SUMMER SCHEDULING & POLICY
Yes, summer scheduling has begun!
We are grateful to those families who continue their commitment year-round, as the children benefit from the combined consistency and expertise, taking each student as far as possible in all aspects of literacy and math.
Upon return from extended summer absence, we have documented a loss in reading fluency, word identification, written language facility and spelling: Summer Learning Loss. Therefore we are transitioning to a year-round calendar to promote steady growth and continuity. Children make continual and steady growth in their area(s) of need over the summer. It is a perfect opportunity to deepen instruction and ensure success. Practice is invaluable and needs to be maintained over the summer.
Moving to a year-round schedule means that your child will have the same time-slots that they occupy during the school year. We know that many sessions will need to be rescheduled, due to camps, travel, etc. Please read the following carefully:
Students who are continuing over the summer but need to schedule make-ups when absent due to camps and vacations:
- Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to change your current weekly reserved time(s) for summer. The sooner you tell us what times and days are best, the greater the likelihood we will be able to accommodate the new times for summer. Please contact your clinician and copy Natalie to communicate your needs.
- Your clinician will go through the weeks that need to be rescheduled with you. For example, a student may attend a month of weekly sessions spread out over a week when returning from camp or vacation.
- We work remotely and in person so hybrid schedules are no problem. Maintaining a schedule in whatever form it needs to take is fine with us as long as we have the availability.
Students stopping over the summer but expecting to return in the fall:
- If you choose to pause tutoring over the summer, fall spots are not guaranteed. Returning families who have discontinued over the summer are of course welcomed back in the fall, but it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The reason for this is that we have a waiting list of students who are in need of intervention and want to secure spots on our calendars. When we have openings in our schedule, as we do when students are away for extended periods of time, we need to offer open spots to these families.
- If you are planning to pause tutoring over the summer, please let us know ASAP. If you don’t give notice by May 1, we’ll assume you’re continuing with your regular schedule.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Providing the best, most effective intervention is and always will be our standard.
Warmest Regards,
Holly Graves and the HGA team
FAQs
Q: What will students work on over the summer?
A: Summer is the perfect time to deepen and expand knowledge. Explicit, prescriptive instruction for writing/composing, spelling, handwriting, study skills, math and vocabulary. Discuss with your clinician what is recommended.
Q: Does HGA help students prepare for standardized tests, like the ISEE, HSPT, or SAT?
A: Yes! We help students prepare for all standardized tests. It is recommended that students start preparing two years before they are scheduled to take one of these tests. Long term exposure to test taking and preparation has resulted in higher scores for many students. The continual exposure to complex text and vocabulary strengthens their ability to integrate strategies, unlocking unfamiliar words for meaning using affixes, Greek and Latin roots. Long term practice makes facing such a “high stakes” testing situation less anxiety provoking as they learn what to expect and how to handle it.
Q: What if I want my child to come more frequently over the summer?
A: Extra sessions can always be added to the calendar.