Achieve fall 2015

Mental Tricks to Help Raise Grades Four Easy Ways to Prep for Back to School

Put Some Innovation in Your Back to School Routine

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EDUCATION Table of Contents Hiram E. Jackson

Publisher, Michigan Chronicle As soon as a person learns that they will become a parent they begin to get ready for the decisions that will have to be made for the life that will soon be in their arms. They research and read as much as they can so that they are prepared. One of the most important decisions parents will make is determining how and where your child will be educated.

Just as you began researching doctors, and diapers long before your child was born you should begin researching options for your child’s education early.

In today’s environment reading, writing and arithmetic alone will not be enough to adequately prepare our children for success in the Digital Information Age that we live in. Now more than in any point in our history, education is the key to the success for our children. As parents we want to sufficiently prepare our children for a more connected global world. That preparation begins as soon as they set foot into their first classroom. While there is considerable and appropriate attention being paid to higher education there are limited conversations about the transformations taking place in our schools and the available options for parents and students in Kindergarten though 12th grade.

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the transition from elementary school to middle school; everyday parents struggle with how to help their child get the most out of their education. ACHIEVE! A school choice guide stands in the gap as a resource for parents.

A guide that provides parents with information to help them bring out the best in their children and help them to ACHIEVE!

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Opening Letter from National Heritage Academy

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National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner schools in the Detroit Area

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Mental Tricks to Help Raise Grades

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Backpacks, pencils and Pens…

Oh MY!

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Put Some Innovation into Your Back- to –School Routine

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Ideas to Supplement Kids Learning at Home

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Five Golden Rules for Kids Using Tech Devices

August 2015 • ACHIEVE

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Welcome to Achieve! As the new school year approaches, it’s time to consider the best way to set your child up for a lifetime of success.

National Heritage Academies is proud to offer Detroit parents a school choice option dedicated to preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond.

All 13 NHA-Detroit schools are founded on four pillars: academic excellence, moral focus, parental partnership, and student responsibility.

Todd McKee When it comes to academic excellence, NHA schools Chief Academic Officer set high standards and place a strong emphasis on math, reading, science, and social studies. Our teachers will focus on each child’s unique abilities so they can reach their full potential.

A program that sets NHA-Detroit schools apart from other schools is our Moral Focus curriculum. Virtues such as respect, integrity, and compassion are central to the school culture and community. Teachers integrate moral focus lessons into every school day to support what our parents teach at home. In fact, students will study a new virtue each month.

We want our students to grow academically and emotionally. Learning the virtues outlined in the Moral Focus curriculum helps students think about their actions and how they impact others. It has a trickle-down effect that leads to well managed classrooms and better interactions between students and their peers.

Parental partnership is a vital part of our school culture. When parents, teachers, and students work together, they form a powerful triangle of success. For this reason, parents are always welcome to stop by our schools and join us in the classroom. Teachers also make a point of being available to discuss a child’s progress or address concerns.

All NHA schools also stress the importance of student responsibility in all grades. This means completing assignments, participating in classroom discussions, and behaving respectfully.

NHA schools provide a safe and structured environment that allows students to stay focused on learning and the results are amazing. Our schools are successful because what is best for our students comes first. We are proud to be investing in future leaders in Detroit.

4 ACHIEVE • August 2015

Innovative approaches to science, technology, engineering and math are opening doors for DPS students

By Jessica Schrader Educators and parents agree that science, technology, engineering and math — the STEM fields — are emerging as some of the most important topics to teach today’s children. They can open the doors for college scholarships, great careers and play an important role in becoming a well-rounded person.

It’s with that in mind that Detroit Public Schools is regularly adding new and unique ways of focusing on these topics with students, and it goes far beyond regular classroom work.

The chess club, for example, is part of the district’s STEM programming because of its relationship to mathematics, abstract reasoning, strategy and calculated movement. It can also involve algebraic notation, a method of recording chess moves.

“It forces children to have that efficiency of thought. Tons of research says chess improves scores in every subject because of the critical thinking and the strategic thinking,” said chess club instructor DaRhon Conner, an English and social studies teacher at Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit. Alycia Meriweather, executive director for the Office of Science with Detroit Public Schools, says one-day events, after-school programs and longerterm programming are all important ways to expose students to STEM topics.

“Some kids are going to get sparked by an expo-sure event and some kids are going to get sparked by a long-term program,” Meriweather said. “The other reason STEM education is important is because there are jobs. But whether or not you choose to go into a STEM field, you’ll be a better, more rounded person because you are aware of these experiences.”

Programs offered by Detroit Public Schools in-

clude robotics, a partnership with the Cranbrook Institute of Science that offers professional development for teachers and a follow-up field trip to the museum, and the Detroit School Garden Collaborative, which has more than 80 school gardens.

The district also offers STEAM, an after-school program that includes the arts with STEM educa-

tional experiences and has involvement from more than 90 teachers.

“Most engineers would tell you that art is a big part of what they do when you talk about design,” Meriweather said. “It’s really helping kids understand that the arts play a role in the hard sciences.”

The district also recently hired an arts-infused educator at the district-owned Detroit Children’s Museum, where kids can learn in the planetarium or through creative movement. The museum is open daily for DPS students only.

Detroit students are learning about recycling, water conservation and energy conservation as part of the district’s Go Green Initiative.

Last year the district saved $403,000 in energy costs thanks to 446 student projects.

Other STEM-related programs include summer trips to the district-owned Camp Burt Shurly, partnerships with the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Urban Forestry Project with Michigan Tech, the Girls Are IT program with the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a recent coding workshop. A World in Motion, sponsored by GM, teaches kids about solar cell cars and lets them compete to make the most efficient car.

“I think one of the biggest things the formal education system can do is expose kids to as many possibilities as possible,” Meriweather said. “It’s really significant, too, when students interact with STEM professionals who have either lived in their community or attended their school. Sometimes this is a very important part in a student’s educational journey of them understanding that anything is possible for them in the STEM field.”

August 2015 • ACHIEVE

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National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner schools in the Detroit Area National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner schools in the Detroit area provide parents with an opportunity to take advantage of what is known as the K-8 model, which means students stay in the same building for nine years.

Several school districts throughout the United States have switched back to the K-8 model including Milwaukee and Baltimore. Those districts conducted studies and found there are several benefits when students stay in one building for elementary and middle school including better attendance, lower dropout rates, and higher test scores.

All 13 NHA-Detroit schools make a nine-year commitment to incoming kindergarten students. The students can experience the stability of familiar surroundings through eighth grade.

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The K-8 model allows students and their parents to become comfortable with the school’s academic and behavior expectations. It removes undo stress associated with switching schools when a child enters middle school, just to switch again for high school.

Students also experience a strong academic program, complete with a Moral Focus curriculum, dedicated to preparing them for success in high school and college.

Another advantage of the K-8 model is that is fosters positive personal growth. Older students can develop leadership skills through various service learning projects, while the younger students have someone to look up to as a mentor. All students take part in community service activities so they can fully experience the importance of giving back.

NHA-Detroit schools offer a variety of activities for middle school students to keep them on the path to college readiness including after school tutoring, homework clubs, and technology clubs. They also offer a variety of sport options depending on the interest level at the individual school. Students in a K-8 building develop a very strong bond with each other which is supported through NHA’s alumni department after they move on to high school. NHA alumni maintain a 96 percent high school graduation rate compared to 83 percent nationwide.

By challenging students to achieve their best, NHA schools are helping children become academically, emotionally, and socially strong and prepared for high school, college, and life.

With the back-to-school season gearing up, getting the kids prepped and ready for a successful academic year can be expensive and add up quickly. Discount retailer Dollar General is sharing tips to make the experience easier and more affordable.

Use the List Schools usually provide supply lists to ensure the classroom is wellstocked and students have what they need for the year. To ensure you are getting exactly what your student needs, take some time to review classroom necessities before making purchases.

Tax-Free Weekends Several states and localities offer tax-free weekends prior to the start of the new school year. Taxfree items include school and office supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, clothes and some electronics. Take full advantage of the savings opportunity when shopping online or at local discount retailers like Dollar General for supplies, including folders, pencils, pens, notebooks and binders, backpacks, lunch coolers and clothing basics.

Think Outside the Lunchbox Back-to-school also means back to making early morning breakfasts and packing lunches and snacks.

Stock up on easy school meal needs, such as bread, eggs, cereal,peanut butter, jelly and chips.

Find quick and delicious meal ideas at DG Meals www.dg.com/ easymeals.

Save Time and Money Online No more time wasted in traffic.

No more extra expense at the pump.

Online ordering is a great way to save money, gas and time, having all your school and home supplies just a click away. For example, Dollar General offers the same selections online as you will find in-store.

Visit www.dollargeneral.com or text JOIN to 34898 for exclusive digital coupons which can help you save even more on back-to-school needs. You can also sign up for auto-renewal of your favorite items and have them delivered to your door on your schedule.

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August 2015 • ACHIEVE

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Maintaining strong grades in every subject can be tough on even the brightest students. This is especially true today, as students routinely are taking on more extracurricular activities and part-time jobs while enrolled in school.

Students looking to grasp complicated class material, and still have time left at the end of the day, can benefit from tried-and-true systems for learning, say experts.

“Every student from a young age should learn speed reading, speed math and mnemonics,” said Harry Edelson, venture capitalist, managing director of Edelson Technology Partners and author of “Positivity: How to be Happier, Healthier, Smarter, and More Prosperous.”

Edelson, the son of an illiterate Russian immigrant, attributes his triumph over childhood poverty, and success in the classroom and business world, to the adoption of key mental tricks and a positive attitude.

In “Positivity,” he delves into how others may follow suit. Following are some of his insights.

Speed Reading Speed reading allows a reader to take in written material much more quickly than traditional reading.

While those wishing to improve their speed reading skills once had to attend seminars or enroll in a

course, now lessons are widely offered online. Free software, as well as apps available for download to your phone, can offer training in this useful art.

Speed Math Like speed reading, speed math can help students finish their homework faster and with more precision. Additionally, learning this skill offers students a deeper understanding of mathematical operations. A range of books on the subject, as well as online tutorials, can supplement classroom learning.

Mnemonics So much of school testing involves the need for recall and recitation, especially as schools nationwide adopt Common Core Standards. Mnemonics are a classic and effective method of memorization and information retention. Depending on the material, students can turn to existing mnemonic devices or create their own.

Positive Thinking “I consider myself to be very lucky.

I have been happy all my life even though I started out as poor as a child could be,” said Edelson, noting that positivity can lead to success. “Take control of your senses, deter-

mine to be happy and develop a frame of mind that will make you and all those around you happy.”

For an edge this semester, do not attempt to reinvent the wheel. Consider first the academic techniques and personal philosophies that have worked so well for others. — (StatePoint)

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Bells will soon be ringing, and parents may experience a sense of deja vu for the first several weeks of school. That’s because the early part of each new school year is commonly spent reversing the effect of “summer brain drain” — when kids lose skills they mastered the previous year.

According to a recent survey by DSM Nutritional Products and Pop Warner, 78 percent of parents are concerned about students’ difficulties retaining what they learned in school throughout the summer.

A majority of surveyed parents understand the role of nutrition in physical and academic performance, but do not make the connection to nutrition’s role in preventing brain drain. While many parents encourage their children to take vitamins and minerals to supplement nutrition, nearly half admit they are not clear about which nutrients support children’s brain health.

What’s more, maintaining a wellrounded and healthy diet and taking vitamins and other essential nutrients that support brain health ranked significantly lower than other strategies parents use to prevent brain drain, such as sports and academic activities.

Nutrition plays an important role in brain health year-round, says Elizabeth Somer, a nationally acclaimed registered dietitian, nutritionist and author. To help keep your students’ minds sharp as they head back to school, consider these tips from Somer • Eat fatty fish twice a week for dinner or supplement omega-3s. Omega-3s are highly concentrated in the brain and important to brain health, yet according to research published in the British Medical Journal, the average American diet contains less omega-3s from seafood than most other developed countries. Chil-

dren and adults should get the recommended two servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, per week.

Offer a variety of healthy food options in the house. Giving children choices teaches them to take care of their bodies and empowers them to make better food decisions in the future. Stock the kitchen with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as baby carrots, berries and bananas, for snacks, and broccoli, green peas and mashed sweet potatoes for dinner. The nutrients in these foods are important for the brain. Along with calcium, low-fat milk supplies vitamin D, which is a nutrient essential for brain development.

Consider taking a multivitamin. No one eats perfectly. It is important to talk with your physician or registered dietitian about whether you or your children could benefit from a multivitamin. According to research published in The Journal of Nutrition, only 10 percent of Americans get the nutrients they need from their food, and supplementation can help fill that gap.

Visit www.VitaminsinMotion.com to learn more about the important role of essential nutrients for health and wellness. — (StatePoint)

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It’s that time of year, time for kids to head back to school.

Helping your kids get off to a great start for the new school year is important for your whole family. Laura Hutchison, PsyD, LP, RPT/S, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan provider, offers these ideas to help you and your child with the transition from summer vacation to school: Talk about it: Talking about returning to school can be helpful in preparing kids for the first day of school. Ask what excites them about the grade ahead, while also making sure to address any concerns they may have.

Read about it: Many children enjoy reading books about school as September approaches.

There are many great books for young kids about first days in a new class, as well as attending school for the first time.

Start transitioning back to your family’s schoolyear routines, including bedtime, morning and eating schedules: If your kids have gotten into the habit of staying up later during the summer, start getting them into bed 15 minutes earlier each night. This can help ease them back into the routine and help you and your kids get enough sleep and make it to school on time.

Make a countdown: Time can be a difficult concept for children to grasp. Therefore, countdowns can help reduce the daily “How many days until school starts?” question. Figure out how many days are left until the first day of school and then make a countdown. It can be as simple as marking off days on the calendar or making a countdown sticker board.

Get prepared: Many children enjoy purchasing school supplies and new outfits before the first school day. Make shopping a fun time for the kids to get excited about going back to school. You don’t need to go overboard, just allow children to be actively involved of this important preparation step.

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Plan a back-to-school event: Be it a small party with neighborhood friends, a play date, a special family dinner or even a fun outing, celebrating the end of summer and the start of another school year can be a wonderful way to recognize the transition.

The start of the school year can be very difficult on children when it’s their very first time attending school, they’re transitioning to a new school or because the child just tends to be a little more anxious.

Following are some more ideas from Dr. Hutchison to help children (and their parents) who are nervous about the first day of school: Schedule a school visit: Many schools are open to having children take a tour of the school or visit their new classroom. If a visit isn’t possible, check to see if photos of the school are available online. Helping the child get a feel of the location can ease some of the anxiety.

Meet the teacher: Once you know who your child’s teacher will be for the upcoming year, schedule a time for you and your child to meet the teacher.

If meeting face-to-face isn’t an option, have your child write a letter, draw a picture, send an email or even Skype their teacher. Being able to start forming a relationship with the teacher can be very comforting to a nervous child.

Set up play dates: If you know any children twho will be in the same class (or school) as your child, have the classmates over or plan an outing so your child will feel a special bond with a few peers.

Knowing you’re not alone in a new place usually makes it easier to feel comfortable.

It is also very important for parents to recognize their own anxieties about letting go and sending their

child off to school. Children are extremely susceptible to picking up their parents’ emotions. If you start to recognize that your own worries about your child attending school are creeping in, in addition to addressing any of your concerns with your child’s teacher, also consider getting involved by volunteering your time at the school during classroom hours or for after-school activities.

Discovering new ways to be a part of your child’s development can help you feel connected.

If you or your child’s anxiety about starting (or returning back to) school starts to get in the way of having fun, getting adequate sleep or impacts eating habits, you may want to seek professional help from a qualified child psychologist in order to help you and your child address these concerns before they make a lasting impact.

Based in Farmington Hills, Laura Hutchison, PsyD, LP, RPT/S, is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan practicing therapist. For more information and tips on helping your children prepare to head back to school, please visit AHealthierMichigan.org.

While formal education may not begin until age five, those years preceding classroom learning are crucial to brain development. You can get your child started on the right path early on by encouraging learning whenever possible.

Sing a Song Simple songs can be a fun and helpful way to reinforce basic concepts like numbers, letters and animals. Sing with your little one in the car, or when you have free time at home. Great choices include “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” “The Alphabet Song” and “The Wheels on the Bus.” Stock your home with simple instruments like kazoos, tambourines and mini keyboards built for little fingers to encourage impromptu solos. Also, consider enrolling your child in music classes, which can be a great way to lay the foundation for music instruction later in life.

Colorful Books “Books for young children should also be learning tools that help build vocabulary and language skills,” said Sophie Mitchell, preschool publisher at DK Publishing.

For newborns, Mitchell recommends books that feature bright, bold colors and vivid patterns that are easy to hold for sharing between baby and parent.

“Babies love to hear the sound of their parents’ voices, so read enthusiastically to your child,” she said.

Mitchell also recommends that parents choose books that are filled with the things babies find fascinating, such as images of others babies, toddlers, animals and vehicles.

Toddlers love pointing out things they know and saying the words out loud. They appreciate book content that features images of their real world.

Surprise elements like flaps, sounds, pull tabs and textures can provoke curiosity and engage reluctant readers.

“Preschool-aged children need clear, appealing subjects that capture their preoccupations and passions,” added Mitchell.

For this age group memory is a very important reading skill to develop, so parents should look for titles that include fun, repetitive text. Clear word labels can help young children make associations between images and words.

For an early learning library, consider introducing your children to the “My First” board book series. First published in 1989, these iconic little books have now been reimagined for a new generation. With titles like “My First Animals,” “My First Colors” and “My First Words,” they are packed with bright, colorful photographs and large easy-to-read text to captivate budding readers.

More information about the series can be found at www.Dk.com.

Be Active Babies, toddlers and preschoolers need plenty of mental stimulation for brain development. Rather than simply sitting them in front of the television, take little trips that can generate questions and observations. Whether that be the playground, the zoo or even a run-of-the-mill trip to the grocery store, these experiences are crucial for early learning. Talk to your child throughout the trip, pointing out things. When you get home, you can reinforce the real-world concepts with learning books.

Don’t wait until kindergarten to get the ball started on education. By simply reading out loud and encouraging everyday play, you can help develop key learning skills in your child. — (StatePoint)

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August 2015 • ACHIEVE

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Back-to-school season is busy and stressful for families, but you can find easier ways of doing things, from what you feed your family to your morning routine.

Thankfully, parents don’t need to reinvent the wheel because Product of the Year, the world’s largest consumer- voted award for innovation, is on a mission to guide consumers to the most innovative products. Backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers, the list of winners can serve as a shortcut at the store, saving parents time and money on needed back-to-school and day-to-day items.

Try something new and innovative. Following are some highlights from the 2015 Product of the Year winners: • Goodnites Tru-Fit Underwear: Nearly one in six children ages four to 12 nationwide wet the bed, which can be upsetting for both parents and children. This product looks, washes and feels like regular underwear, but provides protection to keep sheets and pajamas dry all night, helping kids feel more confident.

• Gold Bond No Mess Powder Spray: Whether getting ready for the day or freshening up after the football game, check out a refreshing no-mess spray with quick and easy application. The 360 degree valve lets you spray in any direction, even upside down, helping you stay cool, dry and comfortable.

• Snackeez Snack and Drink Cup: Simplify snack time by including kids’ favorite drink and snack in one convenient container. A sealed lid keeps snacks fresh, clean and ready to take anywhere.

• Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap: Combat germs picked up at

school by washing hands with gentle micro-scrubbers.

• LiveGFree Gluten Free Pizza: When it comes to weekday dinners, convenience is everything. But gluten intolerance can make mealtime tricky. Check out the new LiveGFree product line, including Aldi-exclusive LiveGFree Pizza made from organic, gluten-free ingredients.

• Benjamin Moore Natura Waterborne Interior Paint: A new year deserves a new coat of paint. With zero VOCs and zero emissions, this durable finish has no harsh fumes, so it’s safer for your family and the environment.

For more information on other winning products, visit www.ProductoftheYearUSA.com or follow Product of the Year USA on Facebook and @POY_USA on Twitter. — (StatePoint)

Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office located at 163 Madison in downtown Detroit.

Grand Valley State University is committed to providing quality education for students. Whether it’s as Michigan’s fastest growing public university or as the authorizer of 71 charter schools serving over 32,000 K-12 students, Grand Valley is shaping the future with access to high quality education. In fact, Grand Valley State University authorizes 37 high-performing charter schools in Southeast Michigan.

To learn more about the high quality of teaching and impressive level of academic achievement in our charter schools, visit www.gvsu.edu/cso or call (616) 331-2240.

12 ACHIEVE • August 2015

Good Vision Helps Children Excel in School (Family Features) With children heading back to school soon, parents’ to-do lists keep getting longer - shopping for clothes, shoes and supplies, going to the doctor for yearly physicals or checkups, and making appointments at the dentist, among other things. What is easily forgotten or put off is a yearly eye exam.

According to a survey conducted by KRC Research on behalf of Think About Your Eyes, about 60 percent of parents do not consider eye exams as a necessary part of children’s health checkup schedule. However, skipping these exams means children run the risk of being unprepared for school with an undiagnosed vision problem or eye disease.

While a cough or hurt ankle might trigger you to take your child to the doctor without hesitation, eye problems are difficult to notice without proactive measures. In fact, 84 percent of parents in the same survey admitted they wait for a child to complain of a vision issue before taking them in for an eye exam. Children, however, especially those who have had vision problems for an extended amount of time, aren’t always able to recognize the problem themselves.

Although some schools perform yearly vision screenings, it is important for parents to know that these tests only gauge a child’s ability to see at a distance. A full vision screening from an eye care professional is needed to evaluate how well a child’s eyes function and how well they focus on items closer to the face. With increased up-close reading, such as that required when using a computer, this information is becoming more critical.

The American Optometric Association estimates that as much as 80 percent of what children learn - reading, writing, computer work and day-to-day observation - happens through sight, so it’s more

important now than ever to have children tested by an optometrist. According to the American Optometric Association, by age six (before they start school), children should receive at least three eye exams.

If you find that your child does need glasses, the experts at Essilor offer these tips for selecting the right eyeglass lenses: • Bright reflections and glare can cause irritation, eye strain, discomfort and damage to your child’s eyes.

In addition to the right prescription, it is important to purchase lenses that protect against these visual distractions. Lenses such as Crizal Kids UV lenses offer protection from glare caused by sunlight, whiteboards, fluorescent lights, computer screens and video games.

•Skin isn’t the only part of the body that needs protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Choose lenses that shield the eye from UV exposure, in addition to taking other preventative measures against sun exposure.

•Just like anything else you buy for your child, glasses need to stand up to the test of time. Sturdy frames are important, but the lenses inside your child’s frames are vulnerable and need protection as well. Lenses that are scratch and impact resistant will help ensure a clear line of sight.

Some lenses for children, such as Crizal Kids UV No-Glare lenses, also help repel water and smudges, making it easier to weather everyday wear and tear.

With the variety of options available, you can easily find the right lenses for your child’s vision needs. Visit www.

Crizal.com to find an eye care professional and give your child a boost in the classroom this school year.

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Back-to-school prep means more than a trip to the office supply store. Help kids stay strong, healthy and safe this school year by putting wellness front and center.

“Thinking about back to school now can help parents keep kids on track for a healthy summer and start to school,” said Dr. Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With that in mind, Hassink recommends taking the following steps.

Ease into the School Schedule Ease the back-to-school transition by keeping bedtime and meals scheduled during the summer and adjusting timing as school approaches. If your child has been going to bed later than usual, begin adjusting his or her bedtime earlier toward the end of summer. Depending on age, children and teens need between 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep nightly.

For young children, arranging to see their new classroom and meet their new teacher before school starts can calm first day jitters. Go over the school schedule with your child, including how she or he

14 ACHIEVE • August 2015

will get to school and what the plans are for afterschool time.

Schedule a Pediatric Visit The back-to-school season is a good time for scheduling a pediatric exam. Create a list of items you want to discuss with your child’s pediatrician. This list should include ensuring your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, a crucial part of preventive care.

It’s a good idea to build a medical home with a pediatrician by sticking with one doctor or medical practice throughout childhood and adolescence. The doctor will be better informed of your child’s medical history and aware of any emerging problems.

Beyond medical testing, pediatricians are wellequipped to counsel patients and parents on emotional and social issues, as well as issues that often crop up during adolescence, such as smoking, drugs, drinking, sexual activity and depression.

“Parents can ask a pediatrician about anything related to the care of their child or teen, medical or not,” said Dr Hassink. “The visit can be a good way to bring up these issues.”

Consider Sports Sports can foster confidence, cooperation and healthy habits, and the start of the school year brings many opportunities to join various programs.

Hydration, nutrition and proper conditioning are important for any sport, especially those with intense training in warm weather. Schedule a sports physical with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s overall health and how to prevent injuries.

Talk Safety If your child will be walking to school, travel the route with him or her to assess its safety. Find out about traffic patterns and crossing guards. Teach your child safety rules like looking both ways. If possible, have the child commute with an older sibling or neighbor.

If your child will be riding a bike or skateboard, be sure he or she wears a helmet. Review basic rules for safer riding. Bus riders should also be mindful of safety rules, like remaining in one’s seat and listening to the driver.

More back-to-school tips can be found at www. healthychildren.org. (StatePoint)

There is no reason that learning should stop once the bell rings. When concepts are reinforced at home, not only do children learn faster, they are better prepared to excel in school.

Whether your children are in preschool or are already in grade school, there are many ideas out there that can give kids an extra academic edge.

Explore Your World Your world is a classroom that can provide an abundance of lesson plans.

Start in your own home by exploring key things around the house. From using measuring cups in the kitchen to identifying shapes in the playroom, there are lessons to be learned in every room.

The new “Get Ready for School” series

by DK includes “I’m Ready for School,” an interactive book that helps toddlers practice colors, numbers and more. Proceeds from the book series support PBS KIDS which uses the power of media to help prepare children for success in school and in life.

Once you have mastered the house, take the show on the road. Visit museums, the aquarium or even the park around the block for learning opportunities.

Play Games Encourage the idea that learning is fun by introducing educational games into your child’s daily routine. Games are a great way to make lessons stick and help a child grasp new ideas.

Make a point of seeing “Get Ready for School Games: Number Memory,” a math card game that shows numbers 1-10 arranged in set order with everyday objects and number words to help toddlers practice adding and taking away up to 10, sharing and group-

ing. It’s an easy-to-understand visual approach to real-life problem solving.

A companion game, “Color Match,” introduces kids to words and colors with timed memory challenges and activities.

Also consider “The Incredible Math Games Book,” which blurs the lines between practicing math and play. With interactive games like “Find the Fraction,” “Subtraction Action,” and Dancing Dice,” kids can learn key math concepts minus the homework.

Write a Story Help your budding writer find her literary voice by encouraging him or her to write fictional stories or report on “news” events from around the neighborhood for the house newspaper. Make sure the child is well-equipped to handle writing assignments with the help of a classic reference tool, DK’s Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary, now updated and revised to include modern words like “smartphone,” “MP3” and “graphic novel,” as well as new countries, borders, flags and cities.

Music Lessons Round out your child’s education with music lessons which can improve motor skills, build self-confidence and help impart cultural values.

Many music stores rent instruments, which can be a low commitment way to test out your child’s interest. Consider options for lessons in your area or just find free tutorials online.

When the school day is over, keep young minds active. Through activities, music and even games, you can make stress-free learning happen round-theclock. (StatePoint)

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Ways to Boost your Family’s Energy for Back-to-School Season It’s time to gear up for a new school year. That means buying supplies and clothes, coordinating schedules and adjusting to new routines. All the preparations can leave you feeling drained, but with the proper fuel you can ensure your family has the energy needed.

Meal Plan Kick off the year by creating a meal plan which will help you stay organized, maintain a good diet and avoid repeat trips to the store. To simplify shopping and preparation, put together a list of favorite meals and snacks and then group according to common ingredients.

Use a dry erase calendar, spreadsheet or online template to develop menus one week at a time. Then, draft a grocery list and stick to it. This will help you pass up the chips and cookies for more energy-boosting options.

When you arrive home, immediately wash and prep produce for the week to make it that much easier to make nutritious meals all week long.

Start the Day off Right Wholesome breakfasts provide a pick-me-up in the morning and throughout the day. Squeeze some oranges for fresh juice and a vitamin C boost. You can make a pitcher each weekend to last several days. Serve with homemade granola bars for a satisfying start to the day.

Smoothies are another easy breakfast. Whip up personalized flavors for each family member using the pre-set Smoothie and Power Blends programs on a Vitamix S50. This personal blender’s 20-ounce container becomes a good travel cup for school or work.

Freeze a variety of individual serv-

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ings of fruit and vegetable combinations into zip-top bags, blend with yogurt, milk or juice and head out the door. Or use the machine’s 40-ounce container to make larger batches for the family to enjoy together. A nourishing smoothie provides the fuel necessary for a productive start to the day.

Mid-Day Motivation Prep power-packed lunches for school and work by including protein, fruits and vegetables in an assortment of tastes and textures. You can use a premium blender to quickly prepare all kinds of dips and nut butters. Try homemade hummus with cucumber slices and carrot sticks and a side of strawberries and grapes. Or create fun finger foods, such as a peanut butter and apple wrap.

Remember to stay hydrated. Water is fuel, and even mild dehydration can slow down body systems, resulting in fatigue. Carry a large container of water to drink throughout the day.

Dinner Delight Continue beneficial eating habits at dinner. Add extra vegetables to your menu with a squash cheese sauce for a new take on whole wheat macaroni and cheese. Or bake a wholesome pizza using fresh pesto or a white bean purée as the sauce.

Instead of hitting the couch after dinner, complement healthful eating by taking a walk with your family. Exercise provides a natural endorphin boost, giving you extra motivation to maintain healthy habits. — (StatePoint)

Five Golden Rules for Kids Using Tech Devices

The next generation of smartphone users is getting a head start on device destruction. Children are breaking more smartphones, tablets and laptops than ever before, say experts.

Their tech-forward parents have so far shelled out more than $11 billion to repair or replace such devices, according to a recent report from SquareTrade, a protection plan for mobile devices and other consumer electronics.

“Teaching tech etiquette alongside the ABCs and 123s is a smart idea for sanity at home. And for the 89 percent of households whose kids have damaged devices, it makes great financial sense,” said Jessica Hoffman, vice president of global communications for SquareTrade. “Kids as young as toddlers are getting significant doses of screen time and, as a result, accident rates are climbing.”

The report also found that 70 percent of elementary school kids own

tablets and a whopping 55 percent of accidents happen from children accidentally dropping their devices. Not surprisingly, 20 percent of kids blame someone or something else for the mishap.

“Kids and technology are as popular a pairing these days as peanut butter and jelly,” said Hoffman. “As smartphones, tablets and laptops replace dolls and toy cars as children’s most prized possessions, we recommend that parents do their homework on how best to deal with at-home

tech habits, or risk having their child on the device dishonor roll.”

SquareTrade suggests the following five golden rules to keep in mind before letting kids use electronic devices: • Don’t pack devices into overstuffed, heavy backpacks without proper protective gear.

Tablets cannot handle the wear and tear that a book can absorb.

• On rainy days or when you will be around water, use a zip lock bag for

your smartphone or tablet.

• No eating or drinking while using devices. Sticky liquids are the most dangerous.

• Limit screen time in the car. Siblings fighting can lead to devices flying out of windows.

• No matter what precautions you take, accidents can still happen.

Invest in a protection plan that covers the clumsy drops, juice spills and backpack crushes of daily life.

Repairing a broken device can often cost as much as buying a new one. A good protection plan can cost just a few dollars a month and can buy priceless peace of mind for parents worried about everyday accidents and other “uh-ohs.”

So even if your child breaks a device, there’s no need to stress because you are covered.

For information on protection plans, visit www.squaretrade.com — (StatePoint)

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Tips for a Successful School Year When the school year begins, students need to quickly get back into the swing of things. Staying organized from day one can ease the transition.

While every individual needs to tweak his or her routine to best suit personality quirks and study habits, following are a few triedand-true organization suggestion that will work for almost anyone.

Get Scheduled While the word “bedtime” may have no meaning on summer vacation, during the school year, it’s vital. A regular sleep schedule can mean better quality sleep and higher alertness at school. Likewise, a morning routine can help students focus and prep for the day.

Family members should share their schedules with each other to ensure everyone gets to practice, club meetings and other activities on time. Install a household calendar or bulletin board in a central location to ensure everyone stays in the know.

Stomp out Clutter Lockers and backpacks need to stay organized. Whether notebooks, binders and textbooks are arranged by sequence of the day, subject or color isn’t important so long as the system works for you. To create more storage space in your locker, add durable, stackable locker shelving.

For on-the-go book hauling, look for a backpack such as the Five Star Expandable Backpack that features two expanding compartments providing additional space, along with protected storage for laptops.

Its patented zipper allows you to quickly get inside your backpack while it’s hanging in your locker. Ergonomic patent-pending straps distribute weight to comfortably support a heavy load.

To cheer up your locker with a boost of color and add a place for quick reminders and mementos, try the Five Star Magnetic Mirror + Push Pin Board. Its slam-resistant magnets will keep it affixed to the inside door of your locker. There isn’t much time

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between classes, so a mirror is a welcome locker feature when there isn’t time for the bathroom.

Organizational tools such as these can keep your ducks in a row all year long. Also remember to set time aside weekly to clean out your locker and backpack, throwing out candy wrappers and crumpled notes.

Personal Organization Students need to be able to keep more belongings than ever with them throughout the day, including paperwork, flash drives, calculators and other electronics.

A binder that can contain it all will give students a chance to make sure their lives are in order, not just a class at a time.

For a secure method of carrying supplies, look for the Trapper Keeper Zipper binder, with pockets and dividers to keep items organized, and the Five Star Zipper Binder + Expansion Pocket, which features storage for textbooks and a tablet, and has an adjustable strap that allows the student to carry the binder messenger style or on their back.

At home, it’s easy to get distracted from important tasks like studying and homework. Create a dedicated work space away from televisions and other distractions. Make sure the area is comfortable, well-lit and conducive to working.

More study tools and tips can be found at www.Mead.com — (StatePoint)

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