2016 Education Guide

n o i t a c u e d E d i u G

Brought to you by the Chester County Press • August 10, 2016

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There’s still time to register for fall classes at Delaware County Community College There’s still time to register for fall courses at Delaware County Community College—don’t miss out! There are five options available for fall, including traditional and accelerated courses as well as online and on-campus classes. Each session features courses on a broad range of subjects, including allied health, business, communications, English, mathematics, public service, science and the trades. Courses are offered at each of the College’s nine campuses, with three locations in Delaware County and six in Chester County.

Fall—Full term semester, courses run August 29-December 11. The last day to register is August 24.

Fall Accelerated 1—Courses run August 29-October 16.

The last day to register is August 24.

Fall 2—Courses begin September 19 and end December 11. Not as fast-paced as fall accelerated 1 and 2, this option gives students a chance to get started on their education without waiting until spring. The last day to register is September 16.

Fall Accelerated 2—Courses run October 20-December 11. The last day to register is October 19.

Winter Online—A fully online session that gives students a chance to earn credits between semesters. These intensive, five-week classes are offered entirely online and run from December 12-January 13. Registration is open from August 23 to December 9.

Late Registration—On August 24, the College will host late registration for fall courses. On this day, new applicants must complete registration in person between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Marple Campus (901 S. Media Line Road, Media), Southeast Center (2000 Elmwood Avenue, Sharon Hill), Exton Center (906 & 912 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA) or the Pennocks Bridge Campus (280 Pennocks Bridge Road, West Grove). Returning students may register online through delaGATE, the College’s official student communications portal, no later than Wednesday, August 24. More information is available at www.dccc.edu/lateregistration.

Classes are filling quickly, so call 610-359-5050 or visit www.dccc.edu/register to find out more about course selection, placement testing, financial aid and other components of the admissions process.

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Cabrini welcomes Cecil and Oxford Early College Academy students Although it will be nearly two years until they concurrently earn their Oxford Area High School and Cecil College diplomas, 11 Early College Academy students had a taste of what lies ahead on their educational paths by spending a couple of summer days on the campus of Cabrini University. After moving into Xavier Residence Hall for a one-night stay, they immersed themselves into college life by participating in a program of exploration, which included workshops and activities led by Cabrini and Cecil staff and faculty.

A variety of topics were covered, including inequality in the educational system, divergent thinking, service learning, interviewing and networking strategy, and a teambuilding game creation activity. The students also had the opportunity to chat with Cabrini and Cecil representatives about their careers and enjoy some informal time by having meals together and hanging out in the residence hall.

The first cohort of 17 students began the Early College Academy in fall 2014. With curriculum designed to be progressively more rigorous as they progress from ninth to 12th grade, the students are simultaneously enrolled in coursework that fulfills both high school graduation and associate degree requirements. Thus far, all of the college coursework has taken place at Oxford Area High School. In the third and fourth years, the bulk of the time consists of college classes on Cecil’s North East campus.

Your future begins at Cecil College. Conveniently located in North East and Elkton, Cecil’s small classes provide individual attention and academic excellence at an affordable cost. Many courses are offered online or in condensed and accelerated formats. Cecil also has advising and career planning services as well as job placement assistance.

The college has a variety of degree programs such as business administration, computer science, criminal justice, education, equine studies, general studies, horticulture science, visual communications, social work, biology, engineering, mathematics and physics. Students can also enroll in one of Cecil’s certificate programs to prepare for a new career. In addition, Cecil has continuing education classes to help students stretch their minds and bodies.

For more information, visit www.cecil.edu or call 410-287-1000.

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West Fallowfield Christian School accepting enrollment for Fall 2016 The school is now offering a high school co-op for ninth-graders

West Fallowfield Christian School (WFCS) is currently accepting registration for the Fall 2016-2017 school year. West Fallowfield offers classes for students in preschool (three- and four-year-olds) through the eighth grades. In addition, the school will begin offering a high school co-op for ninthgraders.

This fall, “The Academy at West Fallowfield Christian School” will be introduced as a high school co-op. This unique high school experience will offer ninth-graders with highquality instruction in a Christian environment.

Core subjects of English, Algebra 2, Biology, World History and Bible will be taught two days a week on campus.

Qualified teachers will

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prepare lesson plans for the remaining three days of the week. Grading and portfolio assistance will also be provided by the staff. The plan for the future is to add an additional grade per year.

Little Falcons Preschool is academic-based and offers two-, three- and fiveday programs for three-and four-year-olds. The classes meet from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The hands-on curriculum incorporates Reading Readiness, Math Skills, Language Arts, Pre-Handwriting, Science, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Devotions, Bible, Spanish and Library. Students learn through center time, discovery play, and hands-on activities, as well as fine and gross motor skill development.

Kindergarten at WFCS is full-day and is offered as a four-day or five-day program week. The Kindergarten core curriculum (Monday through Thursday) includes Reading Readiness, Mathematics, Language Arts, Handwriting, Writer’s Workshop, Computer, Library, Art, Music, Physical Education, Chapel, Devotions, and Bible. The five-day students will benefit from additional curriculum including Science, Social Studies, Specials, Reading and Math Enrichment, Literacy Centers and Kindergarten Cafe.

Interscholastic opportunities for middle school students are available in fine arts and athletics. Girls’ athletics include volleyball, soccer, basketball and track and field. Boys’ athletics include soccer, basketball, track and field. In addition to the core subjects, middle school students choose from a variety of elective subjects to broaden their interests and learning. The school also offers clubs once a week to middle school as well. All students participate in music and art

programs. Several classes, including the eighth grade, will benefit from learning Spanish in order to prepare them for their high school career.

West Fallowfield Christian School has a full comprehensive Resource Room to offer academic and learning support. The Chester County Intermediate Unit provides additional reading and speech therapy support. Small class size also gives students the opportunity to receive individualized attention.

Celebrating seventy-five years this fall, West Fallowfield Christian School is committed to providing quality, Christian education for families and students in the surrounding communities. The school is enriched by its diverse student body, which attends more than 30 churches in the Chester and Lancaster County areas.

Bus transportation is supplied for K-8 students residing in the Avon Grove, Coatesville, Octorara, Oxford, Pequea, Solanco, and Unionville-Chadds Ford Districts.

WFCS admits students of any race, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the programs, rights, privileges, and activities generally afforded to students.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, or gender in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs.

Financial grants are available.

The school is located at 795 Fallowfield Road in Atglen, Pa. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the school at 610-593-5011 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You may also visit the school’s Facebook and website at www.wfcs.org.

Oxford Center for Dance 610-932-3267 • 2371 Baltimore Pike, Oxford, PA 19363 www.oc4dance.com • oc4dance@zoominternet.net

New Student Registration dates: Saturday, August 20th • 10am - 12pm Saturday, August 27th • 10am - 12pm Online registration available!

“Tutu for One Special” Register your 3, 4 or 5 year old AND a new friend for Pre Ballet I-II and you each only pay HALF the tuition price each month!

Tap & Tumbling is also included in the class

FREE REGISTRATION New Students only!

May not be combined with any other offers.

Must present coupon to be valid. 10/31/16.

Exclusive “Boys Only”

FREE Boys Hip Hop Class Ages 6 and up.

May not be combined with any other offers.

Must present coupon to be valid. 10/31/16.

Ballet • Pointe • Hip Hop • Jazz • Tap • Lyrical • Modern • Contemporary Improv • Musical Theatre • Boys Hip Hop • Boys Tap • Zumba

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Program a P.L.U.S. For pre-schoolers Are you looking for a preschool that celebrates your child’s strengths and understands individual learning styles?

The Arc’s P.L.U.S. program, Preschool Learning through Understanding and Success, offers a unique, inclusive learning environment that fosters all abilities of children from a young age.

The year-round P.L.U.S program is led by caring, and compassionate teachers. The certified and highly trained staff are versed in supporting various learning styles and are dedicated to their students. The program offers a family-centered approach through open communication with parents and caregivers.

The Arc’s low teacher turnover rate has provided students with stability, consistency, and a collaborative environment for learning.

Children ages 3 to 5 may attend the program for as little as one day a week. Small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios provide for individualized attention and, for teachers, the ability to adapt programming to each student’s style of learning. With a full-time nurse on-site, nursing services are available for all students based on each individual child’s needs.

Call The Arc of Chester County for more information or to schedule a tour. Contact Judy Glass, OTR/L Director, Children’s Early Learning Services/Programs at 610-696-8090 or jglass@ arcofchestercounty.org.

Lessons - Private and Group • Boarding - Full and Field Training and Sales Board • Camp

610-324-3851 • 258 Spring Valley Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Space is limited so call to reserve.

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Do You Know How Much College Will Really Cost Your Family?

Paying for college? Look beyond the tuition price tag when making your financial plans and you will encounter many expenses not listed in school brochures. Be aware of these costs. Determine in advance how you’ll pay for them and even consider how you may save money.

With some smart preparation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are some things to keep in mind when assessing college costs and financing options: Financing No matter what your family’s financial status is, you should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, which is the first step toward obtaining financial aid. Also explore additional financing options, like scholarships, tuition payment plans your school offers, federal loans and private alternative loans.

Millions of Americans are faced with a rising amount of student loan debt. Make graduating debt-free your objective and only take out loans by necessity. After receiving award letters, scholarships and grants, calculate whether there is still a financial gap between your resources and the cost of college. Take out a private student loan only after exhausting these other resources and efforts first.

If you do opt for a private loan, ensure you’re familiar with the loan’s terms, as well as the realities of graduating with debt. A responsible lender that defers payments until after you leave school can help you get educated on how loan repayment works and how this decision will affect you in the future. A loan consultant at your bank can help you explore the best options for you. For example, applying with a cosigner may qualify you for a lower interest rate, saving you money down the line.

Plan Ahead To be truly prepared for the years ahead, get as accurate an estimate of total college costs as possible. Most school websites offer a net price calculator that can give you an estimate of your total college cost and your financial aid award.

Also, free online tools, such as Wells Fargo’s Get College Ready College Cost Calculator, available at www.WellsFargo.com/GetCollegeReady, helps you take all your personal factors into consideration. The site also features useful tips and checklists for parents and students on subjects like paying for college, managing money and building good credit while in school.

When putting a price tag on college, don’t forget to budget for other certain and potential expenses like a mobile phone plan, medical insurance, lab fees and class materials.

Save Money After tallying up college costs, you may encounter practical ways to reduce expenditures. For instance, you can save on big ticket items by attending your state school at the in-state tuition rate or by living at home.

Save on day-to-day living costs by biking instead of driving and buying textbooks used. Get a smaller meal plan and prepare some meals in your apartment.

There’s no doubt about it, college is expensive. Be realistic about the true costs associated with a financing an education and get savvy about how to pay for it wisely.

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10 Career Reentry Must-Do’s To Hit the Ground Running!

Summer is the perfect time to put your career relaunch plan in place and get in front of the fall applicant rush. Here are 10 steps to get ahead: Clarify your career priorities, interests and best fit—Are you interested in parttime or full-time work? A career shift, a social cause or a new technology? You can’t move forward until you narrow it down.

Identify any needed skill updates—Consider in-class and e-learning options and get started as soon as possible. For tech skills, start with YouTube tutorials. Research your chosen field for required certifications and register now to start them.

Establish how best to market yourself—Develop your elevator pitch, a succinct version of your professional story and qualifications. Practice with friends and family!

Polish your resume—Don’t forget to describe relevant volunteer work the same way you describe paid work.

Create a social media presence—especially a LinkedIn profile. Use LinkedIn Learning Webinars to help.

Build a networking list—Identify people from your past and present with whom you have worked or volunteered. Create “people from the future” networks by volunteering to organize a regional alumni club, for example.

Set up informational interviews—Ask former colleagues to walk you through changes in the industry or their own career path decisions.

Register on job sites—to receive relevant job postings. Bookmark target company employment and reentry internship pages.

Plan for the new job—Think about any extra support you will need to keep your household running smoothly. Research after-school programs, tutors, cleaning help and more.

Relax and recharge—Make some time to enjoy summer so that you’re ready physically and mentally to dive into the job market.

Could you benefit from expert guidance to get started?

Mark your calendar to attend the STEM Career Renewal Conference on Nov. 3 at the University of Delaware. This event is open to all professionals, and will feature internationally recognized expert and TED Talk speaker Carol Fishman Cohen, CEO and co-founder of iRelaunch and co-author of Back on the Career Track. For details, visit www.pcs.udel.edu/career-renewal.

Adapted from “10 Summer Career Reentry Must-Do’s To Hit the Ground Running Right after Labor Day!” by Carol Fishman Cohen. Content adapted with permission of iRelaunch, LLC.

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Treasure of a school in nearby Rising Sun, Maryland West Nottingham Academy (WNA), the oldest boarding school in America, is close to Chester County’s southwestern border. Founded in 1744 by Reverend Samuel Finley, who went on to become president of what is now Princeton University, WNA numbers among its distinguished alumni signers of the Declaration of Independence, the co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, renowned contemporary artist Eric Fischl, and numerous other notable individuals.

Offering both boarding and day opportunities, WNA is located about five miles past the MD-PA border off Route 1 in Colora, Maryland. Day students from the Oxford Area School District and Solanco are, by law, eligible for free bus transportation to and from the Academy. WNA is also readily accessible from many points in the Avon Grove, Octorara, and Kennett school districts as well as from Newark, De. Today, WNA enrolls approximately 130 students in grades 9-12, Forty percent of the student body is from countries outside the United States.

For families considering a boarding school for their child, WNA offers a unique choice within close driving distance to northern Chester, Montgomery, and Berks Counties, as well as the Philadelphia area. WNA offers a good value compared to comparable independent schools on the Main Line and in Wilmington, DE. Students receive a quality college preparatory curriculum in a nurturing environment, as well as two unique programs.

The WNA skating program is available for students with a serious interest in figure skating. The program includes special scheduling of classes and transportation is provided each afternoon to Rust Arena.

The Chesapeake Learning Center (CLC), now in its 31st year, provides services for a small percentage of students with learning differences in a true college-prep independent school environment. For students who have not had academic success commensurate with their abilities in the traditional school setting, the CLC offers daily academic support, access to honors and AP courses, strong arts and athletics programming, and robust college transition planning. Boarding students experience a version of college life with the support provided by residential staff. Day students in the program also experience a taste of college-campus lifestyle in the closely-knit, diverse community of West Nottingham Academy. For information on WNA please refer to www.wna.org.

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Centreville Layton School helps students reach their potential Centreville Layton School serves students who learn differently from pre-K to 12th grade.

It is the first school of its kind in the state and is proud to be on the cutting-edge of education. Centreville Layton School offers a rigorous educational and cultural experience for students who learn differently. The program identifies academic and social needs of the individual and provides a curriculum that focuses on problem solving and critical thinking. Through intervention and strengthening learning strategies, the school empowers each student to reach his or her potential.

Centreville Layton School offers small class sizes and targeted areas of support for each student. For more information on curriculum and services, visit CentrevilleLayton.org

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Ensuring a great back to school transition Back to school time can be a source of nerves or excitement for many children. Some preparation goes a long way in making your child feel comfortable and optimistic. Here are five tips for a smooth transition back to school:

then simply listen. If they mention fears or struggles from last year, be supportive and positive. Offer encouragement by sharing that no problem is insurmountable and together you can work through any issues. A new school year offers a fresh beginning.

Start with an open conversation. Instead of a one-sided lecture on your expectations for this school year, ask how your child is feeling—

List goals for the year. After an honest conversation, talk about you and your child’s goals for this year. Focus all goals on making

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improvements (e.g. raising a grade or becoming more organized) rather than achievements (e.g. getting all A’s). Break big goals into smaller steps. If your child wants to become better at math, define steps they can make to ensure that happens.

Get organized at home. Prepare now for the new school year.

Have your child tidy their desk and make a list of supplies to restock.

Buy a new planner and have your child write their class schedule in the front. Hang a family/school calendar in a central location. Share your own systems for managing school paperwork with your child and discuss their organization ideas. Finally, designate an area for unloading backpacks and organizing papers.

Get the brain school ready. Two or three weeks before school begins, have your child review last year’s textbooks and assignments for subjects like math and science—even if it’s just 10 minutes each evening. If reading has waned over summer break, reestablish that nightly habit. These efforts minimize regression and provide a helpful refresher on last year’s learning.

Consider creating a school year contract. The switch from summer leisure to a school schedule can feel abrupt for many children. Create an agreement between you and your child that sets expectations and goals, and outlines your child’s responsibilities as a student, and your support. This should be a constructive, encouraging process.

It takes minimal effort to get your child mentally ready to return to school with a positive, motivated outlook. Model enthusiasm and optimism for a great year ahead. Assure your child that with hard work and a good attitude, good things will happen—and if problems arise, you will work together to correct them.

These insights are provided by the Huntington Learning Center in ewark, Del. Newark,

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Archmere is founded in faith and evolving for the future Founded by the Norbertine Fathers, and rooted in the traditions of academic excellence, social development, community service, and faith reflection, Archmere Academy continues to adapt to an ever-changing world, employing best practices for 21st century learning and challenging today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Archmere Students are Inspired to Achieve by the relationships they form with their teachers, friends, administrators and staff. It is through these connections that our students find the support, guidance, motivation, and knowledge they need to reach their highest achievement and find true, personal distinction.

Archmere Focuses on the Whole Student by offering technology-infused programs, a rigorous curriculum supported by studentteacher partnerships, a host of extracurricular opportunities, and a fully utilized collegiatestyle campus to create the exceptional educational experience that is Archmere.

Archmere Offers an Elite Educational Program: since its founding in 1932, Archmere has been known for its rigorous academic program.

• Student/Teacher ratio of 9:1 with an average class size of 16 • 21 Advanced Placement Course Offerings • In 2015 97% of the over 170 Archmere students who took AP exams scored a 3 or higher • 3 full exchange immersion programs with France, Germany, and Spain • 83% of faculty hold advanced degrees with an average of 15 years of experience • The Archmere class of 2015’s mean SAT score was 1903 (out of 2400), 535 points higher than the Delaware average, and 413 points above the national average • Apple Distinguished School with 1:1 Laptop in a 21st Century Learning environment

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Our academic program is strengthened by the technology infusion that is utilized to enhance instruction in multiple content areas primarily through the use of laptops and iPads. It’s balanced by numerous opportunities to participate in sports, community service, performing and fine arts, and over 50 extra-curricular clubs and activities. In short, Archmere is a place where students come to discover who they are by exploring interests, developing skills, and nurturing talents.

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The Tome School’s tradition of academic excellence dates back to 1889 “What is better for children . . . a large school or a small school?”

Fifty years ago, researchers asked this same question (Barker & Gump, 1964) and discovered that small schools share certain characteristics: a sense of pride, and an attitude and sense of personal possession and involvement on the part of students, parents, teachers,

administrators, and community. These findings do not surprise us at The Tome School.

Tome is proud of its long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1889, when Jacob Tome founded the school in Port Deposit, Md. Today, the school enrolls over 470 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade at the Hostetter-Hogue Campus in North

East, Md. Its rigorous academic program boasts results that are undeniable – an average SAT score of 1886, nine National Merit Scholars in the Class of 2016, and merit scholarships totaling over 5.5 million dollars.

Our faculty, staff, and families share in the responsibility of educating our future leaders. We stress personal responsibility and self-discipline in the classroom, the

athletic field and the community at large. We offer a safe and secure learning environment where students are permitted to take risks and stretch their latent talents. We are a community known as the Tome Family.

Come see for yourself the benefits of a small school and become part of the Tome family.

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