KnowledgePoints of Land O'Lakes

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Issue: # 6 March - April 2010 
Greetings!

Welcome to the Land O' Lakes KnowledgePoints newsletter, In The Know.  During each issue of In The Know we will provide you with information that will help ensure your child's success in school and in life.  We're sorry this edition is a little late - March is our busiest month of the year.  Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement listing all of our Summer Programs!
This Month's Articles
   
Do Your Children Know How to Write Properly?
 
Whether it is e-mailing, text messaging, instant messaging, or tweeting, students today are using new ways to communicate.  While instantaneous communication can be entertaining, how is it impacting the way our kids think and write?  It seems the days of composing a thoughtful, multi-paragraph letter on personalized stationery are gone, having been replaced by fingers tapping on keys at warp speed, producing cryptic messages such as "K...LOL...THX...TTYL."  Unfortunately, the negative impact of today's new technology (though it has its definite benefits) is showing up in the way our students communicate - whether written or verbal.
 

Have you noticed any signs of struggles with written communication in your student?  How are your child's grammatical skills?  Does your child have problems with following the steps of the writing process or often have a difficult time starting a piece of writing?  KnowledgePoints can help.

The KnowledgePoints Writing Program utilizes the Six Traits of Writing Model, walking students through specific writing assignments of various genres:  descriptive, narrative, process, expository, persuasive, and research.  This program focuses on the steps involved in the writing process and how to approach writing based on the student's needs.  Students work at their own pace, receiving individualized attention from our instructors.  The Six Traits of Writing is the same writing curriculum taught in both Pasco and Hillsborough County public schools, as well as many of our local private schools. 

The 6 Traits are: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice and Conventions. 
What is an IEP?
 
IEP stands for an Individualized Education Program.  This document provides individual guidance for students to obtain education goals. This includes special education and students with disabilities such as ADD, autism, and ADHD.
 
The first step in the IEP process is to gather specific data regarding the student's progress. This may be done through:
 
 
  • A conference with parents
  • A conference with the student
  • Observation of the student
  • Analysis of the student's performance (attention, behavior, work completion, tests, classwork, homework, etc.)
 The professionals on the evaluation team can include:

  • A psychologist
  • A physical therapist
  • An occupational therapist
  • A speech therapist
  • A special educator
  • A vision or hearing specialist
  • Others, depending on the child's specific needs
The cover page of the IEP outlines the support services your child will receive and how often they will be provided (for example, occupational therapy twice a week). Support services might include special education, speech therapy, occupational or physical therapy, counseling, audiology, medical services, nursing, vision or hearing therapy, and many others.

The IEP process is complex, but it's also an effective way to address how your child learns. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to ask questions about the evaluation or the goals recommended by the team. You know your child best!  You are their advocate!

For more information on the IEP, please visit
www.kidshealth.org.
 
Star Students of the Week!
                             

                                   

               Kylie Myers                                                                Eric Lee
                      8th Grader                                                                7th Grader 
             Academy at the Lakes                                         Rushe Middle School
 
 
                                 
     
                   Matt Salzgeber                                                         Martin Le
                      7th Grader                                                              3rd Grader  
          Pine View Middle School                                 Oakstead Elementary School
                                                     
   
                                
 
                   
                        Dylan Rodriguez                                               Abigail Persky
                            3rd Grader                                                         10th Grader
                    Pine View Elementary                                     Academy at the Lakes
 
 
                                     
 
                   Brad Robbins                                                     Edwin Batista
                          7th Grader                                                             7th Grader
                   Rushe Middle School                                      Rushe Middle School
In This Issue
Do Your Children Know How to Write Properly?
What is an IEP?
Upcoming Events
SAT Test Dates
   May 1
   June 5
   
ACT Test Dates
   April 10
   June 12
 
Last Day of School - Pasco 
   June 9
 
Last Day of School - Hillsborough
   June 10

From Our Families

"We just met with Dylan's new teachers and they said that he isn't the kid they expected based on the notes from last year's teachers.  With where he is now they knew that Dylan must have been doing something over the summer, so I owe that all to you.  Dylan can actually sit and read me a whole story now.  I'm so happy for what you all have done for my son, thanks for everything! There's been a big change in our eyes and I'm very proud of him."
 
Our Programs
Math
Geometry
Gifted Learning and Enrichment
 

About KnowledgePoints of Land O' Lakes

KnowledgePoints provides an individualized and personal approach to tutoring in Math, Reading, Writing, SAT/ACT preparation, Algebra, Geometry, Study Skills and Homework Help at affordable rates.  Offering proven results, we serve students in grades Pre K - 12th grade who are struggling, have fallen behind, or who seek additional challenge.  The proprietary program consists of a diagnostic skills assessment, individualized instruction, and an effective motivational system that builds students' skills and helps them gain the desire and confidence to succeed. We also provide free community presentations on various education-related topics for schools and family-oriented organizations. 

Sincerely,

KnowledgePoints of Land O' Lakes
KnowledgePoints
 
of Land O'Lakes 
 2201 Collier Pkwy
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
 
(813) 909-0781
 
 
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Mention this coupon and receive 1 free hour towards any new program enrollment of 10 hours or more!

 (Includes Homework Edge)
 

Limit 1 per student.  Offer expires May 31, 2010.

Other restrictions may apply.  See Center for details.