If your child wants to take a break at any time, I understand. Be advised I cannot hold a spot. I will fill any open spot with someone who is on my wait list. If and when a former student wants to return, I will do everything in my power to allow them back in, but there may be a wait if all spots are filled. I have invested my time and energy in all of my students so of course I want them to come back. 

You are welcome to make up a class on another class day as long as I am contacted in advance through email. I offer classes every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00-8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM–2:30 PM.

I try to offer four times each month for each day I offer classes. This means there is an extra class day built in for students to have one day off per month. This is purposeful. It prevents burn out while also giving a bit of flexibility when life events come up. The last week of classes is ALWAYS a make-up week.

Payment is expected the first class of every month. All students will pay $110 for a minimum of 3 classes per month. I will send an online invoice or give another payment option for those families who prefer payment directly. You are welcome to call me and place a credit card on file to make payment automatically billed

Parents will need to assist students the first time, guiding students to enter on the south side of the building and walk across a long ramp to a side door. They will then immediately walk up the stairs to find my office, one of many at the top of the stairs. 

Please stay close by for your child’s 30-minute class. I ask that you do not run errands and make your child wait beyond their class time during this pandemic. 

In case of emergency or illness, please text me immediately to cancel a class. I will NOT answer my phone in class, but I can briefly glance at a text without taking precious time away from students.

IN-PERSON students will come to class at a specific time slot designated ONLY for those students who prefer face to face interaction.

With the latest confusing CDC mask guidelines, I want my families to know I plan to wear a mask myself, will insist students wear masks, and safely distance all students who plan on returning to in person classes.

I will continue to listen to the science and take every precaution necessary to keep myself and students as safe as possible. This will give any student who is aged 12 and older time to vaccinate. I myself am fully vaccinated.

For my younger students in the 10-11 range, and there are only a few, I imagine with the push to open up all schools in person in the fall, the younger age group will be next in line for the CDC to announce to be vaccinated. Again, they will be as protected as I can make my classroom.

Online students have a bit more flexibility since I do not have to limit the number of students who log onto Zoom at one time. 

I creatively write each essay prompt to present both engaging and enlightened topics that students will enjoy discussing in class. Each week students will be instructed to respond to the lesson with a carefully constructed essay response. I model for students how to construct clear thesis and topic sentences. The body paragraphs will always be the focus and area to develop. 

The importance of creating a consistent structure and having a strong framework/foundation before students begin writing is emphasized. I will go line by line through a student’s essay response and point out any mistakes or offer suggestions to add precise word choices or incorporate descriptive details. Editing/Revising is the most important and critical step in the writing process. This is the part where students grow the fastest. 

Every January, February, and March, I will instruct students how to navigate and respond to past standardized test prompts. I want my students to know they will be prepared and gain confidence so they can respond to any prompt.

Every Fall, in the months of September, October, and November, there is a switch in my program where I incorporate engaging short stories. This is in preparation for students to write their own short story in December to submit to creative writing contests in the area. The best way to learn the story elements is by reading classic short stories and responding to their meaning.

Please be advised, I do not teach to a standardized test. However, I understand my parents, and students want direction/guidance in how to respond to standardized test/STAARS prompts. I will address these prompts in the most creative way possible.