December 2022 | Vol. 32 Beyond the Park Bench

SCK was founded in 2001 by Roxana Reid with the goal of guiding families and students to self-actualize through accessing just-right educational fit. We are a proud black-owned business.

Balance brings harmony to our lives. While each of us is made up of traits that are often considered as either "strengths" or "weaknesses" the reality is our traits best coexist when we acknowledge them in a balanced way. Just as there is great value in addressing our weaknesses in a positive "can-do, fix-it" kind of way, it's just as important for us to discover and celebrate our strengths - and use them often!

"Find your balance and you will find your path."

Using a Strengths-Based Approach to Help Students Realize Their Potential In an excerpt from their book, Hacking Deficit Thinking, Bryan McClure and Kelsie Reed examine how by taking a strength-based approach to education, parents and teachers can help students develop their skills and talents to realize their full potential. By helping kids figure out what they’re good at, building their strengths, and practice using them daily we help them feel happier, experience more flow, and find balance by doing activities they enjoy. Educators and parents who use a strength-based approach help children become more invested in their learning and more engaged in the classroom.  Click here to read the full summary!

Responding to the Needs of Every Young Learner Differentiated Instruction With these differentiation strategies, teachers can help ensure that young students are able to build on what they already know. "All children start their school careers with... Read more www.edutopia.org

3 College Admission Tips for High School Students My son is starting high school. I get anxious anytime my kids begin a new educational chapter, but somehow this one feels bigger because college is on the other side. The truth is, I'm clueless about where to start... Read more yourteenmag.com

Buzz on the Quad

Dear College Applicants, It's important to remember that the process is a marathon, not a sprint. You have been actively engaged in this process for months — and for many there are still a few months to go, so keep breathing, you got this! Be proud of the essays you wrote, the tours and info sessions you attended, and the interviews you rocked. And now try to relax, as notifications begin to come in. Have faith in the work you did — and keep an open mind and continue to learn about the schools on your list by taking advantage of events for applicants. To help you manage the wait, see what Dr. Alice Boyles, has to say in the piece she wrote for Psychology Today, "How to Cope When Waiting for Important News." Love, Your friends at SCK

Tutor Highlight! Smart City Tutors provides families with quality instruction from experienced tutors. Our tutors specialize in a range of subjects, as well as offering general academic support, executive functioning guidance, and test preparation. This month we are highlighting Artur Balanovsky. Artur graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Sociology, and later from Relay Graduate School of Education with a Master’s in Special Education 7-12, Generalist 5-9. He has been a Special Education Teacher with the DOE for 5 years. In this time, he has worked with high school students from 9th-12th grade, teaching ELA, Global, US History, Living Environment, Environmental Science, and Algebra. He also has experience preparing students for state and local exams, including the SATs and Regents exams. Artur has worked in whole-class, small-group, and one-on-one settings with students to improve their literacy, math, organization, time management and executive functioning skills. He now enjoys supporting students in his role as a Special Education teacher and as a tutor! To learn more about Artur or any of our tutors, please visit tutors.smartcitykids.com and complete an inquiry form to get started. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for being a part of the Smart City Kids story. We appreciate you! Remember that one of the best gifts we can receive is the referral of your friends and family. Email us at [email protected] with your introduction

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