My grandmother Sara Camilla Collins Emerick (we called her Muhr) was an English teacher turned real estate entrepreneur.  She was classy and elegant.   The thing I remember most about Muhr is that she never complained.  She lived through the great depression, cancer, death of loved ones, and the difficulties of aging.  She faced hard times … Read More Learning to write…..lessons from Muhr

Last night was long and exhausting.  It was the kind of night that is followed by a morning where you wake up and just aren’t quite ready to tackle the day.  It has been a two cup of coffee kind of morning….  You might ask what caused such a long night and rough morning.  It … Read More Should a student struggling with math get a tutor?

It is so hard to believe we are wrapping up our first semester! I have learned a great deal in my brief stent as a school administrator. What strikes me as the biggest lesson learned is that children are more capable than we think if given the opportunity! I have seen growth not only in … Read More Semester “Report Cards” Shouldn’t Cause Fear!

Is a little suffering good for kids? My childhood was not one of ease. My parents had all of us kids work! As a youngster, I mowed lawns, cleaned houses, swept job sites, cooked dinner, pulled dandelion weeds, babysat, and often did my own laundry. My parents were big believers in teaching us to work … Read More Is a little suffering good for kids?

When Sara was 3, she attended an exceptional Montessori school here in Mesilla.  The proprietor, Ms. Shirley, created a wonderful learning environment with top notch staff and quality learning materials.  CYFD commented that her preschool was one of the best run facilities in the area and held to the highest standards beyond what the state … Read More Financial Status of Acton Academy

Did you know that there are roughly 10,000 bird species in the world? It is hard to accurately count the number of birds worldwide but some experts say there are as many as 400 billion birds worldwide. Some sea birds, like the Prion, spend their whole lives flying over the ocean except when they are … Read More Is Common Core the Solution to Education?

As adults, we carry with us many memories of our growing up years and in particular our childhood education.  My education was very nontraditional.  My parents were pioneers in New Mexico as they championed legislation that would allow parents to homeschool.  In the early 1980’s, homeschooling was legalized in New Mexico.  My parents homeschooled me … Read More Alternative Education. Does it really work?

It is hard for me to believe we just wrapped up our second week of school at Acton Academy.  The past few months have been a flurry of activity as this dream of opening a school has come to life.  To be quite honest, it has been harder and more challenging than I ever could … Read More Life at Acton Academy

Find a calling, change the world! Do we trust our children? A few weeks ago, we were invited for dinner at our friend’s home.    We offered to bring dessert.  My daughter Sara eagerly asked if she could make the dessert.  I told Sara that she could make some cookies.  She has mastered this recipe and … Read More Do we trust our children?

As parents, we all want what is best for our children and a good education is high on the priority list.   Since “education” is so important, how should it be defined?  How do we know if we are giving our children a good education?   If they are getting good grades and not getting in trouble, … Read More How do we know our children are getting a good education?