While most teenagers are playing video games and looking for the new and coolest app, there are a few young entrepreneurs in Massachusetts who are the ones creating them, supported by programs such as Youth CITIES and the Thiel Fellowship. These programs encourage students to pursue entrepreneurship and work for themselves, as well as to make a change in the world, despite the preconceived limits of their age. Globe Magazine recently published an article on…
The holidays give us the opportunity to share traditions and make more memories with our friends and family. The month of December includes a few multi-cultural holiday traditions to celebrate such as Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word meaning dedication that helps justify the importance of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates the bravery and the victory of the Jews’ defeat over the Syrian-Greeks. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, when Jewish families…
The famous line educators will say is “no question is a stupid question,” and for most teachers, they find that the question is sometimes more important than the answer. Teachers find that students who asks questions are learning more, because although they are unsure, they are eager to understand the material. A frequent issue in the classroom is that many students are usually very nervous to ask questions. Some students may feel embarrassed, as if…
Kwanzaa gives African families the opportunity to gather together and celebrate their African heritage and the true meaning of Kwanzaa. The name Kwanzaa is borrowed by the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza.” This phrase means “first fruits,” which symbolizes a harvest celebration and hard work. Kwanzaa celebrates unity, life, self-determination, hope and success. Most families celebrate with music, including African drums and dancing. In addition, families tell stories, read poetry, give gifts, and of course…
Staying Motivated In School When schools first start in the fall, students are eager to learn, and happily come to class, armed with new school supplies. As the year goes on however, staying motivated in school can become a challenge. Use the following tips to help keep your student motivated throughout the entire year! Set goals: A frequent cause for lack of motivation in the classroom is due to the fact that there is…
While there are many differences between high school and college, one thing the two have in common is that both will have required classes which must be taken in order to graduate. In high school these classes made up the majority of your schedule, but in college may only be a small portion of classes taken. Many freshman requirements also serve as prerequisites for other classes, meaning without taking them, you will be limited on…
On Tuesday, November 17th, a new hybrid test, nicknamed the next generation MCAS was approved by Board of Elementary and Secondary Education by vote of 8 to 3. After 2 years of piloting the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers(PARCC) exam, a proposal was made by Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester to administer a test which combined the best elements of the original Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System(MCAS) and the…
The greatest part about learning outside the classroom is exploring your own interests. The best way to do this is to get involved with school! Some students are committed to their school’s sports teams, others can be a member or even a leader of a club, while some may be out volunteering with their classmates. Dedicating your time to any school activity can benefit students in many different ways. No matter what you do to…
Matt Reid is the creator of The In Place, where he takes a behavioral approach to ADHD and Executive Functioning Management. He is a Certified ADHD Coach (AACC), Certified Life Coach (ACC), Professional Organizer, Executive Function Specialist, and a Speaker & Teacher. He works with parents of 9-12 year olds, with the whole family for 12-15 year olds, and one-on-one with students 15 and up. He spoke with us about his services and his success…
As fall approaches, the days get darker, the weather colder, and a new class tackles the Common App, and gets a jumpstart on college applications. While choosing which schools to apply to can be an exciting time, anyone who has been through it will tell you that it is also overwhelming and at times confusing. Which is the perfect school? What is the school where I will be the happiest? Where should I go? There…
