PLAYGROUND
Back-to-school season this year looked completely different from any other year in history. It was the first time students started fall learning during a pandemic.
Public and charter schools in Orange County began virtually on August 10, with the option to return to in-person learning on August 21. A survey conducted on July 24 with OCPS parents showed that about 70% preferred continuing virtual learning using OCPS’s innovative virtual option LaunchED@Home or Orange County Virtual School.
Many families are considering innovative learning pods to avoid the learning struggles experienced in the spring. “I heard the cries of many parents who had to balance helping their student with school and working from home when schools closed,” said Lisa Vivo, School Psychologist and Area Director of Club Z! Tutoring. “Some felt powerless in supporting their child’s learning effectively.” Club Z! is an in-home and online tutoring company.
To set their children up for success during the new school year, many parents have inquired about the option of having a private tutor to provide review and practice of the material and help with assignments. Parents have also inquired about a tutor overseeing the instruction of small “pods” or groups of same-grade children. They are collaborating with other parents to host these pods of about 3–4 students in their home.
Parents love the idea of keeping the groups small for safety reasons and because students benefit from the small-group attention that this opportunity may bring for their child. The children learn from the tutor and from each other in these pods. The pods also offer much-needed social interaction for children. This is a great option for parents who are not quite ready to teach or support certain subjects, such as math or science. Hiring a tutor offers them reassurance. The tutors reinforce the curriculum and can add helpful strategies, including working on study habits.
Ms. Vivo said the company’s phone lines and online live chat have been flooded with inquiries from families looking into this option. The Club Z tutors can work with children one-on-one or small same-grade pods either in-home or virtually. Their team follows CDC guidelines for PPE and highlights the importance of safety.
For more information on Club Z, visit their website. Club Z! is the nation’s largest in-home and online tutoring and test prep organization, with more than 450 offices in North America.
Club Z! Tutoring of Hunter’s Creek is owned and operated by Lisa Vivo. Mrs. Vivo is a licensed school psychologist who obtained her Educational Specialist degree from the University of Central Florida. She practiced across schools in Central Florida for nearly a decade.
About the Author:
Lisa M. Vivo is a school psychologist and owner of a local in-home and online tutoring company Club Z! Tutoring of Hunter’s Creek. Being born and raised in Orlando, she continues to strive to serve her community. You can reach her at 407-543-6476 or https://clubztutoring.com/hunters-creek/.
