Lean into School Transitions With Confidence!

Watching your child transition between school divisions can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As parents, you hold a powerful role in helping to make these transitions smooth and empowering experiences. So, whether your child is stepping into a classroom for the very first time or preparing to conquer high school, here's our comprehensive guide to supporting their journey.

Early Childhood: Laying the Foundation

Congratulations on this exciting milestone! Your little one is ready to take on the world of education, and you're here to guide them every step of the way. Here's how to get them off to a confident start:

Encourage Self-Reliance: Teach your child practical skills like dressing themselves, zipping up their backpack, or using the bathroom independently. These everyday tasks will boost their self-confidence and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to classroom routines.

Master Routines: Adopt consistent sleep and mealtime schedules at home. This will give your child a sense of security essential for adapting to new environments.

Shared Reading Adventures: As the first day of school approaches, dive into engaging books to illuminate the classroom experience. Titles such as On the First Day of Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, Here I Come! will create excitement and prepare your child for what lies ahead: 

Kindergarten to Elementary School: Igniting Curiosity and Growth

Now it's time to transition from Kindergarten to Elementary School, where your child's thirst for knowledge truly blossoms:

Unveil the Magic of Storytelling: Introduce captivating stories that delve into the realm of elementary school and make the transition fun and engaging. Titles we love include Benny the Brave in the First Day Jitters, Ricky, The Rock That Couldn't Roll, and When I Meet My New Teacher 

Learn Through Play: Set up a mini classroom at home, allowing your child to embrace both the teacher and student roles. This playful activity fosters familiarity with the learning environment and foundational concepts.

Structured Mornings: Create a routine mirroring their elementary school experience. Prepping outfits, setting the table, and gathering essentials the night before ease your child into the structured rhythm of the school year.

Nurture Connections: Organize playdates and outdoor adventures for your child and their new peers. These interactions lay the groundwork for friendships, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Initiate Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for your child to express worries. Regularly engage in open conversations, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings as they naturally arise.

Embrace Shared Experiences: By recounting your own positive memories from school, you establish a relatable connection. These anecdotes reassure your child that challenges are surmountable and contribute to a sense of belonging.

Elementary to Middle School: Preparing for Preadolescence

Middle school marks a significant shift, and your support is more important than ever:

Champion Responsibility: By assigning chores and encouraging ownership of tasks, you help your child develop self-discipline and solid time management skills – the cornerstones of middle school success.

Stay Engaged: Middle school doesn't mean you should step back completely, so show your child that you value their education. To do this, maintain regular communication with teachers, participate in classroom activities, cheer from the sidelines, and attend parent-teacher conferences. 

Emotional Anchors: As social dynamics evolve, be your child's emotional rock. Your support provides a sturdy foundation as they navigate the challenges of new social dynamics and peer pressure. Teachers also appreciate parents who provide a robust support system at home.

Middle to High School: Entering a Grown-up World

High school is a pivotal period that sets the stage for future endeavors. Here's how you can help with this transformative transition and build resilience at home:

Encourage Independence & Advocacy: High school requires students to take more responsibility for their education. Equip your child with self-advocacy skills, encouraging them to seek help and make informed decisions about classes and activities.

Mastering Time Management: High school brings an increased workload. Help your child develop effective time management strategies to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Encourage them to use calendars and planners to stay organized.

Unearth Passions: Encourage your child to explore different subjects and extracurriculars. High school is the perfect time to discover their passions and pave the way for future endeavors.

In Conclusion

As your child progresses through various school stages, your support remains essential. From fostering self-reliance to encouraging independence, the parental role evolves. Remember to collaborate with teachers, maintain an open flow of communication with your child, and actively engage in their education. Together, you can navigate these transitions smoothly for an optimal educational journey.

At Keating Quigley, we understand the importance of these transitions and are here to support you. Our experienced team can partner with you at any stage of your child's development, helping you make informed decisions and find the best-fit schools to ensure your child's growth and success. Cheers to a future filled with growth and endless possibilities!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

From Flip Flops to Pencils: How to Navigate Back-to-School Blues!

As the sun sets on the lazy, hazy days of summer, it's time to embrace the dawn of the new academic year. To help your child approach the year ahead with a confident and optimistic mindset, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of back-to-school steps you can implement at home.

So, while summer memories still linger, let's explore ways to navigate the joys and challenges of returning to school. Here’s to smooth transitions - and a school year packed with transformative opportunities. Enjoy the closing days of summer!

Tips for a Stress-Free Re-entry

1. Harness Positivity: Your child takes cues from you, so engage your child in positive conversations about the new school year. If you exhibit excitement and positivity, they are likelier to do the same.

2. Encourage Expression: Encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences about school openly. Discuss their interests, expectations, and any concerns they might have. 

3. Visit Campus: For younger children or students transitioning to a new school, visiting the campus a few days before the academic year starts can alleviate anxiety.

4. Organize and Label Supplies Together: Make a fun activity out of organizing and labeling school supplies and uniforms/clothing. Let your child express creativity by personalizing their items with stickers or markers.

5. Read Books: Reading books that explore the adventures of starting school can help children relate to the experience. Here are a few favorites to check out:

   • Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson (Age 12+)

   • New Kid by Jerry Craft (Age 9-12)

   • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg (Age 5-8)

   • Time For School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle (Age 2-4)

6. Connect with Classmates: Reach out to the parents of your child's classmates and arrange a playdate before school starts. Familiar faces on the first day can make all the difference.

7. Adjust the Routine Gradually: Start changing bedtimes and morning routines a week before school starts. Gradually shifting back to the school schedule will make the first week of class far less overwhelming.

Looking ahead…

1. Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals for the new school year. Whether improving grades, joining a club, or making new friends, having clear objectives can boost motivation. This is particularly important for High Schoolers.

2. Accentuate the Positive: Encourage your child to focus on the positive aspects of school, like reuniting with friends or participating in exciting extracurricular activities. For High Schooler students, discuss the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent in their efforts. 

3. Stay Organized: Use planners or apps to keep track of assignments, projects, and important dates. An organized approach reduces stress and helps children manage their time effectively.

4. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages further success.

5. Encourage Risk Taking: Stress the importance of embracing challenges and new experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

6. Balance Academics and Extracurriculars: Strike a balance between work and play. Remind your Middle and High Schoolers, that while it's important to do their best academically, it’s also essential to make time for extracurricular activities they're passionate about.

7. Practice Self-Care: High school can be stressful, so it’s important that your student takes care of themself physically and emotionally. Make sure they are getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and finding time for activities that bring them joy and relaxation.

Embrace Growth, Learning, and Friendship

So, as the new academic year approaches, let's usher in all the potential it offers with open arms and hearts; it’s teeming with opportunities for endless growth, enriched academic experiences, and lasting friendships. 

And remember, if you're planning to embark on a day or boarding school search this fall, KQ is here to guide you. We provide all the expert support and assistance you need for a smooth and successful admissions process. Email or call for help, and together, we'll pave the way for a bright future for your child. Happy learning!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Balance Fun & Learning This Summer

Are you looking for ways to keep your children's minds sharp while still having fun this summer? As a responsible parent, you value balancing learning and leisure.

To help you make the most of your child's summer experiences and avoid the dreaded academic slide, below are some useful tips on intertwining learning with everyday experiences, regardless of your child’s age or the activity.

Embark on Exciting Volunteering Adventures

Encouraging your children to volunteer is an excellent way to teach them about empathy, community, and the impact of their actions. You can plan a family outing to a nearby food shelter where they can lend a helping hand and experience the joy of assisting others. This kind of activity will help them understand the value of giving back while building their teamwork and communication abilities. Moreover, it's an opportunity to create unforgettable memories as a family.

Acquire Essential Life Skills with a Job 

Encouraging your teenager to get a summer job can have multiple benefits. It can help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses and improve vital communication, organization, and time management skills. A seasonal job also allows teens to experience the concept of teamwork and make new friends. And by earning and managing their own money, they will learn about financial responsibility. 

Unleash Your Child's Inner Explorer at Summer Camp

Summer camp offers many opportunities for kids to have a blast while learning new skills. Whether it's a sport, art, or science camp, children can engage in hands-on activities that foster their interests and boost creativity. Encourage them to share their experiences with you, allowing them to reflect on what they've learned and develop storytelling abilities.

Discover the Thrills of Backyard Escapades

Transform your backyard into a treasure trove of learning adventures! Create a mini-garden to teach your children about plants, insects, and the marvels of nature. Motivate them to maintain a nature journal depicting and detailing findings. With activities ranging from observing birds and butterflies to planting seeds and monitoring their growth, the backyard offers limitless opportunities for scientific exploration.

Unlock their Inner Chef with Kitchen Creations

The kitchen is a haven for learning disguised as fun. You can involve your child in baking or cooking activities where they can practice math skills by measuring ingredients or following recipes. Encourage them to be creative with flavors and textures. Not only will they develop a taste for culinary arts, but they'll also learn about nutrition, teamwork, and problem-solving!

Foster the Joy of Beach Reading

A day at the beach is the perfect opportunity to indulge in reading adventures, so why not suggest they pack their favorite books? Create cozy reading spots with blankets and beach chairs, and let their imaginations soar as they dive into captivating stories. Discussing the books they read will enhance comprehension skills and expand vocabulary.

Create Lasting Memories with Grandma

Spending time with grandparents or extended family is a source of joy and a treasure trove of wisdom and shared experiences. Plan sleepovers at Grandma's, where children can learn about their family’s past, participate in storytelling, and even try their hand at an old family recipe. Encourage them to ask questions and actively listen to the stories shared by grandparents or loved ones. These cherished moments create strong connections while building an appreciation of family heritage.

In Conclusion: Find a Happy Balance

As parents, it is essential to balance fun and learning for children over the summer months. By intertwining education with everyday experiences, parents can ensure that children continue to grow intellectually while making unforgettable memories. From volunteering and summer camp adventures to backyard explorations, kitchen creations, beach reading, and family sleepovers, the opportunities for fun-filled learning experiences are endless. 

For more ideas on avoiding the summer slide, check out our blog called Want to avoid the summer slide? Here's How. 

Here’s to a happy summer full of adventures that combines excitement, growth, and the joy of learning!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

10 tips to maximize college visits

Summer is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time for all you high school rising juniors and seniors to get out and explore college campuses. This is a right of passage for many students and their parents - and an essential part of college admissions.

So, to help you make the most of your visits, we advise you to start planning now. We've put together tips on how to fully immerse yourself in each campus and gather all the information you will need to make an informed decision about your future college.

1. Research

Before hitting the road, prioritize your interests, academic programs, preferred location, and other essential factors. Then, dive into college websites and gather information about campus life, majors, extracurricular activities, and admission requirements.

2. Schedule

Contact the admissions office or visit the college's website to schedule your visit. With convenient online booking systems and special visitation days for prospective students, you'll quickly find a date that fits your timeline.

3. Prepare questions in advance 

Make a list of questions you want to ask during your visit. These should include inquiries about academics, campus life, housing, internship opportunities, career services, and anything that is important to you. Asking questions will also demonstrate your interest and help you gather valuable insights.

4. Dress appropriately

Dress comfortably yet presentably. Opt for business casual or smart casual attire, as this will give you a professional appearance while still being comfortable for walking around campus.

5. Pack wisely

Always have a notebook or phone handy to jot down notes during information sessions. You can also take videos or photos to capture essential details as you wander around. And remember, it gets hot on the college campus trail, so pack your water bottle!

6. Attend Info Sessions & Tours

Participate in guided campus tours and information sessions. These will allow you to explore campus, visit key facilities, and soak up the atmosphere. They will also help you gain valuable insights into the admissions process, financial aid, academic programs, and student support services.

7. Connect with students & faculty

Meet with current students and faculty members in your area of academic interest. Their perspectives can fill in the gaps of your college visit and help you make an informed decision.

8. Explore the surrounding Area

It is also important to allow time to explore the surrounding area beyond campus. With that in mind, check out nearby neighborhoods, coffee shops, restaurants, local attractions, and amenities to get a sense of what it would be like to live in the area. Four years is a long time after all!

9. Reflect & debrief

Take time to reflect on your experience after each campus visit. Write down your impressions, pros and cons, and other relevant observations. Trust us, colleges start to look and feel the same after a while, so this exercise will help you keep track of your thoughts.

10. Don’t forget to have fun!

Visiting college campuses is an excellent way to imagine yourself as a student and evaluate if a particular college is right for you. These experiences are also a right of passage, so savor the process and create special memories along the way. With this in mind, start compiling those road trip playlists, and get ready to hit the open road!

11. Bonus Tip: Save your child from cringeworthy moments!

If you are a parent gearing up for college visits with your high schooler this summer, click here for a sidesplitting and must-read checklist that will save you from becoming a walking embarrassment to your child while on campus. Thanks to The New Yorker Magazine for this hilarious gem!

And lastly, A few useful resources…

• To help you prepare for your upcoming roadtrips, we have created a Campus Visit Research Tool & Checklist. Just click on the link below, and we'll send it straight out to you.

• If your rising senior is planning to tackle their college essay over the summer months, check out our recent blog post, It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!, for advice on how to pen an effective piece.

• And for tips on how your student can maximize their time this summer, read Rising Seniors: Get Ahead this Summer!

Contact KQ: An Expert guiding Voice

Working with an educational consultant can streamline the college admissions process and alleviate stress. Keating Quigley is here to help if you'd like to learn more about how to prepare for campus visits - or any other aspect of the college search. We're always just a phone call or email away!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Rising seniors: Get Ahead This Summer!

As the academic year draws to a close, rising seniors are contemplating ways to make the most of their downtime, delve deeper into their college search, and simultaneously savor the carefree days of summer.

Every student's journey is unique, but it's important to have a strong and structured plan in place, no matter what their individual focus may be. As summer approaches and the planning begins, here are some helpful tips to help rising seniors get the most out of their summer and guide them toward success:

Volunteer or intern: Engaging in volunteer work or an internship within a desired field is an advantageous way to acquire valuable experience and cultivate new skill sets.

Get a job: A summer job not only provides valuable work experience that looks good on a resume, but it also helps to broaden horizons.

Prepare for standardized tests: If your child plans to take the SAT or ACT in the fall, they should use the summer to prepare and take practice tests.

Work on a resume: To save time in the fall, rising seniors should make the most of the summer months by dedicating time to refining their resumes to include work experience, leadership roles, community service commitments, accolades, etc.

Explore extracurricular activities: The summer provides an excellent opportunity to explore new extracurricular pursuits, such as joining a sports team or taking up a new hobby.

Start tracking activities and achievements: The activities log is an important but time-consuming part of the Common Application. The summer provides the perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their activities and accomplishments since freshman year and organize them in a spreadsheet. This will save time when submitting applications in the fall.

Visit colleges: If your child is still unsure about which schools to apply to, visiting college campuses during the summer is a helpful way to narrow down options and start finalizing the school list. It’s also fun to spend one-on-one time with your child, so get those playlists and snacks ready for the open road!

Get a head start on the Common App essay: One of the most important pieces of advice we give our students is to begin working on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for detailed information. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for crafting a solid first draft:

• Break the piece down into manageable chunks

• Generate ideas through brainstorming

• Take it step-by-step to make it less overwhelming

• Write rough drafts

• Take breaks to refresh the mind

• Seek out constructive feedback and encouragement

• Reach out for additional assistance if necessary

KQ: a Helping Hand

If your rising senior is in need of help with their Personal Statement this summer - or any aspect of the college admissions process - KQ is here to lend a hand. Please contact us via email or phone to schedule a consultation. 

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Co-founders | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Conquer Those End of Year To Do Lists!

There's no disputing it: time flies! And now that May is closing in, the last day of school will be here in the blink of an eye. With all the art shows, dance recitals, graduations, award ceremonies, field trips, team banquets, and recognition dinners, the final weeks of the school year can be a whirlwind. To help you stay an top of the craziness of it all, we’ve put together our top tips. Check it out…There’s something for everyone whether big or small!

What you can do At school…

1. Avoid ‘springitis’: Make sure your child puts in maximum effort right up to the last minute to ensure a strong end to the academic year. Consistency and accountability are crucial, so make sure they maintain their routine and stay on top of year-end projects, assignments, and finals.

2. Consider teacher options: If you think your child would react more favorably to a specific teacher’s personality and teaching style next year, now is the time to submit a request to the Division Head or Head of School. These discussions take place in early summer, so get to it!

3. Discuss class placement: Similarly, if you believe your child's classroom experience is being negatively impacted by a classmate or your child is too socially reliant on a friend, talk to their teacher and ask them to be placed in separate homerooms next year. Every child deserves the chance to grow into their own space at their own pace.

4. Crunch standardized test scores: And lastly, if you need guidance to decipher your child's recent standardized test scores and how they impact class placement, eligibility to advanced classes, or basic skills programs, contact your child's counselor, advisor, or teacher. They will help you make sense of the complicated percentile, stanine, and composite score data on the report.

What you can do At home…

1. Help your high schooler find a summer job:  Encourage your teen (assuming they’re old enough) to research summer employment or volunteering opportunities. Work experience is an excellent way to stay active over the long summer months and also teaches high schoolers the power of earning pocket money and helping others. And on another note: although the college application process might be a few years into your child's future, be aware that colleges prefer to see seasonal jobs listed in the Student Activity Log section of the Common App!

2. Sign your rising senior up for essay support: Summer is the ideal time for your child to work on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for more info.

3. Show gratitude: There are most likely some staff members who made a positive impact on your child this year. Whoever they may be (a homeroom teacher, someone in the Main Office, the Head of School, or a member of the custodial staff), take time to thank them for their hard work and dedication personally. It may be a small gesture, but trust us, it goes a long way. 

4. Return & pick up ‘stuff’: Remember to trawl through closets and bedrooms at home and drop off IT equipment, library books, school supplies, or general classroom items on loan during the school year. Similarly, don't forget to pick up your child's yearbook, awards, art projects, etc., from the classroom before the last day of school.

5. Donate gently worn items: As the year winds down, this is the perfect opportunity to give your child's closet a once-over to determine what gently used uniforms and clothes to keep, donate, or toss. We promise you'll feel satisfied - not to mention lighter!

KQ: The Voice of Gentle Guidance & Reason

If you are looking for an educational consultant to advise you on any aspect of your child’s educational journey, email or call us. We’re always here to help...

Happy (almost) summer!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants