Robin Summerfelt
Poulsbo Academics
Areas of Educational Expertise
I have several degrees from four Washington state universities that include Asian Studies, English, Industrial Technology, Home and Family Life/Home Economics.
I teach my students the Theory of Constraint and apply to problem solving and time management.
Quote
Holding my mother's hand, walking to the first day of kindergarten, she asked, "Robin, what are you going to do?" I excitedly replied to what I had been taught, "Sit up and shut up." Hawaiian children are taught Pa'a ka waha, ho'olohe ka pepeaio, nana ka maka. The quote means the same thing. The philosophy is learning, getting along, fitting in, and being good people, visitors, citizens, and family members. The premise is about wisdom, what and how to speak, and the same is true of writing. James 3:17 reads, "True wisdom is "from above" and is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hypocrisy." It is not quantity but quality. "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) We must be gracious, forthright, and magnanimous. Part of being educated is learning what to say and how to choose your battles. We solve problems, not cast blame.
About Me
My life has been learning, teaching, and earning degrees; some are worthless, but they have also quenched my curiosity. My favorite degree is in Industrial Technology. I love solving problems, creating cool stuff out of junk, and playing with technology. Outside of teaching, I flyfish, enjoy soaring and scuba diving, am a Master Gardener, do philanthropy, travel, and, for about 20 years, raised a variety of lizards. We have a talking, snarky African Gray parrot and three Jack Russell Terriers. One of my favorite activities is designing and helping in production for NSB Design, running CNC machines.
We do not have a website. Privacy is vital to students and their families. Each group has a private class forum where I post assignments, class notes, attachments, projects, and ANW notifications. Students communicate with one another in a forum with a monitored discussion location. The forum also provides an area for organizing group projects.
About My Learning Center
I have full-time students, dually enrolled people who do classes with me and the local schools, recovery credits, extra courses for the ambitious, and summer school. My students primarily range from grades five to twelve.
All work is attached to my email for review, feedback, recording, and saving. During class, I teach a chosen subject or two and discuss other vital skills applicable to different courses for advancement and enrichment. I stress high-quality, well-formatted, and edited work. Perfectionism will ruin your health, but pursuing excellence is a life-long joy.
We use technology on Zoom for most meetings since many of my students are out of state. On certain occasions, we can use the Hartley Botanic glass house for science and the refurbished grain silo nestled in the woods.
Testimonies
"Since enrolling my son at the center, I've seen a remarkable change in his attitude towards learning. The personalized approach has helped him overcome challenges and build confidence. Integrating the center's resources with our homeschooling routine has been seamless and incredibly effective. - J.T."
"My daughter struggled in traditional settings, but the center's nurturing environment and tailored curriculum have ignited her passion for learning. She now thrives academically and personally, showing improvements we never thought possible. The team's dedication to her success is evident in every interaction. - M.R."
"The center has been a godsend for our family. Combining their resources with our homeschooling efforts has allowed our child to excel in areas we struggled to support at home. The staff's expertise and compassion have made all the difference. - S.P."
Our Class Offerings
People in middle school meet on Monday, and people in high school meet on Wednesday. Students attach their work and communicate with me via texting, email, or house phone.
I provide feedback and carefully monitor all aspects of student work, giving tips and assignments to solve issues. People can text me throughout the day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
