SOS4Students Moving Forward with Full Slate of Summer Workshops
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING HAS BEEN HARD
These past two months have been challenging for parents and students! I have students who’ve been asked to read Hamlet on their own and others directed to teach themselves math using YouTube. Then there are those students who have virtually no work! Grading for many high school students has been reduced to pass or no pass, and there is little clarity about what will lead to receiving credit.
How much effort should a student put in? Online learning has been particularly effortful for those with executive functioning difficulties; strategies that were working have had to be retooled for school on Zoom!
What are your concerns as we transition into the next school year?

SOS IS HERE FOR STUDENTS: SUMMER WORKSHOPS!
At SOS, we’ve seen firsthand the problems with instruction during this time and we know how to help. This summer, we are planning to hold our study skills workshops starting in July for students grades 6 to 12 at the Lafayette Library.
Don’t miss out on giving your students the boost they so need with our direct expert instruction in expository writing, note taking, time management, planning (projects and papers!), organization, self-advocacy, and jump-starting tasks. Our goal, as always, is to allow students to take charge of their own work, enabling you to have peace of mind that they have the skills they need to succeed in the classroom or with self-directed online learning!
Facing a transition to a new school?
- For your rising 6th-graders, check out our Mastering Middle School.
- For students entering high school, our Nailing Ninth Grade prepares them for the challenges and expectations of high school.
We are also adding support as needed for students on best practices to work successfully with online learning so they can avoid many of the pitfalls of the past several months.
HELPING STUDENTS REINVENT THEMSELVES
Prep for the next school year: I encourage you to explore our summer workshop offerings and sign-up as soon as possible. Spaces will fill fast. In speaking with parents and families, I know that many are looking to our workshops and coaching as a way to help their children reinvent themselves as students this summer as they prepare for the eventual return to school.
Need help now or this summer 1-1? We are here for your students for these finals weeks of the school year should they need help completing work or preparing papers or projects, and summer coaching information will be up shortly on our website. Please call our office at 510-531-4767 for more information or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more immediate assistance.
We are also currently converting our courses to digital platforms so that students everywhere can enroll, regardless of the situation. While we know many parents and students prefer in-person workshops, having online options will be important.
Feel free to call or email us with any questions about our summer programs or coaching: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and 510-531-4767.
We're in this with you and your family.
Warm regards,
Beth Samuelson, SOS4Students
Summer Workshops from SOS4Students
Middle School Workshops
Mastering Middle School empowers students entering sixth grade. Students learn invaluable skills to tackle the demands of multiple teachers and more complex assignments.
Write On ensures your child is prepared for the essay-writing challenges ahead by covering essay fundamentals for middle school students.
Middle School Blitz gives your students the strategies they need to have control over their time and workload. Prepare your student to balance classwork, homework and outside activities.
High School Workshops
Nailing Ninth Grade prepares your student for a successful transition to high school. Students come away with an invaluable toolbox of study strategies they will use every day.
Writing RX teaches students an easily replicable system for expository essay writing. Students leave confident and prepared to tackle the complex writing assignments that high school demands.
Secrets of Successful Note Taking demystifies the note taking process. Students learn techniques to take effective notes and use their notes to prepare for tests and papers.