Back to School

JULY 2013

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

read online too!

College Considerations Things to consider when choosing a college

Tech Talk The pros and cons of using the Internet to complete schoolwork

View this section online @ www.theintelligencer.com

Getting Involved The benefits to joining a campus organization

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

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Get the best deals on electronic school supplies

3 Injury prevention tips for school-aged athletes

4 School bus safety tips

to impart to youngsters

20

Things to consider when choosing a college

23

Benefits to joining a campus organization

17 Learn the early warning signs of bullying

21 Helping college students choose the right major 22 Taming the cost of textbooks

5 How to establish a school carpool

7 How to buy school clothes without busting your budget

8 How to encourage kids to read 9 Establishing a positive homework

FOR KIDS WHO LOVE TO SING…

environment for your student

10 The pros and cons of using the Internet to complete schoolwork

11 Children share more than just a classroom at school 14 Extracurricular activities need not involve sports

14 Building a strong

parent-teacher relationship

15 Helping students in need of extra help 16 How to improve test-taking skills

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Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

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Injury Prevention tips for school-aged athletes The dawn of a new school year is an exciting for school-aged youngsters.

Though many kids may not look forward to homework or getting up early, a new school year is often exciting for young athletes who long to get back on the playing fields and compete with their teammates.

As valuable and exciting as participating in team sports can be, they can just as easily prove dangerous for athletes who aren’t prepared for the rigors of physical activity. A summer spent lounging poolside might be just what kids need after a long school year, but that relaxation can put youngsters in jeopardy of suffering an injury when they return to team sports in the fall.

Many a young athlete has pulled a hamstring or suffered a shin splint when returning to athletic competition after a long layoff. But such injuries are largely preventable, and the following tips can help school-aged athletes ensure their return to competition is as painless as it is pleasurable.

Condition your muscles in the weeks heading up to tryouts or the start of the school year. Many fall sports feature tryouts near the end of

summer or at the very beginning of the school year. That means athletes must start conditioning their muscles early. Discuss with your parents, coaches and physicians which muscles you will be working when playing a particular sport. Adults should help you develop a conditioning program that gets the right muscle groups ready for the rigors of your sport. A properly conditioned athlete has a much lesser risk of injury than one who is not. Your offseason conditioning program should begin slowly and gradually grow more challenging as you draw closer to the school year.

Stretch, stretch, stretch. Always stretch your muscles before any strenuous activities, whether it’s an offseason conditioning program or an in-season competition. Stretching significantly reduces your risk of injury and can improve your performance on the field.

Get geared up. The right gear is essential for young athletes looking to avoid injury. Though summer might seem tailor-made for flip-flops, such footwear should never be worn when exercising and preparing for the coming

sports season. Athletic shoes specific to your sport are made to provide the support you will need as you train and compete. The same goes for the clothing you should wear when getting ready for the season. Wear the appropriate athletic attire to reduce your risk of injury.

Weight train in the presence of your coaches or parents. Many athletes begin weight training for the first time when they are in high school. Weight training can be beneficial to young athletes, but such athletes should never lift weights unsupervised. Parents, trainers and coaches can explain the equipment to young athletes while ensuring they don’t overdo it in the weight room. Lifting too much weight or having bad form when weightlifting can cause serious injury that can sideline youngsters for the coming season, if not longer. So young athletes should always weight train in the presence of an adult and always work with a spotter to help them should they struggle to finish a repetition.

Don’t try to match your fellow athletes. The human body develops differently for everyone. Young athletes

must recognize that there’s a chance their classmates and teammates may be developing more quickly than they are. These classmates may be more capable of performing certain physical activities. For example, a teammate might be able to lift more weight than you. Do not try to match your fellow athletes if your body is uncomfortable performing a certain exercise. If you must endure substantial pain to perform a given exercise, then your body is likely telling you it simply isn’t ready for that exercise. Don’t force the body to do something just to keep up with your teammates.

Take a break. Even if you rested for most of summer, you still will need to rest when you begin getting ready for the upcoming athletic season. Take at least one day off per week to allow your body to recover and recharge.

Your body needs that recovery time to reduce its risk of injury.

School-aged athletes often look forward to a new school year as a chance to get back on the playing fields. But such athletes should emphasize safe training as the season draws closer.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

School bus safety tips to impart to youngsters Each day thousands upon thousands of children board school buses to take them to and from school. Parents and caregivers entrust their children’s well-being to the care of school bus drivers and aides. Although parents may worry about school bus accidents, such accidents are few and far between.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises that school buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and protecting against injury. Buses are arguably the safest mode of transportation for getting kids to and from school. By keeping millions of cars off the roads surrounding schools, school buses contribute to less crowded roadways, which are less conducive to accidents.

KNOWING THE SAFETY RULES While a large part of protecting children is on the shoulders of the school bus driver, it is also vital for passengers to learn the basics of school bus safety.

Kindergarteners or children who are riding the bus for the first time should be taught the rules of school bus safety.

Some schools offer a school bus tour prior to the new school year. This lets youngsters acclimate themselves with the look and feel of the school bus. This introduction also may include information about bus safety, but parents can also educate their children (and themselves) about using caution in and around the bus by following these guidelines.

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• Get to the bus stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to the assigned pickup time. Rushing last-minute can lead to injury, especially if you’re chasing down the bus. • Remain on the sidewalk or grass at the bus stop. Do not step off the curb into the street until the bus has arrived and is completely stopped. • When boarding the bus, go directly to a seat and sit down. Buckle up if there are seatbelts on the bus. • Remain seated while the bus is in motion. • Keep voices low so as not to distract the driver. • Keep your head and hands inside of the bus, and never hang out of the window.

DANGER ZONE Though parents may feel buses are most likely to be in accidents while in transit, experts advise that children are more likely to get hurt during pickups and drop-offs when they’re in the “danger zone� of the bus. The danger zone is a 10-foot radius around the outside of the bus. Bus drivers and other motorists find kids in the danger zone are more difficult to see, and children can get struck by either the bus or oncoming cars that fail to stop when the bus is picking kids up or dropping them off.

• Do not throw things on the bus or play rough with friends or classmates. • Keep the aisle clear at all times. • Be careful when getting off the bus.

Hold on while going down the stairs. • Only get off at your designated stop unless you have permission to get off elsewhere. • When exiting the bus, walk at least 10 steps past the front of the bus and cross in front where the driver can see you. Do not cross behind the bus. • Wait for the driver to give you a signal that it is safe to cross. Be sure to check that all cars on the road have come to a complete stop. • Get to the sidewalk or off the street as quickly as possible.

• If you’ve forgotten something on the bus, do not run back and attempt to retrieve it. The driver might not see you and start the bus. Rather, call the bus company and see if you can pick it up at another time. • Do not get into the cars of strangers waiting around bus stops, even if they offer to take you home.

Parents can arrange to meet with bus drivers so that they will recognize their faces. Adults also can encourage schools to host bus safety courses to further ensure their youngsters are safe.

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How to establish a school carpool

Yellow buses are synonymous with school. But in some neighborhoods, budget cuts have forced school districts to limit bus service for students. In an effort to transport youngsters to school more efficiently, parents often band together to form carpools. Those who are new to the area or school may not know where to turn to team up with other like-minded parents.

Ridesharing is an effective way to get children to and from school and divide the responsibilities among parents. Carpooling reduces vehicular congestion in and around the school, cuts down on car emissions in the atmosphere and also helps multiple families save time. Furthermore, carpooling can offset fuel costs and cut down on wear and tear on a vehicle for those parents who live far away from their kids’ schools.

CHOOSING CARPOOLERS Parents who live nearest to you are the most likely choices for carpoolers. Most schools funnel children from specific areas into one school, so look for parents of school-aged youngsters in the immediate vicinity of your home.

Many school communities now have an online presence through social media, and this can make finding people to share carpooling responsibilities with that much easier. Keep in mind that if you are new to the school and/or community, it could take more time to establish yourself as a reliable and safe driver among other parents.

Remember, when it comes to the safety

of their children, many parents are not quick to let them hop into the car with just anyone. The same principle exists when you are looking for a carpool.

You’ll want to develop a relationship with the parents prior to the start of the carpool to ensure you feel comfortable with your child riding along with this person.

ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE Carpooling will blend the schedules of a few different families together. It is important to map out a schedule so that all days of the week are covered.

There should be a contingency plan should one driver not be able to carpool that day due to illness or other commitments.

CARPOOLING SAFETY Even if you are close friends with someone who will be ridesharing, you will want to be certain of their driving skills prior to their driving your kids to school. All parents involved in the carpool should bring their safety concerns and rules to the table to be sure everyone has the same priorities.

The size of vehicles will play a role in carpooling safety. Each child should have ample room to sit and his or her own seat belt. If booster or car seats are still required, the car should fit the seats comfortably so that all passengers have the correct safety equipment. No child should be allowed to ride unsecured, in the front seat under the required age by law or in the rear cargo area of a sport utility vehicle.

ESTABLISH A PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT In most school carpooling situations the amount of fuel used is nominal.

However, those who do spend a good deal of money on gas may want to establish a way of sharing the costs associated with the carpool. Taking turns driving the kids to school usually divides the cost fairly. Some parents prefer to give a gift at the end of the

school year to the parent who did the bulk of the driving. Donations to the primary driver also can offset any expenses.

Carpooling is a good method of transporting children to school when buses are not available. A carpool reduces the number of cars on the road and also helps conserve time and resources among several different households.

Sharing the responsibilities of transporting children to school and extracurricular activities saves families time and money.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

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Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

How to buy school clothes without busting your budget

Parents often note that kids seem to grow like weeds. Pants that once reached to the tops of a youngster’s feet quickly become too short, while once-loose shirts may soon become too snug. Many parents find themselves regularly in children’s clothing departments stocking up on the basics, which can put quite a dent in already stretched-thin budgets.

Although children’s wardrobes are added to at various times of the year, the bulk of shopping occurs just before the school year begins.

Though clothing can be expensive, families need not bust their budgets when shopping for kids’ clothing. By shopping smart and concentrating on fashion staples, it’s easier to stretch money further.

Spread out purchases. Shopping early allows parents to make the most of sales. Warm weather clothing generally goes on sale in July to make room for new fall lines. Considering the first few months of school still may be warm, short-sleeved shirts will still have utility and are generally less expensive than sweaters and sweatshirts.

Staggering purchases also enables parents to develop a clothing allowance each and every month instead of having one large bill at a certain point in the year. Parents can even add to their children’s wardrobes during the holiday season, when clothes tend to get reduced again for holiday sales.

Don’t discount hand-me-downs. It’s trendy to recycle clothing and also to be environmentally conscious by putting items to good use again and again. Aside from you and your wallet, no one will know if your child is wearing a secondhand pair of pants or a brand new pair. Many school moms are anxious to swap clothing with others to lessen their own financial burdens with children’s clothing. Start a clothing swap with a group of friends, and you may find you have more than you need in the way of clothes for the kids.

Take stock of what you already have. How many times have you run out to the grocery store for a missing ingredient only to find that very item buried at the back of the pantry? The same thing happens with kids’ clothes.

Before taking kids clothes shopping, take inventory of their closets. Have little ones try on clothes to see which items still fit and which can be discarded or donated. Make a list of the items you need to cut down on impulse spending at the store.

Invest in the right high-quality pieces. Spending a fortune for a trendy pair of pants that may end up getting ruined on the playground is not the best way to shop for kids’ clothing.

However, investing in a quality pair of shoes that will last much of the year is a good investment. Know when to splurge and when it’s okay to shop at the discount store.

Stock up on staples. A straight-leg cut of jeans, some solid colored polo shirts and an A-line dress or skirt are some classic foundation pieces for children’s wardrobes. Such items tend to last longer than trendy items that may only last a few months before the next trend arrives.

Learn to layer. Layering items can make pieces look like new by putting them together in different combinations. Layering a summer Tshirt under a fall hoodie gets use out of two different season’s worth of clothes.

It also enables kids to be comfortable during unpredictable weather.

Leave it to the kids. Parents often worry about what other parents will think of their own children’s clothing.

Children do not typically worry about such things until their preteen or teenage years. You may spend less money on clothing simply because your child has a few favorite shirts and pants he or she wears over and over. That’s less laundry for you and less money you have to spend on new clothes.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

Youngsters who have their own library cards might be more excited about visiting the library and more likely to develop a love of reading.

How to encourage kids to read

Reading can have a profound impact on a child’s life in and out of the classroom. Reading can help a young student develop a more extensive vocabulary, and a study from the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics found that reading to young children promotes language acquisition, making it easier for them to learn a foreign language. That’s a significant advantage for children growing up in a world that’s increasingly global.

But reading has benefits outside the classroom as well. Reading can provide an escape from the daily grind, which is something even today’s youngsters can appreciate. Reading also is a great way for kids to relax and unwind while simultaneously giving their brains a workout.

While many parents recognize the impact reading can have on their children, it’s no secret that getting kids to embrace reading can be difficult. Distractions such as video games, social media and even the great outdoors are all there to draw kids away from reading. But parents who want to instill a love of reading in their children can still take steps to ensure their kids don’t miss out on the benefits of a good book.

Read to your children. Numerous studies have discovered various benefits of reading to children when they are young. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that children whose parents read to them typically become better readers and perform better in school. Reading to children early on is the first step toward fostering a love of reading kids will develop and continue throughout their lives.

Many parents read to their children at night before bedtime, but any time of day will suffice.

Don’t be discouraged if kids are not interested in books. While reading fiction can help develop a youngster’s imagination, parents should not be discouraged if kids don’t want to read books. Reading the newspaper, magazines and

even comic books can help kids develop strong reading skills and an extensive vocabulary and, in the case of comic books, inspire their imaginations. Young sports fans might be more inclined to read the sports page than a novel, so let them do so. Kids are more likely to embrace reading if what they’re reading interests them, so encourage kids to read up on those interests, even if that reading does not involve picking up a book.

Get your youngster his or her own library card. Thanks to the popularity of e-readers, many adults would be hard pressed to locate their local library if asked to do so. But visiting the library is a great way to encourage kids to read, especially if kids have their own library cards. Kids with their own library cards tend to look at visits to the library as shopping trips where they get to make their own choices about what they’re taking home with them. And once kids reach a certain age, they can visit the library on their own.

Share your own reading experiences with children. Kids look up to their parents and often want to mimic their behavior. So parents can set a good example by read-

ing as well. On trips to the library, check out your own book. While you might not want to discuss every book you read with your children, discuss the books they’re reading. Chances are you read many of those same books yourself when you were a child, and discussing books with your child is a great way to improve his or her reading comprehension.

Distractions abound for today’s youngsters, who might not embrace reading as readily as they do video games or social networking. But parents can take many steps to instill a love of reading in their kids that will last a lifetime.

Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

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Establishing a positive homework environment for your student

Many students need a quiet environment that’s free of noise and distractions to perform their best on homework assignments.

Though it might not be something students look forward to, homework is an essential element of the learning process. Homework allows kids to apply the lessons they learned in the classroom while giving educators a chance to determine if students are grasping the concepts discussed in class or if certain lessons need to be revisited.

Students often seek their parents’ help when doing their homework, but parents can start helping even before their children bring any assignments home.

Creating a homework environment where kids can concentrate and put forth their best effort is a great way to help them throughout the school year. The following are a few tips for parents who want to ensure that home is as conducive a place as possible for students to do their best on homework assignments.

Find a quiet space with little or no distractions. A quiet place in the home where kids can concentrate is essential when kids are doing homework. While a youngster’s bedroom might have sufficed years ago, today’s children tend to have bedrooms that mimic the showroom

floor of an electronics store. If kids have televisions, video game consoles and stereos in their bedrooms, then that’s likely not the best environment for them to do their homework. Kids can too easily grow distracted, so find a quiet area where kids can focus on their studies without being tempted by television, video games or other distractions not conducive to studying.

Designate a time each day when kids do their homework. Another way to make your home more amenable to homework is to designate a time each day when kids will study. Let other members of the household know that this is a quiet time in the house so kids aren’t distracted.

Once kids get comfortable in this routine they likely won’t need much prodding to do their homework, and this designated quiet time in the household can be a relaxing time for other members of the household as well.

Have healthy snacks available. Few people do their best work on an empty stomach, so if kids will be doing their homework immediately after school, make sure you have some healthy snacks

on hand. Elementary and high school students tend to eat lunch earlier than adults, so they’re liable to be hungry when they arrive home from school in the mid- to late-afternoon. Have plenty of fresh fruit on hand so kids can satisfy their hunger. Less healthy snacks might satisfy youngster’s hunger pangs, but such snacks may also make kids drowsy, negatively affecting their ability to concentrate and indirectly hindering their schoolwork as a result.

Let kids know their work will be checked nightly. Parents who want to create an environment where their children approach homework seriously should let their kids know their work will be checked each night, and they will need to redo any assignments that were not completed correctly. This prevents kids from rushing through assignments without giving their best efforts.

Few youngsters look forward to homework. While parents might not be able to change their kids’ attitudes toward homework, they can change their home to make it as positive an environment for kids to pursue their studies as possible.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

The pros and cons of using the Internet to complete schoolwork

The classroom atmosphere familiar to today’s children is likely very different from the atmosphere their parents were accustomed to when they were students.

Many of these changes can be traced to technology, which has gradually had an increasing presence in the classroom over the last several decades.

But technology has not only changed the classroom experience for kids, but thanks in large part to the Internet, technology also has changed the way kids approach their schoolwork at home. Though a potentially valuable learning tool, the Internet also poses some problems for today’s students.

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of relying on the Internet to complete schoolwork.

THE PROS

THE CONS

The accessibility of the Internet can be a significant benefit to students. Students have a wealth of resources available to them online, and those resources can make it easier for kids to understand key concepts on nearly every subject.

Whereas students might once have been forced to trek to the library to research a given subject, now they can do so from the comforts of home. And unlike the library, the Internet never closes, so information is at students’ disposal regardless of when they sit down to do their schoolwork.

Another advantage to using the Internet to complete schoolwork is that the Internet can be an extension of the classroom beyond school walls. Educational Web sites abound on the Internet, and many of these sites are written and monitored by professional educators. These sites can be valuable resources for students who may find themselves struggling with certain lessons. Many of their questions or concerns may already be addressed, and certain topics may be more easily explained on a Web site written by a professional educator or scholar in a given field. Rather than waiting to address an issue in class, students can visit such Web sites to answers to their questions immediately.

The Internet also can provide students with a forum to discuss their studies which does not always exist in the classroom. That forum may engage students and make them better students. A passionate online discussion about a reading assignment may encourage kids to approach such assignments more fervently.

Though such discussions may exist in a traditional classroom atmosphere, many students might be hesitant to express themselves in front of their classmates, feeling the anonymity of the Internet is a more inviting and less stressful forum than a classroom of their peers.

As beneficial as the Internet can be to students, it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. Much of the concern about using the Internet to complete schoolwork is the reliability of the information on the Internet. Many sites offer reliable and wellresearched information, but many do not. Students, especially younger students, may not be capable of discerning fact from fiction and will simply take the written word on the Internet as truth. That may land students in hot water or make it more difficult for them to understand their subjects.

Another significant disadvantage to using the Internet to complete schoolwork is that students may be tempted to cheat. Because the Internet is so vast, students might be tempted to cut and paste answers to homework problems from the Internet or copy information from Web sites and claim it as their own, feeling as if there is no way their teachers will ever find out. Some students may not even understand that such cutting, pasting or copying is wrong. But in addition to being wrong, such behavior, whether students are caught or not, also makes it harder for students to learn the material, which will make it more difficult for them to grasp key concepts going forward.

The Internet can also be a significant distraction to students. Social networking sites can quickly distract kids from their schoolwork, costing them valuable time they should be devoting to their studies.

For more than a decade, the Internet has proven a valuable resource for students across the globe. But students must recognize there arev advantages and disadvantages to relying too heavily on the Internet when pursuing their studies.

Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

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Children share more than just a classroom at school

School-aged children spend several hours per day in the classroom in close proximity to one another. That proximity means that, in addition to sharing their time in the classroom, students often share their illnesses.

Many parents understand that kids may come home from school with more than just homework. Communicable diseases and parasites may accompany kids home, and while every sniffle or fever cannot be prevented, there are ways parents can reduce their child’s risk of coming home from school with an ailment passed on by a classmate. The first step toward reducing that risk is understanding some of the more common ailments.

LICE Few children survive school without enduring at least one outbreak of lice.

Lice are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. Head lice are about two to three millimeters in length (about the size of a sesame seed). A female louse can produce between seven and 10 eggs, known as nits, per day. The nits will hatch and repeat the process of the adults.

Having lice is not an indication of poor hygiene. It just means you have come into contact with someone with lice and have contracted the parasite. Sharing brushes, pillows, hats, and head-tohead contact with someone who has lice facilitates transmission.

Many old wives’ tales discuss how to keep lice from getting into the hair.

None of these methods are necessarily effective. Should lice climb aboard, it is essential to remove all of the nits and adult lice through careful combing and to reduce the numbers of lice until they die off. In extreme cases, a doctor may recommend a medicated shampoo.

MONONUCLEOSIS The Mayo Clinic says infectious mononucleosis, commonly shortened to

“mono,” is known as the kissing disease.

Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes mono, is transmitted through saliva. It can be spread through kissing, but also by sharing cups and straws or if saliva is expelled through sneezing or coughing.

Symptoms of mono include fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a soft, swollen spleen. Mono is not often serious and is even less communicable than the common cold. However, it is adviseable to keep a child home from school until symptoms have subsided.

There is no specific method to treat mono, but doctors may suggest a combination of bed rest, pain relievers and drinking plenty of water and fruit juices.

ORAL HERPES There is a lot of confusion about herpes circulating because two similar viruses are commonly mistaken for each other.

Most of the cases of oral herpes result from the virus herpes simplex 1, or HSV-1.

According to the organization Herpes Online, the oral outbreak of herpes forms cold sores or fever blisters on the lips or inside of the mouth. While these blisters — and the HSV-1 virus itself — can be spread through kissing, most young children are diagnosed with oral herpes after they have contracted it through the sharing of utensils.

Sometimes parents inadvertently pass herpes on to their kids when they kiss them goodnight.

Generally speaking, oral herpes is most contagious when a lesion or blister is present. When scabs have healed and there is no other symptom of the condition, then a person is much less likely to pass the virus to someone else.

When a blister is present, the affected person should wash his or her hands frequently and avoid touching the lesion.

STREP THROAT A child will get strep throat when he or she comes in direct contact with saliva or fluids from the nose of an affected person, says the National Institutes of

Health. Strep throat is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of five and 15.

Once a person comes in contact with the bacteria, he or she may begin to feel sick two to five days later. Chills, a sore throat, trouble moving the neck, and difficulty swallowing are some of the more common symptoms.

Because strep can mimic a viral sore throat, most doctors will take a throat culture to confirm diagnosis. Should the bacteria be present, antibiotics will be prescribed for treatment. A doctor will advise when it is safe for a child to return to school.

MENINGITIS Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. There are five types of meningitis: bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and noninfectious. The severity of the illness and the treatment depends on the cause. The most widely known types of meningitis are bacterial and viral. Both are contagious, but bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Meningitis can be spread through exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. People who have viral meningitis find it is a less severe form and does not become serious so long as their immune system remains strong.

Symptoms of a meningitis infection may include a sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. Nausea, vomiting and altered mental status are also symptoms. Samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid are collected to test for the cause of the meningitis to begin prompt treatment.

Spending time in close proximity with other students increases the spread of communicable diseases among students. Knowing the symptoms of various communicable diseases can help parents quickly recognize an ailment.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

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Get the best deals on electronic school supplies

Find out how electronic devices will be used for schoolwork to determine which device fits your student best.

In the not-so-distant past, scientific calculators were the most technologically advanced school supplies students needed. But today’s students rely on technology more than ever. Thanks to mobile phones, ereaders and portable computer tablets, the average student’s back-to-school shopping list often includes at least one electronic device. But with such technological advances comes a higher price tag for supplies.

Parents faced with the task of paying for their student’s school supplies, including electronics, may wonder how they can save money. Electronics can range from the affordable to the very expensive, and the most expensive product is not always the best. Here’s how to shop smart for electronic school supplies.

Think about how the device will be used. Will your son or daughter be typing term papers or putting together reports? If so, a device that has a word processing function will be necessary. Although many e-readers and tablets have apps that function as word-processors, such apps won’t be as comprehensive as more traditional word processing software. And unless the student has an external keyboard for typing, using a touchscreen can be cumbersome when producing lengthy assignments. Some tablets also need

to be connected to a wireless printer in order to print documents. Keep these things in mind when shopping. If a student needs to jot down notes or go online to do research only, a hand-held device may be adequate.

Educate yourself. Log onto the Internet and read everything you can about the various devices available.

Some parents who aren’t tech savvy may quickly learn that there is an entirely new vocabulary with regards to technology and it pays to be informed.

Having the information at the ready and being able to discuss what you want from a given product with a store employee will make you less likely to spend extra money on things that you probably don’t need, such as accessories or upgrades.

Comparison shop. Electronics are big business, and different retailers provide different deals. For example, one retailer may not offer as good a warranty plan or tech-support as another. Compare apples to apples when comparison shopping to find the best deal. Do not be bashful about bringing in a competitor’s price to a particular store you like and asking for them to match a lower price. Many stores will do so to keep your business.

Consider a refurbished item.

Manufacturers like Apple offer refurbished items that are backed with the same warranty as fresh-out-ofthe-box merchandise. Because these machines were rebuilt, the cost is considerably lower than buying new.

Also, refurbished equipment is usually thoroughly tested before it is shipped out to a new owner.

Gauge your student’s level of responsibility. Is your son or daughter prone to dropping or breaking things?

If so, you may not want to spend a fortune on a top-of-the-line device. The tablet market has become especially competitive, with many name- and off-brand manufacturers offering variations of Android-based tablets for considerably less than some betterknown models. For example, Chinese manufacturer Ainovo offers the Novo 7 Basic tablet for around $99. That’s

even less than some e-readers on the market. It may not offer as many features as other tablets, but it may be effective for basic Web browsing and email.

Determine if a new device is really necessary. For some students, peer pressure plays a heavy role in their “need” for a new electronic device. If money for supplies is especially tight, and there is already a fully functioning computer at home, you may want to postpone purchasing a new device until you’re more capable of paying for it. Electronics often go on sale during the holiday season.

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Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013 That discussion should include asking kids if they would like to play a specific instrument or be part of a choir.

In addition to giving kids a creative outlet, music may even benefit them in the classroom. Stanford University researchers found that musical training improves how the brain processes the spoken word. In addition, in an analysis of data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers at the United States Department of Education found that students who report consistent involvement in instrumental music during middle school and high school perform significantly better in mathematics by grade 12 than those who do not participate in music programs.

Many students live in communities that allow them to work once they reach high school age. While working might not be as fun as playing an instrument, getting a job can teach high school students valuable lessons they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Even though high school students only work part-time, such a work schedule can still teach them the importance of money management and the valuable lesson of reaping what you sow. High school students can save their money to finance their college educations or purchase their first cars, each of which can teach them the value of saving money. Working in high school also can prepare students for college, where many will need to work in order to support themselves.

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Accidents repeatedly happen on playgrounds in schoolyards and parks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that each year more than 200,000 children in the United States visit hospital emergency rooms with injuries suffered on the playground. Many of those injuries occur when a child falls from playground equipment onto the ground. Supervision is key to preventing injuries on the playground. Following these guidelines also can keep children safe.

• Children are developmentally different and should play on equipment that is rated for their particular age group.

• Hard surfaces around playground equipment should be thoroughly cushioned with a material that will reduce impact injuries. Mulch, pea gravel, sand, and synthetic rubber shavings are all acceptable materials.

• The equipment should be free of sharp points or dangerous edges.

• All fastening hooks and chains, including “S” hooks, should be secure and in good condition.

• The playground should have adequate drainage.

• Swings and other mobile items should be located far enough away from buildings and other obstructions.

• The playground should be kept clean of any debris, including cans and broken bottles.

• Make sure there are no tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, rocks and tree stumps.

• Adults should always be present to oversee activities on the playground.

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

How to improve test-taking skills

Students are periodically tested to gauge their progress on a variety of subjects. Although testing can be an effective way to determine a student’s understanding of a given subject, not every student performs well on tests.

Test-taking comes easily for some but not so for others.

Nerves or trouble concentrating can foil the best students. However, there are ways for students to improve their test-taking skills.

PREPARATION Most tests are given with prior notice, enabling students to prepare for them well in advance. Sometimes teachers and professors will surprise students with a quiz.

These pop quizzes are used to judge how well students are absorbing the information and if they have been paying attention.

When in class, continually jot down notes and create an outline of important information. The teacher may provide hints about the upcoming test, including emphasizing specific areas of focus or even revealing the format of the test. Contrary to what some students believe, teachers want their students to succeed. Therefore, your

teacher may offer a review session the day before or be open for questions prior to the test if further clarification is needed.

Studying with others can shed new light on a subject.

Studying difficult subject matter with peers may help students grasp the materials better than they did in class.

Classmates may have some tricks they’ve developed, including pneumonic devices for putting facts together.

THE DAY BEFORE AND THE DAY OF THE TEST Prior to a test, make sure you eat and get enough rest.

While it may be tempting to pull an “all-nighter,” you will not perform well on the test if you are tired from having studied all night. Review the material and put the main ideas or formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed. Review it many times and then put it away.

Have a good meal, relax and try to get at least eight hours of sleep.

On the day of the test, wake up and arrive on time or even a few minutes early for your class. This can help to calm your nerves and enable you to squeeze in some last-second studying.

THE TEST ITSELF Make sure you have the supplies needed for the test.

This may include pens or pencils, a calculator, a textbook if you are allowed to reference, or any other supplies

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the teacher allows. Have a watch available so that you can pace yourself during the test. Avoid using a mobile phone during the test, as the teacher may misinterpret that as cheating.

Try to remain positive through the test. If you feel yourself getting nervous, take a few deep breaths and regroup.

In addition to these tips, there are other ways to approach the test.

• Do the easiest problems first. If you do not know a question, skip it and move on. There may be clues later on in the test that help you go back and answer skipped questions.

• Always read the entire question. Skimming could find you missing important instructions.

• Look for words that may help you determine the answer, such as “all,” “never” or “none.” They may present clues to the answer.

• Pay attention to your work and only your work. Do not be distracted if others finish before you.

• If there is time, go back and look over the test. Make sure that all the questions have been answered and check for any careless mistakes. Proofread any essays and short answer questions.

Preparing well for a test, remaining calm and checking over your work can help students who struggle with testtaking do their best.

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Learn the early warning signs of bullying Children grow and develop their personalities in various ways. While many youngsters are teased or receive some good-natured ribbing at some point in their school careers, some teasing can eventually turn into bullying.

The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.

Furthermore, more than 70 percent of students report incidents of bullying at their schools. Although children in lower grades have reported being in more fights than those in higher grades, there is a higher rate of violent crimes in middle and high schools than in elementary schools. According to the association Make Beats Not Beat Downs, harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school shooting incidents.

Bullying can take many forms, and learning the warning signs as a parent can help prevent harassment and potentially dangerous situations.

Verbal: If your child reports being called names, being the recipient of racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, or being spoken to in an offensive or suggestive way, this can be a form of verbal bullying.

Cyber: Social media, email and text messaging has become a way for bullies to spread malicious messages or photos. In the era of digital media, this type of bullying has increased considerably.

Physical: Some bullies engage in physical attacks, including hitting, kicking, spitting, or other forms of physical confrontation. Destroying personal property also is considered physical bullying.

Indirect: Gossiping and spreading nasty rumors about a person is another form of bullying. This type of bullying may go hand-in-hand with cyber bullying.

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Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED Parents can recognize certain signs that their child is being bullied at school.

Bullied children frequently make excuses to avoid going to school. While the desire to stay home is something many children may express, those who are bullied may do so much more frequently. Bullied children tend to avoid certain places and may be sad, angry, withdrawn, or depressed. They may have trouble sleeping or experience changes in appetite, and bullied youngsters’ academic performance may suffer. Also, parents may notice that children return from school missing some of their belongings.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS THE BULLY Parents may not want to imagine their children bullying other students, but bullies do exist. Children who bully other kids have strong needs for power and negative dominance. They may find satisfaction in causing suffering to others. Some signs that your child may be a bully include: • easily becoming violent with others • having friends who bully others • blaming others quickly • comes home with belongings that do not belong to him or her • getting in trouble with teachers or school administrators • picking on siblings • not accepting responsibility for actions There are ways parents can teach their children to act properly when faced with a bully. First, parents should explain that bullying is not the child’s fault and he or she does not deserve to be picked on.

Next, parents can let children know that being assertive but not violent with bullies may diffuse the situation, as some bullies thrive on the fear of their victims.

If the bullying behavior continues, the student should speak to an adult or authority figure.

Parents of bullies may need to be especially mindful of their children’s behavior. Counseling could be necessary to determine what is compelling kids to bully other students.

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Things to consider when choosing a college

When choosing a college, students often look for the best academic institutions. While it’s hard to argue with that approach, high school students facing the decision of where to spend the next four years of their lives should know that the right university is not necessarily the one with the best academic reputation.

A host of factors come into play when finding the right match between student and university. Academics should always carry the most weight, but students should consider a host of other factors before ultimately deciding where to continue their academic careers.

COST In a perfect world students would not have to worry about financing their college educations. But that’s not a world in which today’s students live, so the cost of a college education is something nearly every college-bound student must consider before making his or her decision. According to the College Board, the average overall cost to attend in-state public college for the 2012-13 academic year for students who did not receive financial aid was $22,261, a nearly 4 percent increase from the previous school year. That sticker price includes the cost of living in a dorm, food, books, and the additional expenses college students typically have. And the College Board notes that, despite the cost increase, financial aid budgets stayed the same as the year before, meaning even those students

who received financial aid paid more money.

While cost should not dictate where high school students ultimately go to college, students should know that eventually student loans will have to be repaid with interest, so those who do not want to bury themselves in student loan debt after graduation would be wise to choose a university that’s more affordable or one that’s offering a more attractive scholarship and grant package. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.

DISTANCE FROM HOME While many high school students may think a school far away from their folks is ideal, the reality of being far away from home is a struggle for many college students who attend college outside of their home states. Homesickness is a

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very real thing for college students who are away from home and on their own for the first time.

In addition to homesickness, collegebound students should consider the cost of travel before enrolling in a college or university that’s far from home. Mom and Dad might not be able to afford to fly their college students home several times per year for the holidays and other breaks in the school year, and the burden of financing that travel can fall on students. If you are not planning to work during the school year, then financing trips home may prove very difficult.

ENVIRONMENT Both the academic and social environments at a college or university merit consideration when students are deciding where to continue their educations. Some students thrive in

a competitive academic environment, while others tend to fare better in a more casual setting. Students should assess which environment is best for them and choose a university that best suits them as a student.

A college or university’s social environment is another factor for students to consider. Larger schools tend to rely heavily on Greek life, while smaller schools may be more intimate and less exclusive. Students who hope to join a sorority or fraternity might benefit from a school with a thriving Greek life, while those who want a more intimate social environment might prefer a smaller school where all of the students seem to know one another.

Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

Today’s college students may lean on their parents for advice as they attempt to choose a college major that will help them improve their job prospects after college.

it’s also one that overlooks the joy of studying a subject you are passionate about. Parents can simultaneously encourage kids to be smart about their job prospects and pursue their passions by suggesting a double major.

For example, if your child has a love of art but understands the difficulty in earning a living as an artist, suggest a double major in art and graphic design.

This way he or she has more career options upon graduation but still has the chance to pursue a subject he or she is passionate about while in school.

Encourage students to apply for internships. An internship is another great way parents can help kids as they decide on a college major. Internships are rarely easy to get, but some firms hire interns who are still in high school.

Parents should encourage kids to pursue internships as early as possible.

Internships can provide young students with some real-world experience and give them an accurate glimpse into what their professional lives might be like if they choose a particular field of study. Some kids might be encouraged by an internship, while others might realize a given field is not really for them. Either way, the internship

can help narrow down the field of prospective majors for young students.

Let kids know a major isn’t the same thing as a career. The pressure to choose the right major can be overwhelming for some young students.

But parents should let kids know that a major is not the same thing as a career, and many graduates end up working in fields that had little or nothing to do with their majors. For instance, just because a student earns a degree in finance does not mean he or she will end up working on Wall Street. While parents should emphasize the importance of choosing the right major when speaking to their children, they should also let kids know that nothing is ever set in stone. That can help take some of the pressure off students as they make such an important decision.

Today’s college students have more to consider when choosing a college major than many of their predecessors.

But parents can still take steps to help kids choose the right major without succumbing to the stress that comes with making such a significant decision.

Helping college students choose the right major Picking a college major is a big step for young students. Though many adults eventually find themselves working in fields that have little to do with their college majors, many more spend their entire careers in the same field they chose to major in way back in their college days.

Choosing a major is a decision that ultimately rests on the shoulders of the students who must consider a host of factors before committing to a specific field of study. But parents can still help their children, whether those kids are already enrolled in college or collegebound, as they make such an important decision that could very well affect the rest of their lives.

Encourage patience. Today’s college students and college-bound youngsters are living in a world that’s significantly different than the one their parents

or even older siblings might have encountered. Global and domestic unemployment rates remain high, and technology is changing the way many industries conduct business. But students trying to pick a major should avoid picking one too quickly. Just because a certain field is experiencing job growth does not mean that field is ideal for all students. Encourage kids to be patient when choosing a major so they can find the field that’s right for them, and not just the major they feel will produce the best job prospects.

Suggest a double major. Many of today’s students are fully aware of the difficult job market and the cost of a college education. As a result, such students want to choose a major they feel will put them in the best position to land a well-paying job after college. That’s a smart strategy, but

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July 25, 2013 • theintelligencer.com

Taming the cost of textbooks

In an era when digital books can be downloaded to an e-reader for a few dollars, students may feel it foolish to shell out several hundred dollars for a hardcover textbook that will only be used once. Many college students are shocked at the cost of their textbooks.

In fact, many students do not take textbook costs into consideration when budgeting for school, only to have their jaws drop at the checkout counter of their campus bookstore.

The cost of textbooks has been an issue on college campuses for years.

Many elementary and high school students do not have to pay directly for their textbooks, but college students must pay for their books.

There are a number of ways to curtail costs. One of the reasons behind the high sticker price for college textbooks is the copyright fees publishers of large anthologies must pay to every author who contributed to a book. Such costs can quickly add up. When there isn’t a

large demand for the books, publishers will not make much money if they don’t charge more for the books.

Another reason for the high cost of textbooks is that some are accompanied by online companion resources. The publishers build the price of these resources into the cost of the book.

An additional contributing factor to students’ high textbook tabs could be the faculty at their college or university.

Some professors are not sensitive to the cost of books, selecting books they like or even ones they authored themselves without considering the price of such texts.

Supply and demand may also influence the cost of textbooks. When too many textbooks are in circulation, there is no longer a high demand. So publishers make money by continually issuing new volumes with an item or two changed to justify the purchase of a new book.

But as costly as textbooks can be,

students can employ various methods to trim their textbook tabs.

Purchase used textbooks whenever possible. Used textbooks may cost half as much as brand new texts. They may be highlighted or have notes in the margins, but if you can overlook these things, you can save money.

Sell back textbooks. Keep textbooks in good condition and attempt to sell them back to either the campus bookstore or one near to the school. If the edition will be used again, you may be able to recoup a significant amount of the money you spent on the book.

Shop around. Jot down the ISBN number for the particular textbook and then go online and price it out. Thanks to the Internet, you may find the book elsewhere for a significant discount over the in-store price on campus.

Look for alternative formats. With that ISBN number in hand, find out if there are digital or softcover versions of the textbook available. These formats may

be more affordable and easier to lug around as well.

Compare the old edition to the new. The new edition may have different page numbers or minor changes, but not enough to negate the value of the old edition. You can save a lot of money on an old edition.

Share the book with a classmate.

Make friends with someone in your class and share the costs and use of the book. Set up study and homework sessions to work together or make copies of particular chapters if you need to work solo.

Consult with your financial aid counselor. Sometimes financial aid can offset the cost of textbooks. You might be eligible for aid to cover the cost of your textbooks throughout the school year.

Theintelligencer.com • July 25, 2013

23

Benefits to joining a campus organization Joining an on-campus club or organization is a great way for students to meet new people and improve their overall college experience.

The first week of life on a college campus can be somewhat overwhelming for first-year college students. For many students, college is their first taste of independence. Some embrace that newfound freedom, while others grow homesick and long for the company of their immediate family. But as the school year progresses, the majority of first-year college students adapt to life on campus and grow to love their new surroundings.

Once students have comfortably adapted to their new lives, many seek opportunities to become more actively involved in life on campus. College clubs and organizations are a great way to do just that, providing a host of benefits that further enhances college life.

MEET PEOPLE Joining a student club or organization is a great way for college students to meet fellow students, professors and other people of note on campus. This is especially beneficial for first-year college students, whose social circle may otherwise be limited to roommates or fellow residents of their dormitories.

Joining a club or student organization can quickly expand that social circle to include people who share your interests and not just your dorm assignment.

FIND A MAJOR Many first-year college students are unsure about a course of study, enrolling as an undeclared. Such students can benefit from joining clubs or student organizations that pique their interests. For example, joining an on-campus debate club might help you discover a passion for debate, which can lead down a path to becoming a lawyer. Students who enroll in college without declaring a major may have the most to gain by joining a club or organization.

BOOST YOUR GPA Joining a club or student organization also may make you a better student. That’s especially likely for students who join a club or organization that’s aligned with their field of study. A club or organization can help you apply lessons from the classroom in real-world situations, improving your grasp of certain concepts. In addition, your fellow club members may make great teachers, especially those who are ahead

of you and have taken many of the same classes you’re now taking or can expect to take down the road. Such students can be invaluable resources, helping explain concepts and offering advice as to which courses to take and which professors they prefer.

NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS Clubs and campus organizations also are a great way to begin networking with professionals in your future line of work. Many clubs or organizations bring in professionals within the field to speak to members. Such speeches and discussions are typically members-only, which means you will have an advantage over fellow students in your field of study who have not gone the extra mile and joined a club or organization. Professionals may also give you advice on finding an internship in your field or a job once you have graduated.

IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE Even if a student club or organization has nothing to do with your studies or your future career, signing up is a great way to improve your overall college experience. You’re liable to create more memories, make more friends and get the most out of your time on campus, which many college seniors will tell you is going to be gone before you know it. Take advantage of all of the opportunities your college or university offers, and you will likely one day look back and be glad you made the most of your time on campus.

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