September 2008,
We welcome all the students back to a wonderful new year! New students in grades first through fifth will be having a special welcome party and the invitations have been given out. Primary will meet on Tues., Sept. 23 and intermediate will meet on Thurs., Sept. 25.
As the school counselor in the primary building, I have made my introductions in all the classrooms and explained my role. The first grade students are receiving a 3 lesson unit on personal body safety from me. It is a 30 minute lesson and handouts are given after each lesson.
Our parent resource center located in the lobby of the primary building has many informative pamphlets and articles on a variety of topics. They are free as long as you read them!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me through email or call the school.
Your primary school counselor, Ms. Linda Rich
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From the Counselors Corner:
April 9,2008
Happy Spring to our School Community! Many signs of spring are seen everyday. A small group of students in the primary building are involved in horticulture projects. We are growing different plants and flowers to be used for the school or for their home.
In the 2nd grade, I am conducting lessons on bullying and friendships. Much information has been given to inform the students what bullying is and how to avoid bullying situations.
As we are striving to complete the Md. State Assessments, the students at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades have done extremely well during this gruling time.
Linda Rich, School Counselor
From the Counselors Corner:
February 21, 2008
The following article lists some basic but important strategies for relieving stress at any age.
Linda Rich, YBES School Counselor
Top 10 School Stress Relievers for Students
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com
Created: June 21, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Most students experience significant amounts of stress, but with all of the activities and responsibilities that fill a students schedule, its sometimes difficult to find the time to try new stress relievers to help dissipate that stress. Thats why weve compiled the following list of stress relievers that are most appropriate for students: relatively easy, quick, and relevant to a students life and types of stress. Theyll help you to function at your best, and enjoy the journey.
1. Power Naps
Students, with their packed schedules, are notorious for missing sleep. Unfortunately, operating in a sleep-deprived state puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Youre less productive, you may find it more difficult to learn, and you may even be a hazard behind the wheel! Learn more about the effects of sleep deprivation and the value of the power nap; for busy students, its a must!
2. Visualizations
This one is easy, effective, and can help you to do better in school. Visualizations can help you calm down, detach from whats stressing you, and turn off your bodys stress response. You can also use visualizations to prepare for presentations, to stress less and score higher on tests by vividly seeing yourself performing just as youd like to. Learn more about how to use guided imagery and visualizations to reduce stress and prepare for success. (see yourself doing well)
3. Exercise
One of the healthiest ways to blow off steam is to get a regular exercise program going. Students can work exercise easily into their schedules by doing yoga in the morning, walking or biking to campus, or reviewing for tests with a friend while walking on a treadmill at the gym. Starting now and keeping a regular exercise practice throughout your lifetime can help you live longer and enjoy your life more.
4. Breathing Exercises
When your body is experiencing a stress response, youre often not thinking as clearly as you could be. A quick way to calm down is to practice breathing exercises. These can be done virtually anywhere to relieve stress in minutes, and are especially effective for reducing anxiety before or even during tests, as well as during other times when stress feels overwhelming. Learn more about how to practice breathing exercises.
5. PMR
Another great stress reliever that can be used during tests as well as before bed (to prepare for sleep), or at other times when stress has you physically wound up, is something called Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or PMR. This technique involves tensing and relaxing all muscles until the body is completely relaxed. With practice, you can learn to release stress from your body in seconds. Learn more about PMR.
6. Music
A convenient stress reliever that has also shown many cognitive benefits, music can help you to relieve stress and either calm yourself down or stimulate your mind as your situation warrants. Students can harness the benefits of music by playing classical music while studying, playing upbeat music to wake up mentally, or relaxing with the help of their favorite slow melodies. Learn more about why and how music is a great stress reliever, and how to use music for stress management.
7. Staying Organized
Its a fact that clutter causes stress, and can decrease productivity and even cost you money! Many students live in a cluttered place and even have cluttered study areas, and this can have negative effects on grades. One way to reduce the amount of stress that you experience as a student is to keep a minimalist, soothing study area thats free of distractions and clutter. Its worth the effort!
8. Eat Right
You may not realize it, but your diet can either boost your brain power or sap you of mental energy! While a healthy diet isnt generally thought of as a stress management technique or a study aid, it can actually function as both! Read more on the consequences of a poor diet, and learn how to relieve stress with a healthy diet. It takes virtually no extra time, and can keep you from experiencing diet-related mood swings, light-headedness and more.
9. Self Hypnosis
Students often find themselves getting very sleepy (like when they pull all-nighters), butall kidding asideself hypnosis can be an effective stress management tool and a power productivity tool as well. With it, you can help yourself release tension from your body and stress from your mind, and plant the seeds of success in your subconscious mind with the power of autosuggestion. Learn how to use self hypnosis for stress management now.
10. Positive Thinking and Affirmations
Did you know that optimists actually experience better circumstances, in part, because their way of thinking helps to create better circumstances in their lives? Its true! The habit of optimism and positive thinking can bring better health, better relationships, and, yes, better grades. Learn how to train your brain for more positive self talk and a brighter future with affirmations and other tools for optimism.
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HOPEWELL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Kids Circle, a free 6 week program was created to help children who have a parent or loved one with cancer feel less isolated, alone, and afraid. The children will meet other children going through similar experiences with professional staff.
Kids Grief: meets Wednesdays, March 12-April 16, 6:30-8:00 PM
Kids Circle: meets Saturdays, Mar 29-May 3 10:00-11:30 AM
For more information, contact: 410 832 2719 or www.hopewellcancersupport.org
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Strategies for Helping Children
Communicate in Stressful Situations
Communicating ideas, feelings, and interests can be extremely difficult for children in stressful situations. This article includes five strategies for teaching children how to use appropriate actions and words in difficult situations.
1. Create a Break Phrase and Place Initial reactions to difficult situations such as not getting what you want, being called names, or doing poorly on a test are often emotional. Create a place where children can go when they are upset and teach them to say, Excuse me. I need to take a break. Use a phrase that is short, easy to remember, and useful for a variety of situations. Practice taking a break in places where there is no quiet area such as a grocery store. Practice stepping away from the situation, counting to ten, or visualizing a calming environment.
Feeling Frustrated
2. Avoid Repeating Stressful Situations Help children learn from the past. Although some situations are unavoidable, strategies can be developed to relieve stress in many situations. For example, if a child is stressed about homework because they regularly leave it at home, create a system to help the child remember their homework. Post visuals (words, drawings, or pictures) in highly visible locations to serve as reminders. Create a list of things that should be in the childs bag (lunch, homework, pencils) and have them cross off the items before leaving. Develop a system that works for the child, is convenient, and requires little instruction or time so it is followed regularly.
3. Role Play Stressful situations such as being bullied or hearing, No can cause immediate and inappropriate responses. Create a set of cards with difficult situations such as being bullied, not being able to join a group activity, leaving a notebook or bag on the school bus, or hearing a parent is running late to get them from school. Role play or discuss appropriate responses to these situations including what questions to ask and who to go to for help. For situations where taking a break is appropriate, practice asking to be excused. Include situations that have already occurred as role plays so children learn from the past. Show either how a child appropriately responded or role play and discuss what would have been better choices in the situation.
4. Find an Appropriate Stress Reducer Squeezing a stress ball or bouncing on a trampoline are two examples of how children can exert their energy in a positive way when under stress. Teach children to use these kinds of items rather than reacting physically when upset. These items can serve as calming tools and allow children to focus on gathering their thoughts to communicate feelings and ideas. Small items like stress balls are easy to carry in a pocket and access in any environment.
5. Write Things Down or Talk About Them If possible, take the time to write about or discuss situations. This is a great way for children to think things through. Have the child state what happened, how they felt, and what actions they could have taken. Discuss or have them write what would have been the most likely consequences for different choices.
web: http://www.sandbox-learning.com
submitted by Linda Rich, School Counselor
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Strategies for Returning to School after a Break:
The transition from a break back to school can be difficult for children. Professionals and parents can make the return easier with a few simple strategies.
1. Review Classroom Rules and School Policies -
One of the first things to do when children return to school is to review all of the classroom and school rules. Time spent focusing on classroom structure and schedules can reduce problems later. Remind children of expectations for how to treat classmates, complete work, and follow schedules. Remind children of any reward system and let them know where rules are posted and who to ask if there are questions about the rules.
2. Introduce Any Changes Clearly explain any changes that have happened since the break. Examples are staff changes, schedule changes, or even room arrangements that may surprise children. Be sure to indicate how the change affects them. Introducing changes helps prepare children and reduce stress related to new situations.
3. Let Children Play a Role Children can help review the rules by participating in activities. For example, they can help create a new rules poster by writing or drawing examples of how to follow the rules. Another activity is to assign a rule or school policy to small groups of students and have them write and perform a short play about it. By participating in the process children are reviewing and taking ownership in the rules.
4. Review and Reinforce Repeatedly Children can be very excited to see friends and be back in school. Be sure to set time aside to review rules repeatedly the first few days back after a break. Children may need extra reminders in written or picture format if they have a hard time remembering specific rules. When children are doing a good job completing work, following a schedule, or acting appropriately, reinforce their behavior. Clearly indicate what they did correctly so they can continue the behavior. For example, James, I like the way you remembered to raise your hand to get my attention.
5. Keep Everyone Informed Parents and professionals should make each other aware of changes in settings so children have consistent support and understanding across environments. Professionals should send a set of classroom and school rules home for parents to review with children and prepare them for returning from break. Parents also should be aware of any significant school policy changes or classroom changes. Parents should keep professionals informed of any significant changes at home such as health issues, sleeping changes, or family difficulties that may affect how the child performs in school. Information sharing can ensure children have the understanding and support they need between environments.
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FAMILY TIME....
Families are a source of hope, stability, and love.
Good food, great conversations and loads of laughsthats what family dinners are made of.
Kids who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, according to a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). CASA, which released a report with similar findings in 1998, said in its "The Importance of Family Dinners II" study that more kids reported eating dinner with their family at least five times weekly. Those who did not were three times more likely to try marijuana, more than twice as likely to smoke, and one-and-a-half times more apt to drink alcohol. http://www.casacolumbia.org
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The following article is thought provoking for parents trying to find the best toy/game for their children. Going back to the basics may be the best theme!!
Ms. Rich, School Counselor
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Old-school blocks prove best for brains
In the digital age, it's simpler toys that may make children smarter
By PAUL NYHAN
P-I REPORTER
Parents these days are willing to try almost anything to give their toddlers an educational edge: Mozart, baby DVDs, even flash cards.
It turns out that blocks may make their toddlers smarter.
Children who played with blocks scored on average 15 percent higher on language tests -- an early indicator of cognitive development -- than their peers who didn't get a chance to stack and pile, according to research released Monday by the Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute.
"Many toys make claims they are actually educational for kids," said Dr. Dimitri Christakis, who led the study. "The interesting thing is that things like blocks never made such claims."
The researchers relied on funding from Canadian toymaker Mega Bloks for the research, which appeared in this month's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
It is a bit of old school knowledge for today's hyper-involved parent, who is inundated with electronic interactive toys. Sometimes lost in this crowded toy marketplace is the fact that parent-child interaction is the best way for toddlers to learn.
The research is also more fodder for the nostalgic parenting movement. "The Dangerous Book for Boys," which celebrates such old standards as marbles and tree houses, remains a New York Times best-seller, and learning through play has become a rallying cry for parents and educators.
The science of play is that toddlers learn by doing -- say stacking blocks or building a Lego tower -- because they begin to grasp the world around them. Kids who engage in imaginative play also may have better impulse control and longer attention spans, according to the research paper.
"I think nowadays too many parents rely on the television for example," said Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, author of "The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones." She didn't take part in the study.
"They don't spend enough one-on-one time down on the ground playing blocks," she said.
It is also possible toddlers in the study watched less television because they were too busy playing with their blocks, said the researchers, who work at both the Seattle Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center and the University of Washington.
Even though educational toys are big business, there is little independent research that proves the toys help young children learn, Christakis said.
Blocks "are one of the few toys that actually now have shown that they do" help, Christakis said.
With so little research and strong parental interest in giving children an edge, Christakis worries families may move away from blocks and other proven toys.
Researchers cautioned against going too far with their blocks study because it was limited to 175 children ages 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 from low- and middle-income families, and for other reasons.
But the research paper suggested the data could help create strategies to boost language development and maybe cut the amount of time toddlers spend in front of the television set.
Check out the Seattle P-I's parenting blog, Working Dad, at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/family.
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Holidays can be stressful for children in various ways. Parents or other adults can alleviate the anxiousness for their loved ones with the following tips:
Having Guests and Visiting Others
Being a courteous host or a considerate guest are skills that take time to learn and refine. Below are some strategies to prepare children for having visitors and being a guest.
1. Set Expectations: Whether children are going to another persons house or people are coming to their house, let them know what is going to happen. If children are unfamiliar with whom they will be seeing, show them pictures or talk about the different people. Set expectations for behavior prior to the event by discussing activities that may be hard for them. For example, if it is someone elses birthday let them know the other person gets to blow out the candles and open the gifts.
2. Give Children Responsibility: Have children carry gifts or side dishes when visiting others. If people are visiting you, ask the child to be the official greeter or coat person. Since children are excited at the start of an event, a task early on can channel their energy into something productive.
3. Set Limits: Children often are out of sight at events. Set limits and monitor their activity. Let children know they can have one soda or eat one hot dog. Adhere to initial limits and praise children for following the rules.
4. Encourage Manners: Children are able to greet and say good-bye to others at a young age. Older children can hold doors and demonstrate more advanced manners. Teach them polite words and helpful actions by modeling the behavior and praising children when they demonstrate it. Since other people may serve different foods or have different routines, remind children to try foods, use polite words, and respond to differences with respect.
Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me
5. Have Child Friendly Activities: Some events are planned well for adults but lack child centered activities. Prepare for visits by having a variety of activities children enjoy. Bring movies, board games, and outdoor equipment when visiting others. If children are in your home, have activities and games readily available. Most hosts welcome additional activities for children, but check with them in case they have other things planned. Address this by saying, John loves to play soccer so I brought a ball for him to share with the other kids. Is it okay if I go and get it?
6. Prepare for Differences in Rules and Expectations: Schedules and rules may change when visiting other peoples homes. For some children this can be very confusing. Let children know the rules are changed just for that night. For example, tell the child, Usually you go to bed at 8:00, but this is a special occasion. Tonight you can go to bed at 9:30 since your grandparents are here.
7. Prepare Children for the End of the Event: Give children notice when you or visitors will be leaving and give them specific times to clearly prepare them for the end of the event. For example, The birthday party ends at 3:00. You have to say good-bye to your friends at 3:00.
The Sandbox Learning Company
Ms. Rich, School Counselor
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October Fun.........
Preparing Children for Trick or Treating
Dressing up to go trick or treating is very exciting for children and it creates lasting memories for both children and parents. Help children prepare for trick or treating with these five strategies.
1. Select a Costume Help children select a costume that fits properly and is safe. Children may be uncomfortable with anything on their face especially make up. Some children may not like masks because of sensory issues or limited vision. Keep these factors in mind when selecting an outfit. For children who have difficulties with masks, holding a mask rather than wearing it or not using one at all may make the evening more enjoyable.
2. Set Costume Guidelines Children often want to wear their costume other times than trick or treating. Let them know if/when they can wear it besides trick or treating. Be sure to tell them this before they buy the costume and after it is purchased. Explain why they can wear the costume only at certain times. For example, You can put it on in the evening for a few minutes to see how you look, but you can only wear it for a little while so it doesnt get dirty before Halloween.
3. Practice Going to Peoples Doors Role play going to someones door, saying Trick or treat, holding a bag out, and saying Thank you. Remind children to be polite, wait their turn, and take only one piece of candy when they are asked to select something. It is tempting to rush to a door and take a handful of things when offered a basket or bowl to select from so multiple opportunities for review are important. Be sure to practice other things that may happen such as someone not being home or someone complimenting them on their costume.
4. Establish Guidelines in Advance Prepare children for factors such as: What time trick or treating starts and ends; How they know when it ends; Where they can trick or treat (e.g. only houses with lights on, only people the child knows, only homes in a four block radius, etc.); and What the rules are such as staying with a sibling or parent. Be sure to review these guidelines days in advance with a story, visual cards, or written rules. Before trick or treating, review them again so children clearly understand expectations.
5. Set Candy Guidelines Children become very excited about getting candy and other treats while trick or treating. Set rules in advance about eating candy. Let children know before trick or treating that they need to bring all of the candy back for you to check before they can eat it. Make sure children have dinner before trick or treating so they are not hungry. Have guidelines about the number of pieces they can eat per day and create a schedule for when they can eat their candy. Display the candy plan where they can easily look if they have questions.
© 2006 by The Sandbox Learning Company. All rights reserved. Patents Pending.
Make Halloween safe and fun for your family!
Ms. Rich, School Counselor
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It was exciting to meet with our newest students in the first and second grade at the Welcome New Gator party. We had 31 students and had a wonderful time getting to know one another.
The school counselor has been involved with the fall KPA-Kindergarten Performance Testing and we have completed the 3 important lessons on personal body safety in the first grade. If you have a first grade student, please review and discuss the importance of being safe in all ways.
Ms. Rich, School Counselor
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7 Strategies for Preparing
Children for New Experiences
Children become excited about holidays and special events, but new experiences and routine changes can be overwhelming. Make events fun, educational, and less stressful with these seven simple tips.
1. Help Children Understand When an Event Will Occur - Children can become very excited about activities. They may ask days or weeks in advance about plans. Help children gain an understanding of when an event will occur by marking it on the calendar and having a countdown. This strategy helps children better understand when an event will occur while working on simple math skills.
2. Set Expectations - New experiences often come with new rules and expectations. Be sure to set rules and expectations in advance. Prepare children by reading books on or role playing about the new experiences. Write rules down and review them. For trick-or-treating role play going to someones door for candy. Have rules about going to homes with lights on, staying near an adult, and politely thanking neighbors for the treats.
3. Let Children Participate in Planning Children will have more ownership in an event if they are able to help plan it. Let children help make a picnic lunch when going to a fall festival. Print a map of the zoo before going and include them in planning which animals to see at the zoo. Ask them to help pick out and wrap a birthday gift for a friends party. These kinds of activities teach planning and independence skills that apply later in life.
4. Build on Existing Skills and Familiar Experiences - When children relate past situations or expectations to new ones they are able to build on existing knowledge. For example, if you are going to an amusement park you may tell a child the rules are similar to being at a mall. There will be many people, they have to stay with an adult, and there will be times when they have to wait in line. This allows children to have a parallel for their expectations and draw on their past experiences.
5. Leverage Opportunities for Learning Whether counting Halloween candy, learning about new cultures during the holidays, or practicing greetings at a family reunion, events offer a multitude of opportunities for developing skills. Use naturally occurring events to teach new skills or develop emerging skills.
6. Use Visuals Photographs, drawings, or lists can be used as reminders for rules, expectations, or schedules. Visuals can be viewed before, during, and after an event to set expectations, keep children on track, and review the experience. Make sure the choice of visuals is simple, understandable, and easy to access.
7. Reinforce Appropriate Behavior Consistent and immediate reinforcement of appropriate behavior gives children a clear understanding of what they are doing correctly. People tend to note when children do things wrong rather than right. Be sure to positively and specifically identify correct behaviors. For example, Ella, I like the way you just thanked Aunt Becky for your birthday gift.
© 2006 by The Sandbox Learning Company. All rights reserved. Patents Pending.
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Welcome new students and families and all the former students and families to Youth's Benefit Elementary. I have introduced myself to all classes and want the children know my role in the school. Parents, I welcome your calls and/or emails and will try to respond as quickly as I can. The following article was chosen due to several anxious kids entering school. This is not abnormal, but there are many factors attributed to anxiety and tips to help relieve the stress.
Ms. Rich~~~School Counselor
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Social Causes of School Anxiety
From Elizabeth Scott, M.S.,
School Anxiety Can Have Several Social Causes
It's common for kids of all ages to experience school-related stress or anxiety. This is often most apparent at the end of summer when school is about to start again, but it can occur year-round. Where does the stress and anxiety come from? Social, academic and scheduling factors play a major role, as do hidden environmental stressors. This article explains school stress in greater detail.
Social Stressors
Many kids experience some level of stress or anxiety in social situations they encounter in school. While some of these issues provide important opportunities for growth, they must be handled with care and can cause anxiety that must be dealt with.
Teachers
A good experience with a caring teacher can cause a lasting impression on a child's life -- so can a bad experience.
While most teachers do their best to provide students with a positive educational experience, some students are better suited for certain teaching styles and classroom types than others. If there's a mismatch between student and teacher, a child can form lasting negative feelings about school or his own abilities.
Friends
While most students would say that friends are one of their favorite aspects of school, they can also be a source of stress. Concerns about not having enough friends, not being in the same class as friends, not being able to keep up with friends in one particular area or another, interpersonal conflicts, and peer pressure are a few of the very common ways kids can be stressed by their social lives at school. Dealing with these issues alone can cause anxiety in even the most secure kids.
Not Enough Sleep
According to a poll on this site, a large proportion of readers aren't getting enough sleep to function well each day. Unfortunately, this isn't just a problem that adults face. As schedules get busier, even young kids are finding themselves habitually sleep-deprived. This can affect health and cognitive functioning, both of which impact school performance.
Poor Diet
With the overabundance of convenience food available these days and the time constraints many experience, the average child's diet has more sugar and less nutritious content than is recommended. This can lead to mood swings, lack of energy, and other negative effects that impact stress levels. (This article can tell you more about stress and nutrition and how to ensure your family gets proper nutrition even when you're busy.)
The website is: About.com: Stress Management
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Ways to Save Time at Home and in the Classroom
A good deal of time can be lost when children lose items, run late, or transition slowly from one activity to the next. These occurrences not only affect the child, but other people around them. This article includes strategies for saving time, being more efficient, and making transitions easier.
1. Stick to a Routine Consistency in routines and schedules helps children understand where they should be and what they should be doing. Routines avoid conflicts and help children prepare for activities. For example, if children know the family goes grocery shopping every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., they expect and plan for this activity. Classroom schedules often provide structure, but when children return home they sometimes have more flexible routines. Visual schedules at school and home often help children. Use pictures, drawings, or words to let children know what comes next. Even a simple chalk board or dry erase board can be used at home to let children know their schedule.
2. Plan Ahead Certain times of the day can be hectic such as getting ready for school or leaving school. Have children get things ready in advance. Set clothes out the night before, get school bags ready, and put homework in backpacks well before children need to line up for the bus. These strategies avoid last minute confusion which can take extra time.
3. Stay Organized Children frequently spend time looking for lost items. Help them organize their space and make a point of keeping areas organized. Use labels to let children know where their toys, clothes, or desk items belong. Pictures from magazines, drawings, photographs, or words can be attached to bookshelves, placed in drawers, or taped on containers as visual reminders. Define locations with jigs (cut outs indicating the shape of the items), containers, or designated shelf space. Make sure children consistently return items to the correct location so they are able to quickly and easily locate them.
4. Prepare Children in Advance When children are given specific times or cues to transition, they are less likely to protest or to stall. Natural cues such as when a show ends or created cues like when the timer goes off, let children know it is time to transition. Some children benefit from a timer or clock so they can see the deadline approaching. Consistently enforcing these transitions is essential for teaching children to follow them. Allowing a child to watch an extra five minutes of the next show or telling them you will re-set a clock sends the message that schedules can be negotiated and often wastes time.
5. Work as a Team Whether setting the table, walking the dog, or cleaning up after recess, working with others is more fun and more productive than working alone. Give children tasks that are part of a group effort such as pouring the drinks, getting Spots leash, or collecting the balls. Working as a team saves time, teaches responsibility, and helps children learn the importance of working together.
6. Remember to Reinforce When children are ready on time, have their space organized, follow transition cues, and work with others to accomplish a goal, be sure to recognize their efforts. A simple thank you, pat on the back, or extra story at bedtime can mean a lot to a child. Mention exactly what they did correctly and reinforce them immediately after they completed the task. For example, Ally, you did a great job helping Todd set the table. Thank you for putting the plates and cups in the right place.
Sandbox Learning Education Tools
© 2006 by The Sandbox Learning Company© 2006 by The Sandbox Learning Company
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CHARACTER EDUCATION
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP VIOLENCE BEFORE IT STARTS
1. Act in ways that keep you safe.
2. Understand the origins of violence.
3. Volunteer to mentor a younger child.
4. Opt to handle your anger appropriately.
5. Campain actively against violence.
6. Open your heart to someone who is different from you.
7. Give respect to get respect.
8. Get to know your members of your local police force.
9. Keep lines of communication open.
10. Tell an adult if you think someone might behave violently.
Source:Sunburst Visual Media
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MySpace.com
MySpace (MySpace.com) is the No. 2 most trafficked spot on the Internet. It has become the online social network for pre-teens and teens with an irrestible pull on kids' time and attention.
Kids' online profiles can hurt job prospects decades down the road. When kids post personal information from political opinions to tales of debauchery, they're creating a kind of shadow resume that could follow them around for decades.
Parents need to have a sit-down talk and make their children aware of the potential long-term consequences and to understand their Web identity need not include everyting about them.
If your kids use this site, advise them to avoid using any info that can be used to fully identify them.
Once personal info is disseminated on the Web, a particular site can decide whether to remove it. But you can always change your MySpace profile.
Money Magazine February 2006
To all Parents,
Our lives become increasingly more involved with activities, jobs, and family. The following is a great site to gain insightful information.
http://ccsd.net/parents/busyParent
(The following article is from this site.)
Busy Parents Can Help Their Children Learn
No matter how busy parents are, there are things they can do to help their children. Parents of first- and second-graders in the "School Transition Study," conducted by the Harvard Family Research Project, have discovered creative ways to stay involved in their children's learning and development. Researchers conducting the survey learned important and useful tips to share with busy parents.
Use Your Time Well
Organize your time. One single parent of four who is going back to school tries hard to organize her class schedule so that she has time with her children. She is able to be home with them in the afternoons on most school days. In another family where the mother and father both work full time, they are able to organize their work schedules so that one of the parents is always at home with the children. One day a week after school, the children walk to their mother's workplace where they wait a short time with her until their father picks them up.
Do a few things at once. One father arranges to do quiet household chores right beside his daughter who does her homework at the kitchen table. Then the father is there to answer questions. Another mother has her daughter start her homework in the family's car while they are waiting for her older brother to get out of school. The car is a quiet place where they can talk together.
Find other people to help. One single parent who cannot be home in the afternoon or evening has the babysitter help the children with homework. Another single parent who works two jobs during the summer arranges for her son to get taken to his neighborhood summer program every morning by his grandfather, who lives nearby. When the program is over, the mother's friend takes the child to football practice and then back home, where the mother serves everyone a late dinner.
Balance Work Schedules and Family
Do some school things at the beginning of the day. One single father in the study who works a late shift uses the morning when he is home to check over homework with his son. Then he takes him to school. Sometimes he will sit in the classroom and watch or chat with the teacher before he goes to work.
Make breakfast the big family meal. Another mother who also works late has her high school-aged daughter make a simple dinner for the younger children. Then the mother cooks a big hot breakfast every morning when she is home before the children go to school.
Do things differently on the weekend. One mother leaves for her job every morning before the children are up. But on Sundays she wakes them up early, so she can share time with them before she goes to work. A special thing for this family is eating lunch at the restaurant where the mother works.
Ways to Stay Involved with Your Child's School When You Are Busy
Being involved with school is an important way to show you care about your child's learning.
How busy parents stay involved at school. One mother, who cannot vo lunteer because of her work schedule, finds it easier to go to meetings at night, and has been to some school council meetings. Another mother volunteers to help keep things organized in the halls at the end of the school days, when she is there picking up her child.
In a family where the mother is taking care of a baby, the father is able to help out in his older son's classroom two hours a week.
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Every life has a purpose--
Some greater and some quieter,
But all equally meaningful.
Maybe we can't all make important descoveries
Or create undying art,
But we can accomplish wonderful things
With a kind word, a friendly smile,
Or even a reassuring pat on the back.
Truly, the person who encourages others
Is fulfilling one of the finest purposes
A life could have.
(Author Unknown)
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Youths Benefit Elementary has a full time school counselor in the primary building this year!
School guidance services are available to all parent(s), guardian(s), and their children.
Did you know that elementary counselors:
~teach classroom guidance lessons on a variety of topics?
~counsel individual students as needed and maintain confidentiality?
~counsel with small groups of
