Making grade 2017

20 | MAKE THE GRADE

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MAKE THE GRADE | 19

‘Readin’, ‘Riting’ and ‘Rithmetic’ “School days, school days, good old Golden Rule days, Reading and ‘riting’ and ‘rithmatic’…”

CONTACT US Phone: 918.335.8200 EDITORIAL cday@examiner-enterprise.com

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ust the beginning of August but already there are thoughts — pleasant and unpleasant about the return to school.

In recent years much attention has been paid to reading and arithmetic as essential to academic success. Now, educators seem to be recognizing that children can’t write — at least not in keeping with their grade level or in meeting the requirements they will face as they progress academically. According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress three quarters of both 12th and 8th graders

ELAINE HEFFNER

lack proficiency in writing.

Poor writing is nothing new. Writing was thought to be central to the American curriculum, a change from the years of No Child Left Behind, which focused on reading comprehension and standardized multiplechoice tests.

Now educators are having a debate about the best approach to use in teaching writing. One approach, thought of as process

writing, emphasizes activities such as journaling about one’s personal experiences.

The idea is that focusing too much on grammar will stifle children’s voice and prevent them from falling in love with writing. There are those who agree that formal grammar instruction doesn’t work well and research finds that students exposed to a focus on such instruction perform worse on writing assignments.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that children writing their own experiences in a journal thinking this will lead to a love of writing, hasn’t work.

In a move away from childcentered writing, children need to do more writing about what they have read

and less about their own lives. The idea is that grammar and basic concepts need to be reinforced.

It is interesting that this social media generation, writing more than any generation before it, writing text messages and social media posts, struggle with the mechanics of simple sentences when it comes to the formal writing expected in school. Apparently, children have become so acclimated to small mobile screens that they are unable to work effectively at a laptop. Quick communication on a smart phone requires ignoring rules of grammar and punctuation, the opposite of school requirements.

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MAKE THE GRADE | 3

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New 3-Year Old

How to deal with cyberbullying

Early Childhood

Program

By Melissa Erickson

What cyberbullying looks like

More Content Now

O

ver half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying, according to statistics from i-SAFE, an internet safety education foundation. Surprisingly, over half of young people who are cyberbullied do not tell their parents when it occurs — most likely because they fear that if they tell, parents will take their phones away in response. “Today, kids are getting connected to the internet at younger and younger ages.

They’re exposed to the internet at home as well at school and their friends’ homes. A parent and guardian can allow kids access to the internet, but they should be very vigilant on their child’s online activity and communicate with them often on the subject,� said Joel Mesa, education director/ school coordinator, Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County.

“If the child is being cyberbullied, parents should talk with him or her and listen. They should show love and acceptance.� — Joel Mesa, education director/school coordinator, Citizens’ Crime Watch of MiamiDade County

Cyberbullying is using the internet, cellphones or other technology to send or post images or text intended to hurt or embarrass another person.

Some examples include making a threat through a livestream gaming system, posting a slur, spreading a rumor via text message, or pretending to be someone else online to trick or harass someone.

While the damage can be painful and even prompt TVJDJEBM UIPVHIUT PS BDUJPOT percent of youths say that teens cyberbully because it is no big deal, Mesa said. Kids don’t think about the consequences.

Parents need to do their homework to best decide what safety controls or filtering softwares (both free and paid) are best for their own family and situation, Mesa said. “It is imperative for parents to be aware what their kids are doing online. The parents should talk with their kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly,� Mesa said.

Tips for parents:

Ç ,FFQ UIF DPNQVUFS JO BO open area at home, such as the living room or the kitchen, to make it easier to monitor activity. Ç .BJOUBJO BDDFTT UP B DIJMEĂ T social networking and email accounts. Inform kids that you may review their online communications if you think there is a real reason for concern. Ç $SFBUF ZPVS PXO BDDPVOUT on the social networks your children are members of and “friendâ€? them. Ç "TL GPS QBTTXPSET CVU inform your child that they will only be used in case of an emergency. Ç "TL DIJMESFO UP TIPX XIBU they know how to do online, as well as their favorite sites. Ç (FU UP LOPX B DIJMEĂ T POMJOF friends. Ç #F DMFBS BCPVU XIBU TJUFT a child can visit and what they are permitted to do when online. Ç 4FBSDI (PPHMF GPS ZPVS child’s name, and look at profiles and any postings about them.

Need help? “If the child is being cyberbullied, parents should talk

with him or her and listen.

They should show love and acceptance,� Mesa said. “Some signs that can be red flags that a child is being cyberbullying include wanting to stay home from school, sadness, spending a lot more time or a lot less time online, a dip in grades and withdrawing from contact with classmates,� Mesa said.

Don’t respond online to the bullying. Keep evidence by printing or saving emails, photos and screenshots of posts.

Block the email address or phone number the cyberbullying is coming from.

Report the cyberbullying to school officials, to the internet or cellphone service provider, or to law enforcement, depending how serious it is. “If a child sees cyberbullying, parents should teach or reinforce that asking the person to stop cyberbullying and support the target are the right things to do; and of course, the child can also anonymously report the cyberbullying,� Mesa said.

For more information, visit stopbullying.gov or wiredsafety.org.

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4 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 17

Follow safety rules on and off the bus Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, high seat backs and that bright yellow color, school buses keep more than 17 million cars away from school buildings every day.

School buses are the safest way for students to travel, but children also need to do their part to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to prevent injury.

The National Safety Council urges parents to teach their children the following safety rules for getting on and off the bus, and for exercising good behavior while riding.

Getting on the Bus • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.

• Do not stray onto the street, alleys or private property.

• Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches.

• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus.

• Use the handrail when boarding.

Behavior on the Bus Each school district in Oklahoma has its own rules and regulations for behavior while on the bus. Failure to follow the rules could lead to a student being suspended from bus riding privileges or more severe disciplinary action.

HEFFNER From Page 2

In another educational direction, a summer camp run by a research group at Tufts University, is preparing children for the automated economy.

While children at the camp were learning early childhood skills like block building, turn taking and mastering frustration, researchers say they were

Since the school bus is an extension of the classroom, all classroom rules also apply.

Individual school district rules for bus etiquette are available in student handbooks, district websites and through contacting the school.

Here are some general guidelines from the National Safety Council: • Don’t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver.

• Stay in your seat.

• Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.

• Keep aisles clear of books and bags.

• Get your belongings together before reaching your stop.

• Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

also learning the skills necessary to succeed in an automated economy.

Apparently, there are those educators and researchers who believe that the recent focus on coding is misplaced.

The more important skills to teach have to do with playing with other children and nothing to do with machines, rather human skills that machines can’t easily replicate, like empathy, collaboration and problem-solving.

The idea seems to be that technology has made increasing numbers of

jobs obsolete and parts of most jobs will eventually be automated. Jobs of the future are likely to be different but we don’t know which will be done by machines and which new ones will be created. Children learn better by playing and building instead of sitting behind screens.

The striking thing about these ideas in education, whether writing or technology, is that two schools of thought exist in both. One has to do with the mastery of skills, the other a focus on children’s

Getting Off the Bus • Use the handrail when exiting.

• If you have to cross in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver.

• Make sure the driver can see you.

• Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing.

• When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

• If your vision is blocked, move to an

area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver signals it is safe.

• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.

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More school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hour before and after school than any other time of day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, although drivers are required by law to stop for a school bus when it’s loading or unloading passengers, they often don’t.

Children should not rely on them to do so.

development.

In thinking about how and what children should be taught, perhaps we should rely on what we know about how children learn.

Elaine Heffner, LCSW, Ed.D., has written for Parents Magazine, Fox. com, Redbook, Disney online and PBS Parents, as well as other publications.

She has appeared on PBS, ABC, Fox TV and other networks. And, she blogs at goodenoughmothering.com.

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16 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 5

PIXABAY.COM

BUDGETING

Dress codes designed to focus students on learning pencils that can be used? You might already have essentials such as rulers, scissors, pencils and paper on hand.

Needs over wants Just because you have a coupon for an item doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Stick with what your child needs rather than what your child wants.

The required list of school supplies and new gym shoes to fit growing feet are needs. A new backpack is a want if last year’s is still in good shape.

Let kids help

MONEYSMART How to budget for school expenses

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

B

ack-to-school shopping is expensive, but budgeting on backpacks and school supplies can make your dollars go further.

The National Retail Federation estimated that families with students in kindergarten through high school spent $630 per child in 2015, down from $669 in 2014, for a grand total of $29 billion.

“Every family needs to budget for back-to-school spending no matter what their financial outlook,” said personal finance expert Rachel Cruze, co-author of “Smart Money Smart Kids.”

From trendy school clothes to nifty pencil bags and binders, it’s easy for parents to overspend.

“Budgeting is key. If you don’t

have a plan, you’ll end up spending too much,” Cruze said.

Some people “hear the word ‘budget’ and cringe, but a budget doesn’t limit freedom, it increases your freedom so you can control what you spend,” Cruze said.

Budgeting has to be intentional, and back-to-school spending needs to be a part of the household budget, Cruze said.

“List all the categories your money is going to: bills, mortgage, rent. That’s your household budget. What’s left after bills can be saved or set aside for things like back-toschool spending. You know school is coming. Plan ahead and you’ll have a nice little fund for shopping,” Cruze said.

Here are some more tips from Cruze, whose latest book is

“Love Your Life, Not Theirs”:

Plan it Start smart by making a list of everything you’ll need so you can budget the money you have to cover your expenses. Without a list, you’ll spend blindly and spend too much. Don’t shop without your list.

Think ahead Some states have tax-free shopping days before school starts. Comparison-shop and look online to find the best prices. Take advantage of retailers who slash prices at the end of the season.

Make sure you need it Check what you already have.

Does last year’s school uniform still fit? Is there an extra box of

Back-to-school shopping is an opportunity to teach kids about budgeting. Take an envelope with cash and let kids see the money disappear as it is exchanged for goods. When it’s gone, shopping is over. If a child wants trendy clothing brands or upscale supplies, let them cover the difference themselves.

Use tools In addition to paging through weekly circulars and researching deals online, use an app to help with budgeting and couponing such as EveryDollar, SnipSnap, shopkick or YNAB (You Need A Budget), as well as apps from retailers you frequent.

Think about school-year expenses now “It’s likely that you’ll have fees due throughout the school year, some expected and some unexpected. Too many parents get caught off guard because they weren’t planning for these fees and don’t have the extra money to pay for them,” Cruze said. “Create a line item in your budget for miscellaneous school expenses and start setting money aside. This will allow you to have the money readily available for when the fees come due and prevent you from going into debt or feeling stressed about not having the money.”

By Emily Droege edroege@examiner-enterprise.com

Forget the skimpy clothes and don’t even think about advertising your dad’s favorite beer. As classes resume, what students wear will be watched.

School dress codes vary from uniform policies to codes relying on common sense.

The items on the “out” list for schools in Washington County are anything showing a midriff, tank tops, thin- and spaghetti-strap tops, short shorts, sagging pants, mini skirts, see-through clothing and anything with a logo or image of sex, drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

Messages advocating violence are also prohibited.

Several schools also ask students to wear only prescription glasses and have “good hygiene.”

At the Bartlesville Public School District, all students participating in approved school activities are expected to comply with required dress code regulations while in class. Students who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities must have their uniforms approved by the secondary school administration. Spirit squads may be allowed to wear uniforms as approved by the building administration.

Thick metal chains, dog collars, choke chains, wallet chains and so on are prohibited. Caps, hats, bandanas, or other head coverings may be worn in the school building when previously approved by the school’s administration for medical or religious reasons, or for a school activity.

More information on BPSD’s dress code, including unusual circumstances and penalties and consequences can be found at https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1oosAI-XDyB-IcqpEZZ9qBXZf82O_tQVwdE3LPATCLOY/ edit.

At Copan Public Schools, all students are encouraged to take pride in their appearance while at school or at any school function. Cleanliness and neatness reflect personal attitudes of the students and their parents as well as those of the school. Appearance that interrupts classes or draws undue attention will not be allowed.

Basically, the administration will have the authority in determining whether a students’ wardrobe is acceptable as proper attire while at school or any school function. This includes holes or tears above the knee, sagging pants or shorts, gang related items, sleep wear, house shoes, any clothing that exposes the side of the body and any clothing that interferes with the learning process.

Find out more about the Copan Public School dress code here: https://www. copan.k12.ok.us/handbooks.

At Dewey Public Schools, face painting or hats unless approved for a special day or school activity are not approved.

Hats are allowed for high school students in that building only as approved by their teachers in individual classes.

Shorts, skirts, dresses that are not at least the length of the end of the student’s finger tips when arms are placed at their side, as determined by administrators at each building site. Tops or shirts (less than shoulder width), fish net, bare midriffs, low cut neck lines or under the arms or sleeveless shirts for boys.

Clothing that is too tight, sheer, revealing (such as holes, rips, or tears) or sagging is also prohibited. Button type shirts or blouses unbuttoned past the top

two buttons unless another suitable garment is underneath.

Clothing normally worn when participating in school sponsored extra curricular or sports activity may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor or coach at Caney Valley Public Schools, and examples include cheerleader outfits, football jerseys and team warm-ups.

Shorts, skirts, dresses, and other clothing attire must be no shorter than fingertip length at the hem (arms extended at the side) at Caney Valley schools. Pants, trousers, jeans, walking shorts are to be worn at the waistline and belts are to be buckled. Leggings are only allowed if covered with a garment such as shorts, a skirt or a tunic.

At St. John Catholic School in Bartlesville, students will be decked out new blue and white school uniforms this year.

The school’s uniform policy includes dress uniforms on Mass days (Fridays, Feast days and other special occasions designated by the school) and casual uniforms on all other days.

School shirts/sweatshirts may be worn on spirit wear days (1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month) or other days, as noted by teachers/administrators.

St. John Principal Traci McKee has the

final say on the uniform policy or questions. More information can be found at http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/e24d78 _148733a67494461fb28e63a0bf11d565. pdf.

Students at Wesleyan Christian School are expected to dress in a manner that is neat, clean and modest. Parents are expected to give their students guidance. The administration and teachers of WCS will maintain and enforce the dress code from the time a student arrives on campus until the student leaves campus.

Shorts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee when standing. In elementary school, shorts may only be worn before fall break and after spring break. Secondary students (6th-12th grades) may not wear athletic shorts or track pants outside of PE or athletics practices.

Skirt hemlines must be no higher than 2 inches above the knee when standing.

Hats, visors, or any head covering are not allowed to be worn in the building.

Pants must be worn around the waist and not drag the floor. Secondary students (6th-12th grades) may not wear track pants outside of PE or sports practices.

Go to http://wesleyanchristianschool.com/pdf/student-handbook. pdf for additional information.

6 | MAKE THE GRADE

Bartlesville Public Schools

MAKE THE GRADE | 15

School district: Bartlesville Number of students: approximately 6,100 Number of staff and administrators: over 800 School lunch prices: Elementary breakfast $1.90, elementary lunch $2.75, secondary breakfast $2.05, secondary lunch $3.00 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: approximately 50 percent Number of bus routes: Bus routes are available online at https://ewa.edulogweb.com/bartlesvilleok4web/webquery/ Superintendent: Chuck McCauley Bartlesville High School principals: LaDonna Chancellor, Marsha Fouts, Eliot Smith, Greg Tackett and Matt Hancock Central Middle School principal: Keri Gardner Madison Middle School principal: Joey Eidson

Hoover Elementary School principal: Rene Burns Jane Phillips Elementary School principal: Kevin Brown Ranch Heights Elementary School principal: Chanda Myers Richard Kane Elementary School principal: Shelly White Wayside Elementary School principal: Ken Copeland Woodrow Wilson Elementary School principal: Tammie Krause

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug. 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 20- Jan. 2 Classes resume: Jan. 3

Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 24 School commencement: May 25

FIND YOUR

How to get involved

career

Each school has its own PTO and multiple organizations for parents to get involved with. For more information, visit the Bartlesville Public School District’s website at www.bps-ok.org, or contact each school.

Bartlesville High School: 918-336-3311 Central Middle School: 918-336-9302 Madison Middle School: 918-333-4444 Hoover Elementary: 918-333-9337 Jane Phillips Elementary: 918-336-9479 Ranch Heights Elementary: 918-333-3810 Richard Kane Elementary: 918-337-3711 Wayside Elementary: 918-333-8000 Woodrow Wilson Elementary: 918-335-1177

With over 40 diplomas and certificates, Tri County Tech will help you prepare for a successful future in today’s highly demanding and competitive workforce.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: The best advice I can give incoming freshman is to be open to new meeting new people and learning new things. I strongly suggest to students to look for groups they can join to get involved.

There are many choices for students to be involved ranging from athletics, fine arts including band, orchestra, choir, or theater, to journalism or student council (open to all students), as well as other service organizations.

Beginning high school can be frightening but students should know that every adult at BHS is here to help students be successful. If they feel they that something isn’t going right, speak up and let someone know, either a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator.

— LaDonna Chancellor, Principal, BHS

Get a daily planner! Write down every assignment and its due date. Get familiar with the layout of the school and make a plan for how you’ll get to each class — it will save you time and help you to not be tardy.

And always remember — every grade, every assignment counts!

Keep that GPA high because life after high school will come sooner than you think!

— Lyndsey Stuart, Social Studies teacher, BHS

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14 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 7

STUDY

Number of students: 820 Number of administrators: 4 Number of staff: 84 School lunch prices: Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: NA for 2017-18 (2016-17 63%) Number of bus routes: 9 Superintendent: Rick Peters High school principal: Debra Keil Junior High/Middle school principal:

Keep calm and

STUDY ON Test-prep tips for students

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

How to start Get started by figuring out the test format. “The only way that a student can expect success is when she knows what to expect on the test — both in terms of layout and content,� Chiu said.

Make a study plan and mark down specifically when you’ll be studying. “That helps you keep your eyes on the prize,� Kamal said.

Create a comfortable study workspace such as a quiet room at the library or in your home with music playing in the background, Kamal said. It should be free from distractions and interruptions. Don’t forget to shut off your phone.

Different study strategies work well for different kinds of students, but for standardized tests “the key to success is being able to identify — and rectify — errors in thought processes or test-taking skills that

FREEPIK.COM

B

enjamin Franklin said it best: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.� “Proper preparation means everything. In order to earn a target score, establishing a game plan and sticking to it are critical to achieve success,� said Jonathan Chiu, national ACT and SAT content director for The Princeton Review.

Sound study habits like good organization, time management and studying in the proper environment will help a student learn material and succeed, said study and life skills expert Rick Kamal, president, EduNova.

are applicable to any given test,�

Chiu said.

What’s better, to study alone or in a group setting? Use whatever works best for you. “Some students may prefer group settings so that others can help explain why an answer choice is correct; others may prefer the solitude that working alone affords them to be more focused in their preparation and practice,� Chiu said.

Re-reading content doesn’t

Travis Lashbrook Elementary school principal: Kelli Longan

School District: Caney Valley

necessarily translate into better preparation if the student has difficulty understanding the content or identifying what she’s doing incorrectly. “For example, if I were to read a passage about how the hydrophobicity and topography of a synthetic polymer substrate affects cell affinity for attachment and proliferation, I could repeatedly read the passage but still not pull any take-away messages from it,� Chiu said.

Dates to Know School District: Caney Valley First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 18-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov.27 Winter break: Dec 21-Jan. 2

High school principal: Chris Tanner Junior High/Middle school principal: Chris Tanner Elementary school principal: Chris Tanner

School District: Copan Number of students: 225 Number of administrators: 2 Number of staff: 30 School lunch prices: $2.25 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 77 percent Number of bus routes: 2 Superintendent: Chris Smith

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20

Classes resume: Wed. Jan. 3 Spring break: March 12-16 Classes resume: March 19 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 17

How to get involved Band Boosters: Gretchen Morris High school band director Contact Athletic Director Travis lashbrook for Athletic Booster information

Classes resume: Oct. 24 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-23 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 15 Classes resume: Jan. 2 Spring break: March 12-16 Classes resume: March 19 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 18

Caney Valley Public Schools Copan Public Schools

Do homework better When faced with chapters to review, homework, study guides, practice tests and more, some students are unsure how to prioritize their time, but Chiu recommends that practice tests and completed homework should be reviewed before taking an official test.

One thing many students overlook is how to go about finishing homework. It “doesn’t simply mean doing all the questions one sets out to do or is assigned by an instructor,� Chiu said. “Rather, finishing homework means doing all the questions and checking the answer key to see which questions are correct and spending time trying to understand how and why mistakes were made. Only by diligent review and analysis of completed work can appreciable score improvements be made.�

Lastly, don’t forget to hit the pillow. A good night’s sleep can translate to improved academic performance, according to findings published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Consistent optimal sleep gives a student energy and the abilities to focus, concentrate, retain information and problem-solve.

School District: Dewey Number of students: Approximately 1,280 Number of administrators: 8 Number of staff: 131 School lunch prices: Breakfast $1.25/.30 reduced. Lunch k-5th $2, 6-12 $2.50/ reduced .40 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 640 Number of bus routes: 9 Superintendent: Vince Vincent

High school principal: Brent Dugger Junior High/Middle school principal: Brent Massey Elementary school principal: Jerri Moore

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24

'

Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 21-Jan 3 Classes resume: Jan. 4 Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 18

How to get involved PTO: Dewey Elementary PTO, Dewey Middle School PTO

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EXAMINER-ENTERPRISE Bartlesville

4125 Nowata Road • 918-335-8200 www.examiner-enterprise.com

Dewey Public Schools

8 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 13

Paths to Independence

School: Paths to Independence Number of students: 47 Number of administrators: 1 Number of staff: 45

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug.17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4

St. John Catholic School

School: St. John’s Catholic School Number of students: 145 Number of administrators: 2 Number of staff: 23 School lunch prices: $3.10 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 0 Number of bus routes: 0 Superintendent: Jim Pohlman High school principal: None Junior High/Middle school principal: Traci McKee Elementary school principal: Traci McKee

Wesleyan Christian School

School: Wesleyan Christian Number of students: 280 Number of administrators: Five Number of staff: 41 School lunch prices: $3.75 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: Wesleyan Christian School participates in the national free and reduced lunch program for those who qualify.

Number of bus routes: 0 Administrator: Rocky Clark High school principal: Rocky Clark Middle school principal: Curt Cloud

Fall break: Oct. 18-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 22-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27, 2017 Winter break: Dec. 25, 2017-Jan. 2 Classes resume: Jan. 3 Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 25

School commencement: May 18

Dates to know

How to get involved

First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct 19-23 Classes resume: Oct. 24 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 20-Jan. 1, 2018 Classes resume: Jan. 2, 2018 Spring break: March 19-23, 2018 Classes resume: March 26, 2018 End of school: May 24, 2018 School commencement: 8th grade (May 23)

Home and School Association. Meeting dates can be found on the school webpage at www.SJCS – OK.org. OfďŹ cers include: President: Misty Wishall Vice President: Allison Elmer Secretary: Jamie McColm Treasurer: Nikki Young Homeroom coordinator: Regina Mellen

Elementary school principal: Stephanie Frederick

Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 18 School commencement: May 11

How to get involved Email the school at PTIschool2012@gmail. com or call Clair Bartley at 918-914-9920.

Parent meetings or family events are held monthly. Open House is 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Aug. 15, 2017. Others TBD.

Dates to Know

How to get involved

First day of school: Aug. 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 28 Winter break: Dec. 21 - Jan. 3 Classes resume: Jan. 4 Spring break: March 19-23

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Teacher representatives: Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Williams Parent volunteer coordinators: Mara Faragher and Heather Malcolm HSA email: sjhomeandschool@gmail.com.

Wesleyan Christian School families are encouraged to become active contributors of their time, abilities, and treasurers. WCS parents have many different opportunities to volunteer their time using their God-given gifts and abilities. For volunteer opportunities, contact the school at 918-333-8631.

Delivering A+ Smiles Year After Year! • General & Cosmetic Dentistry • FastBraces • Wisdom Tooth Extraction • Root Canal Treatments Dr. Aaron Bulleigh was recently presented with the FastBraces Master Provider award. There are only a few doctors countrywide that have achieved this level of expertise, and Dr. Bulleigh is the ďŹ rst in Bartlesville.

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EXAMINER-ENTERPRISE Bartlesville

1RZDWD 5RDG ‡ ‡ ZZZ H[DPLQHU HQWHUSULVH FRP

GCDA 1820 SE Washington Blvd • 918.336.1030 GCDA Downtown 412 E. 4th St. E. Don Tyler Ave • 918.336.1262

12 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 9

More advice

KEEP IT

POSITIVE Help your child deal with school year changes

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hange is hard for everyone.

Entering a new school is one of the biggest changes a child may encounter in his young life.

Parents can help smooth the transition and make it less traumatic.

“A lot of parents may feel anxiety about a change of school, but they should be careful not to project those feelings on their kids. Their child may not be feeling the same thing,” said parenting expert, blogger and author Richard Greenberg, who shares an analogy: “If you got in a taxi and said to the driver, ‘Take me to the airport’ and he said, ‘I

don’t know how to get there,’ you wouldn’t feel too good about it.

Kids are in the back of our cab. The key is to project confidence.”

Put yourself in their shoes and try and remember how it felt to be a kid in a new situation, he added.

“Let them know you’re part of the process. Project that this is going to be great. They’re going to have fun.

Change is a part of life. It’s a part of growing up. Tell them that you’re proud of them. Use the power of positive thinking,” Greenberg said.

Make a friend early “Friends play an enormous part of success in school,” said educational psychologist and parenting, bullying and character expert Dr. Michele Borba, author

of “UnSelfie.” “Friends keep kids happy. They make a child want to go to school. They are a support system.”

If you can connect your child with one friendly face before school starts, it can ease the process of changing schools.

“Walking into a new school without knowing someone is stressful,” Borba said. “The goal is to make your child feel secure in dozens of ways.

Whatever you can learn and discuss ahead of time will reduce their anxiety.”

Look for opportunities for your child to meet neighbors and potential classmates over the summer. Check out library and park district programs and the local newspaper to see what’s happening in your area.

Here are some more tips: L_i_j j^[ iY^eebÊi m[Xi_j[$ Take a virtual tour and download a map of the school if possible. Check the school calendar and read the school rules and dress codes. ?\ feii_Xb[" l_i_j j^[ iY^eeb and talk to the teacher or an administrator before classes begin.

FhWYj_Y[ oekh _djheZkYtions. Have your child come up with a short conversation-starter: “Hi! My name is Mike. I just moved here from Baltimore and I play baseball.” That way he’ll be ready with something to say to new acquaintances.

H[c_dZ oekh Y^_bZ j^Wj it’s normal to feel anxious and let them know you’re there for them if they have questions. ?\ oekh Y^_bZ _i YedY[hd[Z about riding the bus, brief your child on safety rules and visit the bus stop in advance. Point out familiar landmarks and reassure your child that an adult will be on hand when they disembark at the school.

FWh[dji YWd YedjWYj j^[ school’s parent teacher organization, which can provide information about j^[ d[m iY^eeb$ Lebkdteering is a great way to become a part of a new community and make new friends for both parent and child.

De cWjj[h ^em Wdn_eki you are when dropping off a child at a new school, don’t linger, Borba said.

That will only increase their anxiety.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

G

eneration Z cares about style and price over brand names, according to a 2016 survey by Business Insider. While they shop both online and in stores, their eclectic style is harder to pin down. These teens and tweens will describe their look as “something between classic and casual,” “chic and trendy,” “sporty bohemian chic” and “modern, slick, chic, simple.”

They may not have credit cards yet, but kids in junior high and high school have buying power, and retailers are paying attention.

“For teens and many others, the trend in fashion right now is all about self-expression and athleisure. It’s about making a statement by wearing your brand’s favorite logo or a catchy head-turning saying.

Comfort, attitude and style is the name of the game,” said Stephanie Muehlhausen of Macy’s Fashion Office.

SPIRIT

Back-toschool trends include statement tees, modern sweats

The color palette for fall leans more toward warmth, like pale pinks, bright blues and classic autumnal shades of navy peony, butter rum and tawny port, according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute.

“Tonal earth tones are all the craze right now, whether they are worn all together or as a monochromatic look,” Muehlhausen said. “Metallics are also great to implement in your fall wardrobe. It’s a fresh way to add a pop.”

Accessories

Denim, casual are in Style-conscious kids look to celebrities and fashion insiders for inspiration in how to express themselves sartorially.

“With today’s speed of information, teens have an enormous pool of resources for style inspiration,” Muehlhausen said. “The best way to translate this inspiration is by adding personal flair to make it your own and stand out in the crowd.”

Denim is a constant for both boys and girls.

“So many of the newest trends are being worn back to denim. We are seeing a lot of really cool customization with

being integrated into the daily wardrobe.”

Slogan T-shirts, especially those with positive and fun messages, are all the rage for boys and girls.

“Considering the importance of self-expression and the many parallels of bold logos and the athleisure trend, slogan and graphic T-shirts are a great way to share your personality and express your current mood,” Muehlhausen said.

Colors

FREEPIK.COM

C

TRENDS

Teen

FREEPIK.COM

CHANGES

patches, pins and doodling.

Destructed denim with stepped hems and frayed waistbands are a must-have in anyone’s closet. We are also very excited about the revival of ’90s denim ideas like vintage-feeling Levi’s, ‘mom-jean’ silhouettes and lighter washes,” Muehlhausen said.

One look that’s sticking around — yet evolving — is the legging as pants.

“Athleisure has evolved to feel a bit more like streetwear.

We are seeing the legging, which will forever be an important staple, shift into track and sweatpant silhouettes.

We are seeing the emergence of sweatsuit ideas mixed back to denim jackets and a statement shoe, whether it is a sneaker or a heel,” Muehlhausen said. “The idea is that these active-inspired pieces are

Getting down to the details, “accessories for the season are all about expressing yourself with embellishment, embroidery or personalization,” Muehlhausen said. “Backpacks are the ‘it’ bag of the season. Every teen should have one that shows off their own individual style through floral prints, studding or fun pins and patches.

“A new pair of fashion sneakers or ballet flats paired with a statement sock is a stylish way to start off on the right foot.

To complete any outfit a girl needs a tech watch and a new choker with velvet, lace, denim or leather.”

MAKE THE GRADE | 11 BIGSTOCK.COM

10 | MAKE THE GRADE

SCHOOL

FREEPIK.COM

DAZE

TALK TALK the

How to ease back into the school-year routine

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

G

oing from summer break back to the busy days of the school year can be a difficult transition for students and parents, but there are ways to ease

into it.

Change can be exciting, but new teachers and pressures can be unsettling for kids. It takes time and flexibility to transition smoothly, especially for students who experience anxiety.

Tantrums, sleeping problems or outright refusal to participate are signs children may need clinical attention, said psychologist Courtney Keeton, who specializes in the treatment of childhood anxiety and selective mutism at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “If a child’s anxiety is causing a great deal of distress in her or his daily life, or if getting along with family members or friends becomes difficult, normal activities in and outside of school are avoided, or there are physical symptoms like stomachaches or fatigue, these red flags indicate that the child’s anxiety should be evaluated by a child psychologist or psychiatrist,� Keeton

“InsufďŹ cient sleep is a major cause of not only poor academic performance but poses an increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction as well as mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, increased risk of athletic injury and motor vehicle accidents.â€?

Dr. Robert Rosenberg

said.

It’s normal for nearly all children to experience mild back-to-school jitters that gradually diminish over a few weeks. The key to success is for parents to help prepare children for school-year routines, such as an earlier bedtime and selecting the next day’s clothes ahead of time, Keeton said.

Sleep routine Sleep is incredibly important for students, said Dr. Robert S. Rosenberg, board-certified sleep medicine physician and author of “The Doctor’s Guide to Sleep Solutions for Stress & Anxiety.� Consequences from lack of good, healthy sleep range from inattentiveness to problems with impulse control, working memory, planning and organizing, he said. “Insufficient sleep is a major cause of not only poor academic performance but poses an increased risk of obesity and cardio-metabolic dysfunction as well as mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, increased risk of athletic injury and motor vehicle accidents,�

Rosenberg said.

Two weeks before school starts, parents should start putting children to bed earlier and stick to it on weekends,

Rosenberg said. Calculate, based on your child’s age, how many hours of sleep they should be getting: Ç 1SFTDIPPM IPVST Ç 4DIPPM BHF IPVST Ç 5FFOT IPVST “Then, based on what time they need to get up for school, work backward and put them to bed 15 minutes earlier every night or two, until their sleep/ wake schedule is appropriate for their age,â€? Rosenberg said.

More tips to ease in Ç "SSBOHF QMBZ EBUFT XJUI POF PS more familiar peers before school starts, Keeton said. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment. Ç 7JTJU UIF TDIPPM CFGPSF DMBTTFT begin, rehearse the drop-off, and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have the child practice walking into class while the parent waits outside or down the hall, Keeton said. Ç -JLF BOZUIJOH OFX TUBSUJOH UIF school year is challenging. Reassure your child it may be hard but should soon become easy and fun.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

C

ellphones are a big part of kids’ lives. It’s how they keep in touch, make plans and even make contact with new friends — and strangers.

While parents are allowing younger and younger children access to phones, these devices are opening up both opportunities and dangers that kids might not be ready for. " XIPQQJOH QFSDFOU PG UFFOT UP QFSDFOU PG LJET 10 to 14 and 22 percent of kids 6 to 9 own phones, according to C+R Research.

But the dangers can lie with any smart device. “Parents also need to think in terms of handhelds such as iTouches, tablets and anything with Wi-Fi capability,� said internet privacy and cybersecurity lawyer Parry Aftab, who founded and runs WiredSafety, a cybersafety help group. “Parents withhold cellphones without realizing they’ve handed a child

an iPad or tablet that’s just as connected.�

Not understanding just what kids are doing on their phones is a big mistake. “The No. 1 thing parents find surprising in general is that anything parents can do on their home computer kids can do on their phones,� said Rob Zidar, co-founder of internet safety firm ThirdParent. “Adults use technology differently than kids. There’s no way a parent can keep up. You use common sense but there’s no rating system for apps,� Aftab said. “One hundred percent, phones are opening up things kids are not ready for,� Zidar said. While parents would never let their child drive a car without training and a license or even cross the street without teaching them to look both ways, “at the age of 9 or 10 we hand them a phone and it opens up a whole new set of risks,� he said.

Open a dialogue Concerned parents may want to ban phones and social media, but

a better idea is to show a concerted interest in kids’ online lives, both experts agreed. Signing a cellphone contract works for some people, but “in general kids vary so much and one size doesn’t fit all,� Zidar said.

The goal is tech transparency.

Ask your child how they use their phone. Ask what apps they’re using and how they’re using them. “Convince your child they can talk to you if they are unsure of anything. If they think something is unsafe online. If someone they don’t know or someone they think is inappropriate has followed them.

If they think they’ve been hacked that they can come to you,� Zidar said. “Parents need to parent even when the child is more tech-savvy.

Parents have the life experience to help.�

Educating kids about digital safety is a constant dialogue and requires a strong relationship. Many children fail to tell their parents about something they were uncomfortable with online because they’re afraid their parents will take away their phones, Zidar said. Losing phone privileges means losing their lifeline to their social group, he

added.

Parenting in the 21st century means teaching your child to have digital street smarts. “Trust but verify everything,� Aftab said.

To find age-appropriate apps, talk to your school librarian or media specialist then test the apps out with your child, Aftab said.

Set rules, time limits and guidelines for disconnecting, such as at the dinner table and before bed, Aftab said. Parents should lead by example.

Kids don’t understand privacy issues like adults do. “Make them aware that people can misuse their information. (Tell them) don’t share anything you wouldn’t want shared with your least-favorite person at school who might misuse that information,� Aftab said.

What is the right age?

A level of trust must be in place once you’ve decided your child needs — not just wants — a phone. “Are they old enough to deal with the stuff that comes with owning a phone? Are they good enough decision makers? Do you trust they’ll come to you if they’re unsure about something?� Zidar said.

Parents should always have kids’ passwords, but when they’re older than about 13 keep them in a sealed envelope and use them only in an emergency, Aftab said. You should be checking in but only when they give you reason to, she said.

If left on, location services will show a user’s location either publicly or in metadata. Zidar recommends turning location services off so that others cannot find where your child is, especially if she’s Snapchatting photos from Dunkin’ Donuts every day after school. A more sophisticated option is to go into each app and turn off location services to prevent it from tagging a child’s geographic location, he said.

Be active and engaged, but realize the best way to protect a child is to limit the amount of screen time and balance it out with other healthy activities, Aftab said.

MAKE THE GRADE | 11 BIGSTOCK.COM

10 | MAKE THE GRADE

SCHOOL

FREEPIK.COM

DAZE

TALK TALK the

How to ease back into the school-year routine

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

G

oing from summer break back to the busy days of the school year can be a difficult transition for students and parents, but there are ways to ease

into it.

Change can be exciting, but new teachers and pressures can be unsettling for kids. It takes time and flexibility to transition smoothly, especially for students who experience anxiety.

Tantrums, sleeping problems or outright refusal to participate are signs children may need clinical attention, said psychologist Courtney Keeton, who specializes in the treatment of childhood anxiety and selective mutism at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “If a child’s anxiety is causing a great deal of distress in her or his daily life, or if getting along with family members or friends becomes difficult, normal activities in and outside of school are avoided, or there are physical symptoms like stomachaches or fatigue, these red flags indicate that the child’s anxiety should be evaluated by a child psychologist or psychiatrist,� Keeton

“InsufďŹ cient sleep is a major cause of not only poor academic performance but poses an increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction as well as mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, increased risk of athletic injury and motor vehicle accidents.â€?

Dr. Robert Rosenberg

said.

It’s normal for nearly all children to experience mild back-to-school jitters that gradually diminish over a few weeks. The key to success is for parents to help prepare children for school-year routines, such as an earlier bedtime and selecting the next day’s clothes ahead of time, Keeton said.

Sleep routine Sleep is incredibly important for students, said Dr. Robert S. Rosenberg, board-certified sleep medicine physician and author of “The Doctor’s Guide to Sleep Solutions for Stress & Anxiety.� Consequences from lack of good, healthy sleep range from inattentiveness to problems with impulse control, working memory, planning and organizing, he said. “Insufficient sleep is a major cause of not only poor academic performance but poses an increased risk of obesity and cardio-metabolic dysfunction as well as mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, increased risk of athletic injury and motor vehicle accidents,�

Rosenberg said.

Two weeks before school starts, parents should start putting children to bed earlier and stick to it on weekends,

Rosenberg said. Calculate, based on your child’s age, how many hours of sleep they should be getting: Ç 1SFTDIPPM IPVST Ç 4DIPPM BHF IPVST Ç 5FFOT IPVST “Then, based on what time they need to get up for school, work backward and put them to bed 15 minutes earlier every night or two, until their sleep/ wake schedule is appropriate for their age,â€? Rosenberg said.

More tips to ease in Ç "SSBOHF QMBZ EBUFT XJUI POF PS more familiar peers before school starts, Keeton said. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment. Ç 7JTJU UIF TDIPPM CFGPSF DMBTTFT begin, rehearse the drop-off, and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have the child practice walking into class while the parent waits outside or down the hall, Keeton said. Ç -JLF BOZUIJOH OFX TUBSUJOH UIF school year is challenging. Reassure your child it may be hard but should soon become easy and fun.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

C

ellphones are a big part of kids’ lives. It’s how they keep in touch, make plans and even make contact with new friends — and strangers.

While parents are allowing younger and younger children access to phones, these devices are opening up both opportunities and dangers that kids might not be ready for. " XIPQQJOH QFSDFOU PG UFFOT UP QFSDFOU PG LJET 10 to 14 and 22 percent of kids 6 to 9 own phones, according to C+R Research.

But the dangers can lie with any smart device. “Parents also need to think in terms of handhelds such as iTouches, tablets and anything with Wi-Fi capability,� said internet privacy and cybersecurity lawyer Parry Aftab, who founded and runs WiredSafety, a cybersafety help group. “Parents withhold cellphones without realizing they’ve handed a child

an iPad or tablet that’s just as connected.�

Not understanding just what kids are doing on their phones is a big mistake. “The No. 1 thing parents find surprising in general is that anything parents can do on their home computer kids can do on their phones,� said Rob Zidar, co-founder of internet safety firm ThirdParent. “Adults use technology differently than kids. There’s no way a parent can keep up. You use common sense but there’s no rating system for apps,� Aftab said. “One hundred percent, phones are opening up things kids are not ready for,� Zidar said. While parents would never let their child drive a car without training and a license or even cross the street without teaching them to look both ways, “at the age of 9 or 10 we hand them a phone and it opens up a whole new set of risks,� he said.

Open a dialogue Concerned parents may want to ban phones and social media, but

a better idea is to show a concerted interest in kids’ online lives, both experts agreed. Signing a cellphone contract works for some people, but “in general kids vary so much and one size doesn’t fit all,� Zidar said.

The goal is tech transparency.

Ask your child how they use their phone. Ask what apps they’re using and how they’re using them. “Convince your child they can talk to you if they are unsure of anything. If they think something is unsafe online. If someone they don’t know or someone they think is inappropriate has followed them.

If they think they’ve been hacked that they can come to you,� Zidar said. “Parents need to parent even when the child is more tech-savvy.

Parents have the life experience to help.�

Educating kids about digital safety is a constant dialogue and requires a strong relationship. Many children fail to tell their parents about something they were uncomfortable with online because they’re afraid their parents will take away their phones, Zidar said. Losing phone privileges means losing their lifeline to their social group, he

added.

Parenting in the 21st century means teaching your child to have digital street smarts. “Trust but verify everything,� Aftab said.

To find age-appropriate apps, talk to your school librarian or media specialist then test the apps out with your child, Aftab said.

Set rules, time limits and guidelines for disconnecting, such as at the dinner table and before bed, Aftab said. Parents should lead by example.

Kids don’t understand privacy issues like adults do. “Make them aware that people can misuse their information. (Tell them) don’t share anything you wouldn’t want shared with your least-favorite person at school who might misuse that information,� Aftab said.

What is the right age?

A level of trust must be in place once you’ve decided your child needs — not just wants — a phone. “Are they old enough to deal with the stuff that comes with owning a phone? Are they good enough decision makers? Do you trust they’ll come to you if they’re unsure about something?� Zidar said.

Parents should always have kids’ passwords, but when they’re older than about 13 keep them in a sealed envelope and use them only in an emergency, Aftab said. You should be checking in but only when they give you reason to, she said.

If left on, location services will show a user’s location either publicly or in metadata. Zidar recommends turning location services off so that others cannot find where your child is, especially if she’s Snapchatting photos from Dunkin’ Donuts every day after school. A more sophisticated option is to go into each app and turn off location services to prevent it from tagging a child’s geographic location, he said.

Be active and engaged, but realize the best way to protect a child is to limit the amount of screen time and balance it out with other healthy activities, Aftab said.

12 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 9

More advice

KEEP IT

POSITIVE Help your child deal with school year changes

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hange is hard for everyone.

Entering a new school is one of the biggest changes a child may encounter in his young life.

Parents can help smooth the transition and make it less traumatic.

“A lot of parents may feel anxiety about a change of school, but they should be careful not to project those feelings on their kids. Their child may not be feeling the same thing,” said parenting expert, blogger and author Richard Greenberg, who shares an analogy: “If you got in a taxi and said to the driver, ‘Take me to the airport’ and he said, ‘I

don’t know how to get there,’ you wouldn’t feel too good about it.

Kids are in the back of our cab. The key is to project confidence.”

Put yourself in their shoes and try and remember how it felt to be a kid in a new situation, he added.

“Let them know you’re part of the process. Project that this is going to be great. They’re going to have fun.

Change is a part of life. It’s a part of growing up. Tell them that you’re proud of them. Use the power of positive thinking,” Greenberg said.

Make a friend early “Friends play an enormous part of success in school,” said educational psychologist and parenting, bullying and character expert Dr. Michele Borba, author

of “UnSelfie.” “Friends keep kids happy. They make a child want to go to school. They are a support system.”

If you can connect your child with one friendly face before school starts, it can ease the process of changing schools.

“Walking into a new school without knowing someone is stressful,” Borba said. “The goal is to make your child feel secure in dozens of ways.

Whatever you can learn and discuss ahead of time will reduce their anxiety.”

Look for opportunities for your child to meet neighbors and potential classmates over the summer. Check out library and park district programs and the local newspaper to see what’s happening in your area.

Here are some more tips: L_i_j j^[ iY^eebÊi m[Xi_j[$ Take a virtual tour and download a map of the school if possible. Check the school calendar and read the school rules and dress codes. ?\ feii_Xb[" l_i_j j^[ iY^eeb and talk to the teacher or an administrator before classes begin.

FhWYj_Y[ oekh _djheZkYtions. Have your child come up with a short conversation-starter: “Hi! My name is Mike. I just moved here from Baltimore and I play baseball.” That way he’ll be ready with something to say to new acquaintances.

H[c_dZ oekh Y^_bZ j^Wj it’s normal to feel anxious and let them know you’re there for them if they have questions. ?\ oekh Y^_bZ _i YedY[hd[Z about riding the bus, brief your child on safety rules and visit the bus stop in advance. Point out familiar landmarks and reassure your child that an adult will be on hand when they disembark at the school.

FWh[dji YWd YedjWYj j^[ school’s parent teacher organization, which can provide information about j^[ d[m iY^eeb$ Lebkdteering is a great way to become a part of a new community and make new friends for both parent and child.

De cWjj[h ^em Wdn_eki you are when dropping off a child at a new school, don’t linger, Borba said.

That will only increase their anxiety.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

G

eneration Z cares about style and price over brand names, according to a 2016 survey by Business Insider. While they shop both online and in stores, their eclectic style is harder to pin down. These teens and tweens will describe their look as “something between classic and casual,” “chic and trendy,” “sporty bohemian chic” and “modern, slick, chic, simple.”

They may not have credit cards yet, but kids in junior high and high school have buying power, and retailers are paying attention.

“For teens and many others, the trend in fashion right now is all about self-expression and athleisure. It’s about making a statement by wearing your brand’s favorite logo or a catchy head-turning saying.

Comfort, attitude and style is the name of the game,” said Stephanie Muehlhausen of Macy’s Fashion Office.

SPIRIT

Back-toschool trends include statement tees, modern sweats

The color palette for fall leans more toward warmth, like pale pinks, bright blues and classic autumnal shades of navy peony, butter rum and tawny port, according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute.

“Tonal earth tones are all the craze right now, whether they are worn all together or as a monochromatic look,” Muehlhausen said. “Metallics are also great to implement in your fall wardrobe. It’s a fresh way to add a pop.”

Accessories

Denim, casual are in Style-conscious kids look to celebrities and fashion insiders for inspiration in how to express themselves sartorially.

“With today’s speed of information, teens have an enormous pool of resources for style inspiration,” Muehlhausen said. “The best way to translate this inspiration is by adding personal flair to make it your own and stand out in the crowd.”

Denim is a constant for both boys and girls.

“So many of the newest trends are being worn back to denim. We are seeing a lot of really cool customization with

being integrated into the daily wardrobe.”

Slogan T-shirts, especially those with positive and fun messages, are all the rage for boys and girls.

“Considering the importance of self-expression and the many parallels of bold logos and the athleisure trend, slogan and graphic T-shirts are a great way to share your personality and express your current mood,” Muehlhausen said.

Colors

FREEPIK.COM

C

TRENDS

Teen

FREEPIK.COM

CHANGES

patches, pins and doodling.

Destructed denim with stepped hems and frayed waistbands are a must-have in anyone’s closet. We are also very excited about the revival of ’90s denim ideas like vintage-feeling Levi’s, ‘mom-jean’ silhouettes and lighter washes,” Muehlhausen said.

One look that’s sticking around — yet evolving — is the legging as pants.

“Athleisure has evolved to feel a bit more like streetwear.

We are seeing the legging, which will forever be an important staple, shift into track and sweatpant silhouettes.

We are seeing the emergence of sweatsuit ideas mixed back to denim jackets and a statement shoe, whether it is a sneaker or a heel,” Muehlhausen said. “The idea is that these active-inspired pieces are

Getting down to the details, “accessories for the season are all about expressing yourself with embellishment, embroidery or personalization,” Muehlhausen said. “Backpacks are the ‘it’ bag of the season. Every teen should have one that shows off their own individual style through floral prints, studding or fun pins and patches.

“A new pair of fashion sneakers or ballet flats paired with a statement sock is a stylish way to start off on the right foot.

To complete any outfit a girl needs a tech watch and a new choker with velvet, lace, denim or leather.”

8 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 13

Paths to Independence

School: Paths to Independence Number of students: 47 Number of administrators: 1 Number of staff: 45

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug.17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4

St. John Catholic School

School: St. John’s Catholic School Number of students: 145 Number of administrators: 2 Number of staff: 23 School lunch prices: $3.10 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 0 Number of bus routes: 0 Superintendent: Jim Pohlman High school principal: None Junior High/Middle school principal: Traci McKee Elementary school principal: Traci McKee

Wesleyan Christian School

School: Wesleyan Christian Number of students: 280 Number of administrators: Five Number of staff: 41 School lunch prices: $3.75 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: Wesleyan Christian School participates in the national free and reduced lunch program for those who qualify.

Number of bus routes: 0 Administrator: Rocky Clark High school principal: Rocky Clark Middle school principal: Curt Cloud

Fall break: Oct. 18-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 22-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27, 2017 Winter break: Dec. 25, 2017-Jan. 2 Classes resume: Jan. 3 Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 25

School commencement: May 18

Dates to know

How to get involved

First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct 19-23 Classes resume: Oct. 24 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 20-Jan. 1, 2018 Classes resume: Jan. 2, 2018 Spring break: March 19-23, 2018 Classes resume: March 26, 2018 End of school: May 24, 2018 School commencement: 8th grade (May 23)

Home and School Association. Meeting dates can be found on the school webpage at www.SJCS – OK.org. OfďŹ cers include: President: Misty Wishall Vice President: Allison Elmer Secretary: Jamie McColm Treasurer: Nikki Young Homeroom coordinator: Regina Mellen

Elementary school principal: Stephanie Frederick

Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 18 School commencement: May 11

How to get involved Email the school at PTIschool2012@gmail. com or call Clair Bartley at 918-914-9920.

Parent meetings or family events are held monthly. Open House is 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Aug. 15, 2017. Others TBD.

Dates to Know

How to get involved

First day of school: Aug. 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 28 Winter break: Dec. 21 - Jan. 3 Classes resume: Jan. 4 Spring break: March 19-23

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Teacher representatives: Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Williams Parent volunteer coordinators: Mara Faragher and Heather Malcolm HSA email: sjhomeandschool@gmail.com.

Wesleyan Christian School families are encouraged to become active contributors of their time, abilities, and treasurers. WCS parents have many different opportunities to volunteer their time using their God-given gifts and abilities. For volunteer opportunities, contact the school at 918-333-8631.

Delivering A+ Smiles Year After Year! • General & Cosmetic Dentistry • FastBraces • Wisdom Tooth Extraction • Root Canal Treatments Dr. Aaron Bulleigh was recently presented with the FastBraces Master Provider award. There are only a few doctors countrywide that have achieved this level of expertise, and Dr. Bulleigh is the ďŹ rst in Bartlesville.

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14 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 7

STUDY

Number of students: 820 Number of administrators: 4 Number of staff: 84 School lunch prices: Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: NA for 2017-18 (2016-17 63%) Number of bus routes: 9 Superintendent: Rick Peters High school principal: Debra Keil Junior High/Middle school principal:

Keep calm and

STUDY ON Test-prep tips for students

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

How to start Get started by figuring out the test format. “The only way that a student can expect success is when she knows what to expect on the test — both in terms of layout and content,� Chiu said.

Make a study plan and mark down specifically when you’ll be studying. “That helps you keep your eyes on the prize,� Kamal said.

Create a comfortable study workspace such as a quiet room at the library or in your home with music playing in the background, Kamal said. It should be free from distractions and interruptions. Don’t forget to shut off your phone.

Different study strategies work well for different kinds of students, but for standardized tests “the key to success is being able to identify — and rectify — errors in thought processes or test-taking skills that

FREEPIK.COM

B

enjamin Franklin said it best: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.� “Proper preparation means everything. In order to earn a target score, establishing a game plan and sticking to it are critical to achieve success,� said Jonathan Chiu, national ACT and SAT content director for The Princeton Review.

Sound study habits like good organization, time management and studying in the proper environment will help a student learn material and succeed, said study and life skills expert Rick Kamal, president, EduNova.

are applicable to any given test,�

Chiu said.

What’s better, to study alone or in a group setting? Use whatever works best for you. “Some students may prefer group settings so that others can help explain why an answer choice is correct; others may prefer the solitude that working alone affords them to be more focused in their preparation and practice,� Chiu said.

Re-reading content doesn’t

Travis Lashbrook Elementary school principal: Kelli Longan

School District: Caney Valley

necessarily translate into better preparation if the student has difficulty understanding the content or identifying what she’s doing incorrectly. “For example, if I were to read a passage about how the hydrophobicity and topography of a synthetic polymer substrate affects cell affinity for attachment and proliferation, I could repeatedly read the passage but still not pull any take-away messages from it,� Chiu said.

Dates to Know School District: Caney Valley First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 18-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov.27 Winter break: Dec 21-Jan. 2

High school principal: Chris Tanner Junior High/Middle school principal: Chris Tanner Elementary school principal: Chris Tanner

School District: Copan Number of students: 225 Number of administrators: 2 Number of staff: 30 School lunch prices: $2.25 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 77 percent Number of bus routes: 2 Superintendent: Chris Smith

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug. 9 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20

Classes resume: Wed. Jan. 3 Spring break: March 12-16 Classes resume: March 19 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 17

How to get involved Band Boosters: Gretchen Morris High school band director Contact Athletic Director Travis lashbrook for Athletic Booster information

Classes resume: Oct. 24 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-23 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 15 Classes resume: Jan. 2 Spring break: March 12-16 Classes resume: March 19 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 18

Caney Valley Public Schools Copan Public Schools

Do homework better When faced with chapters to review, homework, study guides, practice tests and more, some students are unsure how to prioritize their time, but Chiu recommends that practice tests and completed homework should be reviewed before taking an official test.

One thing many students overlook is how to go about finishing homework. It “doesn’t simply mean doing all the questions one sets out to do or is assigned by an instructor,� Chiu said. “Rather, finishing homework means doing all the questions and checking the answer key to see which questions are correct and spending time trying to understand how and why mistakes were made. Only by diligent review and analysis of completed work can appreciable score improvements be made.�

Lastly, don’t forget to hit the pillow. A good night’s sleep can translate to improved academic performance, according to findings published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Consistent optimal sleep gives a student energy and the abilities to focus, concentrate, retain information and problem-solve.

School District: Dewey Number of students: Approximately 1,280 Number of administrators: 8 Number of staff: 131 School lunch prices: Breakfast $1.25/.30 reduced. Lunch k-5th $2, 6-12 $2.50/ reduced .40 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: 640 Number of bus routes: 9 Superintendent: Vince Vincent

High school principal: Brent Dugger Junior High/Middle school principal: Brent Massey Elementary school principal: Jerri Moore

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24

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Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 21-Jan 3 Classes resume: Jan. 4 Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 17 School commencement: May 18

How to get involved PTO: Dewey Elementary PTO, Dewey Middle School PTO

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Dewey Public Schools

6 | MAKE THE GRADE

Bartlesville Public Schools

MAKE THE GRADE | 15

School district: Bartlesville Number of students: approximately 6,100 Number of staff and administrators: over 800 School lunch prices: Elementary breakfast $1.90, elementary lunch $2.75, secondary breakfast $2.05, secondary lunch $3.00 Number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches: approximately 50 percent Number of bus routes: Bus routes are available online at https://ewa.edulogweb.com/bartlesvilleok4web/webquery/ Superintendent: Chuck McCauley Bartlesville High School principals: LaDonna Chancellor, Marsha Fouts, Eliot Smith, Greg Tackett and Matt Hancock Central Middle School principal: Keri Gardner Madison Middle School principal: Joey Eidson

Hoover Elementary School principal: Rene Burns Jane Phillips Elementary School principal: Kevin Brown Ranch Heights Elementary School principal: Chanda Myers Richard Kane Elementary School principal: Shelly White Wayside Elementary School principal: Ken Copeland Woodrow Wilson Elementary School principal: Tammie Krause

Dates to Know First day of school: Aug. 17 Labor Day holiday: Sept. 4 Fall break: Oct. 19-20 Classes resume: Oct. 23 Thanksgiving break: Nov. 20-24 Classes resume: Nov. 27 Winter break: Dec. 20- Jan. 2 Classes resume: Jan. 3

Spring break: March 19-23 Classes resume: March 26 End of school: May 24 School commencement: May 25

FIND YOUR

How to get involved

career

Each school has its own PTO and multiple organizations for parents to get involved with. For more information, visit the Bartlesville Public School District’s website at www.bps-ok.org, or contact each school.

Bartlesville High School: 918-336-3311 Central Middle School: 918-336-9302 Madison Middle School: 918-333-4444 Hoover Elementary: 918-333-9337 Jane Phillips Elementary: 918-336-9479 Ranch Heights Elementary: 918-333-3810 Richard Kane Elementary: 918-337-3711 Wayside Elementary: 918-333-8000 Woodrow Wilson Elementary: 918-335-1177

With over 40 diplomas and certificates, Tri County Tech will help you prepare for a successful future in today’s highly demanding and competitive workforce.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: The best advice I can give incoming freshman is to be open to new meeting new people and learning new things. I strongly suggest to students to look for groups they can join to get involved.

There are many choices for students to be involved ranging from athletics, fine arts including band, orchestra, choir, or theater, to journalism or student council (open to all students), as well as other service organizations.

Beginning high school can be frightening but students should know that every adult at BHS is here to help students be successful. If they feel they that something isn’t going right, speak up and let someone know, either a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator.

— LaDonna Chancellor, Principal, BHS

Get a daily planner! Write down every assignment and its due date. Get familiar with the layout of the school and make a plan for how you’ll get to each class — it will save you time and help you to not be tardy.

And always remember — every grade, every assignment counts!

Keep that GPA high because life after high school will come sooner than you think!

— Lyndsey Stuart, Social Studies teacher, BHS

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16 | MAKE THE GRADE

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BUDGETING

Dress codes designed to focus students on learning pencils that can be used? You might already have essentials such as rulers, scissors, pencils and paper on hand.

Needs over wants Just because you have a coupon for an item doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Stick with what your child needs rather than what your child wants.

The required list of school supplies and new gym shoes to fit growing feet are needs. A new backpack is a want if last year’s is still in good shape.

Let kids help

MONEYSMART How to budget for school expenses

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

B

ack-to-school shopping is expensive, but budgeting on backpacks and school supplies can make your dollars go further.

The National Retail Federation estimated that families with students in kindergarten through high school spent $630 per child in 2015, down from $669 in 2014, for a grand total of $29 billion.

“Every family needs to budget for back-to-school spending no matter what their financial outlook,” said personal finance expert Rachel Cruze, co-author of “Smart Money Smart Kids.”

From trendy school clothes to nifty pencil bags and binders, it’s easy for parents to overspend.

“Budgeting is key. If you don’t

have a plan, you’ll end up spending too much,” Cruze said.

Some people “hear the word ‘budget’ and cringe, but a budget doesn’t limit freedom, it increases your freedom so you can control what you spend,” Cruze said.

Budgeting has to be intentional, and back-to-school spending needs to be a part of the household budget, Cruze said.

“List all the categories your money is going to: bills, mortgage, rent. That’s your household budget. What’s left after bills can be saved or set aside for things like back-toschool spending. You know school is coming. Plan ahead and you’ll have a nice little fund for shopping,” Cruze said.

Here are some more tips from Cruze, whose latest book is

“Love Your Life, Not Theirs”:

Plan it Start smart by making a list of everything you’ll need so you can budget the money you have to cover your expenses. Without a list, you’ll spend blindly and spend too much. Don’t shop without your list.

Think ahead Some states have tax-free shopping days before school starts. Comparison-shop and look online to find the best prices. Take advantage of retailers who slash prices at the end of the season.

Make sure you need it Check what you already have.

Does last year’s school uniform still fit? Is there an extra box of

Back-to-school shopping is an opportunity to teach kids about budgeting. Take an envelope with cash and let kids see the money disappear as it is exchanged for goods. When it’s gone, shopping is over. If a child wants trendy clothing brands or upscale supplies, let them cover the difference themselves.

Use tools In addition to paging through weekly circulars and researching deals online, use an app to help with budgeting and couponing such as EveryDollar, SnipSnap, shopkick or YNAB (You Need A Budget), as well as apps from retailers you frequent.

Think about school-year expenses now “It’s likely that you’ll have fees due throughout the school year, some expected and some unexpected. Too many parents get caught off guard because they weren’t planning for these fees and don’t have the extra money to pay for them,” Cruze said. “Create a line item in your budget for miscellaneous school expenses and start setting money aside. This will allow you to have the money readily available for when the fees come due and prevent you from going into debt or feeling stressed about not having the money.”

By Emily Droege edroege@examiner-enterprise.com

Forget the skimpy clothes and don’t even think about advertising your dad’s favorite beer. As classes resume, what students wear will be watched.

School dress codes vary from uniform policies to codes relying on common sense.

The items on the “out” list for schools in Washington County are anything showing a midriff, tank tops, thin- and spaghetti-strap tops, short shorts, sagging pants, mini skirts, see-through clothing and anything with a logo or image of sex, drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

Messages advocating violence are also prohibited.

Several schools also ask students to wear only prescription glasses and have “good hygiene.”

At the Bartlesville Public School District, all students participating in approved school activities are expected to comply with required dress code regulations while in class. Students who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities must have their uniforms approved by the secondary school administration. Spirit squads may be allowed to wear uniforms as approved by the building administration.

Thick metal chains, dog collars, choke chains, wallet chains and so on are prohibited. Caps, hats, bandanas, or other head coverings may be worn in the school building when previously approved by the school’s administration for medical or religious reasons, or for a school activity.

More information on BPSD’s dress code, including unusual circumstances and penalties and consequences can be found at https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1oosAI-XDyB-IcqpEZZ9qBXZf82O_tQVwdE3LPATCLOY/ edit.

At Copan Public Schools, all students are encouraged to take pride in their appearance while at school or at any school function. Cleanliness and neatness reflect personal attitudes of the students and their parents as well as those of the school. Appearance that interrupts classes or draws undue attention will not be allowed.

Basically, the administration will have the authority in determining whether a students’ wardrobe is acceptable as proper attire while at school or any school function. This includes holes or tears above the knee, sagging pants or shorts, gang related items, sleep wear, house shoes, any clothing that exposes the side of the body and any clothing that interferes with the learning process.

Find out more about the Copan Public School dress code here: https://www. copan.k12.ok.us/handbooks.

At Dewey Public Schools, face painting or hats unless approved for a special day or school activity are not approved.

Hats are allowed for high school students in that building only as approved by their teachers in individual classes.

Shorts, skirts, dresses that are not at least the length of the end of the student’s finger tips when arms are placed at their side, as determined by administrators at each building site. Tops or shirts (less than shoulder width), fish net, bare midriffs, low cut neck lines or under the arms or sleeveless shirts for boys.

Clothing that is too tight, sheer, revealing (such as holes, rips, or tears) or sagging is also prohibited. Button type shirts or blouses unbuttoned past the top

two buttons unless another suitable garment is underneath.

Clothing normally worn when participating in school sponsored extra curricular or sports activity may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor or coach at Caney Valley Public Schools, and examples include cheerleader outfits, football jerseys and team warm-ups.

Shorts, skirts, dresses, and other clothing attire must be no shorter than fingertip length at the hem (arms extended at the side) at Caney Valley schools. Pants, trousers, jeans, walking shorts are to be worn at the waistline and belts are to be buckled. Leggings are only allowed if covered with a garment such as shorts, a skirt or a tunic.

At St. John Catholic School in Bartlesville, students will be decked out new blue and white school uniforms this year.

The school’s uniform policy includes dress uniforms on Mass days (Fridays, Feast days and other special occasions designated by the school) and casual uniforms on all other days.

School shirts/sweatshirts may be worn on spirit wear days (1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month) or other days, as noted by teachers/administrators.

St. John Principal Traci McKee has the

final say on the uniform policy or questions. More information can be found at http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/e24d78 _148733a67494461fb28e63a0bf11d565. pdf.

Students at Wesleyan Christian School are expected to dress in a manner that is neat, clean and modest. Parents are expected to give their students guidance. The administration and teachers of WCS will maintain and enforce the dress code from the time a student arrives on campus until the student leaves campus.

Shorts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee when standing. In elementary school, shorts may only be worn before fall break and after spring break. Secondary students (6th-12th grades) may not wear athletic shorts or track pants outside of PE or athletics practices.

Skirt hemlines must be no higher than 2 inches above the knee when standing.

Hats, visors, or any head covering are not allowed to be worn in the building.

Pants must be worn around the waist and not drag the floor. Secondary students (6th-12th grades) may not wear track pants outside of PE or sports practices.

Go to http://wesleyanchristianschool.com/pdf/student-handbook. pdf for additional information.

4 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 17

Follow safety rules on and off the bus Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, high seat backs and that bright yellow color, school buses keep more than 17 million cars away from school buildings every day.

School buses are the safest way for students to travel, but children also need to do their part to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to prevent injury.

The National Safety Council urges parents to teach their children the following safety rules for getting on and off the bus, and for exercising good behavior while riding.

Getting on the Bus • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.

• Do not stray onto the street, alleys or private property.

• Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches.

• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus.

• Use the handrail when boarding.

Behavior on the Bus Each school district in Oklahoma has its own rules and regulations for behavior while on the bus. Failure to follow the rules could lead to a student being suspended from bus riding privileges or more severe disciplinary action.

HEFFNER From Page 2

In another educational direction, a summer camp run by a research group at Tufts University, is preparing children for the automated economy.

While children at the camp were learning early childhood skills like block building, turn taking and mastering frustration, researchers say they were

Since the school bus is an extension of the classroom, all classroom rules also apply.

Individual school district rules for bus etiquette are available in student handbooks, district websites and through contacting the school.

Here are some general guidelines from the National Safety Council: • Don’t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver.

• Stay in your seat.

• Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.

• Keep aisles clear of books and bags.

• Get your belongings together before reaching your stop.

• Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

also learning the skills necessary to succeed in an automated economy.

Apparently, there are those educators and researchers who believe that the recent focus on coding is misplaced.

The more important skills to teach have to do with playing with other children and nothing to do with machines, rather human skills that machines can’t easily replicate, like empathy, collaboration and problem-solving.

The idea seems to be that technology has made increasing numbers of

jobs obsolete and parts of most jobs will eventually be automated. Jobs of the future are likely to be different but we don’t know which will be done by machines and which new ones will be created. Children learn better by playing and building instead of sitting behind screens.

The striking thing about these ideas in education, whether writing or technology, is that two schools of thought exist in both. One has to do with the mastery of skills, the other a focus on children’s

Getting Off the Bus • Use the handrail when exiting.

• If you have to cross in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver.

• Make sure the driver can see you.

• Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing.

• When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

• If your vision is blocked, move to an

area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver signals it is safe.

• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.

Drive Thru Hours Mon. thru Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat. 9am - 12pm

Lobby Hours Mon. thru Fri. 8am - 5pm

More school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hour before and after school than any other time of day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, although drivers are required by law to stop for a school bus when it’s loading or unloading passengers, they often don’t.

Children should not rely on them to do so.

development.

In thinking about how and what children should be taught, perhaps we should rely on what we know about how children learn.

Elaine Heffner, LCSW, Ed.D., has written for Parents Magazine, Fox. com, Redbook, Disney online and PBS Parents, as well as other publications.

She has appeared on PBS, ABC, Fox TV and other networks. And, she blogs at goodenoughmothering.com.

Don’t Let School Start Without The Funds You Need

3900 SE Adams Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006 918-335-1844 | www.okfcu.org

18 | MAKE THE GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 3

STAND

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Now Enrolling for the 2017 – 2018 Academic School Year!

New 3-Year Old

How to deal with cyberbullying

Early Childhood

Program

By Melissa Erickson

What cyberbullying looks like

More Content Now

O

ver half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying, according to statistics from i-SAFE, an internet safety education foundation. Surprisingly, over half of young people who are cyberbullied do not tell their parents when it occurs — most likely because they fear that if they tell, parents will take their phones away in response. “Today, kids are getting connected to the internet at younger and younger ages.

They’re exposed to the internet at home as well at school and their friends’ homes. A parent and guardian can allow kids access to the internet, but they should be very vigilant on their child’s online activity and communicate with them often on the subject,� said Joel Mesa, education director/ school coordinator, Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County.

“If the child is being cyberbullied, parents should talk with him or her and listen. They should show love and acceptance.� — Joel Mesa, education director/school coordinator, Citizens’ Crime Watch of MiamiDade County

Cyberbullying is using the internet, cellphones or other technology to send or post images or text intended to hurt or embarrass another person.

Some examples include making a threat through a livestream gaming system, posting a slur, spreading a rumor via text message, or pretending to be someone else online to trick or harass someone.

While the damage can be painful and even prompt TVJDJEBM UIPVHIUT PS BDUJPOT percent of youths say that teens cyberbully because it is no big deal, Mesa said. Kids don’t think about the consequences.

Parents need to do their homework to best decide what safety controls or filtering softwares (both free and paid) are best for their own family and situation, Mesa said. “It is imperative for parents to be aware what their kids are doing online. The parents should talk with their kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly,� Mesa said.

Tips for parents:

Ç ,FFQ UIF DPNQVUFS JO BO open area at home, such as the living room or the kitchen, to make it easier to monitor activity. Ç .BJOUBJO BDDFTT UP B DIJMEĂ T social networking and email accounts. Inform kids that you may review their online communications if you think there is a real reason for concern. Ç $SFBUF ZPVS PXO BDDPVOUT on the social networks your children are members of and “friendâ€? them. Ç "TL GPS QBTTXPSET CVU inform your child that they will only be used in case of an emergency. Ç "TL DIJMESFO UP TIPX XIBU they know how to do online, as well as their favorite sites. Ç (FU UP LOPX B DIJMEĂ T POMJOF friends. Ç #F DMFBS BCPVU XIBU TJUFT a child can visit and what they are permitted to do when online. Ç 4FBSDI (PPHMF GPS ZPVS child’s name, and look at profiles and any postings about them.

Need help? “If the child is being cyberbullied, parents should talk

with him or her and listen.

They should show love and acceptance,� Mesa said. “Some signs that can be red flags that a child is being cyberbullying include wanting to stay home from school, sadness, spending a lot more time or a lot less time online, a dip in grades and withdrawing from contact with classmates,� Mesa said.

Don’t respond online to the bullying. Keep evidence by printing or saving emails, photos and screenshots of posts.

Block the email address or phone number the cyberbullying is coming from.

Report the cyberbullying to school officials, to the internet or cellphone service provider, or to law enforcement, depending how serious it is. “If a child sees cyberbullying, parents should teach or reinforce that asking the person to stop cyberbullying and support the target are the right things to do; and of course, the child can also anonymously report the cyberbullying,� Mesa said.

For more information, visit stopbullying.gov or wiredsafety.org.

Starting This Fall!

About our All-Day Child Program: Fully Accredited 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio Strong Focus on Development Spots are filling up quickly, contact us for more information!

Principal, Traci McKee, mckee@sjcs-ok.org or visit: www.sjcs-ok.org

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2 | MAKE TH E GRADE

MAKE THE GRADE | 19

‘Readin’, ‘Riting’ and ‘Rithmetic’ “School days, school days, good old Golden Rule days, Reading and ‘riting’ and ‘rithmatic’…”

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ust the beginning of August but already there are thoughts — pleasant and unpleasant about the return to school.

In recent years much attention has been paid to reading and arithmetic as essential to academic success. Now, educators seem to be recognizing that children can’t write — at least not in keeping with their grade level or in meeting the requirements they will face as they progress academically. According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress three quarters of both 12th and 8th graders

ELAINE HEFFNER

lack proficiency in writing.

Poor writing is nothing new. Writing was thought to be central to the American curriculum, a change from the years of No Child Left Behind, which focused on reading comprehension and standardized multiplechoice tests.

Now educators are having a debate about the best approach to use in teaching writing. One approach, thought of as process

writing, emphasizes activities such as journaling about one’s personal experiences.

The idea is that focusing too much on grammar will stifle children’s voice and prevent them from falling in love with writing. There are those who agree that formal grammar instruction doesn’t work well and research finds that students exposed to a focus on such instruction perform worse on writing assignments.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that children writing their own experiences in a journal thinking this will lead to a love of writing, hasn’t work.

In a move away from childcentered writing, children need to do more writing about what they have read

and less about their own lives. The idea is that grammar and basic concepts need to be reinforced.

It is interesting that this social media generation, writing more than any generation before it, writing text messages and social media posts, struggle with the mechanics of simple sentences when it comes to the formal writing expected in school. Apparently, children have become so acclimated to small mobile screens that they are unable to work effectively at a laptop. Quick communication on a smart phone requires ignoring rules of grammar and punctuation, the opposite of school requirements.

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