speak with my team members often, seeing what I can do better and how they can support my efforts.  After a brief phone conversation concerning a 1st grade student, the teacher told me that my "hands-on activities in the home may be making it even harder for the student to sit quietly in the classroom."  Uhhhh.....!!!!  I am sorry??!!  Do you not get enough hours each day to force a VERY active, VERY inquisitive little boy into silence?  May I allow him to experience learning as learning should be experienced?  May I allow him to laugh and sing and be silly?  Just for 1 hour....then I swear he will sit quietly and finish the 2 hours of homework you sent home. 

Let us not forget what being a student is about - a true student of learning!

I hope everyone is safe and warm after the storm.  I have
spent extra amounts of time this week cuddling and playing with my children as
we await the okay to go outside.  I cannot stop thinking about all the children
that are not enjoying these luxuries this week.  Many are not playing at all,
nor are they safe in their own homes.  And while we at Tutor's Link have so much
to be thankful for this week, our top priority has changed due to the Hurricane.
  A number of shelters in the area are housing children - many whom have lost
most of their belongings during the storm.  Decorating our new learning center
in Dumont can be put on hold - there are much more important tasks at hand!  It
is crucial that our own children see the changes we can make in the lives of
others.  I would like to invite you to drop off any donations of ...
    
                Children's Clothing (all sizes and in good condition)
                                           and
                                      Blankets
               to Tutor's Link - 52 E. Madison Ave in Dumont
               on Sunday, November 4 between 1:00 -  5:00 p.m.
  
 
I have to believe these clothes and blankets will make a world of
difference in the lives of many children.  Please pass this email along and we
hope to see you on Sunday!
 
Stephanie Petriello

I dream about waking up one morning and being  fluent in another language.  I have studied  Italian (if you can call my random search of Italian words, studying)  for over 10 years, and still, I am no where near fluency.  I dream about teaching my children to speak in different tongues, opening their eyes to different cultures.  Instead, I am stuck dreaming that a miracle will happen and a language key will be implanted in my brain!  And as my children and I wait for that day, I have decided to tap in to some more talented resources.  I am so excited to announce that Tutor's Link will be offering Mommy and Me Language Classes - French, Spanish, or Italian.  Finally, my family and I can learn a language from more fluent 
teachers. Molto Bene!! 

One of my students said, "Now that the ASK Test is over we can read - real books!"   Oh thank goodness.  Now that the tests are over our students can read!! Do you believe it is now May and they have waited all year to read something other than passages attached to bubble questions.  What were your testers" reactions?  How did you respond to them?  After overhearing a bunch of educator speaking informally, I know I am not the only teacher who believes we are wasting our time.  We have studied Education, keep ourselves up-to-date on theories and approaches, and witness the learning taking place each day.  I could create the true image of every one of my students, if you just ask.  It will be a more complete sketch of his/her strengths and weaknesses, than a week-long, semi-biased test!  Happy Reading to all our students now free from "THE TEST."

There is a huge, educational movement underway urging parents to consider their rights in "opting" out of State-Mandated Testing.  Many teachers and parents do not believe it is their right!  Please check out NJ's site  http://unitedoptout.com/state-by-state-opt-out/new-jersey/ .  As parents, educators, and believers in "life long learning" we have the responsibility to make it our right.  
I continue to tell my students that the test is just for the school, that it does not prove how smart they are.  After 5 days of sitting at a desk for 2-3 hours filling in little bubbles, I hope THEY still believe how smart they are!!