It was lights, camera and a LOT of action for Ashley Tutors this week. As we were teaming up several of our math and reading tutors with middle and high school students to help them with their finals exams, we were also featured in an NBC 4 segment on keeping kids sharp over the summer. I think it is super important to keep kids on track during the summer months and also a great time to prepare for the next school year so I was very prepared to talk with NBC about the subject. In fact — on an earlier blog, I gave parents some tips to help kids avoid “brain drain.” If you missed the NBC story, no problem - please check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg3Oc5eIZFQ&eurl=http://www.ashleytutors.com/.

It has been an amazing first year for Ashley Tutors. While the recognition on NBC was neat, I have to say I am most proud of all of our hard working tutors, students and parents. The great grades we are going to see will be our reward!!!!

I am very excited to say that Ashley Tutors is going to be a part of a great segment on NBC 4 this Tuesday, May 20th during the 6:00 PM newscast. The story talks about a topic we have discussed in my journal — parents helping their students avoid “brain drain” over the summer. Please check us out on Tuesday and let me know what you think! Also, below is more information about the segment, keeping kids sharp over the summer and how we will keep learning fun over the summer with our reading tutors, math tutors and any other subject you can think of!!!!!!

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

May 16, 2008

Colleen Lerro

Director of Communications

240.780.3233

info@ashleytutors.com

ASHLEY TUTORS OWN ASHLEY FAGEL TELLS NBC4 VIEWERS HOW TO KEEP KIDS SHARP OVER THE SUMMER BREAK

Ashley Tutors can help your student avoid the “brain drain” this summer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Ashley Tutors’ (http://www.ashleytutors.com) Ashley Fagel will be featured prominently in a NBC4 6 p.m. news story next Tuesday, May 20, discussing how to make sure students can keep learning all summer long. “As a teacher, I see ‘brain drain’ every September where those kids who took the summer off don’t get back on the learning track for almost three months,” said Fagel.

Research shows children can forget some of what they’ve learned over the summer, according to Harris Cooper, director of Duke University’s program in Education. Cooper and his colleagues reviewed 39 studies, and the results showed achievement test scores declined between the spring and the fall on average.

“Typically, the first quarter of the new school year is often based on catching students up, learning new routines and expectations, and relearning previously taught materials,” said Fagel. Visit Ashley’s Journal on the Ashley Tutors web site for great tips on how to keep your student sharp this summer so they’re not a step behind next September. Tips include walks to the library, keeping daily journals and just getting outside to play and be active.

Ashley Tutors believes learning should be fun, and offers the perfect opportunity for your child to receive both an entertaining and educational experience. The Ashley Tutors team that can make even summer learning entertaining consists of 12 experienced and energetic instructors who offer their students knowledge from their exceptional college and graduate educations, and also come from differing backgrounds with intriguing personal stories or jobs.

ABOUT ASHLEY TUTORS: Ashley Tutors is an in-home one-on-one tutoring service covering all subjects offered to students in grades Kindergarten through 12 in Montgomery County, Maryland. Ashley Fagel, a Maryland certified teacher with more than 3 years in private tutoring experience advises Ashley Tutors, and also developed its philosophy. Guided by Montgomery County resident, Josh Chernikoff, Ashley Tutors is staffed with exceptionally passionate and driven tutors who all have undergraduate degrees and tutoring experience. Ashley Tutors sets itself apart from other tutoring centers as an in-home service that makes learning fun for its students, and helps students find their way to success in academics and life. L.I.V.E. Learning Is Very Entertaining!

Ashley Tutors provides one-on-one tutors for students in Montgomery County, Md., including Rockville, Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Chevy Chase; Washington, D.C.; and Northern Virginia including Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Ashley Tutors provides instruction in basic Math, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Pre-calculus, Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Reading, Economics, Government, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, English, Literature, Journalism, Reading, IT Training, Math, Writing, and Science.

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School is almost over, and it’s time to think about keeping your student sharp during the summer.  As a teacher, I see “brain drain” every September when those kids who took the summer off don’t get back on the learning track for almost three months. 

Ashley Tutors wants all students to stay smart this summer.  Whether you START REGULAR tutoring sessions or simply schedule sessions when you are not on vacation, this is a perfect time to review concepts FROM THE YEAR BEFORe.  ALSO, STUDENTS CAN prepare for next year AND Sharpen THEIR organizational skills.  WE HAVE ENERGETIC AND ENTERTAINING READING TUTORS, MATH TUTORS, CONFIDENCE BUILDERS, ORGANIZATIONAL HELPERS…YOU NAME IT WE HAVE IT!

In addition to your student working with A tutor, you can help too.  Please check out my list of fun and kinesthetic learning activities BELOW TO keep your whole family engaged in learning all summer.

To schedule A tutor, of course just E-MAIL US AT INFO@ASHLEYTUTORS.COM and WE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN FASTER THAN IT HEATS UP ON A JULY DAY.  Let’s make sure we make learning very entertaining all year round!

1. Take a walk to the library or bookstore and pick out a fun book that the student didn’t get to read during the school year.  Then, parents need to make time for family reading time.  Discuss story elements, character traits, and do vocabulary activities to learn and understand the meaning of new words.  In a word: read!    

2.  Just because it is the summer doesn’t mean kids have nothing to do.  Have your child keep a daily planner for walking the dog, mowing the lawn or going to swim practice.  A planner for each day will keep them in the habit of staying organized.  

3.  Take a “field trip” to get ice cream, go to a museum or the grocery store.  Make sure to read words all around you such as signs on the streets and the menu at the ice cream shop.  Before you pay for the ice cream, have your child count the money and keep those math skills up.

4.  Have your child keep a writing journal to keep them in the habit of writing on a regular basis.  Kids can write for 20 minutes about 3 times a week.  They can write about their summer, compose a creative story, or even write a play.

5. Take time to invent a new math game using dice, cards, and dominos for the whole family to play.  Make fun flash cards to help practice math facts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

6. Get out there and play!  Being outside and physical activity is proven to have a positive effect on students.  Explore nature, go to a park and the zoo – just be active.

Time to put the much deserved spotlight on another one of our successful and super experienced tutors. Dave Trachtenberg is Ashley Tutors “jack of all trades” because he has helped so many different students in so many different subjects. Whether it is basic Algebra, Chemistry, Science, Social Studies, Government, History, English, Literature, Reading, Math, and Writing — Dave can tutor it! I am going to let a press release about Dave do the talking — learn more about Dave’s success with kinesthetic learning all around Montgomery County, Md. and the Washington, D.C. area.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mar. 10, 2008 Colleen Lerro

Director of Communications

240.780.3233

colleen@ashleytutors.com

ASHLEY TUTORS EDUCATES ALL AGES IN ALL SUBJECTS

Ashley Tutors helps students earn better grades and build confidence

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Ashley Tutors (http://www.ashleytutors.com) launched in October 2007, offers one-on-one in-home academic tutoring to Washington, D.C. area students in grades kindergarten through 12. While other tutoring centers use their own curriculum and parents must travel to their location, Ashley Tutors develops unique, individualized strategies to meet the needs of each of its students in the comfort of their own home.

Ashley Tutors team member Dave Trachtenberg, an American University senior, has taken on every student with amazing zest and success since he joined Ashley Tutors in January. Trachtenberg, who specializes as a reading tutor, has helped his students succeed in subjects from college level English, to high school chemistry, and even confidence building. For Josh Chernikoff, the Ashley Tutors team member who sings Trachtenberg’s praises to new clients, Trachtenberg’s success is no surprise to him.

“Dave’s years of teaching experience, and especially his training at the prestigious Lab School of Washington, made him a perfect candidate to join our team,” said Chernikoff. “Not only has he served as a mentor and tutored students before, Dave has helped teach and supervise students with ADD, OCD, tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, and behavioral problems. Dave is one of our strongest reading tutors, but he can tutor anything from writing, to arithmetic, to the right attitude.”

The parents of Trachtenberg’s students saw almost instant success. “In only three weeks I think my son has already made great progress with his instructor Dave,” said Rhonda Shore, a parent of a student at Murch Elementary School in Washington, D.C. “He is thinking through his answers a bit more thoroughly, his handwriting is neater, and he is becoming more confident.”

This special rapport Ashley Tutors develops with their students already has supporters from Bethesda to Gaithersburg and all over Montgomery County, Md. “Ashley Tutors really identifies the strengths and needs of each student,” said a Great Seneca Creek Elementary School parent.

“I watched Ashley Tutors work wonders for my son,” said a Bethesda Chevy Chase High School parent. “His grades are up and so is his confidence in and out of the classroom.”

What an amazing day we had last Saturday with the Washington Redskins Demetric Evans. Not only did Ashley Tutors and Demetric tackle education together at two Tree Top Kids locations and the JCC in Rockville, we also formed a team to help Demetric’s charity with the hard work of our students. Basically, for every ‘A’ or ‘O’ that our students earn this marking period, Ashely Tutors will donate a specific amount of money to Demetric’s charity 92 Blessings. Our students, their families and new fans of Ashley Tutors got to meet Demetric, and they also got to meet our math tutor Joe, our chemistry tutor Jackie and are “jack-of-all-trades” Vanessa. Below is a wrap up of the day — but the picture says it all. Finally, a big thanks to Demetric — a big man who is big on education!

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Colleen Lerro

Director of Communications

240.780.3233

colleen@ashleytutors.com

ASHLEY TUTORS HOSTED WASHINGTON REDSKIN DEMETRIC EVANS FOR SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION

Evans Talks About the Importance of Education and Reads to Kids

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Washington Redskins veteran defensive lineman, #92, Demetric Evans appeared at Tree Top Kids’ Fairfax and Potomac locations on Saturday, April 12, followed by an appearance at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. Hosted by Ashley Tutors, Evans was there to get kids enthusiastic about learning.

“At Ashley Tutors we find ways to make learning fun for kids because the more they enjoy it, the more they will want to learn,” said Josh Chernikoff, a lifelong Montgomery County resident and the Ashley Tutors team member in charge of finding the most qualified educators. “We are thrilled to partner with Demetric, who is such a positive role model for all of our students.”

Each event was filled with children and their parents excited to meet Evans and hear what he had to say about education. Evans, a strong and vocal proponent of education talked about the role it played in his life. He told attendees that learning should be fun, and stressed the fact that a good education is key to reaching your goals.

Evans then read I Knew You Could to the children, which had a positive message about remembering that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Evans also answered questions, signed autographs and posed for pictures with many eager young fans.

Ashley Fagel of Ashley Tutors, kicked off each event by discussing the importance of incorporating fun into learning. She talked about Ashley Tutors’ kinesthetic methods and its motto, LIVE! Learning Is Very Entertaining.

“Tree Top Kids believes learning, playing and fun should go hand-in-hand in a child’s life,” said Catherine Porterfield, vice president of marketing for Tree Top Kids. “We were very proud to have had Ashley Tutors and Demetric in our stores Saturday to teach students that learning can be entertaining.”

Usually I come here and write about things I have done in the past — I couldn’t wait to tell you about what I am going to do tomorrow. We are going to meet with the great folks at Tree Top Kids and put the finishing touches on our big event on April 12th with big #92 from the Redskins Demetric Evans. Demetric and Tree Top has Kids have been awesome partners — they’ve got our whole team of tutors even more pumped up for the event! Oh yeah — many of our tutors are going to be at all of the events. For now, take a look at why we are so excited to be working with Tree Top Kids!!!!

WASHINGTON REDSKIN DEMETRIC EVANS TEAMS UP WITH

ASHLEY TUTORS AND TREE TOP KIDS TO TACKLE EDUCATION

Evans to Talk About the Importance of Education

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Washington Redskins veteran defensive lineman, #92, Demetric Evans is appearing at Tree Top Kids‘ Fairfax and Potomac locations on Saturday, April, 12, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively. Hosted by Ashley Tutors, Evans will be there to get kids enthusiastic about learning.

“Tree Top Kids believes learning, playing and fun should go hand-in-hand in a child’s life,” said Catherine Porterfield, vice president of marketing for Tree Top Kids. “We are excited about teaming up with Ashley Tutors and having Demetric in our stores to teach students that learning can be entertaining.”

Ashley Tutors has invited Demetric Evans to talk about the role education has played in his life. Ashley Fagel, a passionate instructor with a master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland who provides the kinesthetic teaching methods for the tutoring team, will then feature some of Tree Top Kids great educational toys. Finally, Evans will read a book for the kids at the store, followed by photos and autographs.

“At Ashley Tutors we find ways to make learning fun for kids because the more they enjoy it, the more they will want to learn,” said Josh Chernikoff, a lifelong Montgomery County resident and the Ashley Tutors team member in charge of finding the most qualified educators. “We are thrilled to partner with Demetric who is such a positive role model and will stir up excitement about .”

Evans has been a solid performer on the Redskins defensive line, playing in 80 games and recording 159 tackles. Now he is tackling education.

“My education from elementary school through college at the University of Georgia has played a vital role in my life,” said Evans. “I want to encourage kids to learn all they can, and to help them understand that education is the key to unlock all their dreams.”

Beyond these exciting events on April 12, Ashley Tutors and Evans are also uniting to create the 92 for A’s program. This program will reward Ashley Tutors’ students who work hard to achieve academic success. Every student who gets one “A” or “O” (Outstanding) will get a mini football signed by Evans. Also, for every “A” or “O” its students earn, Ashley Tutors will make a donation to Evans’ charity 92 Blessings which was recently established to help 92 families, and more specifically, single parents during times of need.

For more information, please visit http://www.AshleyTutors.com. Please join the Ashley Tutors team and Demetric Evans at Tree Top Kids at noon at their Fairfax store: Fairfax Corner 11895 Grand Commons Avenue Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 815-2121. Or join the fun at 3:00 p.m. at the Tree Top Kids Potomac store: Cabin John Mall 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, MD 20854 (301) 299-8300.

Welcome back everybody from Spring break. I have some very exciting news about a special day for Ashley Tutors! We are going to be sponsoring the Washington Redskins Demetric Evans at three events on April 12th — two at Tree Top Kids and one at the JCC in Rockville. Many of our great tutors will be there as Demetric talks about education, reads a book, and also takes pictures and signs autographs! Also, we are going to talk about our new partnership with Demetric where all of our students will get a ball signed by the Redskin for an “A” or “O” they earn and also for every “A” or “O” they get this marking period, Ashley Tutors will donate money to Demetric’s charity 92 Blessings. Check out the press release below for more information:

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Colleen Lerro

Director of Communications

240.780.3233

info@ashleytutors.com

WASHINGTON REDSKIN DEMETRIC EVANS AND

ASHLEY TUTORS TEAM UP TO TACKLE EDUCATION

Evans to Talk about Education and a New Program to Reward Good Grades

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Washington Redskins veteran defensive lineman, #92, Demetric Evans, hosted by Ashley Tutors, is appearing at Tree Top Kids’ in Fairfax and Potomac on Saturday, April, 12, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively. At 7:30 p.m. that same day, Evans will be at the JCC of Greater Washington, in Rockville.

Evans is a strong and vocal proponent of education. He wants to get kids excited about learning and will talk to them about the important role school has played in his life.

Evans has been a solid performer on the Redskins defensive line, playing in 80 games and recording 159 tackles. Now he is teaming up with Ashley Tutors to tackle education. “My education from elementary school through college at the University of Georgia has played a vital role in my life,” said Evans. “I want to encourage kids to learn all they can, and to help them understand that education is the key that will unlock all their dreams.”

At both Tree Top Kids and “Children’s Night Out” at the JCC, Evans is scheduled to read a book to the children and then sign autographs and take pictures.

“At Ashley Tutors we find ways to make learning fun for kids because the more they enjoy it, the more they will want to learn,” said Josh Chernikoff, a lifelong Montgomery County resident and the Ashley Tutors team member in charge of finding the most qualified educators. “We are thrilled to partner with Demetric, who is such a positive role model for all of our students.”

Beyond these exciting events on April 12, Ashley Tutors and Evans are also uniting to create the 92 for A’s program. This program will reward Ashley Tutors’ students who work hard to achieve academic success. Every student who gets one “A” or “O” (Outstanding) will get a mini football signed by Evans. Also, for every “A” or “O” its students earn, Ashley Tutors will make a donation to Evans’ charity 92 Blessings which was recently established to help 92 families, and more specifically, single parents during times of need.

For more information, please visit http://www.AshleyTutors.com. Please join the Ashley Tutors team and Demetric Evans at Tree Top Kids at noon at their Fairfax store: Fairfax Corner 11895 Grand Commons Avenue Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 815-2121. Or join the fun at 3:00 p.m. at the Tree Top Kids Potomac store: Cabin John Mall 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, MD 20854 (301) 299-8300. For more information or to make reservations for the JCC’s “Children’s Night Out,” please log onto the JCC web site (http://www.jccgw.org).

ABOUT ASHLEY TUTORS: Ashley Tutors is an in-home one-on-one tutoring service covering all subjects offered to students in grades kindergarten through 12 in Montgomery County, Maryland. Ashley Fagel, a Maryland certified teacher, advises Ashley Tutors and developed its philosophy. Guided by Montgomery County resident, Josh Chernikoff, Ashley Tutors is staffed with exceptionally passionate and driven tutors who all have undergraduate degrees and tutoring experience. Ashley Tutors sets itself apart from other tutoring centers as an in-home service that makes learning fun for its students, and helps students find their way to success in academics and life. L.I.V.E. Learning Is Very Entertaining!

Ashley Tutors provides one-on-one tutors for students in Montgomery County, Md., including Rockville, Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Chevy Chase; Washington, D.C.; and Northern Virginia including Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Ashley Tutors provides instruction in Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Pre-calculus, Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Economics, Government, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, English, Literature, Journalism, Reading, IT Training, Math, Writing, History and Science.

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Hello all! As the temperature heats up around our area, so is our involvement and fun at the Jewish Community Center in Rockville. Our Ashley Tutors team has brought our unique high energy and kinesthetic learning techniques to the JCC. Several days a week, we have math tutors, reading tutors and tutors who can help in any subject!

I will let our latest testimonial do the talking for Ashley Tutors:

Ashley Tutors meets my daughters twice a week after school when they step off the school bus at the JCC. Both my girls grab a healthy snack and then spend an hour working with the energetic tutors. They get their homework done, sharpen their study skills, and have a blast, too. They can’t wait for their next session!

- Anna Z. Amar

Parent of two students at Luxmanor Elementary School

Hello all!  I hope everybody is having a great Spring Break.  While tutoring for the week has slowed down for a bit at Ashley Tutors, we still get to talk with new parents everyday.  I thought I would share one thought…

We often meet parents who want to know what they can do to help their preschooler prepare for kindergarten or what can our reading tutors do to help their child start off their educational experience with a positive learning foundation.  Not only is this something we do at Ashley Tutors, but it is something we do well. 

I have seen so many success stories with our reading tutors, but here is one example near and dear to my heart!  I started working with a student several months ago and she was still in preschool.  This little lady had little self confidence as a learner, was not at all a risk taker, and was not able to recognize letter names and sounds correctly.  It has only been four months and this student is now reading independently at a level equivalent to that of a student in the middle of their kindergarten year (and remember she just finished preschool)!  She is more confident as a student and has truly blossomed as a reader.  In the beginning she would keep her head down and speak softly, but now she is literally on her chair proudly reading her books aloud to me and announcing that the kinesthetic learning word games we are playing are, “so easy!” 

I know her parents very well and they keep telling me that she no longer dislikes going to school and is excited to begin kindergarten in the fall.  Her younger siblings look up to her and the positive attitude she holds towards reading and learning.  I am proud to be her reading tutor and part of Ashley Tutors here in Montgomery County, Md.  We all make learning entertaining — just ask our students — they might just get on a chair and tell you!!!!!!!

I am very proud of all of our tutors. I know each one brings energy, is entertaining and super engaging. Joe Pacelli, our math team captain and the guy I call, “Montgomery County’s Math Tutor Master,” has been making a huge impact on his students in Algebra, Algebra II, Calculus, Statistics, Geometry, SAT Prep and even a Dental Admission Test! Check out the press release — its all about Joe and his amazing math success all around Montgomery County, Md.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mar. 10, 2008

Colleen Lerro

Director of Communications

240.780.3233

info@ashleytutors.com

ASHLEY TUTORS TEAMS UP STUDENTS WITH POSITIVE ROLE MODELS

Math tutor Joe Pacelli earns praise from parents, students and teachers

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – Ashley Tutors (http://www.ashleytutors.com) has hired an energetic and diverse team from six countries to put into practice the Ashley Tutors’ motto: LIVE! Learning Is Very Entertaining. The fresh tutoring team has been assembled to make learning entertaining, to improve students’ self-esteem and to connect each student with a positive role model. Ashley Tutors offers one-on-one in-home academic help in any subject to students in grades Kindergarten through 12.

Joe Pacelli, a senior at Georgetown University is one of the most well known math tutors for the Ashley Tutors team. Pacelli will be graduating magna cum laude this spring with a 3.75 grade point average, and he is being highly sought after in the accounting industry. Prior to joining the Ashley Tutors team, Pacelli has been a teaching assistant for several finance and accounting courses and has been employed by as an SAT writing and math instructor since 2005.

Parents are experiencing and raving about the success Pacelli helps their students attain. “I wanted to let you know how happy we are with Joe as our tutor for Algebra,” said Shelly Bobruska, parent of a student at Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Md. “He has a genuine interest in our daughter’s success, and he is really getting through to her. He is an amazing tutor and we couldn’t be happier.”

Students of all ages have appreciated Joe’s ability to help them reach their goals. “I was ready to give up on my dream of becoming a dentist,” said Rockville, Md., resident Jenn Biron. “Joe showed me a different approach to test taking and it paid off.” Biron raised her Dental Admission Test score by nearly 12 percent allowing her to get interviews with schools that had previously declined meeting with her.

While Pacelli worked with Biron for weeks, it really doesn’t take parents long to figure out that he is one of the most exceptional math tutors in Montgomery County, Md. “I just wanted to take the time to let you know that Joe is a great tutor,” said Lisa Wolf, a parent of a student at Rockville High School in Rockville, Md. “Even though it’s only been two sessions, it’s very clear that he is engaging and well prepared. He is a great choice for our son and we think this will work out quite well with Ashley Tutors!”