CAMPS SCHOOLS AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
OCTOBER 28 NOVEMBER 3, 2015
&
Long Island Tutors Have Much To Offer
BY JOE SCOTCHIE
Jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com
With New York schoolchildren groaning under an often-demanding testing schedule and with the pressure for good grades and admission to prestigious colleges as stressed-filled as ever, tutoring can loom large in the minds of parents seeking to help their children in a personalized setting. Tutoring, at its best, is one-on-one in nature and modern technology can help parents find the right fit for a child in need up sprucing up on certain subjects. Nassau County has many reliable tutoring centers which have been providing services for years. Two services, Varsity Tutor and University Tutor are, as their names suggest, set up to inspire students to greater heights. Both also advertise their large array of tutors online, with individual profiles of each one. It helps parents make the right fit and it may even inspire adults to put down the suitcase and contribute their own time to the tutoring process. Both Varsity and University Tutor lists their volunteers online. Parents can choose tutors according to subject matter and local villages. For instance, according to University Tutor, there are no less than 259 tutors who list Great Neck as their residence. The prospective tutors list their education, their degrees, their specialties and their teaching experience. On the Varsity tutor website, a Spanish tutor from Long Island, “Sejal,” explains her educational philosophy. “I have been a well-rounded student in sciences and the humanities because of my patience in problem solving and because I utilize different study methods for different material,” she writes. “I have experience working with a wide range of students from elementary school to college students. The best part of tutoring for me is when a student truly begins to enjoy a subject they initially found difficult.” Another volunteer, “Matthew” adds, “I can tutor all levels of mathematics and my specialty is in the area of mathematics education. I am always thinking of new ways to teach difficult material, and I have an intense knowledge of common core subjects, methods and procedures.” Some tutors have interests beyond
the classroom. Another certified Spanish tutor, “Alex” has his own unique resume. “I have had the good fortune to create my own work while assisting other directors with productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and at the Kennedy Center,” he stated. “I have tutored throughout high school and college in literature and writing, helping with essays, papers and college applications. I also have experience with PSAT, SAT and ACT prep, finding particular success in helping students master the critical reading and writing sections.” Such widespread interests are not uncommon among tutors. Meanwhile, “Michael P.,” a Syosset-based mathematics tutor for University Tutors has eclectic reading interests that range from Dostoevsky’s The Idiot to The Federalist Papers. These quotes are just a small sample of what hundreds of volunteers have to offer local young people. Not all tutoring can take place on a one-onone basis, but experts believe that oneon-one tutoring is the most ideal way of improving a students’ performance in a subject they are struggling with. Varsity Tutors, for instance, specializes
in live one-on-one learning. Online tutoring is also available from most firms. Varsity touts a quote from a New York Times article, which claims that, “children tutored individually performed two standard deviations better than children who received conventional classroom instruction.”
One-on-one tutors are willing to meet in places convenient for the students. Volunteers in Nassau County affiliated with University Tutor, for example, express the desire to meet in distance ranging in travel times from 15 to 30 minutes for valuable one-on-one tutoring.
Tutoring Opportunities
Here is a list of the many tutoring opportunities in Nassau County. • A Perfect Choice Tutoring 3592 Lorrie Dr., Oceanside 516-764-0833
• Excel Academy NY 1447 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-365-8870
• Americana Student Center 215 N Long Beach Rd., Rockville Centre 516-678-7323
• Florosa Homework Center 645 Saint Luke’s Place, Baldwin 516-223-6361
• Chyten Test Prep 623 Jericho Tpke., Syosset 516-77-9595 • College Coach 11 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck 516-482-4420
• Huntington Learning 656 Sunrise Hwy., Baldwin 516-632-2333 • Kumon Center of Farmingdale 279 Main St., Farmingdale 516-293-2933
• Nassau County Offices and Institutions 160 Old Country Rd., Mineola 516-571-4265 • Nassau County Tutoring Service 88 Lenox Rd., Rockville Centre 516-766-1711 • NJL College Preparation 880 Willis Ave., Albertson 516-741-3550
• North Shore Learning Associates • College Directions LLC • Long Island Learning Center 37 Milburn Lane, Roslyn Heights 1010 Northern Blvd., Great Neck 316 Hicksville Rd., Bethpage 516-625-1008 516-336-2558 516-681-0400 • Parliament Tutors • EleMental Learning Tutoring • Masters Tutoring 998 Old Country Rd., 177 Main St., Port Washington 4 Expressway Plaza, Roslyn Heights Plainview 516-767-0606 516-234-0728 631-745-0382
14A
CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2015
Dean Of Students At Vincent Smith School
News From St. John’s The new library Matthew Artigas has been named as the new assistant principal for curriculum, instruction and student activities at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, Matthew Artigas West Islip. Prior to his arrival at St. John’s, Artigas was appointed chairman of the social studies department at Holy Cross High School, Bayside. He also served as a coach and a social studies teacher. He is an alumni of both Holy Cross High School and Iona College. St. John’s University awarded him an advanced certificate in School Building and School District Leadership and he is currently
enrolled there for his doctorate. New Library And Technology Center In anticipation of St. John the Baptist’s 50th anniversary, the school has received the approval of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the support of their alumni and benefactors to proceed with a grand library renovation to be completed by the fall of 2016. This facility will keep St. John’s on the cutting edge of advancements in education and will benefit the entire St. John’s community with its support for all academic and co-curricular programs. Wrestlers Welcome A New Home Finally, the school is renovating a new wrestling room for the 2015-2016 season. The space will provide the Cougar wrestling team with a larger and safer space. “The new Cougar wrestling room
Lois Dierlam has joined the Port Washington-based Vincent Smith School as the new dean of students. In that position, she will oversee and manage services that impact students directly, such as counseling and advising, testing, resource services, student conduct and achievement. Additionally, she is responsible for the in-service training of teachers and the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school. “I was attracted to the Vincent Smith School because it represents a dynamic opportunity for me professionally and allows me to be an integral part of a school that helps students with learning disabilities,” Dierlam said. The school is well-known for its individualized program for students
in grades 1-12 with ADD, ADHD, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, non-verbal learning disabilities, auditory processing disorders and language (expressive/receptive) processing disorders. Emphasis is placed on differentiated instruction, social emotional learning and organizational skills in small, supportive classes. “We are very excited that Ms. Dierlam has joined the school as the dean of students. She brings a wealth of experience in both academic and student affairs. Her expertise and knowledge will help expand and further develop the Vincent Smith School program,” said John Baldi, head of school. —Submitted by Vincent Smith School
is brighter and bigger. It reflects our continued commitment to excellence in athletics,” said Ralph Dalton, boys’ athletic director. “The wrestling program with the hard work of our coaching staff, athletes and parents helped make this goal a reality. I am proud of all of them and our school for the work
and perseverance that made this happen. Our wrestling program has had a long and successful history and I am confident it will continue to succeed as we move forward with a renovated space facility.”
This is Our Quest: To help children become strong in mind, body & spirit. Let’s do it together! The “New” Holy Child Academy
—Submitted by St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
Sunday, November 1st 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Please call Corrie Bowen at (516) 626-9300, Ext. 150 if you have any questions, or prefer a private tour.
• The “New”* Holy Child Academy – Long Island’s only private Catholic school, Toddler-8th grade. • A just completed $7,000,000 renovation. • Students come from the towns of Brookville, Carle Place, East Williston, Garden City, Glen Cove, Hicksville, Huntington, Manhasset, Port Washington, Syosset, and many, many more! • HCA is a school for children of all faiths. Dolan Early Childhood Center
* Please see our website for an explanation.
Holy Child Academy O’Sullivan Middle School
(Students accepted in each division)
Amazing Place!
25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 • (516) 626-9300 www.HolyChildAcademy.org
141920
Connelly Lower School
15A
141921
CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2015
CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2015
First Impressions For College And In Life BY BOB WOLF
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
Hope Skills
BOB WOLF Before I start talking about and demonstrating first impression skills, I point to each student and ask them with a smile on my face, “What was your first impression of me today?” I tell them I want an honest answer and that I’ve heard it all over the years, so they shouldn’t be hesitant or embarrassed to say what they think. Sometimes I turn my back to the class so I can’t see who is saying something. I don’t want to embarrass them or make them feel uncomfortable. Many students say things like: confident, experienced, professional, nice voice, friendly, good energy—all very nice to hear. One of the more interesting answers I get is “old,” which makes me laugh. Then I tell them what the Hope acronym for old is, “opened life’s doors” and then I explain what
person like me has energy, enthusiasm and passion for life, the same way they do as younger people. The phrase, “opened life’s doors” simply means we’ve been there, done that and learned a great deal along the way. Old people can, and do, help students navigate through their career and life more easily if what we tell them and how we tell them makes sense to them. That’s true for 99 percent of the students and graduates I’ve presented to. Old people have accumulated a lot of experience that can really help students, especially when we know how to connect with and relate to them. We should tell them our stories in an instructional, motivating and entertaining way. Bob Wolf is founder of Hope: The Students’ Bridge To Business (www.hopeskills.com).
St. Joseph’s Launches Online Campus St. Joseph’s College (SJC) has introduced SJC Online, the fully online learning community, which offers 15 online degree programs for students who are interested in earning an undergraduate or graduate degree, advanced certificate or dual degree online. “Over the last 15 years, SJC has developed more than 100 online courses for its current students, with an emphasis on expert instruction and innovative curriculum,” said Mark
142040
Whenever I speak with students in high school or college about the five Hope Skills, I use acronyms to emphasize a point and reinforce a concept. Students and teachers get a kick out of them, especially my acronym for old. The first of the five skills is first impression skills. We use these skills every day. They are extremely important, especially for students in high school, college and graduate school. All it takes is time, training and practice and realizing how essential making a positive first impression is in life. A presentation begins with me introducing myself to each student by smiling (there’s an acronym for smile too), putting my hand out to shake theirs, looking them in the eye and saying “Hi, I’m Bob.” Most students look at me, shake my hand and tell me their name. Sadly, some don’t make eye contact with me or tell me their name. What is interesting is that students tell me that no other speaker has introduced himself/herself to each student before speaking to them.
that means. I tell them, because I am old, I’ve done a lot of things that many of them will probably do in their life. I’ve succeeded, failed and learned a lot in the process of getting old. I let them know I am willing to share what I’ve learned with them if they will simply pay attention and understand that old is something they should aspire to become. I say that being old, in terms of years lived, doesn’t mean that I don’t live my life to the fullest, looking for opportunities to grow and learn. More importantly, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with them so they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities they encounter in their life. Students are surprised at this different meaning of old. Then they experience my presentation and realize that my being old isn’t so bad. Especially when an old
Call (516) 484-4468 or email us at powerprepcourses@yahoo.com
Hessler, coordinator of innovative instruction and professor of history. “The new SJC Online will expand SJC’s educational mission to reach regional, national and international populations.” The new offerings will include programs designed for students with diverse interests, working experiences and educational backgrounds. For information, contact the Long Island office at 631-687-4501.
PowerPrep, Inc.
125 Mineola Ave. - Suite #303 Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
142081
16A
CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2015
The Hidden Trapdoors Of College Costs BY JIM CHILTON
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
understandable. Those costs alone seem staggering these days. Just think of it. The College Board tells us that the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014–2015 school year was $31,231 at private colleges, $9,139 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,958 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. The average cost of room and board ranges from $9,804 at public schools to $11,188 at private schools. All that money gets you through just one year. But college expenses go far beyond tuition and a place to sleep. Parents and students need to prepare themselves for what I think of as the hidden trapdoors of putting your kids through college. These extra expenses can be killer, especially for parents who are not wealthy.
At my fifth and last child’s high school graduation, I settled into a seat next to a gentleman who was the father of another graduate. When the ceremony ended, most of the parents excitedly rushed forward to take photos of their sons and daughters. But this fellow just sat there in a classic dejected pose, his hands on his cheeks and his elbows on his knees. He appeared numb rather than jubilant, not what you expect from a proud parent of a child who just earned a high school diploma. “Are you all right?” I asked. “Have I ever messed up,” he replied. “This is the first moment it’s hit me that my little girl will be headed to college in a few months and I have to start paying for her college education.” I couldn’t do much more than wish Let’s take a look at a few of them: • Computers and printers. Your him luck, but the encounter left me child may have survived high school wondering just how many parents by using your home computer and wait until the day of their child’s printer, but if he or she is heading high school graduation to start the out of town to college that’s about to financial planning for college. And whether they start saving early change. A laptop and a printer are necessities in today’s higher-education or late, my bet is that a great majority world. If you are undecided on a high of parentsSJMS2.pdf focus mostly on the costs of 1 10/22/15 2:52 PM school graduation gift, this could be tuition and a dormitory room. That’s
the ticket. It’s money that will be spent anyway. Sure, a student can use a computer in the college library or possibly in computer labs scattered around the campus, but they aren’t always available or convenient. Costs vary greatly, of course. A budget laptop can be had for $400 or $500; maybe less in some cases. High-powered models can easily top $1,000. The additional problem with computers and printers is that they eventually need to be replaced. Your student might not make it through four years (or more) of college without having to buy a second one. • Textbooks. This is one expense many parents may have thought about, at least briefly. But it can still be sobering to actually view the prices. In some cases, a single book can cost a few hundred dollars. The College Board estimates that the average student spends about $1,200 a year on books and supplies. (Some parents probably spent less than that on tuition back in their college days.) • Fraternities, sororities and other social activities. Granted, this isn’t a necessity, but let’s face it. No student is going to study all the time. Part of the college experience is involvement in campus activities. Some of those are cheap or free, which is good. But
17A
some come with costs attached. USA Today reported last fall that fraternity and sorority members can pay from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000 a semester for the privilege of being part of their organizations. • Other necessities and extras. Transportation, clothing, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses will add to the bottom line on that college bill. Some of those will be more relevant—and costly—than others, depending on the student. At least there is room for being frugal here. Keep in mind that none of this means every dollar needs to come out of mom and dad’s wallet. An intrepid college student should be able to find a job on or around the campus, whether working at the college book store, handling duties around the dormitory or bagging groceries at a nearby supermarket. Unfortunately, those financial trapdoors can’t be avoided. But a little awareness and good planning should have you prepared for the moment when they’re flung open in front of you. Jim Chilton is the founder and chief executive officer for the Society for Financial Awareness, or SOFA (www. sofausa.org), a non-profit public benefit corporation.
Curious about Military School? Learn what Military School has to offer your son.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
Informative Receptions: November 7, 2015 July 16, 2016 Hosted by current SJMS family in Glen Head, NY
CMY
Location and directions available upon RSVP. RSVP to 866•704•5294
sjms.org
142124
K
CAMPS & SCHOOLS • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2015
141982
18A