School Smarts NYC

This episode explores executive functioning challenges in middle and high school students, especially those with ADHD. It covers what executive function is, common struggles, and practical strategies for parents and educators to support students' organizational skills.

This episode explores the challenges and strategies for supporting students through the final months of the school year, emphasizing balance, mental health, and practical advocacy tips for parents. It offers a comprehensive guide to navigating academic pressures, burnout, and the importance of fostering resilience and self-advocacy in teens.

This episode addresses the complexities of NYC high school waitlist processes, explaining why waitlist movement is slower than expected and offering strategies for families navigating this uncertain period.

In this episode, Carolyn shares practical advice for NYC high school applicants and parents navigating multiple offers, waitlists, and decision-making. Learn how to revisit your 'why', research effectively, and trust your instincts to choose the best fit for your student.

This episode guides NYC families through the high school offer process, including how to interpret offer letters, waitlist strategies, and important deadlines. Hosted by Carolyn DeFir, it offers practical tips and emotional support for navigating this stressful time.

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of navigating the New York City high school application process. She emphasizes the importance of understanding grades, screen groups, and the significance of early preparation for both seventh and eighth grades. Carolyn provides insights into specialized high schools, the SHSAT, and the role of essays and interviews in the application process. She encourages parents to maintain balance and perspective while supporting their children through this journey, ultimately aiming to foster a strong, confident student rather than just a strong application.

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn discusses the high school admissions process in New York City, focusing on the stress and challenges faced by families. She provides insights into navigating the application process, understanding different offer scenarios, and managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with school placements and waitlists. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of community support and offers practical advice for parents as they prepare for the upcoming admissions decisions.

In this episode, Carolyn DeFir explores the concept of sensory diets, emphasizing their importance for individuals of all ages, particularly teens. She explains how sensory diets are personalized sets of sensory inputs that help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and manage emotions. The discussion covers the significance of understanding sensory systems, practical applications of sensory diets, and their role in enhancing executive function. Carolyn encourages listeners to build their own sensory diets to foster self-regulation and emotional well-being.

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the complexities of high school admissions in New York City, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of callbacks from performing arts schools like LaGuardia, the implications of non-refundable deposits for Catholic and independent private schools, and the importance of understanding the admissions process. Carolyn emphasizes the need for parents and students to stay informed, ask questions, and make intentional decisions during this critical time.

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir dives deep into the complexities of the New York State Regents exams. She discusses the purpose of these exams, which serve as a measure of mastery in core subjects and have been tied to graduation requirements. Carolyn provides insights into the changing landscape of Regents requirements, particularly for students graduating in the coming years. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the Regents exams for course placement and the potential impact on students' academic trajectories.