Summer is here.

The 2009-2010 school year is at its end.

To all of my clients (students and parents alike): let me extend both my congratulations and gratitude. We have not only survived, but also excelled through another year.

That's easy to say, but I don't mean it glibly.

Student CM is off to Deerfield, to join former student SD, who began there last year;
student CM (no, the other one) has demonstrated extraordinary progress in executive function, culminating in a self-driven charge towards a successful round of final exams;
new student TH is off to the races, tackling problems three to four years ahead of grade level;
long-time student JD continues to impress as not only an excellent mathematical thinker, but also as a deep thinker and good communicator overall;
student JL continues to ignore the downward pressure of expectations set by a learning difference, and instead employs dedication and hard work to run circles around those who would otherwise be peers, even in the face of taking two years of math concurrently.

Special mentions go to:

student JB, who pulled out of a precarious nosedive to end pre-calculus with a well-deserved B through a ton of hard, smart work;
and to new GRE student AW who fights test anxiety on a daily basis... and wins;
and to student VP, who continues to challenge me with incredibly insightful questions;
and finally to new student BL who is beginning to learn what it is to self-advocate as a student.

Also, let me congratulate those BodSAT students who turned in great performances despite being at the tops of their respective games when we began.

And finally, let me congratulate the Urban School Math Competition Team for another successful year, and specifically departing captain Amrit K, who served the team tirelessly and successfully for two years. Best of luck at UCSD, Amrit, and may the UMCT continue its proud tradition next year with Simon S at the helm!

As for me: I'm simultaneously humbled by my students' many accomplishments... and exhausted and ready for summer. :-)

Looking forward to seeing everyone again in the fall.

But first, some time off!