By Cindy Adams

Minnick educators are experts at demonstrating a no-nonsense kind of care. It resonates with both students and parents. Michael, a Minnick student, and his mom, Laura, have seen this practical form of student engagement since Michael started classes six months ago.

"They have a handle on the kids," Laura said. "They do a good job of managing students who are distracted and struggling to do their work, partly because their approach is no-nonsense."

Laura believes some students excel at a private school with teachers skilled in managing behavioral challenges and navigating learning curves.

"At first, I was skeptical. I didn’t want him to go to one of ‘those’ schools," Laura said. "But I don’t feel that way anymore. They get a bad rap, but it’s a good environment. They are genuinely concerned about his education and go above and beyond to help him."

Laura is a single mom. She has to be at work at 6 a.m., which sometimes makes it difficult to get Michael to school. Minnick's principal has picked him up twice to make sure he has transportation.

"They have been supportive of our family, and Mikey has made some nice changes," Laura said. "If it weren’t for Minnick, he would probably be stuck at home."

Laura and Michael attempted homeschooling in the past, but that was unsuccessful. Still, she perseveres and has now engaged an in-home counselor in hopes of helping Michael find an area of academic interest; something that may spark ambition.

"I don’t want to see Mikey struggle," she said. "I see better for him."

Michael wants to return to public school, and Minnick educators want to help him reach his goal. Their straightforward approach and undeniable care, coupled with his steady effort and his mom’s unwavering support, equal a high likelihood of success.