Backpack Connection

APRIL 2018

Hill Country

Backpack Connection

This Mother’s Day make sure you can celebrate with your family for years to come.

Avestée Women’s Imaging Centers Provide State of the Art Imaging

Count to win:

Details on page 5 Sponsored by:

FABRA • KENDALL • CURINGTON • FAIR OAKS • ELLISON CIBOLO CREEK • AUE • LEON SPRINGS • MCANDREW Backpack Connection Connecting Our Families, Our Schools and Our Local Businesses

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CONTENTS

Distributed into the Backpacks of 6000 Boerne / Leon Springs Area Students

APRIL

Fabra • Kendall • Curington • Fair Oaks • Cibolo Creek • Aue • Leon Springs • McAndrew • Ellison Elementary Schools Art Direction Susie Fluckiger Sales Audra Miller Publisher BP PUBLISHING LLC

ENTER WHICH WICH CONTEST

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BOERNE AND NORTHSIDE NEWS

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LIGHT IT UP BLUE—AUTISM AWARENESS

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5 SECRETS TO PARENTING NO ONE TOLD YOU

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AVESTEE WOMEN’S IMAGING CENTER

Content for the Elementary School pages contributed by each school. Backpack Connection magazines are published every six weeks during the school year by BP Publishing LLC. The advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be distributed free to the families of the elementary students. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher, BISD, or NISD, or any districts employees. The publishers (BP PUBLISHING LLC) are not responsible for omissions, errors or misinformation within this publication. All real estate advertised within this publication are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which make it illegally to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings adverting are available on an equal opportunity basis. Reproductions of this magazine in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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LET’S GET OUR HANDS IN THE DIRT

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Encouraging, Supporting and Loving the Children We Share...

ADVERTISING AND GENERAL INFORMATION BP Publishing LLC 209 Walnut Grove Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 (210) 367-3048

WEBSITE

www.backpackconnection.com

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ENTER OUR CONTEST! Count the Which Wich logos for a chance to win $20 Gift Card

Count the Which Wich logos in this issue (including this one!). Submit to: contest@backpackconnection.com

by April 25 for a chance to win a $20 gift card to Which Wich. Include name, email, and phone number so we can contact the winner!

Correct answers will be placed in a drawing to win.

Only one winner will be chosen.

LAST ISSUE’S WINNERS Congratulations to Nathan Acosta, our winner of the Which Wich $10 gift card.

Nathan is a student at Ellison and his name was drawn from all the correct answers submitted in the Which Wich logo count contest.

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BOERNE & NORTHSIDE

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L

ight It Up Blue, in its third year, is a unique global initiative by Autism Speaks to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism.

Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support in April—World Autism Awareness Month

Autism Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders­­—autism spectrum disorders—caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum—a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms ASDs begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.

A person with an ASD might: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Not respond to their name by 12 months Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months Avoid eye contact and want to be alone Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their feelings Have delayed speech and language skills Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia) Give unrelated answers to questions Get upset by minor changes Have obsessive interests Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.

Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.

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5 Secrets to Parenting that No One Told You Wouldn’t it be so much easier if each kid came with their own instruction manual? Even if you raised one child, raising another one could be a completely different experience, depending on the child’s unique needs and personality. While you won’t find an instruction manual, here are five secrets to parenting that no one shared with you.

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You Are the Parent, and Your Child Needs You. No amount of stuff will make your child love you or make them happy. Your child does not need toys or TV shows. They need you. They need you to love them physically, mentally, and emotionally. They needs hugs, kisses, tickles, and snuggling.

They need to hear that they are loved

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and worthy. They need you to be there to listen and play with them.

2.

Healthy Children Come from Healthy Parents. Ideally, the best home environment is one where mom and dad are together and show love for each other. A home that is full of arguing does more harm to the child.

Even if mom and dad are separated, there should be a mutual respect for each other. You may not love an ex or even like them, but they are still your child’s parent. Do not argue with them in front of your child or talk negatively about them to your child. If the child’s other parent is a deadbeat, then do not worry, the child will figure it out, and he will appreciate you much more for never talking ill of his other parent.

3.

Fun is Necessary. As mentioned in point number one, your child does not need stuff to keep him happy.

Instead, playing with him is what is essential. Play time can be a great bonding time and learning time for your child. Aim to play for an hour or two each day. Play catch, tag, a board game, or even pretend play. These moments are what your child will remember and cherish for the rest of his life.

4.

Discipline is Also Necessary.

As much fun as our children can be, there also needs to be a balance. Discipline is a necessary step in parenting when it is needed. You are not just your child’s friend! Discipline can be hard to administer to your children, but it is essential to help develop them into better individuals. Stay consistent with your disciplining. For example, you cannot punish your child for lying one day and then let it slide a different day. This causes confusion in the child and makes him more apt to lie the next time.

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Admit When You Are Wrong— Laugh At Your Mistakes. Your child needs to see you own up to your mistakes. If they don’t, then don’t expect them to act any differently than you. It is okay to explain to your child that you are a human and that you make mistakes at times. If you have wronged your child, apologize to them and ask for forgiveness. Doing these things does not undermine your authority, but instead it strengthens your relationship with your child.

Parenting is the great unknown. You are bound to make mistakes and feel like a failure, but as long as you strive for a balance in parenting you will do just fine.

Balance is needed to raise a healthy and stable child; a balance of love and discipline and fun and seriousness.

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photos by Lilianna Story Photography

Avestée Women’s Imaging Centers A

VESTÉE WOMEN’S IMAGING is dedicated to providing patient education, state of the art imaging, and expert radiologic interpretation, in a beautiful, relaxed setting.

Dr. Suzanne Dabbous is the Founder of Avestée Women’s Imaging Centers and a Board Certified Radiologist. She is a native San Antonian, graduate of Churchill High School and graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, where she received the highest academic honor of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society membership. Dr. Dabbous brings a unique perspective to breast imaging. During her general surgery internship at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, she was able to see first hand the full spectrum of breast cancer treatment from surgery through radiation/chemo and reconstruction. She completed her radiology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas where she received her training in mammography at the Komen Breast Center by one of the countries experts, Dr. Phil Evans.

Dr. Dabbous was inspired to open Avestée Women’s Imaging Center of Alamo Heights when the FDA unanimously approved Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in February 2011. She immediately recognized its amazing ability to address the current issues hampering breast cancer screening today, including but not limited to dense breast tissue, and personally committed to bringing the technology to San Antonio.

“I really wanted to be the first to bring this incredible technology to the women of San Antonio. When I decided to do this, no one had it, and I am very happy I am able to offer the very best to my patients in San Antonio, and now

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in Boerne and Westover Hills. They deserve it and I am sure it will become the standard of care across the nation.

Whether they come to me or go elsewhere, every woman should get a 2D/3D mammogram. If you are going to get a mammogram, why would you settle for anything but the best technology available, read by highly trained, dedicated women’s imagers?”

At every turn, the patients at Avestée know they are the number one priority. From the convenient locations, heated gowns and personal dressing rooms, to the knowledgeable licensed staff, latest imaging equipment and expert caring radiologists, patients know they are receiving the best of everything at one location.

At Avestée, every patient is offered a 2D/3D mammogram, which has been shown repeatedly in clinical trials to improve accuracy in detection of invasive breast cancers over traditional 2D mammography alone. It is part of the Avestée commitment to provide the best available technology to all patients. During the screening mammography exam, fifteen digital images are acquired of the breast in a four second scan as the machine arcs over the breast. These fifteen projection images are then reconstructed into a 3D image of the breast and are viewable as 1 mm slices. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, although useful in all women, is particularly helpful in screening women with dense breast tissue. Breast density typically decreases with age, however over 40 percent of women in their 60s still have dense breast.

In addition to the latest technology, it is important to know the radiologist reading your study is highly trained and dedicated to breast imaging. In many centers across

the nation, the radiologist reading your mammogram may be reading not just mammography but all other types of x-rays. It is important to know that all mammograms obtained at Avestée are read at Avestée by radiologists that have dedicated their practice to Women’s Imaging. Avestée Women’s Imaging has been awarded the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence seal by the American College of Radiology, and all three locations are certified facilities of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

May brings us the joy of Mother’s Day, and family is always first at Avestée. Dr. Dabbous’ mother, Carolyn, is a staple around the office and can be found putting finishing touches on everything from the paint to the beautiful plants. Avestée even shares the namesake with a close friend of the family, and with Estée, Dr. Dabbous’ daughter.

The all-female staff at Avestée is dedicated to providing the best service, with the leading technology, at no, or low cost to the patient.

You have the power to take charge of your health! Grab your mother, sister, and friends and walk-in* to any Avestée location for your mammogram today. Happy Mother’s Day from the dedicated Radiologists and staff of Avestée Women’s Imaging Centers. *No appointment or physician order needed for screening mammography exams.

4 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT MAMMOGRAPHY • IT’S FREE! *Screening mammograms are covered at 100% by most insurances.

• IT’S EASY! *No new breast concerns? No order needed from your doctor.

• IT’S FAST! *Less than 10 minutes to complete a screening mammogram.

• IT’S CONVENIENT! *3 locations close to home.

9842 Westover Hills Blvd, Suite #101 San Antonio,TX 78251

303 West Sunset Suite #200 San Antonio,TX 78209

1580 S. Main St. Suite #105 Boerne,TX 78006

(210) 826-2666 Avesteeimaging.com

Screening mammograms recommended annually for women ages 40 years and older.

Come for your mammogram on your lunch break!

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LET’S GET OUR

HANDS IN THE DIRT

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hough it may sound overly romantic, the ground that we walk upon is really the ground of our being. When children get busy with their hands in the dirt, they are connecting with the place from where all life around them sprang. For this reason, outdoor chores put them in touch with their immediate surroundings and also the wider world in which they live.

Yard activities can provide a welcome antidote to abstract media that typically occupies children’s free time and which bears little relation to the rest of their

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lives. Child psychologists often speak of the need for us to ground our children’s energies.

What better way than to get their hands, literally, in the ground?

These kinds of activities can be pursued during any season, with the possible exception of winter. In the fall, for example, we could prepare a plot in the yard for next spring’s vegetable or flower garden planting. If you have an unused strip—maybe a narrow tract alongside the house—that’s unattractive and generally avoided, maybe it’s time to strip it of all those weeds and yellow grasses. Get the kids to grab a spade, shovel or push tiller and get down to that soil beneath all the jaded turf.

Not only will this be much better exercise for them than sitting in front of the TV, the feel and smell of the earth will also give them a meaningful connection with nature without their having to leave the back yard. If this kind of chore is too physical for the younger ones, we can churn up the soil ourselves and then let them pick through it to remove the weeds, grass tufts and debris.

Spring and summer will afford us many more opportunities for hands-on work on our budding project.

Flower can be planted from seeds or pots. Our clearing can be pruned and weeded again. The kids can help us to lay down mulch like wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves around the stalks to help prevent more weeds from growing.

Other simple activities that can promote a sense of cooperation with the natural world include watering and feeding plants, raking leaves, growing container flowers, fruits and vegetables, composting, and mixing fertilizer into the ground.

Some of the healthiest occupations kids can be involved with get them outdoors and interacting with the earth. Parents who wish to cultivate this kind of a nourishing routine with their children will oftentimes have to look no further than their own back yards.

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JUNE - AUGUST, 2018

Mathnasium “Summer Workouts”

Power Math Workouts

summer learning loss, helping students prepare for what

Lower Elementary - Addition/Subtraction Facts (for

lies ahead, and having some fun along the way! For some

students entering 1st -3rd grades)

students, that means a solid review of previous material.

Upper Elementary Math – Multiplication facts (for students

Others benefit from previewing upcoming concepts. Most

entering 3rd-5th grades)

students will get some of both. Summer programs are

Middle School Math (for students entering 5th-7th grades)

available to all currently enrolled Mathnasium members.

Algebra Readiness

18 Visits - Set Curriculum

At Mathnasium, summer programs are all about preventing

Geometry Readiness

Summer Only Memberships

Algebra I Review or Algebra II Prep 12 hour-and-a-half sessions

Here is the opportunity for your child to master lifetime math concepts and skills. Enroll in our regular program or just for summer.

SAT/ACT Math Prep

3 Month Memberships beginning in June

Supplemental Programs

Unlimited Visits

Multiplication Bootcamp

Personal Assessment of Skills

Fun Fridays- Math related games and activities

Customized Learning Plan Multiplication Bootcamp and Fun Fridays included *Regular memberships also available

Summer Instructional Hours

Monday & Wednesday 10am-2pm Tuesday & Thursday 3pm-7pm Friday 10am-12pm

830-331-8414

1430 S Main Suite 107 Boerne, TX 78006 www.mathnasium.com/boerne boerne@mathnasium.com

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