Tips for Students

AIME, AMC, USAMO, Oh My!

By Guest Blogger on September 25th, 2013

The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field is rapidly growing. There are many programs and contests young students can become involved with to learn more about the different careers in STEM.

Many of these contests, however, are commonly recognized by their acronyms: AIME, AMC, USAMO. Few people outside the field know what these letters actually stand for. Each contest is part of the American Mathematic Competition Association (AMC). This group is devoted to growing mathematic understanding in the nation’s youth. Of the many contests, AIME, AMC, and USAMO are the most popular. Here are the contests behind the acronyms. Continue reading

Why We Love Social Media

By Guest Blogger on August 19th, 2013

Social media has completely changed the way we communicate with each other. Maybe we’re guilty of accidentally referring to our friends by their Twitter handles in real life; spending all week finding the perfect photo for #ThrowbackThursday; doing something cool, just so that you can Instagram it; or using the word “Instagram” as a verb.

(I can just envision my former English teachers sighing in unison as they mark 10 points off this blog post.) Continue reading

Planning and Paying for Post-Secondary Education

By Guest Blogger on July 18th, 2013

As a School Counselor, I always know when summer is near by the number of seniors requesting guidance in preparation for the next stage of their lives. Whether it is reviewing transcripts, offering resources to research financial aid options, or discussing opportunities for college or technical schools, we delight in helping students transition into early adulthood! Recently, there has been a noticeable spotlight shined on the rising cost of post-secondary tuition and the rapid accumulation of student loan debt. Continue reading

Road Trip to the Next Exit!

By Guest Blogger on June 24th, 2013

Photo Credit: Next Exit History App

About four years ago, Apple launched the iTunes App Store and a little word that never existed in the Dictionary is something you now hear people of many generations saying…“there’s an app for that.”

If your family is like mine, your children are using the iPad (or a similar tablet) more and more each day. My now 5-year-old son was about 3 years old when he first picked up the iPad; it amazed me how he could not read, but could figure out how to play. I am always looking for fun apps that help my children learn without them realizing that they are learning. If you are like me, you are going to love this new app! Continue reading

Set SMART Goals

By Amy LaGrasta on May 23rd, 2013

There are five things to consider when setting goals. They should be: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely; hence the acronym SMART.

SPECIFIC

Is your goal clearly written, easily understood, and straightforward? A goal to simply “lose weight” or “eat healthy” is not specific. Instead, clearly specify the outcome. “I will lose five pounds by May 15.” “I will eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.” Being specific allows us to clearly focus on what we accomplish. Continue reading

Why FLVS is Important for Kids

By Guest Blogger on April 15th, 2013

When people ask me what I do and I tell them I’m a teacher, they almost always ask, “Where?” When I reply Florida Virtual School, I am often met with a confused expression. Then the questions start. Where is it located? How do the students take their courses? How often do you see them? What kinds of courses are offered? Why would kids want to take their courses on a computer anyway? Of course I try to answer all of these questions in the best way I can, but I never know if I get across to people how important online schooling can be for students. Maybe I didn’t even fully realize it myself until today. Continue reading

The Distinction Between Commitment and Attachment

By Guest Blogger on April 11th, 2013

Photo credit: Isaac B2 via Flickr.com

I learned a long time ago from my grandfather that there is a distinction between commitment and attachment. Pop always used to tell me that those who are committed will always succeed. I have never set out to accomplish something and failed as I am prepared to change course, when need be, as I am not attached to this path. Pop would tell me that when I was attached to something, I was fixated on one idea and could not open myself to other ideas or possibilities. Since life is full of possibilities, I “tried this on” and have created many possibilities for myself and my life. I fully subscribe to this distinction and believe this has created the space for me to stay committed to my wellbeing, health, and fitness. Continue reading

Homework Hassles

By Guest Blogger on April 8th, 2013

My sister is conducting her own personal rally against homework. I don’t blame her one bit. Most of my working-parent friends pick up their children after 5:30 p.m. By the time they get home and eat dinner, they may have one-and-a-half hours of quality time left with their child. Then the homework monster rears its head, which often consists of the parent helping to clear up incorrect concepts. My niece did her share of complaining about homework too. I thought the United States was making headway in educational practices, but from her comments, it seems that rote practice is normal. Are we still in 1900? Continue reading

Word Nerd

By Amy LaGrasta on March 4th, 2013

Photo Credit: http://barnraisersllc.com/2011/03/top-20-words-people-twitter-tells-2/

I am a self-proclaimed word nerd. When I come across a word I don’t know, first, I try to figure out what it means by context. Then, I look it up in my handy-dandy, good, old fashioned Webster’s dictionary! Finally, I put the word into use. For the next week, I incorporate it into my everyday use. I may be greeted with a roll of the eyes at the use of “kanban” and “lagniappe,” but it does not deter me. The more I use these new words, the more likely they will become part of my everyday language. Continue reading