October 2024 Newsletter

Fall is here, even though it may not feel like it. Our kids are busy with so many activities that we don’t even know how we can get to the store, get our own errands done or have time for ourselves. Many of you are in the throws of the school process and as always, we are a trusted resource if you need that extra guidance.

Over the last few weeks we held our annual panels with admission directors and psychologist, Dr. Fontina Rashid, who all imparted their nuggets of wisdom. Here are a few valuable takeaways from the meetings:

• Keep an open mind as you look at schools
• Trust your gut
• Reflect, inspect and connect
• Find your true authentic self as you walk through this process
• No single factor will determine the outcome
• Our schools are all good places, even great places
• Success can be defined in different ways
• Be aware that your stress can be contagious to your children
• The mental health of you and your family is the most important

We would like to thank the following schools and admission directors who took time away from their day to share their wisdom.

Trinity School – Pace Academy – St. Martin’s Episcopal School – Mount Vernon School – 

The Lovett School – Holy Innocents Episcopal School – Whitefield Academy – Galloway School –

The Westminster Schools

Also a big thank you to Trinity Presbyterian Preschool for hosting our Life After Preschool panel. We value our relationships with these knowledgeable and thoughtful people.

If you missed our panel, you can view the recording here, using the password +h1iPV8G

At our Life After Preschool conversation, we had families join us who are zoned for a variety of elementary schools– Montgomery Ferry Elementary, Toomer Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Teasley Elementary and Heards Ferry Elementary just to name a few. We covered the city map, as we discussed summer birthdays, testing, finances and how to find the right school for your child. We also discussed the important topics of socialization of the child and the importance of play. We continue to stress the value of Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation. We value what it has to say about technology use and the importance of giving our children independence. In addition to helping parents with their children and educational planning, Education Connection Advisors also values educating parents.

Questions we continually stress with our families:

Have you over scheduled your child?

Do you see gaps in their learning?

Are you limiting device time?

Are your kids having down time and playing outside?

Does anyone need extra help in reading or math?

Are you happy and taking the time for yourself?

Are you sitting down for dinner as a family at least once a week?

Are you having good conversations with your children?

We are still taking clients but our practice is full and thriving. We thank those who have referred us to others. We feel every family is important. We are available to help you figure out your school path and continue to stress that there is no perfect school. We remain committed to both public and private schools, specialized as well. We are committed to education and families.

Take care,

Barbara, Betsy, Fontaine and Margo