Hello!

I hope everyone is enjoying the fall season and looking forward to some Halloween fun next week!

“Did you start your homework?”
“Is everything finished?”
“Did you check what’s due tomorrow?”

If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. Parents want to help their children succeed, but constant reminders can leave everyone feeling frustrated.

The goal is to help students take more ownership of their work while still providing the support they need. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Let your child make the first plan.

Instead of listing everything they need to do, ask, “What’s due tomorrow, and what will you work on first?” This gives them practice making decisions and organizing their time

2. Agree on a check-in.

Choose a time to review progress together. Having a predictable check-in gives your child room to work independently and helps you avoid repeatedly asking whether they’re finished.

3. Find out what’s making homework difficult.

“I don’t want to do it” can mean several things:  the directions are confusing, the material is challenging, or the assignment feels overwhelming.  Ask your child to show you where they’re stuck so you can identify the next step together.

4. Recognize growing independence.

Notice when your child starts without a reminder, asks a specific question, or breaks a project into smaller tasks. Those habits deserve recognition alongside good grades.

At JC Academy Miami, our tutors help students understand their coursework while developing the planning, organization, and study habits they need to work more independently.

Is homework becoming a nightly struggle? Reply with your child’s grade and biggest homework challenge, and we’ll help you find the right tutoring support.

 

Tutor Spotlight: Laila!

From the moment I met Laila, I knew she would be a wonderful addition to JC Academy.

Most of our tutors come to me through recommendations from current team members who know the qualities I look for.  Although I regularly receive applications through the University of Miami’s JobX platform, which connects students with off-campus jobs, I don’t often hire through it.

This summer, while preparing for the school year, I decided to review the latest applications—and Laila’s immediately stood out.  On paper, she had everything I was looking for.  When we met for her in-person interview, her warmth and enthusiasm made the decision an easy one.

Since then, her students’ feedback has confirmed that first impression.  They describe her as patient and kind, with a talent for breaking challenging concepts into clear, manageable steps.  She has a big heart, and it comes through in the care and attention she gives each student.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Laila studies biology on the pre-med track at the University of Miami, where she participates in the Health Professions Mentorship Program.  She is also working toward her medical assistant certification.  Through her work at Maimonides Medical Center in New York, she gained clinical experience in the emergency department and other areas of the hospital.

Laila especially enjoys mathematics and helping students understand material they once found intimidating.  Outside of studying and tutoring, she loves crafting, going to dinner with friends, spending time at the beach, and swimming.

I’m so proud to have Laila on our team and excited to see the difference she continues to make for our students!

To learn more about Laila, click here to see her profile on our website:

https://jcacademymiami.com/our-team/academic-tutors/laila-murgo/