Happy New Year! - Wordless Wednesday

my new years card because didn't receive one's ordered yet - wish I didn't order from walmart

Support A Great Organization

An organization that takes the arts seriously, Sing for Hope attempts to make music and performing accessible to people all around New York City. Thanks to a long list of volunteers and performers, Sing for Hope can help provide a creative awakening among communities that lack the necessary resources. Here are four of the best reasons to support this organization.

Music in the Streets

By providing different musical instruments throughout the five boroughs of New York City for two weeks in the year, Sing for Hope brings music to everyone. People passing by can sit down on a beautifully crafted piano and play whatever they want. These pianos sit in different street spots for two weeks, after which they are donated to schools, community areas or hospitals that cannot afford to buy them.

Singing Lessons

Thanks to a dedicated group of staff members and volunteers, Sing for Hope can offer rehearsals and classes to high school students who are interested in the arts. All of these classes are free, with students getting the chance to sing individually, in pairs and in groups. Everything from modern music to the classics is on the table, giving students the chance to really test their vocal chords. Some of these classes are transformed into concert events, where schools and the participants' families can see what they have been working towards.

Special Events

Sing for Hope never stops trying to promote their ideology of getting the arts into under-privileged communities. They host plenty of special events such as art shows, concerts, and fund raisers where donors can get a sense of what the organization is striving to achieve.

One example of a special event is the Sing for Hope Gala, where around 500 people come together to enjoy a fancy dinner and plenty of special performances.

Partnering with Other Organizations

Sing for Hope partners with plenty of organizations throughout New York City. They work in tandem with community centers, middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and other arts centers to improve the arts education for young adults throughout the city.

Partnering with other organizations ensures that Sing for Hope is not fixated on their own agenda. Listening to the ideas and ambitions of other organizations helps Sing for Hope bring about real change in the way arts are perceived in New York City.

Click here for more information about Sing for Hope, their programs and the organizations they partner with.

How to Make Sure your Kids Succeed in School

Image Source: http://pixabay.com/en/school-lockers-hallway-high-school-417612/

Regardless of your child’s age you want them to see them succeed and develop in school but as a parent you might feel a little far removed for your own school years. Not to mention, a lot has changed since then. With developments in technology, teaching methods, and classroom environments you may feel a little overwhelmed when deciding the best way to help your kid acclimate and adjust to the classroom. These are four great tips that will help you assure your child will succeed.

Get Involved

Being a part of your kid’s school experience will help show them you care about what they are doing. Volunteering to chaperone field trips or school events can be a great way to see the environment you child experiences. If you are a working parent and can’t take time off work, don’t worry. Another great way to get involved in your kid’s academic life is to help them with homework, ask them about what they’re learning, and talk to them about their day. Not only is this a great way to bond with your child, it will help motivate them to do well.

Have a Reliable Internet Connection

Technology is now an integral part of the classroom, which means there can be, a great deal of material assigned online. The Internet is also a great way to help answer your child’s questions and encourage them to explore new ideas. Having reliable high speed Internet doesn’t have to be expensive, there are plenty of options that are fast, cheap, and require no contract. Checkout http://frontierinternet.org/frontier-fios/ to see just one example of what good Internet looks like. Having a reliable internet connection will help keep your child on track with learning.

Invest in a laptop or tablet

Having a laptop or tablet handy can be an excellent way for your kids to do homework without being tied down to a desk. A portable computer can allow your kids the freedom to do their homework where they feel most comfortable whether it be outside or on the couch. Most laptops come with parental control options so you can have some say in what your child is able to do and see. If you can’t afford the newest model with all the bells and whistles, don’t worry, there are plenty of high quality refurbished laptops that can cost under $200.00, this is a worthy investment in your child’s education.

Set a Routine

Consistency and predictability is possibly one of the best things you can offer your child to insure success. Simple things like having dinner at the same time every night, keeping a set bedtime, and developing a morning ritual will help your kid feel a sense of order in their lives. Not only is setting a routine good for you child now but it will also help them be more organized and focused later in life because they are more likely to stick with the good habits you taught them growing up.

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