Hello CDA Parents and Kids!

Many vacations were possible during my awesome break. First, I traveled to Florida to visit Disney World and Universal Studios with my parents. While in Florida, I also took time to visit Cocoa Beach and take advantage of what that beach has to offer as well. We visited Steve’s family in Wisconsin and also went on some beach camping and tent camping trips to Michigan.

Summer Adventures and Learning

This summer's programs were a fun time for us together while we were all growing, creating, and learning. I hope you've all had a great summer, and I look forward to seeing all of you during this school year as well. It is very rewarding to see how each of you will develop your friendships, interests, and individuality in the upcoming months.

Summer is that perfect time to recharge, but also to keep those academic muscles engaged so students don't experience the dreaded "summer slide." For student athletes especially, maintaining that balance between physical training, academic preparation, and downtime is crucial. That's why academic coaching for athletes has become such an important part of what I offer-helping students manage the unique demands of sports schedules while staying on top of their coursework.

Exciting New Homeschool Program

There is a new adventure I am starting at CDA... after my experience of homeschool last year and conducting this "experiment" on my own kids (haha), I am opening a homeschool program for this year on a very limited basis and hoping to grow my business philosophy of teaching academic and emotional excellence in the future.

Having been a "teacher" for many years while homeschooling my kids provided me with many of the tools needed to create positive educational environments for other families. I learned that homeschooling is about so much more than following a book-it's about providing opportunities for critical thinking to develop curiosity and the ability to be resilient and confident learners. The Personalized Homeschooling program I'm developing is specifically designed for a select group of families who are seeking a different outlook on education than what can be found in "traditional" school settings.

Whether your child is homeschooled full-time, participates in hybrid programs, or needs supplemental support alongside regular school, the principles remain the same: meet students where they are, challenge them appropriately, and celebrate their progress every step of the way.

Getting Ahead Before School Starts

Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming school year by organizing your children and getting them ready for what is ahead of them. As soon as they receive their textbooks, encourage them to begin reading. Reading this way helps prevent falling behind in school.

It also prepares your child for what they will learn in math and science class. Most textbooks include a chapter one for reviewing the previous year's work, and I will always be glad to help you locate supplemental materials (worksheets) that can be used to enhance your child's learning experience.

This advice is especially critical for student athletes who will soon be juggling practice schedules, games, travel, and homework. Academic management for student athletes isn't just helpful-it's essential. When you're spending hours on the field, court, or track, you need efficient study strategies and proactive planning to stay ahead academically. Starting your textbook reading now, even just a few pages a day, means you won't be overwhelmed when the season kicks into high gear.

I've worked with numerous athletes over the years, and the ones who succeed are those who treat their academics with the same dedication they bring to their sport. They don't wait until they're failing to ask for help. They recognize that academic coaching for athletes gives them the structure and accountability they need to excel in both arenas.

Planning Ahead for Success

I'm in the process of completing my schedule and will notify you when it is published online.

As everyone experienced last year, registration for the classes fills quickly; therefore, please prepare ahead of time.

I highly encourage you to begin your tutoring early; I've had a significant amount of students come to me when they were in the midst of difficulty. Additionally, waiting until you are already struggling can increase the stress associated with the situation, leading to an increased need for additional tutoring to help you catch up.

Prevention is always easier than intervention. When students start tutoring before they're in crisis mode, we can focus on building strong foundations, developing good study habits, and getting ahead-rather than frantically trying to catch up. This is particularly true for athletes managing demanding schedules. Effective academic management for student athletes means anticipating challenges and addressing them before they become overwhelming.

For families new to homeschooling or considering it as an option, early planning is equally important. Curriculum choices, schedule design, and setting realistic goals all take thoughtful consideration. My limited homeschool program slots are designed to provide intensive, personalized support for families committed to this educational path.

Looking Forward to the New Year

I wish you all the best during this last week of your holiday break, and I look forward to fulfilling your academic and life coaching requirements in the upcoming school year! I am available to assist students involved in athletics who need help balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities, homeschooled families that would like to have support, and traditional students looking to get a head start on their college experience.

This is going to be an amazing year full of opportunities. Let's begin the year with purpose, with forethought, and with the determination to make this your best year academically. Success is not about being perfect; it is about being consistent and seeking support when you require it and always striving toward bettering oneself as a student throughout the course of the academic year.

Seize the Day!

Tika Haake, Owner
CarpeDiem Academics, Inc.