Where Help for Every Student is Available for the Asking!
Happenings in the Tutorial Center:
Welcome to the MVHS Tutorial Center!
The Tutorial Center is primarily a drop-in center where both adult and student volunteer tutors are available from 7am-4pm daily to help students gain understanding of specific subject matter concepts (especially math and science). Since study strategies, teacher expectations, etc., may differ dramatically from subject to subject, as well as from teacher to teacher, there is no substitute for regular communication with each teacher.
Successful students are not shy about asking questions and approaching teachers for clarification--both during and outside of class time. The sooner students learn how, when, and where to ask for help, the more successful they will be in school--and in life. Freshmen, in particular, typically need time to learn this key habit of a successful learner.
The award-winning website at www.GreatSchools.net has many helpful articles/tips for improving student study/organizational skills. In addition, the Tutorial Center has a few reference materials that treat organizational/study skills in a general fashion, and that may be checked out or reviewed with tutors in the Tutorial Center.
Finally, while ALL volunteer tutors have good intentions, they also have limitations. Unfortunately, they are not always able to satisfy all students’ needs. It may be worth investing in a private tutor/mentor IF a student needs intensive, one-on-one help from the same tutor, over an extended period of time. Private tutors may be able work more closely with students and their teachers to monitor progress in each class until students develop the study skill habits they need. The latest MVHS Private Tutor Directory is available by emailing or phoning your request to george.stclair@mvla.net.
By encouraging your student(s) to make use of all the wonderful resources available at MVHS, a more successful high school experience will be sure to follow. Please call me anytime if you have any questions regarding academic support for your child.
All the best,
George St. Clair
Tutorial Center Coordinator
(650) 940 4624
george.stclair@mvla.net
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”
William Butler Yeats
MVHS Tutorial Center Open for All Students!
The MVHS Tutorial Center is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, and is equipped with comfortable and attractive furnishings throughout, four small workrooms for small group tutoring or other group work, 10 computers networked to a laser printer, and much more. What a great addition to the resources available to your students! We realize what companies have long recognized: that the work environment does matter! Please visit the Tutorial Center anytime to see what the fanfare is all about!
The Tutorial Center supports academic achievement for all students of all ability levels. We provide free tutoring to MVHS students in all academic subject areas.
George St. Clair, Coordinator, recruits tutors from a variety of sources including retired MVHS teachers, successful high school students (peer tutors); college students (from Santa Clara University, Stanford, Foothill College); retired teachers, volunteers from the community, and parents. Tutoring sessions are conducted on a one-on-one or small group basis.
We encourage students to use the center during their free periods, at lunch and brunch, and before and after school. Students may come to work with a tutor for either part of or for an entire period. They also have the option to make an appointment for tutoring on a regular basis. Teachers and counselors also refer students to the center.
If you are interested in lending your expertise as a tutor or want to discuss individual student needs with Mr. St. Clair, you can reach him at 940-4624.
SENIORS: The Next Edge/SAT Prep Course Offered in September 2010
Twice each year (fall & spring) the MVHS Tutorial Center and The Edge partner to offer our students 'How To Outsmart the SAT'. The Fall 2010 course will offered on five successive Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 7:00-9:00PM, on the following dates: Sept 21, 23, 28, 30, & Oct 5 Also included are two 4-hour long practice tests (Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm), which will be held on Sept 25 & Oct 2.
The 18-hour 'Edge' course prepares students for the SAT, by teaching the critical skills needed for success. The course is broken down into 5 two-hour sessions, and 2 four-hour practice tests. All of the skills learned are highly effective techniques for increasing SAT scores. Learn valuable test taking strategies for the SAT.
Details and registration form will be available on this web page under 'SAT Prep Class Registration Form', and in the Aug/Sept News & Views (parent newsletter). Registration forms are also available in the Tutorial Center and/or Career Center and should be returned to the Tutorial Center with your check for $85 made out to: Edge Educational. Registration forms will NOT be accepted before August 16, 2010. Because enrollment is limited, priority will be given to Seniors, and then others. For more information please contact the Tutorial Center at 940-4624. General information about the course can be found on the internet at www.EdgeEducational.com.
You Can Help Our Students Excel!
MVHS is always in need of volunteer academic tutors in its Tutorial Center to assist students in one or more of the following subject areas: math (pre-algebra through Calculus), basic science, chemistry, physics, biology, social studies, economics, English/ELD and foreign languages. If you have a college degree you probably have what it takes to be of assistance. In addition, tutors introduce/reinforce successful study habits as well as being positive role models. For further information, please contact George St. Clair, Coordinator, at 940-4624 or george.stclair@mvla.net.