Amita Mittal Goel

Building Responsibility, Confidence, and Readiness for High School** Eighth grade is a turning point for students. They are no longer children who need constant reminders, yet not fully ready for the fast-paced expectations of high school. For many students—especially those receiving special education services—this transition can be confusing, emotional, and overwhelming. This is where the  teacher aide  becomes a powerful part of the growth process. A teacher aide helps students develop independence, understand accountability, and build confidence using simple, direct communication. The goal is not to be strict—it is to prepare them for a successful future. 🌟 The Shift in 8th Grade: From Being Pampered to Being Prepared In earlier grades, students often receive soft reminders: “Sweetie, don’t forget to write your name.” “It’s okay, take your time.” “Let me help you with that.” But by 8th grade, students need a different kind of support. Teacher aides gently shift away from “...

Last week was a big milestone for my daughter Mannat went on her very first school trip ! She was gone for  two nights and three days  at the beautiful  Ashokan Center , surrounded by nature, adventure, and friends. It was the first time she stayed away from home that long, and I have to admit  while I missed her, I couldn’t be prouder of how much she learned and grew in those few days. 🏹 Learning New Skills Mannat came back full of stories and excitement. She told us about trying  archery  for the first time, how she learned to aim carefully, stay calm, and celebrate each little success. She also got a taste of history by learning  blacksmithing , where she saw how fire and metal come together to create something strong and lasting. She also loved the  team-building games , where everyone had to work together, think creatively, and support each other. It was so heartwarming to hear how they encouraged one another and learned the importance of t...