Issuu

APRIL 2016

Northside

Backpack Connection

UT Health

Providing the Highest Quality Care

Make Plans for

SUMMER CAMP

See the Beginning Of Locke Hill

Elementary

Connecting Our Families, Our Schools and Our Local Businesses In the Northside School District Backpack Connection

Distributed into the Backpacks of 58,000 Plus NISD Elementary Students

April

Art Direction Susie Fluckiger Sales Audra Miller Megan Wilson Publisher BP PUBLISHING LLC

A Plan to Keep your Child with Asthma out of the ER

In the Spotlight

History of Locke Hill Elementary

Magnet Schools: A Choice for NISD Students

10 Factors to Consider when selecting a Summer Camp

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 HOHPHQWDU\ VWXGHQWV 8QOHVV VSHFLÂżFDOO\ QRWHG QR DGYHUWLVHUV products or services are endorsed by the publisher, BISD, or NISD, or any districts employees. 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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A plan to keep your child with asthma out of the ER By Mandie Svatek, MD At University Hospital, we see kids brought to our emergency department for out-of-control asthma attacks that can require admission to the hospital—including the ICU. In fact, asthma is one of top five reasons children are admitted to a hospital. The good news is, by developing an asthma action plan with your child’s physician, understanding it, and providing copies to caregivers and your child’s school, you can lower the chances of needing to visit the hospital in the first place. These plans are available in both English and Spanish. First, the basics. Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways in the lungs become swollen and inflamed. When something triggers asthma, the inflammation gets worse—causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath as oxygen has difficulty entering the lungs. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with asthma education and an asthma action plan. Asthma action plans—which are organized by the colors of a traffic

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light—list the steps that should be taken when the child is breathing normally (green), when he or she is having symptoms (yellow), and when those symptoms aren’t responding to medications (red). Here are some basics to help keep your child out of trouble—and out of the emergency room.

Medications Typically, your child will get two different medicines to control asthma. The first is taken daily to prevent symptoms. The second is a quick-relief medicine when the child is wheezing or has difficulty breathing. Your doctor will also want to treat other conditions that can worsen asthma or interfere with treatments.

Triggers Common things in the environment can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. It’s important to know what triggers your child’s asthma in order to recognize and avoid them. Examples can include dust, pollen, air pollution, molds, cigarette smoke, pets and cockroaches. And while ex-

ercise can be a trigger for some kids, the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks.Your doctor can discuss medicines that can prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Symptoms Wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and coughing are tell-tale signs of an asthma attack. Coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning, and some parents I talk to don’t immediately associate coughing with asthma. But a nighttime cough is a sign of spasms in the airway as a result of inflammation and secretions.

Spacers In recent years, spacers have become more common in the management of asthma. These resemble a clear water bottle that attaches to the inhaler, with a mouthpiece on the other end. This device makes inhalers a little less inconspicuous (but easy to carry in a purse and clean in the dishwasher), however it makes sure that the entire dose of medicine reaches the child’s lungs in just a few breaths. Studies have shown that the medica-

tion particles can escape into the air or just reach the back of the throat when using the inhaler by itself.

Peak Flow Meter These hand-held devices measure how well your child’s lungs are functioning. Tracking your child’s peak flow scores can tell you how well the asthma is being controlled, and even predict an attack before symptoms appear. You might also want to keep a journal of your child’s symptoms to see how well treatment is working. At University Health System, we’ve created a streamlined asthma program to help our patients and have organized an ACCT, or Asthma Coalition for the Community Team. Most of our clinics follow an asthma protocol so if a child comes in with asthma symptoms, a course of treatment can be prescribed. This protocol starts with an exam, after which your child will be given a clinical respiratory score, or CRS. This score is based on a number of factors such as oxygen

saturation, breathing rate, symptoms and so on. Their clinical respiratory score determines the course of treatment. A child with a high score might begin with a more aggressive course of treatment than another child whose score is low. And if the child does have to go to the emergency room for an asthma attack, the clinic staff will inform the hospital what the child’s CRS score is and what treatment has already been given, allowing for streamlined care. University Health System also offers a free, online pediatric asthma risk assessment at CheckMyHealthSA. com. You can do your part—and be part of the team—by developing an asthma action plan for your child and familiarizing yourself with it. Having a child with asthma can be scary, but knowing what to do can keep it under control. Dr. Mandie Svatek is a hospitalist at University Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

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in the

Spotlight Four NISD educators are state finalists for 2016 HEB awards Three NISD teachers and one principal are finalists in the prestigious 2016 HEB Excellence in Education Awards, naming them among the best educators in Texas. Sarah Aguirre, a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Colonies North Elementary School, is a finalist in the Rising Star-Elementary category. Melinda Valdez, first grade teacher at Steubing Elementary School is a finalist in the Leadership-Elementary category and Cynthia Wallace, first grade teacher at Ward Elementary School, is a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement-Elementary category. Driggers Elementary School Principal Mary Helen Cover is a finalist in the Principal-Elementary category. Announcements were made in four separate surprises at each campus by Superintendent Dr. Brian Woods, representatives from HEB, and H-E-Buddy. In addition to balloons and flowers, teacher finalists received a $1,000 check for themselves and $1,000 for their schools. The principal finalist also received a $1,000 check and $2,500 for the school. “We could not be more proud of these four educators,” said Dr. Brian Woods, NISD Superintendent. “During each surprise visit it was evident why they were selected. They are all passionate about education and inspire their students to be excited about learning. We are thankful to HEB for recognizing outstanding educators with these awards.” NISD educators are among 40 finalists in the state. Nominations

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were submitted earlier this year by H-E-B customers, employees, and community members and a team of judges narrowed the field to the finalists. Winners are announced in San Antonio May 12 and 13. Aguirre (photo above) is in her fourth year teaching refugee or “newcomer” students at Colonies North Elementary School. For the Rising Star Award, teachers must have less than 10 years of classroom experience. One elementary and one secondary teacher will be selected as the state winner and each will receive a $5,000 cash prize, plus a $5,000 grant for his/ her school.

Valdez (above right) has been teaching at Steubing Elementary School for 15 years, her entire NISD and teaching career. For the Leader-

ship Award, teachers must have between 10 and 20 years of classroom experience. One elementary and one secondary teacher will each receive $10,000 case prize and a $10,000 grant for their school.

Wallace (above center) has been in NISD her entire 35 year teaching career, including the last 12 years at Ward Elementary School. Teachers in the Lifetime Achievement Award category must have more than 20 years of classroom experience. One elementary and one secondary teacher are selected and each will receive a $25,000 cash prize, plus a $25,000 grant for his/her school.

Cover has been an NISD educator for 39 years as principal of Driggers and Galm elementary schools, vice principal at Galm Elementary School, and a math teacher at Hobby Middle School. The elementary and secondary principal winners at the state level will win a $10,000 cash prize plus a $25,000 grant for their school. Congratulations and good luck to each of the recipients.

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orthside magnet schools offer a focused, career-specific education for students who show an interest in a particular field or know what career path they want to take. Today, about 3,000 students are enrolled in NISD’s five magnet high school programs. “There’s a myth that public schools do not provide students choices in their education,” said Dr. Brian Woods, superintendent. “Northside’s excellent magnet programs prove that is not the case because students are able to choose what they’re interested in exploring further whether that be business, communications, STEM, health/medicine, or construction.” Four programs share campuses with their larger comprehensive high schools. Business Careers HS is located at Holmes HS; Communications Arts HS is located at Taft HS; Jay Science & Engineering Academy is located at Jay HS; and Construction Careers Academy is located at Warren HS. The fifth, Health Careers HS, is located on its own campus in the South Texas Medical Center. All schools accept students via an application process. Here are some impressive accomplishments from each magnet program:

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Business Careers High School leads the district in computer certifications earned by students and is home to one of the largest career-based mentor programs in the state. The school’s CyberPatriot program, which focuses on cybersecurity competition and skill development, has won first place in the city, first place in the state, and third place in national competition. Communications Arts High School students gain real-world video production skills through participation in competitions and by working with national news programs. Since 2008, CAHS students have won first or second place in the Teens in the Driver’s Seat PSA competition, resulting in thousands of dollars in cash prizes to purchase cameras, tripods, and microphones for the school’s communications department. For the past three years, advanced video students have been producing news stories as part of the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs program.

&RQVWUXFWLRQ &DUHHUV $FDGHP\ hosts the only student-built Parade of Homes event in the nation. Teams made up of student architects, engineers, construction managers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and carpenters design, build, and sell up to four homes each year. In 2015, students transformed three shipping containers which sold for a combined $125,000 at auction. The annual event showcases the real-world skills and training students receive in four years at the Academy. 7KH -D\ 6FLHQFH (QJLQHHULQJ Academy hosts one of the largest school science fairs in the state. More than 600 projects were entered in the most recent fair, and half a million dollars in scholarships was awarded by St. Mary’s University and the University of the Incarnate Word. Students participate in academic research all four years of high school. For more information on NISD magnet schools visit nisd.net/ schools/info/High.

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10 Factors to Consider when Selecting a

SUMMER CAMP By Karl Wacker Camp Director, Deer Creek Adventure Camp Sending a child to summer camp (especially for the first time) can be an intimidating process! However, every summer tens of thousands of families all over the United States pack up their belongings and take a family road trip to drop off their children at summer camp. In order to make the process a little easier, here are ten factors to consider when selecting a camp.

Not all Camps are the Same

Choosing a camp that is a good fit for your family is the most important factor to consider. Some camps are faithbased, others sports-based or gender specific. Overnight camps can cost anywhere from $500 per week up to $1500 per week and beyond. Some camps offer day camp programs that can cost significantly less, but obviously these are restricted to families within a nearby driving distance. Take time to research what makes each camp unique!

The Camp’s Mission Matters

Some camps are for-profit, but most tend to be non-profit organizations. The mission of the organization should be prominently displayed on their website and will give you helpful insight into why the camp exists in the first place!

Ask Friends for Referrals

Families determine where to send their children to summer camp based on a referral from a trusted friend. Ask

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your friends for recommendations of camps that they have been to or have heard positive things about. “Friend’s Bring Friend’s to Camp” is a common slogan here at Deer Creek Camp!

Stay in Touch

Many camps offer an email service that allows parents to keep in touch with their children; campers’ love being able to hear from Mom and Dad during the week! Another helpful hint—camps usually accept “Snail Mail” that you can drop off on opening day and have “delivered” to your child each day.

Discounts are often Available to Those that Inquire

Almost all camps offer discounts for various reasons, but sometimes these deals are not prominently displayed. Sibling discounts are great for many families and many camps offer “Early Bird” discounts to those that sign up early enough! Be sure to ask the registrar if these discounts are an option that their camp offers.

Quality of Counselor Staff is Key

Great camps hire great people! Ask prospective camps about their yearly returning staff percentage, in order to get a feel for staff turnover. Also, find out how many applicants are interviewed, and how many of those applicants are hired. The golden metric for staff is one hired staff for every four interviews, which ensures that your child will have the best possible counselor caring for their needs and treating them with tender love, respect and encouragement.

Location, Location, Location

Make sure to research where each camp is located, and consider the added cost and stress of a five-hour drive versus a one-hour drive. All things being equal, a camp that is close to where you live and in a beautiful area may be the best option. Consider also that summer temperatures will be anywhere from 5-10 degrees cooler in the Texas Hill Country.

Don’t be Afraid to Visit

Families trying to select a camp seldom use this option, but it is a GREAT way to get a feel for the culture and environment. Schedule a visit to the camp to see the facilities for yourself, and while you are there ask many of the questions detailed in this article.

Websites Reveal a Great Deal

While a website will certainly not tell you all of the information that you will need to know, camps that have well constructed and visually appealing websites likely have strong business savvy. Take time to comb through their website and see what you can find. Pictures are worth 1,000 words, and videos are worth 10,000!

Cabin Configurations Matter

Make sure to ask if your child with be in a cabin with seven other children or 27 other children! Age specific cabins are also a must. Look for a camp whose cabins are large enough to create a healthy group dynamic but small enough that the campers can get to know each other well.

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