April 2023 | Vol. 48

Beyond the Park Bench

SCK was founded in 2001 by Roxana Reid with the goal of guiding families and students to self-actualize through accessing just-right educational fit. We are a proud black-owned business.
"Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished. Tell about it."

– Mary Oliver
Why It Is Awesome That Your Brain Can Experience Awe

Awe is an amazing stress-buster for today's teens. Accessible on a daily basis, it is a valuable tool for making our worries feel smaller and engendering feelings of well-being, life satisfaction, connection, and sense of meaning.

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The Pleasure and Meaning of Making
An examination of the important psychological and sociological roles art has played throughout history shows how making and exploring art makes for a more meaningful, less stressful life for children and adults alike.
The "behavior" of art -"making special"- is a universal impulse in all human beings and all societies, according to writer and educator Ellen Dissanayake. Her research looks at the role of art in human society from a bio-behavioral standpoint, suggesting that art is a biological necessity in human existence.
To read more about Dissanahake's research-based theories, click here!

Dacher Keltner hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness. His latest book is Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Learn about the myriad benefits of being more mindful as we make our way through life and more receptive to the wonders embedded in our everyday realities.
Meet Martha Hirschman, SCK's new Nursery School Education Consultant! Martha has a B.S in Education from the University of Michigan, and an M.F.A. from New York University. She has been active in the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), has served on several NYSAIS school accreditation teams, and is a long-standing board member of Early Steps. She has served in multiple roles - including Teacher, Advisor, Director of Admissions, Head of Lower School, and Assistant Head of School - working with students from Pre-K through 12 at independent schools across the city. Backed by extensive experience in admissions and enrollment management, Martha is a passionate and dedicated educator who enjoys working with families as they navigate the admissions process. We are thrilled to welcome her to our SCK Team!
SCK Workshop Calendar 
It's workshop season! Please see the below calendar for upcoming SCK workshops.
Additionally, stay tuned for an Expert Discussion on Independent High School Admissions led by Bespoke Education and our very own consultant, Jackie Sirgo! Click here to view any additional details and register to learn more about how you can navigate Independent High School Admissions with confidence and focus.
Tutoring News
Did you know that SCK offers Group Tutoring? We have pre-scheduled tutoring programs, and we can also create a tutoring program on demand to fit your specific needs! Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your child be "their best student!"
info@smartcitykids.com | 212-249-4066 | smartcitykids.com