32 / matters magazine / school 2018 School District. Last school year, the students went to Gravity Vault in Cha- tham as a reward for their hard work. The Saturday Academy grant was “consistent with Achieve’s mission to ensure access to academic excellence for all students in the district,” accord- ing to Eileen Collins Neri, the inter- im executive director for the Achieve Foundation. “We are pleased to fos- ter innovative initiatives that provide needed support to struggling learners and make inroads at bridging the aca- demic achievement gap at all ages and stages of learning.” This school year, Dios says she’s planning three trips – one each at the end of the second, third and fourth quarters – for those who show up every Saturday and improve their grades. She chose the Gravity Vault and is considering the Turtle Back Zoo ropes course because both activities represent physical chal- lenges. “We’re trying to provide a link for the stu- dents to overcome their obstacles,” she says. Also new for the coming year: for- mer Saturday Academy students will return to MMS to talk about their experiences and share tips on how to adjust to Columbia High School. “It feels really good to see them make positive strides and to be a part of that,” Dios says. “When they have an adult who is paying attention and can push them in the right direction, sometimes that makes all the differ- ence.” Malia Rulon Herman is a freelance writer living in Maplewood who special- izes in education and health care policy. WHERE DO YOU START? After school activities. Homework. Rehearsals. Part-time job. Family. How do you fit in all your child’s commitments and know they are on track academically? We have the answer to the learning side of the scale. Our assess- ments identify a student’s academic and non-academic strengths as well as areas to focus. We explain both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’. Learning no longer has to be a hassle. Start the academic year with insights and tools that will help your student be an efficient learner. CONTACT US TO GET STARTED! 973-564-5220 or Maureen@academicjourneys.us call us at 973-821-3858 www.greenrootsorganic.com Locally owned and operated • Introducing• Our Lawn Revival and Seasonal Flea, Tick and Mosquito Programs Services 7 Step organic lawn fertilization programs 100% Organic tick, flea and mosquito repellent programs Compost tea applications Aeration and overseeding Lawn Restoration and Revivals COMPOST TOP DRESSING LAWN RESTORATION AND REVIVAL ASK US ABOUT $18.99 for TWO Large Plain Pizzas Take-Out Only at Maplewood & South Orange Locations Toppings are extra, cannot be combined with other offers 21 South Orange Avenue South Orange, NJ 07079 973-762-2015 2 Inwood Place Maplewood, NJ 07040 973-761-7711 Coupon Expires September 30, 2018