FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where did the name Timothy Memorial School come from?
2. Does TMS specialize in teaching children with certain diagnoses -
   ADD, autism, etc.?
3. Does my child need to be diagnosed before being accepted to TMS?
4. Do TMS teaching methods differ from other schools I'm considering
   for my child?
5. How do you teach reading?
6. How would you describe the environment of the school?
7. What does Judeo-Christian philosophy mean?<
8. How does TMS differ from some of the well-known private schools
   in the area?
9. How long will my child be able to attend TMS?

Q. Where did the name Timothy Memorial School come from?

A. Timothy Memorial School is named after two of the Founder's cousins who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Timothy Stout was working for Canter Fitzgerald and Lt. Timothy Higgins was a New York Firefighter.

Q. Does TMS specialize in teaching children with certain diagnoses -
ADD, autism, etc.?

A. No. Our staff of State certified special educators can teach any student with learning and developmental disabilities that will benefit from the small group instruction and individualized lessons provided.

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Q. Does my child need to be diagnosed before being accepted to TMS?

A. No. TMS accepts children without a diagnosis, and we do not test to provide one. We teach each child according to his or her individual strengths and weaknesses.

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Q. Do TMS teaching methods differ from other schools I'm considering
for my child?

A. We find out how each child learns best and teach them that way. Depending on the child, that could include multi-ensory activities, games, hands-on projects and experiments, peer-supported projects, students-as-teacher activities, arts and crafts, songs, poetry, research, and written reports.

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Q. How do you teach reading?

A. We use "Recipe For Reading", an Orton-Gillingham, multi-sensory, phonics based approach in combination with sight word and comprehension activities. Students are taught in both small groups and individually. This is a very sequential, success-oriented program. It improves reading, writing and spelling skills, as well as the student's confidence.

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Q. How would you describe the environment of the school?

A. TMS was designed as a calm, homelike, environment with soothing colors and decor - a place where students can enjoy learning without anxiety. And where the staff reinforces a positive, success-oriented environment that minimizes the stress and fear of past academic failure.

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Q. What does Judeo-Christian philosophy mean?

A. TMS curriculum is taught with the philosophies, traditions and understandings
of the Old and New Testaments in mind. Although children of any faith are accepted to TMS, the faith of the Founder is infused in all classes and teaching throughout
the day.

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Q. How does TMS differ from some of the well-known private schools
in the area?

A. At TMS we consider the whole child; personality, interests, stress triggers, learning style, family environment, and emotions, when planning a lesson. We take time to know each child and present material to be learned in the most effective way for that child.

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Q. How long will my child be able to attend TMS?

A. A. Students, once accepted, are welcome to stay as long as the program is beneficial and is promoting growth in the child. Our goal at TMS is to encourage independence, confidence and success.

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