Apogee Ascend Weekly Newsletter – December 01, 2025

From The Director’s Desk: Homeschooling, But Reimagined

One of the questions we hear most often is, “What exactly is Apogee CT? Is it a school? A homeschool group? A learning center?”
The answer is simple: we are the best parts of homeschooling blended with the best parts of traditional schooling.

Homeschooling offers freedom, flexibility, family connection, and the ability to honor a child’s natural pace. Schools offer community, structure, mentorship, and access to cooperative learning with peers. At Apogee, we bring these two worlds together so our learners experience something truly unique.

In many ways, our days feel like a well-orchestrated rhythm, not a rigid schedule. Our learners arrive, move their bodies, have a snack and then get into academics—just as they might at home. But they also join a community of peers who inspire them, challenge them, and bring out their best. They choose their work, follow their interests, and dive deeply into projects. At the same time, they benefit from guides who enrich their environment, provide mentorship and coach them toward independence.

Parents are still and always will be their child’s #1 educator, we simply provide guidance and support to take it further.

This model gives learners the freedom to explore like homeschoolers, the structure to grow like children in traditional schooling and the confidence to know that their education is something they are in control of. It is, in every sense, Apogee CT is what we call Education 2.0!

Healthy Hacks For Parents: Read Food Labels!

Start with the ingredients list—look for real, recognizable foods and shorter ingredient lists. Minimize artificial ingredients and refined oils.

• Check the serving size, then review these key numbers:

• Added sugars: Aim for 8 grams or less per serving for everyday foods. Over 10–12 grams usually means it should be an occasional item.

• Sodium: For most packaged foods, aim for 300 mg or less per serving.
  Over 500–600 mg is considered high unless it’s a full meal.

• Fats: Focus less on total fat and more on quality. Aim for:
  – 0 grams trans fat
  – Limit saturated fat to 2–3 grams per serving for everyday foods
  – Choose products with fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, or olive oil rather than refined seed oils.

• Protein & fiber:
  More is generally better. For snacks, look for 5–10g protein and 3g+ fiber. For meals, aim higher depending on your needs.

• Use calories mainly as a comparison tool, not the main decision-maker. Overall, choose foods that give you more protein and fiber, less added sugar, moderate sodium, and minimal ultra-processed ingredients.

Family Friendly Recipes: Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Here’s a quick, healthy, and delicious way to use it! These wraps are perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and a great way to turn holiday leftovers into a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Lean ground turkey (or leftover cooked turkey, chopped)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 small onion, diced

• Romaine or butter lettuce leaves

• Salsa or guacamole, for topping

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: lime juice or hot sauce for extra flavor

Steps:

1. If using raw turkey, cook it in a skillet over medium heat with garlic and onion until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

2. If using leftover turkey, lightly sauté with garlic and onion for extra flavor.

3. Wash and separate lettuce leaves to use as wraps.

4. Spoon the turkey mixture into the lettuce leaves.

5. Top with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

6. Fold or roll the lettuce leaves and enjoy immediately!

   Upcoming Events

• 12/01/2025 First Day of Evening Fitness Classes

• 12/03/2025 First Day of Homeschool Fitness Classes