Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 8456 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2017 THE SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE EXPLORE HORIZONS This unique tutoring center realizes that you and your child have a busy school year, and you both look forward to a well- deserved rest during the summer vacation, but be careful not to take your foot off the gas with learning! Studies have shown that by the end of the summer vacation students perform at least 2 months behind their end-of-term scores. It has been found that just 2-3 hours of subject-focused learning during the summer vacation, is all it takes to prevent summer learning loss. At Explore Horizons, their experts want to be your partner in making the summer an exciting time for growth and improvement, rather than regression. The unique environment, flexible scheduling and summer workshops make this a great place to be during the summer and beyond. For more information, call 469-420-9550 or visit explore- horizons.com/summer-learning. "We instill confidence by teaching students problem solving skills, how to ask the right questions and how to define problems…. We give them an edge to be successful in the long term.” - Belinda Southgate, Director, Explore Horizons Know a teenager who’s itching to work and earn a little money? Tell them to Skratch. Skratch, a new application launched in August 2016, matches teens with tasks. Lindsay Feldman, Director of Community Relations for Skratch, has used the app herself to hire capable teens. “Teens ages 14 to 19 and adults download and install the Skratch app on their mobile device. The teenager or ‘Skratcher’ enters matching criteria and selects a payment preference. He or she receives a list of gigs posted by adult ‘Seekers’ on a daily basis and selects a gig(s) to complete,” says Feldman. “Upon completion, the teen receives payment via the app to either a bank or Venmo account.” Since the 2008 recession, fewer places hire teens. Developer Scott Bennett created Skratch as an on-demand application as a solution, allowing teenagers to earn money, learn responsibility, enhance work ethic and attain some financial independence. Currently Skratch is available in four zip codes in Dallas, but Feldman says the company plans to expand its reach. They are also working with the United Way to impact lower socioeconomic areas with fewer job opportunities for teens. Dallas teen Aidan Jacoby enjoys using the app. “Skratch is an opportunity to work and get paid for doing stuff I love to do,” he says. “It’s great because it works around my schedule and helps me manage time and learn skills.” Aidan’s father, Dr. Rick Jacoby, says Skratch has been a wonderful way for Aidan to work during his free time. “He enjoys the gig variety, the ease of finding them, the flexible schedule and knowing he is working in a safe environment while making money,” says Dr. Jacoby. “He is learning the importance of balancing responsibilities and the value of a dollar.” As a parent, Dr. Jacoby appreciates that Aidan is working in a safe environment and that he can message his son through the app. “We recommend Skratch without hesitation to other parents,” he says. Skratch to Match NEW APP HELPS TEENS GET WORK IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD by Karyn Brodsky “Skratch is an opportunity to work and get paid for doing stuff I love to do.” - Aidan Jacoby, far left, working alongside friends (l to r), Kara Eisenstat, Sydney Bennett, Kyle Prengler and Gavin Gold, at a recent Skratch event. DOES YOUR TEEN WANT A JOB?