Navigating School Options for Your Foster Child: Your Choices Matter! Hey there, amazing foster parents! We know that every choice you make for the children in your care comes from the heart, and picking the right school is no exception. Let's dive into some school choice options while also keeping an eye on the legal stuff – we've got your back!
Now, let's chat about the legal nitty-gritty. Your love and care are key, but so are the rules. When you're making school decisions, keep in mind the court-approved plans and agreements. Working closely with caseworkers keeps everyone in the loop and ensures you're on the same page. For any assistance or additional information, Edconnect has developed coaching sessions aimed at helping foster care families to participate in school choice programs with ease. Foster parents, you are heroes in these young people’s lives. Your choices about schools are a big deal, and we're here to help you make the best ones. Remember, your dedication and passion are shaping futures. Keep up the fantastic work! Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent
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The legal age to vote is 18 but we can start empowering teens early! As parents, we hold a vital role in shaping the future of our teenagers, and that includes instilling in them the importance of voting. As our teens approach the age of eligibility, it becomes crucial to educate them about the significance of their civic duty and the impact they can have on society through their vote. Voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility that empowers our teenagers to actively participate in the democratic process. By casting their ballots, they are contributing to the decision-making process and playing a role in shaping the policies that govern our nation. Emphasize that their voice matters, and their vote can bring about positive changes in their community and beyond. Moreover, teaching teens the importance of voting instills a sense of ownership and accountability. When they exercise their right to vote, they are taking ownership of their future and demonstrating their commitment to creating a better society. It teaches them that democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active involvement and engagement from each citizen. Encourage open discussions about the issues that matter to them and how their vote can make a difference. Show them that their participation in the electoral process can influence decisions on matters like education, climate change, healthcare, and social justice. Remind them that they have the power to be the change they want to see in the world. By educating our teenagers about the importance of voting, we are nurturing responsible and informed citizens who will carry the torch of democracy forward. Let's inspire them to be active participants in shaping their future and the world they want to live in. Together, we can build a society where every voice counts and where positive change is within reach. Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent Hey there, parents & guardians! Today, let's discuss something that can make a huge difference in our children’s education journey: their learning style. Just like we all have our favorite ways to absorb information, our little ones have their unique styles too! First up, we have the visual learners – the artists who love colorful pictures, charts, and visual aids. You'll spot them easily, lost in books with lots of illustrations or doodling away, happily. To support them, provide cool visual materials to boost their understanding. Next, we've got the auditory learners – the orators who thrive on sounds and spoken words. They're the ones who enjoy storytelling and learn better through discussions. If your child loves reading aloud or prefers instructions in words, then you've got an auditory learner! So, encourage meaningful conversations and introduce fun educational podcasts. Then, there are the kinesthetic learners – the energetic ones who learn best through hands-on experiences. They're the movers and shakers, always exploring the world through touch and interaction. You'll know them by their love for sports, building things, and using gestures. So, let's get them involved in interactive experiments and hands-on learning activities. Next on the list are the reading/writing learners – the booklovers who appreciate diving into stories and jotting down notes. If your child spends hours reading or enjoys scribbling stories, chances are they're reading/writing learners. To support them, provide a variety of books and encourage creative writing. And to finish off the types of learners, we have the logical/mathematical learners. The problem solvers who enjoy puzzles and critical thinking. They're the curious minds who love to figure things out. If your child enjoys math challenges and likes understanding how things work, then you've got a logical/mathematical learner. Parents let's keep their minds busy with logic-based games and real-world problem-solving. Remember, most children have a mix of these styles, so don't stress if they don't perfectly fit into one category. Just observe what lights up their faces and sparks their curiosity. By understanding and supporting their primary learning style, we're giving them the best chance to thrive and develop a love for learning. Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent As summer draws to a close, it's time to start thinking about preparing our children for another exciting school year. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or starting high school, a well-organized back-to-school routine is essential for a smooth transition. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure your child is ready to tackle the upcoming academic challenges and make the most of their educational journey.
Download the checklist!
Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent Congratulations, graduates! High school graduation is an exhilarating milestone that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As students embark on their journey towards adulthood, they are faced with a crucial decision: whether to pursue higher education at a college or opt for vocational training at a trade school. In this blog, we will discuss the possibilities that await graduates and explore the advantages and considerations of both paths. The Road to College For many high school graduates, attending college is a natural progression. It offers a comprehensive academic experience, diverse career opportunities, and personal growth. Here are some key points to consider:
Trade School Trade schools, also known as vocational schools or technical colleges, offer specialized training in specific fields. Here are some things to consider:
Choosing the Right Path When deciding between college and trade school, it's essential to consider individual aspirations, interests, learning styles, and long-term goals. Here are some factors:
High school graduation opens the door to a world of opportunities. If your teen would like to volunteer during the summer months before college check out volunteer opportunities offered at one of these summer camps. As far as the next chapter, whether one chooses the traditional route of college or opt for the specialized training provided by trade schools, both pathways offer unique advantages and the potential for a successful career. Consider interests, skills, long-term goals, and financial circumstances to make an informed decision. Remember, a fundamental factor is to choose a path that will enable the pursuit of passion while building a fulfilling future. Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent Summer learning loss refers to the regression in academic skills and knowledge that occurs during the summer break when students are not engaged in formal learning activities. Research shows that students can lose up to two to three months of learning in reading and math skills during the summer. There are several ways to prevent summer learning loss:
By taking steps to prevent summer learning loss, students can return to school in the fall with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your child’s academic pursuits. Author, Tori CulbrethEdConnect Parent If you’re a parent who is unsure about summer plans for your kids, you may want to consider having your child attend a summer camp. Summer camps can offer many social and educational benefits for children and adolescents. Here are some of the ways that summer camps can help with learning and development:
To give you a head start we’ve included some educational summer camps located in Atlanta, Georgia:
These are just a few examples because there are many more summer camps in Atlanta that offer educational programs for children and teens. Overall, summer camps offer a unique learning environment where kids make new friends and participate in activities that they may not have the opportunity to in their neighborhood. Connect with EdConnect at info@edconnectnow.org if you have more questions about local camps or if you’d like to get your child registered for one. |
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Author, Tori Culbreth
EdConnect Parent
Have you ever lost your phone or keys? You immediately begin to stress because you have somewhere to be and can't be late. You look high and low, but it's nowhere in sight. Then feel around and realize they have been in your pocket the entire time! You pause and think, "how in the world…". When I found a private school that focuses on community relationships and child growth, I felt the frustration you felt.
Hidden in plain sight was Heritage Academy.
Heritage Academy is a Christ-centered school that has provided educational freedom to children and low-income families in Augusta (GA) since 2000, serving grades K-8. The goal was to strengthen a community where 1 in 3 families were struggling with poverty and being undereducated. John W. Houghton wanted to provide an accessible, affordable, and sustainable location for "the poor children of Augusta." Heritage Academy offers families scholarships and tuition assistance based on the parent or guardians' financial situation, similar to financial aid. Almost 100% of students receive financial aid at Heritage Academy. Discrimination is by no means accepted here!
Heritage Academy represents a community that sees the vision its students possess using the three R's - Rigor, Responsibility and Relationship. Heritage's curriculum includes The Gospel Project, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Extracurricular opportunities are present in the form of robotics, STEM, and educational field trips. Basketball, cross country, and soccer are included in the sports that Heritage provides to its students. Creating avenues where children can learn about aquaponics which teaches agriculture by using fish to produce waste.
Don't lose your phone in your pocket! Give your child the opportunity for educational freedom. Research your local community to find hidden gems!
Hidden in plain sight was Heritage Academy.
Heritage Academy is a Christ-centered school that has provided educational freedom to children and low-income families in Augusta (GA) since 2000, serving grades K-8. The goal was to strengthen a community where 1 in 3 families were struggling with poverty and being undereducated. John W. Houghton wanted to provide an accessible, affordable, and sustainable location for "the poor children of Augusta." Heritage Academy offers families scholarships and tuition assistance based on the parent or guardians' financial situation, similar to financial aid. Almost 100% of students receive financial aid at Heritage Academy. Discrimination is by no means accepted here!
Heritage Academy represents a community that sees the vision its students possess using the three R's - Rigor, Responsibility and Relationship. Heritage's curriculum includes The Gospel Project, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Extracurricular opportunities are present in the form of robotics, STEM, and educational field trips. Basketball, cross country, and soccer are included in the sports that Heritage provides to its students. Creating avenues where children can learn about aquaponics which teaches agriculture by using fish to produce waste.
Don't lose your phone in your pocket! Give your child the opportunity for educational freedom. Research your local community to find hidden gems!
Author, Arielle Singley
Parent Coach (School Choice)
How old were you when school choice options like charter schools were introduced into your life? Me, I was 24 years old. And you probably think, where were her parents because having school choice options is so important. I'll tell you. My dad was deployed across the country and my mom was a policewoman at Fort Gordon in Augusta (GA). When I wasn't with my mom, I lived in a rural community in South Carolina with my grandmother. She also spent most of her time working. I spent a lot of my childhood in Head Start and public schools but attending charter school or the private school near my mom’s base never crossed our minds. Now that I'm older, I know the possibilities I could have had if my parents had been given the knowledge of school choice. Not every parent has the time to go out and research the community, which is okay because EdConnect comes to the rescue. EdConnect's sole purpose is to provide parents with support to encourage their child's educational success. We look at the child's interest as well as the parent's. I wish opportunities like EdConnect were in my local area growing up. I would have had a voice in preparing for my education.
If you're the working parent, join one of our next School Choice 101 online workshops! The next is on December 8th, 2022, at 7:00pm. Here you will learn more about your options, such as:
Click Here to register and learn more! If there are questions about any of our events or to sign up for a free parent consultation, contact me at arielle@edconnectnow.org.
If you're the working parent, join one of our next School Choice 101 online workshops! The next is on December 8th, 2022, at 7:00pm. Here you will learn more about your options, such as:
- Charter Schools
- Private Schools
- SB10 Scholarships
- Public School Transfers
Click Here to register and learn more! If there are questions about any of our events or to sign up for a free parent consultation, contact me at arielle@edconnectnow.org.
Author, Arielle Singley
Parent Coach (School Choice)