Out & About with Linda
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Jeanine Mathesz. She’s the dynamo behind Gideon Math & Reading Academy. I didn’t know much about this program, except that we share office space in the same building and Gideon is one of our popular advertisers. But Wow!, after our conversation, I realize Gideon AND Keystone Freedom Academy, the other school affiliated with Gideon, is a lot more.
Gideon Math & Reading works with children/students as young as four years old, through high school. Their mission is to build confidence through academic mastery. (That’s a BIG ask!) They provide after school enrichment or tutorial programs aimed at helping students – ALL students- fill in the gaps of their understanding and knowledge in math and reading.
Dr. Mathesz explained how they work with paper and pencil, and focus on phonics when mastering reading and spelling. And students are working with cursive writing. It sounds almost like old fashioned teaching/learning!! But it’s teaching using tried and true, and yes, currently recognized, successful approaches to learning. Yay for phonics!!! Imagine, not using a computer and relying on paper and pencil!! Sounds good to this old person who learned penmanship as a child!!!!! LOL!
Gideon works with students throughout Bucks and Montgomery County. They attend supplemental classes twice a week until they are secure at an appropriate academic level. Remember, confidence and mastery is the goal. And yes, they will share student progress with their teachers in their home schools if requested. However, I’m thinking any report would be self-evident… after all, a student would show clear signs of mastery doing their normal school work.
If you think your child could use some academic support or enrichment, you might check out Gideon. All students are evaluated before the learning process starts. And the teacher-student ratio is unmatched. Tuition is affordable and you can determine, with guidance, the number of classes required. In the end, and better yet, students leave Gideon’s tutelage feeling confident and sure of their academic accomplishment ahead.
Sharing the same facility, during normal school hours of 9am-3pm, you’ll find Keystone Freedom Academy. What a special school! This school is for special students who “face social, emotional and behavioral challenges” in the educational setting. The Academy helps them find freedom within a learning environment.
Open to students grades 5 through 12, students are referred by their public or private school. There is definite cooperation between the schools. Keystone is community based and students often times spend two to three years attending. Having met certain behavioral and social criteria, they are then mainstreamed back into their traditional school setting. There is a psychologist on staff, ready and present, to help with any psychological issues, and again, as at Gideon, the student-to-teacher ratio is unmatched.
I was surprised and shocked when Dr. Matisz commented that some of these students have experienced restraints in school. At Keystone Freedom Academy, there is no such thing as “restraints.” Their approach includes therapy and other strategies to help mediate unacceptable behavior. And it seems to be working.
The goal here is to return to one’s home school base ultimately. The curriculum is centered around college preparedness and/or to be able to work in the community. Dr. Mathesz remarked her greatest pride is when they have a graduating student find employment locally or someone goes off to college.
Our community is blessed to have a school like Keystone Freedom Academy so local. The school welcomes students from all over Montgomery and Bucks County, and even enrolls students from further away. It works with those children who may be left aside because they are too difficult and seen as bothersome in the traditional educational setting. Keystone believes that no student should be left behind, but instead should be offered the opportunity and given the skills to thrive.
I enjoyed my time with Dr. Mathesz. It was very educational!!! I was reminded that there is a large swath of “need” as our children travel through their path of education. It looks like Dr. Mathesz and her staff are helping with that all along the way!
Special thanks to “George’ at Tom Sawyer Tire and Auto Repair on York Road in Willow Grove. Last week I was driving to meet friends and noticed my “low tire air” sign appeared. It was about 5:30 pm and of course, my anxiety level rose. (I hate care troubles. It’s the one thing that makes me scream “daddy!”)
I pulled over to the first “auto place” I saw, jumped out of my car and flagged down the technician behind the closed garage door. George came out, I explained the problem and he helped this “damsel in distress” with a smile. Patient and understanding, he was just what this “damsel” required.
He checked my tires, remedied the situation and sent me on my way. A few things; George helped me after hours. I’m thinking he was probably closing up shop when I banged on the garage door. (Yes! I banged!!!) And he was so pleasant. I told him I’d give the Shop a call out this month… he remarked it was unnecessary. But, you never know who may need his services, planned or otherwise. So, if you’re in the neighborhood and you’re looking for that special “auto” attention, which I believe I received, check out this auto shop. And please, let them know who sent you!! Thank you, George!
When was the last time you visited this standby restaurant, Bonnet Lane Family Restaurant in Abington? It’s been a while for me. So, when my friend Sharon suggested we go for lunch, I agreed saying I didn’t even realize they were open. Shame on me! Bonnet Lane is a hoping place 7am-3pm every day except Monday.
Bonnet Lane appears to be THE place for a terrific breakfast or lunch. Sharon kept saying “Brunch, that’s what they serve here!!” Let me explain, I’m not an egg/omelet person, but I couldn’t help noticing plates around me piled high with beautiful breakfast sandwiches, omelets and egg confections. I enjoyed a terrific tuna sandwich and a great view of all the satisfied diners. People kept streaming in. Service was prompt, food was good and I think Bonnet Lane could become a go-to place for me for a late lunch or breakfast. Yup! It’s joined my list of recommendations for an easy meal out.
If you haven’t visited this landmark eatery in Abington, check it out. Parking is convenient and pricing is fair. And the food is good. It could be just the right spot for a family brunch! Enjoy…
Gideon Math & Reading/ Keystone Freedom Academy
626 Jacksonville Road, Lower level
Warminster, PA 18974
Tom Sawyer Tire and Auto Repair
412 N. York Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Bonnet Lane Family Restaurant
1720 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001
