
KINDNESS!
Thank you to everyone who donated clothing and those who donated time!
You are all so generous.
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![]() Jump on the Charity Train!! Today we collected 110 bags of beautiful clothes for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. My best helpers were the smallest - checking sizes on each piece of clothing, hauling heavy bags, and giving their time! How fabulous to see each of them making changes in the world already! They've already learned the most important curriculum - KINDNESS! Thank you to everyone who donated clothing and those who donated time! You are all so generous.
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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 Tutor's Link is packing up and moving! We have been teaching in the borrowed spaces of our fabulous students for 7 years and now we can offer our own comfy home. There is so much planned for our Madison Avenue home in Dumont. Mommy and Me classes, Art Exploration, Science and Literacy Workshops. Our certified teachers and specialty teachers are ready to share their knowledge with you. We will continue to work with our students independently in their own homes. The fun of learning is about to begin!! Stay tuned for our Grand Opening!
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!! Today, I watched a video of a dad describing the abuse occurring in his son's classroom. An autistic boy was being bullied by his teachers, while the aides sat beside and allowed it to happen. I know so many outstanding teachers, but is it fair that parents must cross their fingers each September in hopes that their children are placed in the "right" classroom. Every classroom should be the "right" one. A classroom with an intelligent adult who recognizes the magnitude of his/her responsibilities. Please watch this video and please make sure you are aware of what goes on in your children's classrooms!
http://now.msn.com/now/0424-teacher-bullies-autistic-boy.aspx The summer planning has begun! We are hosting, for the 3rd year, a Literacy Workshop and Mathematics Workshop. A fun, interactive way to develop reading/writing and math skills through the summer months.
We also have excellent certified teachers hosting SAT sessions, parent informational seminars and Foreign Language instruction. Pass the word - now is the time to plan for summer! Another fabulous educational conversation with my favorite teacher's aide discussing the need for students to have experiences. My ideal school building looks very similar to the show Imagination Movers on Disney Channel. The premise behind the show is that the characters use these interactive rooms to brainstorm solutions to problems. They have a Winter Room, a Desert Room, a Candy Shop room...What if our students moved through rooms at a school practicing the skills we try to drill with worksheets and lecture. Money, time, work ethic in the Grocery Store Room. Study skills, ABC order, reading strategies in the Book Store Room. The experiences would be endless and the retention would skyrocket. And can you imagine how easy it would be to transfer this new knowledge to real-life activities!!
Ohhhh....my imagination is endless!!! Many schools have the entire President's Week off, while others have just two days. How will you and your children spend the vacation? Our last winter vacation gets me thinking about summer - ALREADY! There has been great debate about lengthening the school year, getting rid of summer vacation, and opting for shorter breathing time, like this February break. What do you think? Would your children benefit or suffer with no summer vacation? Would you benefit or suffer from no summer vacation?
Let us know where you are in the debate and then check out the arguments on this website....http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Year-round_school |
Stephanie PetrielloMy mind is flooded with all the topics in education and thought a blog may help getting the information out to our clients. As an elementary/special education teacher, Literacy Specialist, and mama of 4 young children, I never stop learning! My students are always my teachers. Archives
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