So Much Happening!

SUMMER 2012 at SUCCESS! TUTORING

Well, it's been a while since I've last posted something on our blog other than Vicky updating the calendar of family-oriented events in the local area.

We've had so much happening so quickly recently that I just had to take some time to post an update of some of the latest happenings.

First of all, we've moved!  Yes, that's right.  Success! Tutoring is now on the ground floor (street level) at the corner of Verdugo Avenue and Parish Street, right across from the new John Burroughs' Memorial Field.  We're in the same building we've always been, but now there are no stairs to climb.  And we're much more visible!  We've had a number of people stop by to ask about our services and they've been very surprised that we've been here for over 10 years!  They never knew we were here.  This is definitely a testimonial to the old real estate adage: Location, Location, Location!

Below is a pictures of our new location front entrance and our new reception area:

And of course, what would our tutoring center be without tutoring stations for our tutors to work with their students:

In addition to our tutoring stations, we now have a small seminar / meeting room area in which we've already had two very successful seminars.  One was a free College Financial Aid seminar delivered by a certified College Tuition Advisor, Michael Budnick.  The successes from the parents that attended were all absolutely rave!

Now, if you missed the workshop and wished you had been able to make it -- you're in luck!  We have another one scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  There is very limited seating so please call Vicky right away to confirm your attendance if you'd like to go.

In addition to the Free College Financial Aid workshop, we have also had a Phonics Workshop for 5 to 7 year olds.  They and their parents had a blast!

Well, all of the above is related to our move.  But as I said, there is so much that has happened recently!

We've worked out our program for this summer, 2012.  How would you like for your child to not forget what they learned all school year during the summer but to review their math and language arts so that they are better prepared for the next school year!  We've developed a very economical way to do just that -- with small-group workshops scheduled throughtout the summer.  Again, we have very limited space and seating so if you're interested, call Vicky right away at (818) 557-7379 and ask about our Early Signup Special.

How about having your child work with a tutor to address any subject he or she may have had trouble with during the regular school year?  Summer is the perfect time to do just that!  No other classes, homework or other academic demands other than focusing on that specific subject so that your child can accelerate, progress and increase his or her self-confidence in that subject.  They would start the next school year so much better prepared.  Below is a flyer for the summer 2012 at Success! Tutoring.

Well, I could probably go on and on with some of the other latest developments but that's all I'm going to post today. 

Don't forget to let others know about our services, our blog and our summer program.

Thank you,

Armando and Vicky Salcido

City of Burbank Honors Success Tutoring

This acknowledgement is for 10 years of business in the City of Burbank, issued and signed by the Mayor of Burbank, The Honorable Jess Talamantes. "Your services definitely make a difference in the lives of students and are contributing greatly to our community."

In honor of this recognition, Success! Tutoring is celebrating by offering a 10-year anniversary special during the month of August, 2011. Call our office today for details. (818) 557-7379 or email: info@success-tutoring.com.

Thank you Mayor Talamantes. We would also like to thank the many parents, families, teachers, and counselors that have entrusted us with the academic advancement of their children and students. Their referrals have helped to spread the word about our services.

Additionally, we would not have been able to achieve this milestone without the best academic tutors around. Our tutors, consisting of current and retired teachers, are always in demand. With many years of classroom experience and one-to-one tutoring, they really care about their students and know how to help them learn.

We are extremely honored to have received this acknowledgement from the City of Burbank.

Sincerely,

Vicky and Armando Salcido

Owners, Success! Tutoring, Inc.

Latest News!!!!
Summer at Success! Tutoring

• Discounted one-to-one tutoring for all ages!


• Art and Math Workshops for grades 2 - 6!!


• Algebra I, II and Geometry Prep Workshops for grades 7 - 10!!!


• One-to-one art classes with Randall Williams!!!!

"My son's self-confidence is blooming. He has lots of fun while strengthening his math skills. He loves Polly and her nurturing approach to teaching."

"This art workshop was awesome! The kids really liked painting on canvas like real artists!"

"It helped me a lot in math. Multiplying and dividing fractions and how to remember decimals and percentages. I'm faster at multiplication."

What’s New at Success! Tutoring

1. Success! Tutoring now has Teen Seminars based on the book, “Success for Teens”. You can find information about the book at http://www.successfoundation.org/ . Our very own Armando Salcido started delivery of the seminars last month. The first chapter covered was titled: “Little Things Matter”. All of the students who attended the seminar loved it, wrote a success story and wanted to come to the next one. Below are a few excerpts from the material they covered.

“I learned that you need to do the right thing even if you don’t want to.”

“I feel that no matter what people think of you.. do what you think is right. Do not slack off, do your best and try hard.”

"Everything we do has an effect on our lives some minor and some major….I learned that everyone has a choice in life and that what they cause or do has an effect.”

The date of the next seminar is Saturday, April 2 from 10 am to 12 noon. The next chapter to be covered is titled: Attitude is Everything.

The seminars cover time-tested principles for excelling in all areas of life such as time management, goal-setting, self-esteem, dream-building, self-motivation, habits, and purpose. As you may recall from your initial consultation, Armando is very good at communicating with students.

If you’d like your child to attend the next seminar, call right away as we like to keep the group small to encourage participation. The cost for the two hour seminar is the same as one tutoring hour. (Yes, you can use hours you may have on account.)

2. Success! Tutoring has recently started delivering regular art classes by Randall Williams, a very well known local artist who has had his art exhibits in the Midwest as well as both the East and West Coast. His artwork has been featured in many news articles, televised news and in television programs as far away as Japan and England.

After receiving his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Fine Arts, Randall worked at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, worked as a stain-glass artist, became art director at two of L.A’s largest photography labs and owned his own art gallery for six years. Randall is also very active in the Burbank community. Just last week he painted a mural for Providencia Elementary school and regularly teaches art at the local Burbank elementary schools. He was the President of the Burbank Art Association as well as other associations.

So far at Success! Tutoring, he has taught classes in pastel, acrylic, drawing, charcoal and air brush. The students love him!

Private lessons and group lessons are available. Call for details!

Summer at Success! Tutoring

Art and Math Workshops for grades 2 – 6

Algebra I, II and Geometry Prep Workshops for grades 7-10th

Discounted one-to-one tutoring for all ages in all subjects

Art Classes, private and group lessons

Limited space so call to reserve your child’s seat now!

Call the office for details (818) 557-7379

Success! Tutoring 2011 !!!!

Success! Tutoring celebrates 10 years

of serving the Burbank Community!

We are happy to announce that this is our 10th year of helping students from Burbank and the surrounding communities. It has been a pleasure to help each and every student.

We (the owners) and the staff of Success! Tutoring thank you for your patronage and for your referrals over the years.

Why is Success Tutoring such a success?

What makes Success! Tutoring such a successful tutoring center? The answer is that we care. We care about each child's education, each child's future. We care enough to select the finest of tutors. We care so much that we have dedicated ourselves to providing excellent tutoring to help your children succeed. The more successful your children are in school, the more opportunities they will have for their future.

What's New At Success! Tutoring?

In addition to one-to-one tutoring, art classes and homework help, we are now offering special seminars to address particular concerns brought up by parents. Our first planned seminar is intended to help students understand the importance of goal setting, time management, self-motivation and study skills. The product of the seminar is increased skill in each of these areas for all students in attendence.

Send us an email if you are interested in receiving details about our upcoming seminars: info@success-tutoring.com

If you have an idea for a seminar or a concern you would like to see addressed in a seminar, please let us know. You might not be the only parent with that concern. Send any requests or suggestions to: info@success-tutoring.com.

Thank you!
Armando and Vicky Salcido

The Value of a College Education

I started to write a new article about the value of a college education by summarizing several recent articles. However, rather than rewrite and interpret several articles that have already been written, I thought it might be better to simply provide the links so that students and parents can read the original articles.

Below are two articles regarding the value of a college education. The first article was found in the New York times and argues that the value of a college degree is increasing despite rising tuition and student loan debt levels.

The second article again explains the value of a college education but also provides links to resources for financing. (If you’re looking for information regarding college enrollment, school comparisons and alternatives for financing, go to our “College Info Resources page from our blog. See links to pages above.)

We would welcome any comments or feedback on these articles.

Thank you,
Armando Salcido
Executive Director

From New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/education/21college.html?_r=1&ref=education

From College View website:
http://www.collegeview.com/importance_of_college_education.html

Feel free to share this article or any part of this blog with family and friends. Use the helpful links below to send by email or to post to your Facebook page, etc.

Can My Child Do Well In Math?

The entire subject of math is actually quite simple, logical and easy to understand. However, it must be taught on a gradient. In other words, children must first understand an introductory level of math, be able to actually apply their understanding to a real-world scenario and become adept and skillful in the use and application of the concept – at that level – before being introduced to higher level concepts. (One example of not applying this idea is the introduction of algebra concepts before a student has even learned their multiplication tables. An example of an introductory level of math to start with would be simply counting out loud and being able to associate each number with a real-world quantity – example: three items for the number “three”, four items for the number “four”, etc.)

Once the child has mastered a concept at that introductory level, only then are they ready to proceed to a slightly higher level. Then, when that new level is mastered, the child is ready for the next level, etc. In this way a child’s self-confidence, certainty and skill level steadily increase until they acquire a very thorough understanding of all required math concepts and can use them skillfully in real-world applications. When accomplished as above there is no problem for students to achieve higher grade point averages. Additionally, when math is taught in this manner, students don’t “forget” how to add, subtract, multiply or divide; they don’t “forget” how to use fractions, decimals and percents. (I used the quotations around the word “forget” because often a student has never really learned the concept in the first place but has simply learned to mimic what they were taught without really understanding the concept or being able to apply it.)

The idea of teaching math on a gradient is the approach used by all of the tutors at Success! Tutoring. While the idea of introducing students to the concepts of algebra and geometry at an earlier and earlier age may, at first glance, seem like a great way to accelerate the education of students, it becomes a losing proposition if the student has not been adequately prepared by acquiring and mastering the skills required at lower levels. In such a case the student just feels like they’ll never understand math and may want to give up. Please note that the problem is not with the child – it is not that they cannot learn or that they have a “learning disability.”

Often, we’ll have first, second or third grade students coming in with homework that includes basic algebra concepts. (2 + [ ] = 6 or 3 x [ ] = 12) While our tutors often work with students that have such homework assignments and help them to get through them, they always go back to the basics and work with the students to ensure they grasp the earlier concepts and eventually master them. So, even though our tutors do help students at whatever level is required, they always go back to the basics and then once those basics are understood, they take the student to the next level, and then the next, etc. until the student can understand the material being introduced in the classroom and can apply it. That is why we have had a number of students that thought they would never understand math prior to coming to Success! Tutoring and now excel in math and do well in the higher levels of math including advanced calculus. It all comes down to the right approach and working with a student until they fully understand each level before moving onto the next.

Note that the above concept also applies not only to math but to other subjects as well. Along the same line of thought is the use of words that are way beyond the grasp of young children. While working with one second grader, I saw that he had the following word problem: “It was John’s malodorous* duty to count the number of shoes left in the bin over the summer.” Why in the world would the word “malodorous” be used in any book for a second grader? This is just one example of why students often have difficulty understanding concepts being used or introduced in their class room.

Please feel free to share this article or to post it on your facebook page, your own personal blog, etc. (See buttons below.)

Anyone interested in finding out more about Success! Tutoring and how we may be able to help your child, please call Vicky at (818) 557-7379.

Thank you,
Armando Salcido,
Executive Director
*Malodorous definition: Adj. Having a bad odor.

Homework: Good or Bad? The Solution?

Homework. The mere mention of the word brings about so many emotions, opinions, ideas and theories from students, parents, teachers and administrators. If one does a Google search for “Article: Homework”, pages and pages of articles will come up. There are articles about the benefits of homework; how it helps students learn, helps to develop a student’s personal responsibility for their own education, promotes initiative and creativity, etc. Then there are other articles that explain how horrible homework is, how it harms students, has no real value, is a waste of time, robs children of their time for real-world exploration, etc.

So, what exactly is the purpose of homework? Homework is supposed to be an extension or continuation of the learning environment found in the classroom. Smart teachers introduce new ideas or concepts during class time and make sure the students understand them. Then, they may assign some homework so that the student can practice these new concepts on their own and thereby gain familiarity, skill and confidence in their use. Other teachers may start students on a project, get them enthused about it, ensure the students all have an understanding of the material presented as well as the expected final result for the project. Then, homework may be assigned for the students to continue or complete the project on their own, thereby bringing about in the student creativity, initiative, accomplishment and pride in a completed project.

Sadly though, some teachers do not have the right viewpoint of homework; they don’t know how to utilize homework as an extension of their own teaching. Instead they assign pages and pages of “busy work” which does not benefit the student. Worse, some teachers don’t ensure that all of their students fully understand the material covered in class and then assign homework for the students to do with the hope that somehow, miraculously the students will acquire an understanding of the material.

Regardless of whether a teacher really knows how to utilize homework correctly or not and regardless of one’s viewpoint or opinion about the value of homework, the simple fact remains that almost all children have homework which is expected to be completed and turned in on a daily or weekly basis. Parents often are not quite sure what to think about homework beyond the fact that it is required of their children and that it is somehow supposed to help them in school. They may not be sure how it will help them but if it is required, then their child should do it.

Additionally, parents often feel frustrated because usually they don’t have the time to help their children with homework; and if they do find the time to help their child or children, they can often be dismayed to find that they themselves do not really know how to do it. Then it really becomes a problem. They don’t want to fall off of the pedestal of the “all knowing parent” in the eyes of their children. They don’t want to feel humiliated and admit they don’t know the answers or how to do the assignment. Nor do they want to guess wrong and give their children the wrong information. They would not want to blame themselves for “helping” their children to come up with the wrong answers. Yet, if they don’t know how to do the homework, how can they expect and insist their child to do it? On the other hand, they know that it is required and as a parent they need to insist their child does his or her homework whenever it is assigned. Wow! What a dilemma!

So, what is the answer? The answer is: Take you child to Success! Tutoring for their after school Homework Help. Students can go to the Success! Tutoring study center and do their homework immediately after school (from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday) in an atmosphere set up for study. There are dictionaries and other reference material available including supervised internet access if needed. Additionally, a professional tutor is available to help students by answering questions they may have or assisting them as needed. This low-cost service is available for students in second grade through the sixth grade. What could be better? Call Success! Tutoring today for more details and to schedule an appointment with Vicky. (818) 557-7379.

First Day of School!

It’s here – The First Day of School!

Well, today is the first day of school for the Burbank Unified School District. Some kids have looked forward to this first day back with eager anticipation, others with dread and I’m sure, quite a few with varying degrees of anxiety. Whatever their viewpoint has been, that day is now here.

Our new service, Homework Help – what is it and how does it compare?

Not all parents have the time (or the patience) to help their children with their homework. Other parents may feel that they don’t have the knowledge, training or skills necessary to be able to help their children. So, what is the solution? Homework Help from Success! Tutoring. Why? Because students in the second through the sixth grades can come to our tutoring center to do their homework immediately after school Monday through Thursday at any time between the hours of 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in an environment that is designed for study and education, supervised by a current or retired teacher that is available for questions and help. What could be better?

If a student generally does ok in school, he or she may only need the services we provide with Homework Help. Especially early on in the school year, it is important for students to stay on top of their homework and any new concepts that are introduced at school. Having one of our tutors on hand for questions while doing homework can help students to stay current and do well the entire school year. Sometimes, if a key concept is not grasped early on in the school year, the child can have difficulty in that particular subject the rest of the year – especially if the concept is a fundamental that will be used throughout the school year.

There are a few places that promote homework help, but it is usually added on as an afterthought to a list of other services including play time, arts and crafts, games, etc. They are usually not staffed with qualified educators and homework help can be scaled down to simply providing a table and chair, then asking the student if they finished their homework before being allowed to go out to play with their friends. Of course, in such a situation, the race is always on to finish their homework as quickly as possible or to take short cuts like only doing the homework in one subject and not telling anyone about the other two or three additional subjects in which they have homework. The objective, from the child’s view, is to “complete” the homework as quickly as possible to go play with their friends.

At Success! Tutoring, our approach is different. We don’t have a play ground, monkey bars, swings or anything like that. There aren’t other kids running around, screaming and yelling excitedly while playing tag, four square, kickball or basketball. That type of environment is not really conducive to concentrating on homework. Instead, at the Success! Tutoring Homework Help program, students do their homework in an environment set up for homework and for learning. The students let the tutor know what their homework assignments are upon arrival and let the tutor know what they intend to get done during the time they are there that day. The students have a set time and place to do their homework along with a few other students that are also doing their homework. We purposely have kept the groups small for the Homework Help so that all students can have access to the tutor if they have questions or need help. Additionally, we have dictionaries and other references available if they are needed. In other words, the purpose, intent and structure of our Homework Help is specifically set up to help students with their homework. It is not an after-thought tagged onto other after school activities.

Now, our Homework Help is not tutoring. It is primarily for students that need help occasionally with their homework and may need help or have questions here or there. Our one-to-one tutoring is for students that are having a difficult time in class, are not “getting it” or are falling behind. Additionally, one-to-one tutoring is also for those students that are doing well but would like to work one-to-one with a tutor so that they can advance or accelerate ahead of their class. Advanced students do this sometimes to stay ahead of their class or to prepare for an upcoming specific class or subject.

Whichever service you are interested in for your child, call to schedule a free consultation early in the school year. Call Vicky at (818) 557-7379 today and take advantage of our “Back to School” specials.

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Any questions, comments, or feed back is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Success! Tutoring

Workshop Completions!

Well, we just completed both an Introduction to Geometry workshop and an Introduction to Algebra workshop yesterday. Each student received a certificate for completion of the workshop and when asked if they’d like to write about their experience and how the workshop helped them, they all said, “yes.” (See our Success Stories page to read what they said.) They all seemed quite happy and ready to go tackle their next math class with gusto and confidence!

While we’ve posted several pictures of the art classes, we haven’t posted any pictures of the sewing class. Below are a couple of pictures of two students in the sewing class and the project they completed today. It’s a notebook and pencil carrying case – a perfect “Back to School” project. They were quite proud of their accomplishment and posed with their creations along with huge smiles!

Only a little over a week before school starts in our local school district. There is so much left to do! There are school supplies needed, books, schedules to be worked out, new teachers to meet, new classes, subjects and new friends! Success! Tutoring wants to make sure that your child has a very successful school year. We’re here to help if the going gets rough, if a concept was not understood or if a student is doing well but wishes to progress ahead of his or her class.

We look forward to serving you this 2010-2011 school year!

Best,

Armando and Vicky Salcido

P.S.: We would love feedback on this blog and would welcome any suggestions you may have.