Technology

Educators: Study Habits Improve with Parental Involvement

Published

4 months ago

July 30, 2024

Life-long Learning Requires Tools for Longevity, Not Cramming

APEX, N.C., July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Two big transitions for school-age children are moving from elementary to middle school and middle to high school. Often these moves are accompanied by the realization that academic expectations are different.

Gone are the days of rote memorization. Studying now is a very personalized experience and one that can be enhanced through parent involvement. With the school year starting soon, parents have a natural opportunity to get involved in their child’s progress.

Is your child someone who thrives on peace and quiet or works best with a little background music? Was the lesson they learned taught by a teacher or was it self-guided? Do they lean on memorization skills then wonder why they cannot remember the information a few weeks later?

The act of studying has changed over the years as teachers work to improve the success rates of their students. At Peak Charter Academy in Apex, North Carolina, students are guided by leaders and teachers who focus on whole child learning and parental partnerships. It’s one reason they’ve outperformed the local district since opening in 2017.

Peak Principal Kacey Gorman has spent 11 years teaching students and guiding their learning process as teacher, dean, and now principal. She believes parental involvement, whether it be just in the initial direction of studying, or the daily guidance of it, is vitally important.

“Many of our parents still have the perception that just cramming the night before and trying to memorize everything can take the place of actually knowing something,” Gorman said. “It’s important to work with the parents to provide them with the skills so they can work with their kids over time and see the difference.”

Ready to enroll your student? National Heritage Academies operates 100 schools in nine states. Use our school finder to locate one near you: NHA School Finder.

While memorization is still an important element of learning, it’s not the long-term solution for life-long learning, she said.

“Can kids memorize something to ace a test? Absolutely, they can go in and do it, but typically, when you focus on just memorization, a week later you’re not going to be able to recall much of that information,” Gorman said. “You’re compartmentalizing it for a short amount of time instead of internalizing what you are truly trying to learn.”

For Peak Charter Academy Dean Savannah Angel, these lessons played out in real life. Angel is starting her first year as a dean after earning NHA’s Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2022-23 school year. She has taught for eight years and has been with Peak since its opening.

“I was the kid who could just sit there and absorb in class and not have to study,” Angel said. “I didn’t develop study skills until it was almost too late. I was in college and struggling because I didn’t home in on those skills earlier. I use that in parent-teacher conferences to talk about how important study skills are, how this is the time to make those mistakes to form those healthy habits, because it’s so much easier to do now and take those long-lasting skills into higher education.”

The challenge is everyone may need something different when they study. Angel said increased interaction at home can help guide that process of understanding.

“Have conversations at the dinner table about what your child is learning,” Angel said. “Have them tell you more about what they’re learning and why they think they’re learning it. How can they apply it? We talk about the CER method in science (Claim – Evidence – Reasoning). That can be applied at home. Say the student wants a cell phone, the parent can say ‘give me a claim, evidence and a reasoning for it.’ That helps the child understand there needs to be reasoning behind the information.”

Peak Charter Academy Dean Savannah Angel:
“Learning isn’t memorizing and regurgitating, it needs to be understanding and applying.”

If a student is struggling with vocabulary, Angel said reading just about anything can help improve that, whether it’s street signs or the back of a cereal box. Modeling is also a very effective way to inspire your child to learn and study. If they see their parents reading, it shows them the importance and value of that activity, so they’re more apt to pick up a book. Parents can model that CER method with their children as well.

“Just doing drills over and over again isn’t fun for anyone. Learning isn’t memorizing and regurgitating, it needs to be understanding and applying. I think switching that mentality of drilling them with flash cards until everyone is in tears at the dinner table is important. No one is going to benefit from that.”

There are clues to look for if you think your child is struggling with how to study, Gorman said. When you start to notice these indications, reach out to your child’s teacher to develop a plan.

“If you see that they’re not studying at all, and this is a kid who is making A’s and all the sudden is failing, what’s happening? It’s trial and error to some extent, and that’s one thing that I do mention to parents – sometimes you just have to try it and get a sense of how well they did with it. Start with that quiet study. See how it works. Watch your child’s body language and be mindful of their attentiveness and that environment.”

You may need to move in a different direction after that. Some children benefit from associating information with other things, such as word puzzles, pictures, or songs. Others need to absorb information in smaller bits with frequent breaks in-between. Regardless of the technique, Angel knows parents can make a difference.

“When parents are involved in the learning process, so many good things happen. It’s building that rapport with parents so learning doesn’t just stop once they leave the building. We give them the tools to help them at home.”

Want to learn more about how NHA supports teachers and students to achieve at National Heritage Academies partner-schools? Visit nhaschools.com.

ABOUT PEAK CHARTER ACADEMY and NHA:
Peak Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Apex, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 68,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.

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SOURCE National Heritage Academies

Technology

NASA Johnson Invites Proposals to Lease Vibration Test Facility

Published

45 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA’s Johnson Space Center is seeking proposals for the use of its historic, but underused, Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility. Prospective tenants must submit facility walk-through requests by Monday, Nov. 18.

Final proposals are due by 12 p.m. EST Monday, Dec. 16, and must promote activities that will build, expand, modernize, or operate aerospace-related capabilities at NASA Johnson and help preserve the historic and iconic building through preservation and adaptive reuse.

NASA plans to sign a National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) lease agreement for the facility, also known as Building 49, for a five-year base period and one five-year extension to be negotiated between NASA and the tenant. To request a walk-through, send an email to hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov.

“This historic facility has been used for decades to ensure the success and safety of all human spaceflight missions by putting engineering designs and hardware to the ultimate stress tests,” said NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche. “For more than 60 years, NASA Johnson has been the hub of human space exploration and this agreement will be a vital part of the center’s efforts to develop a robust and durable space economy that refines our understanding of the solar system and space exploration.”

All proposals must adhere to the guidelines detailed in the Agency Announcement for Proposals describing concept plans for development of the property, including any modifications proposed to the building; a statement of financial capability to successfully achieve and sustain operations, demonstrated experience with aerospace-related services or other space-related activities, and a detailed approach to propelling the space economy.

The nine-story building complex has a gross square footage of 62,737 square feet and consists of a north wing measuring 62 feet long, 268 feet wide and 106 feet tall, and a central wing about 64 feet long and 115 feet wide. Building 49 currently houses five laboratories, including the General Vibration Laboratory, Modal Operations Laboratory, Sonic Fatigue Laboratory, Spacecraft Acoustic Laboratory, and Spacecraft Vibration Laboratory. The south administrative portion of the building is not included in the property offered for lease.

As the home of Mission Control Center for the agency’s human space missions, astronaut training, robotics, human health and space medicine, NASA Johnson leads the way for the human exploration. Leveraging its unique role and location, the center is developing multiple lease agreements, including the recently announced Exploration Park, to sustain its key role in helping the human spaceflight community foster a robust space.

In the coming years, NASA and its academic, commercial, and international partners will see the completion of the International Space Station Program, the commercial development of low Earth orbit, and the first human Artemis campaign missions establishing sustainable human presence on the Moon in preparation for human missions to Mars.

Johnson already is leading the commercialization of space with the commercial cargo and crew programs and private astronaut missions to the space station. The center also is supporting the development of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit, and lunar-capable commercial spacesuits and lunar landers that will be provided as services to both NASA and the private sector to accelerate human access to space. Through the development of Exploration Park, the center will broaden the scope of the human spaceflight community that is tackling the many difficult challenges ahead.

Learn more about NASA Johnson’s efforts to collaborate with industry partners:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/frontdoor/

NASA Johnson Space Center news releases and other information are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to listserv@listserver.jsc.nasa.gov. In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type “subscribe hsfnews” (no quotes). This will add the email address that sent the subscribe message to the news release distribution list. The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription. Once you have subscribed you will receive future news releases via e-mail.

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SOURCE NASA

Technology

Cabana Partners with Virginia Department of Veterans Services to Provide Comprehensive, Free Mental Health Support for Veterans, Guard/Reserve Members, and Their Families

Published

45 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cabana, a modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support, has partnered with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to provide free, comprehensive mental health resources to Virginia’s veterans, Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses and caregivers. This collaboration expands access to Cabana’s digital mental health services, including live peer support groups moderated by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.

Originally developed through research and development initiatives with the U.S. Air Force, Cabana’s services are designed to meet the unique needs of military and veteran communities. With this partnership, eligible Virginia users gain full access to Cabana’s digital suite, which includes the full range of virtual, professionally facilitated groups offered by Cabana, as well as dedicated Virginia Veteran peer-led support groups. Participants can connect discreetly on topics such as transitioning to civilian life, managing family relationships, and coping with stress, all within a secure and confidential environment accessible from any device.

David Black, Founder and CEO of Cabana, underscored the mission behind the partnership: “We’re honored to work with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to offer a holistic mental health solution for Virginia’s military-connected community. With Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists and our full array of live support groups, we’re providing a powerful, confidential resource that veterans and military families can rely on, whenever and wherever they need it.”

Key Features of the Partnership:

Comprehensive Access to Support: Virginia veterans, Guard/Reserve members, and their families will have unrestricted access to all live virtual groups available through Cabana, in addition to specialized peer-led groups run by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.Support for Families and Caregivers: The initiative includes spouses and caregivers, addressing the unique mental health needs of military-connected families through sessions tailored to issues like family dynamics, stress management, and the transition to civilian life.Confidential and Flexible Access: Cabana’s services are available on mobile and desktop devices, providing Virginia’s veterans and their families with an easily accessible, cost-free solution for mental health support.

This collaboration highlights Cabana’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of those who serve and their families. By joining forces with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Cabana seeks to strengthen the resilience and wellness of Virginia’s military community.

For more information on the partnership between Cabana and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, please contact:

Nick Armstrong, Ph.D.
Head of Public Sector, Cabana
nick@cabanahealth.org

About Cabana™
Cabana is a leading, modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support solutions tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Through live, professionally moderated group sessions, evidence-based content, and adaptable wellness tools, Cabana helps individuals proactively manage their mental health. Our mission is clear: to make mental health care more accessible through technology and human connection.

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral health, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

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SOURCE Cabana

Technology

East Side Games Group Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Published

45 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Revenue of $21.4M in Q3 2024 and $62.8M Year to DateA-EBITDA of $2.56M in Q3 2024 and $9.2M Year to DatePOWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE launched globally

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – East Side Games Group (TSX: EAGR) (OTC: EAGRF) (“ESGG” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars on an IFRS basis unless otherwise indicated. Building on the momentum from Q2, the company achieved its first growth quarter of the year, reporting a top-line revenue of $21.4 million, a 4% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 3% increase year-over-year.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.56 million, representing a 12% margin and marking the eighth consecutive profitable quarter above $2.5 million. East Side Games Group continues to demonstrate strong performance metrics across its core portfolio, with an average daily user count (DAU) of 236,000, a stickiness rate of 24%, and an average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) of $0.99.

“Our focus on profitability within our existing portfolio has paid off, and we are excited to further enhance our user acquisition strategies,” said Jason Bailey, CEO of East Side Games Group. “With $8.3 million in cash—our highest balance since Q2 2022—we are well-positioned to invest in our future game launches and bolster our share buyback program.”

One of the key drivers of growth this quarter was the launch of POWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE in August, which quickly garnered nearly 30,000 daily active users and demonstrated impressive return on advertising spend (ROAS) figures.

In Q3, the company also enhanced its revenue generation through innovative strategies. The introduction of bi-monthly season passes for popular titles like Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and Cheech and Chong: Bud Farm resulted in a remarkable 40% increase in season pass revenue.

In a major collaboration, East Side Games Group partnered with BBC and Paramount to create the Intergalactic Friendship Day crossover event between Star Trek Lower Decks: The Badgey Directive and Doctor Who: Lost in Time, generating substantial organic traffic and setting new ARPDAU records.

Looking forward to Q4, East Side Games Group is excited to introduce team-based cooperative and competitive play features into titles such as Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar , anticipating a significant boost in player engagement and monetization.

Moreover, the company is preparing to launch Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money on the Epic Games Store, expanding its reach in a new mobile marketplace with favorable revenue-sharing terms. This is a very exciting opportunity, only being afforded to a few game studios.

Finally, East Side Games Group is thrilled to announce our upcoming title, RuPaul’s Drag Race Match Queen, developed in partnership with Funkitron and World of Wonder. Slated for a 2025 release, this hybrid match-3 game combines beloved gameplay elements with captivating fashion and character features, catering to the passionate fanbase of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Mike Edwards will be stepping down from the ESGG Board of Directors to focus on other pursuits, effective immediately. ESGG thanks him for his invaluable guidance over the past 12 years and is currently in discussions with several highly qualified candidates for his replacement.

Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 Financial highlights

For the quarter ended September 30th, 2024, revenue was $21.4M.Q3 2024 a-EBITDA of $2.56M and 12% a-EBITDA margin.Cashflow for the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased by $700k, ending at $8.3M.Daily Active Users in Q3 were 236k, with an ARPDAU of $0.99On November 14, 2023, the Company announced a renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) authorizing the Company to purchase 4,076,819 of its shares. Through September 30, 2024, the Company purchased 1,540,719 shares at an average price of $0.76. The company continues to buy back stock as restrictions allow.

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The Financial Statements and MD&A can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Earnings Call Video

ESGG will release its third-quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook on its investor relations website https://eastsidegamesgroup.com/investors/financial-information on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP

East Side Games Group is a leading free-to-play mobile game group, creating engaging games that produce enduring player loyalty. Our studio groups entrepreneurial culture is anchored in creativity, execution, and growth through licensing of our proprietary Game Kit software platform that enables professional game developers to greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of game creation in addition to organic growth through a diverse portfolio of original and licensed IP mobile games that include: The Office: Somehow We Manage, Star Trek: Lower Decks – The Badgey Directive, Bud Farm Idle Tycoon, Doctor Who: Lost in Time, RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, AEW: Rise to The Top, Cheech and Chong Bud Farm, and Trailer Park Boys: Grea$y Money.

We are headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and our games are available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play. Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the proposed transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.