May 12, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 15 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Use the summer to get ready for the SAT & ACT The SAT and ACT are perhaps the most important exams your high school student will ever take. While most students understand the benefits of preparation, according to Dr. Ray Huntington of the Huntington Learning Center, not as many approach SAT or ACT prep with a solid strategy and timeline. “Subject-matter knowledge is certainly important, but there’s so much more to mastering achievement tests,” said Huntington. “Thinking quickly, staying focused and working well under pressure are all important.” How to get started? “While students may choose to juggle school, work, and other responsibilities along with preparing for the SAT or ACT, developing a concentrated four- to eight-week schedule in the summer is a great way to focus one’s efforts without nearly as many distractions as during the school year,” said Huntington. Here are a few tips to help your teen engage in effective summertime prep. Dive right in. Procrastinating is easy to do in the long, lazy days of summer, particularly when preparing for the SAT or ACT is the last thing your student feels like doing. However, your student should kick off his or her preparation by taking a full-length, timed practice test. Doing so is the best way for your student to get a sense for the exam at the beginning of his or her prep program. Create a schedule. Creating – and sticking to – an exam prep schedule takes discipline and a self-starter mentality. If your teen needs a push, a personalized prep course with a highly trained teacher is an excellent option that will keep your student focused and on track to receive the highest scores possible. Time it right. Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time as second-semester juniors, but remember that prepping over the summer will help your student get his or her best results on the September ACT or the October SAT (the SAT is not offered in July, August, or September and the ACT is not offered in July or August). If your student is a senior in the fall, these test dates are the last that will make scores available in time for early decision or early action programs. If your teen is having difficulty getting motivated or simply feels overwhelmed with the preparation process, Huntington encourages families to consider an exam preparation course. “At Huntington, we teach students test taking strategies for the ACT and SAT, how to stay cool during the exams, and most importantly, we help students know what to expect,” he said. “Our teachers develop customized exam prep programs for students based on their individual strengths and weaknesses, then work one-to-one with them to help them master the skills necessary to raise their scores.” Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s longest-running supplemental education services provider. Today they continue to be an industry leader providing instruction in reading, writing, spelling, phonics, mathematics, study skills, and SAT and ACT preparation to tens of thousands of students from kindergarten through grade 12. Huntington prides itself on its unparalleled programs that help parents, caregivers, and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential. Huntington’s personalized programs of instruction enable children to excel. To learn more or to locate a center near you, call 1-800 CAN LEARN. #1 BASEBALL CAMP IN AMERICA Mahwah. Campers 7-17. Select one or more weeks July 4 thru Aug. 8. Overnight, Day Camp or Extended Day Camp. Major League Stars. College coaches. A/C dorm and campers lounge. Batting cages, indoor BASEBALL CAMPpool. All-you-can-eat meals. Free COACHES AND YOUTH video games. Daily instruction LEADERS and games. Ramapo College Call about our money HEAD BASEBALL COACH making program Rich Martin, Director. Located on the beautiful campus SINCE 1981 OVER 24,000 ALUMNI of Ramapo College of N.J. in ALL STAR We Teach Math! CONFIDENCE • LEADERSHIP LOSE WEIGHT • FOCUS Ages 6 and up July 19 – August 13 Monday – Friday 9am-3pm CALL TODAY FOR A FREE BROCHURE 1-800-828-7414 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALLSTARBASEBALLCAMP .COM Only until August 2010 Ballet ~ Jazz ~ Tap ~ Hip Hop Lyrical/Character 2 1/2 yr olds thru teens Pre-Registration Discount by 6/5/2010 AllStarBaseballCamp2x2.5 Summer Dance Camp 2 x 2.5” Fall Registration Registration for Fall 2010/11 Season Begins April 19 for Ages 4 - 8 June 1 for Ages 9 and Older 4-14-10 Joan/Janine Enroll Now for Rear of Midland Park Shopping Center Midland Park, NJ 201-670-4422 Call or visit our school www.misspatti.com The Nutcracker performed by the Donetsk Ballet (Ukraine) and ballet students of Miss Patti’s School of Dance. Proceeds benefit research, care & treatment of pediatric cancer Ages 4 - 8 - Weeks of July 12 & July 19 Ages 9 thru teen - Weeks of July 26 & August 6 Summer Dance Camp Spectacular Annual Production of Our Professional Dance Instructors are highly qualified in both training and performance Visit Our Studio & See Why We’re The “Best” • www.misspatti.com 4 Large Dance Studios with observation windows • Rewarding & entertaining for the entire family • Registration by phone or in person • The Best Pre-School Program Anywhere • Excellent Comprehensive Dance Education Mayer’s Karate and Fitness is offering a free summer program for all area children between the ages of 4 and 14 at its North Haledon location. Mayer’s will try to accommodate as many children as possible on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is flexible as far as days and times, depending on the age of the participant. Please call Mayer’s for the schedule and registration. Mayer’s Karate and Fitness is the area’s leader in martial arts, cardio-kickboxing and personal training. Mark Mayer, the school director, has been training and teaching the martial arts for over 30 years and holds a seventh degree Black Belt. Mayer instructs daily in his karate and fitness facility and conducts programs in corporations and schools as well. Registration is required for this free program, and classes are now forming. Please reserve your child’s place early, since space is limited. Mayer’s Karate & Fitness is located in the High Mountain Plaza Shopping Center at 5 Sicomac Road, North Haledon (just 2 miles from the Franklin Lakes Market Basket). Call (973) 238-8600 for information. Free Karate program offered this summer 4-21-10 pat/janine HTaeKwonDo2x3(4-21-10) 2 x 3” Rev2