Summer isn't over yet, but parents and children are certainly getting ready for the upcoming school year. We have you covered with informative back to school themed editorial pieces, along with other pieces that will spark your interest in having some more end of summer fun! We look forward to bringing you many more upcoming issues, but until then, enjoy the rest of the season and have a fun and safe 2024-2025 school year!
Childrenwill soon be trading in the chimes of neighborhood ice cream trucks for the bells of school as summer vacation gives way to the start of a new academic year. August through September is prime back-toschool season, with children all across the country stocking their backpacks and shopping for new school wardrobes. There is more to getting ready for the start of school than making sure pencils are sharpened and tablets are charged. Parents and children can work together to ensure the transition back to the classroom is as seamless as possible.
Adjust sleep and wake times
Summer vacation often means letting loose of schedules for a while, and that may translate into later-than-normal bedtimes and rising a little later in the morning. Everyone in the household will have to reacquaint themselves with schedules that ensure kids get to school on time. A few weeks before the first day of school, start incrementally going to bed at an earlier time and start waking up earlier each morning. Try to plan out the increments so that by the time the last few days of summer vacation wind down, the family is on target with a waking schedule that mirrors the school schedule.
Children and adults can work together to map out healthy eating options for school lunch. Many school districts have lunch plans that can be purchased through an online account. Participating students simply enter a number or swipe a code at checkout. School lunches are built to be nutritionally diverse and have options that even picky eaters will like.
Although summer vacation may involve trips that bring children in contact with other people, it may have been some time since they’ve spent five or more hours per day around 20 to
30 people their age. It may take a transition period to get used to being around a bunch of peers, so families can visit places where there tend to be crowds of kids, such as zoos, aquariums, parks, and trampoline centers. These can be lowpressure locations to dust off social skills.
Students may be driven independently, ride the school bus, walk or bike, or carpool with others to and from school. Families can establish plans so that getting to and from school is not something kids need to worry about. Practice routes and timing, taking into consideration that when schools open there will be much more traffic. Parents can reassure children that there will be a learning curve, but all of the kinks generally get worked out during the first week.
Avoid “summer slide”
Most students don’t want to think about studying, homework and testing while on summer break, but it can be beneficial to stay current on some lessons. Summer slide refers to the loss of some of the learning achieved during the previous school year over the summer break. Some experts say summer slide is overstated, but it can’t hurt for students to refresh their memories on some math, science and language arts concepts over break so that they will be ready to hit the books when the new school year begins.
School is right around the corner, and families should get ready for the routine and needs that go with the academic year.
TheOregon-based Gap Year Association notes that the exact number of students who take a gap year between high school and college is unknown. However, an overwhelming majority of students who have taken a gap year reported positive experiences. In a collaborative survey with the Institute for Survey Research at Temple University, the GYA Research Committee found that 92 percent of gap year alumni reported gaining life experiences and experiencing personal growth during their year away from formal schooling. Forty-four percent of respondents indicated they used a gap year to explore career options, while 41 percent indicated they learned a new language during their gap year.
Studentshave plenty of reasons to participate in school sports and many of them confirm what the experts say regarding the benefits of such pursuits. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) indicates some of the main benefits include:
• Building relationships through the team
• Developing care and empathy
• Maintaining strong physical fitness
• Understanding limitations and how to push past them
• Listening to and learning from coaches
Millions of children participate in scholastic sports and recreational leagues across the country. Young athletes can take certain steps to prepare for the upcoming season.
Most sports programs will not enroll participants without a recent sports physical. Physicals typically must be updated every year. Students and parents should check the date on athletes’ most recent physical examination and be sure that they schedule one prior to the start of the season. Remember to bring along any athletic forms that will need to be filled out and officially signed by health care professionals.
Create a portal account
Schools now rely primarily on technology to organize the acquisition of health records and other pertinent information so that students can participate in play. Services like Student Central and GoToMySportsPhysical enable schools to aggregate forms and sports clearance information in one place. Usage of these systems typically requires setting up both parent and student accounts and then populating the information and digitally signing as needed. In addition to uploading sports physical forms, the portal may ask users to sign waivers and to confirm that they have read information regarding injury risk.
Student athletes should confirm which gear they may need for the upcoming season. Check last season’s gear to ensure it still fits and remains in good working order.
Some athletes continue with their training regimens all year long. Others may take breaks between seasons. It may be necessary to create a new exercise plan so athletes can start acclimating their bodies to the demands of the sport.
Some schools require a concussion baseline test prior to sports participation. It is a specific questionnaire for each player that will create baseline data regarding processing speed, symptoms, pain levels, balance, and physical abilities, according to CognitiveFx. Should a sports injury occur, the test will be repeated and the results can be compared to assess depth of injury.
The new scholastic season may be beginning shortly and student athletes need to take certain steps to ensure they’re eligible and able to play when practices start.
Pictured right to left: Robert Misseri, Co-founder, Paws of War; Greg Ackerman, Director of Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Matt Schettino, SVP Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Laura Racioppi, VP Corporate & Community Partnerships, Suffolk Credit Union; Miranda Cagliano, Marketing & Events Assistant, Suffolk Credit Union; Gail Holt, Director of Veteran Advocacy, Paws of War; and Ray Meyer, Volunteer & Veteran Advocate, Paws of War.
Suffolk Credit Union delivered more than 250 member-donated items to Paws of War headquarters in Nesconset. The donation to the facility, including dog and cat food, blankets, bowls, cleaning supplies and treats, will go towards the care of Paws of War’s rescue and service animals. Paws of War provides veterans, active military members and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals and the rescue of overseas animals in war zones. Suffolk Credit Union (www.suffolkcu. org) is a local not-for-profit cooperative financial institution with 10 branches, owned and operated by its members
Social Security Administration recently announced that customers who created an online account (e.g., my Social Security account) before September 18, 2021, will soon be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue access to their online services. Over five million of these account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov The agency is making the changes to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services.
“ my Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies.”
Account holders are encouraged to sign-in now. When the user logs in, they will be presented with an option to easily transition to Login.gov. Once their account is successfully linked, a confirmation screen will appear, and they will have immediate access to their personal my Social Security services or other service that they were attempting to access.
Existing Login.gov or ID.me account holders do NOT need to create a new account or take any action.
my Social Security accounts are free, secure, and provide personalized tools for everyone, whether receiving benefits or not. People can use their account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits they already receive. For more information visit Create an Account | my Social Security | SSA
For more information about Login.gov, including their 24/7 customer phone and chat support, visit Help | Login.gov
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Afour-year college degree is not necessarily the next step for students after they graduate from high school. The rising cost of college tuition has revitalized interest in career and technical education (CTE).
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment at community colleges rose 2.6 percent in 2023 compared with a year earlier, enhanced by a 16 percent surge at schools with a focus on CTE. Similarly, a survey by Edge Research commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found on-the-job training seems to be more valuable to both high school students and non-enrolled graduates than a four-year degree, with 83 percent of the former stating it is excellent or good in value, compared to 80 percent for college. Favor for CTE schools is up 63 percent from the previous year.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges says CTE has evolved from a traditional vocational school model to one that offers academics and skills for higher education and careers in skilled trades, technology and applied sciences. Demand for this type of education continues to grow, with various state superintendents and directors of CTE programs indicating they can only accommodate a fraction of the applicants they get for CTE programs.
“Since 2004, Vermont has seen a decrease in its overall student population, however we have had an increase in CTE students in that same period,” says Jay
Ramsey, Vermont State Director for Career and Technical Education.
While a traditional four-year university might be the right path for some individuals, CTE has proven ideal for many others. New York City schools Chancellor David Banks has said it’s a sentiment being shared across the nation, that there is another way and another track for students to be successful. CTE may help students get more excited about school and view themselves in careers they may not otherwise be exposed to.
The National Center for Education Statistics puts the average annual tuition for a four-year degree at a private institution in the United States at roughly $35,000 (and public at approximately $10,000. Room and board costs also must be considered, and those can increase the overall cost by a significant amount. The average tuition for a trade school can be around $17,600 a year, but rates vary based on the trade. Most of the CTE schools do not require students to reside on campus, which helps to save money.
Exploring the Career and Technical Education route can be highly satisfying and financially rewarding. Careers are diverse, and students can find a track that enables them to start training and working by investing less than they would if they were to attend a traditional college.
Interest in career and technical education (CTE) programs continues to grow as students look for alternatives to the high tuition costs and rising student loan debt associated with four-year degree programs. CTE certifications and degrees typically do not cost as much as four-year degrees, but still provide students with a valuable education in fields that are in high demand. In fact, certain trades are among the highestpaid occupations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, here is the average salary expected and grow rate of these five high-paying trade jobs expected from 2022 to 2032.
1. Ultrasonographer: $131,161 per year; 10 percent job growth rate
2. Respiratory therapist: $104,437 per year; 13 percent job growth rate
3. Dental hygienist: $99,013 per year; 7 percent job growth rate
4. Construction manager: $88,319 per year; 5 percent job growth rate
5. Aircraft mechanic: $82,476 per year; 4 percent job growth rate
the messengers for their friends and family members, enabling everyone to enjoy the fun of summer and avoid tragedies,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Carissa’s poster stood out for its clarity and creativity, and I thank her for sharing her talents which I know
Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) recently stopped by Signal Hill Elementary School in the Half Hollow Hills School District to honor first grader Carissa Huang as his District winner of this year’s “Be Pool Smart” poster contest. Established in 2007, the annual competition invites elementary school students to promote the importance of pool safety and prevent accidental drownings by creating a poster that illustrates one or more safety tips. Each year, one poster is selected from all of those submitted to be used as part of a countywide message from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in its seasonal safety campaign. Entries were submitted by students from throughout Legislator Donnelly’s district with Carissa’s being chosen as the local winner. In a special presentation on June 14 in front of her Dix Hills classmates, she received a County Proclamation from Legislator Donnelly. Joining them were her parents, Jie Xia and Shiwei Huang, her teacher Mrs. Lebowitz, Principal Dr. Maryann Fasciana and Half Hollow Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Harrigan.
“The ‘Be Pool Smart’ poster contest is a great opportunity to remind our youth about the important and critical role each of us plays in keeping safe in, on or around water. They not only learn themselves about ways to ensure safety, they also become
Successin school can carry over to successful experiences later in life. That underscores the benefits of developing skills in the classroom. Students learn in their own way, and sometimes they may need to overcome various obstacles.
The job of education only partially falls on educators and administrators. Education begins at home. Research has found that kids benefit significantly when parents and other caregivers are strongly involved in a child’s education. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community found that parental involvement in a child’s education is associated with improved academic performance. Specifically, children whose parents are more involved in their educations have higher levels of academic performance than children whose parents were not as involved.
A 2005 study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center of School, Family, and Community Partnerships showed that school practices that encourage families to support their students’ math learning at home led to higher percentages of students scoring at or above proficiency on standardized math tests. Additional research indicates the benefits also extend to other subjects and areas of learning, including language comprehension and expressive language skills.
With so much to gain from parental involvement in students’ educations, parents can embrace these strategies to get more involved.
• Develop a partnership with the teacher. Open communication with the teacher(s) can help parents stay up-to-date on what is going on in the classroom and learn early on where a student may need extra support. Then parents can offer extra guidance if it is feasible or look into an experienced tutor.
• Be firm but supportive. Too much academic pressure may cause a child to pull back or even test boundaries, and that can lead to students falling behind in school. Parents must find the right level of involvement and guide their kids without sounding like good grades are “make or break” the relationship.
• Attend school functions. Parents can go to open houses, back-to-school nights, conferences, and other events held at school to show support and interest in their children’s education. Involved parents also build school-based networks this way, which can be called upon if their student needs additional support in the future.
• Establish a schedule at home. Students can benefit from a schedule, with regular bedtime, homework time, and opportunities to relax. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it can take some of the stress out of learning and studying, according to Nemours health.
Parents working in concert with schools and their children can lead to better academic outcomes.
Parentswho want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
Long Island is home to many destinations that the entire family can enjoy. You can find an array of attractions including water-sport activities, animal encounters, museum exhibits, world-renowned beaches and unique entertainment, along with many others. Being together with loved ones and creating lasting memories is priceless, so where will you head for your next family adventure? Here's a few places we suggest you head to!
Head to the world-famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the very tip of eastern Long Island. This lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, is one of the best-known and most-beloved icons of Long Island. It was the first lighthouse to be built in New York, and is the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in our country. In 2012 it was named a National Historic Landmark, one of only 12 lighthouses to be so honored.
The Harbes Family has been farming for over 13 generations and their farms have evolved into North Fork destinations where families can enjoy anything from fresh-picked corn to award-winning wines. Last month marked the 35th anniversary of the founding of Harbes Family Farm, located in Mattituck. Now through October, you can visit to enjoy a musical hayride tour, pig races, kid’s activities, wine tasting and much more! Visit their website for other offerings.
Old Westbury Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They welcome visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, children’s programs and events, family programs, museum exhibitions and much more. Spend the day with your loved ones at this special place! Visit their website for a calendar of events and much more.
Vacation at home year-round, less than 300 feet to “Sound Shore Bluff’s Property Owners private Beach Assoc.”, ($150.annual dues) Ranch style home. Living room with Fireplace opens to Dining room & young Kitchen. The Family Room with W/Fpl. and Glass sliders to the pool, Paver Patio and flower garden. $885,000 Contact Adele Rosenberg
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Sought after Ranch Style Home in the Nassau Shores section, located minutes away from the beach and steps away from the Peninsula Golf Course. Formal dining room, living room and family room. This home boasts 3 bedrooms and a lovely full bathroom $678,000 Contact Adele Rosenberg and Lynn Witz
Nestled in the sought-after Candy section, this expanded Hi-Ranch boasts four spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms, all set on a shy half-acre property. Updated electrical systems, windows, roof, siding, bathrooms, heating, and central air conditioning.. $1,175,000 Contact Lynn Witz
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Gettingchildren to try new foods is not always easy. Kids have a tendency to be picky when it comes to the foods they eat, and many youngsters are reluctant to try all but the most familiar foods. Getting kids to embrace a variety of foods may take time, but such a noble effort can produce successful results. Dining on different foods helps to develop the palate and also ensures that children are being exposed to an array of nutrients and vitamins that are essential for growing bodies.
One way to help children be more receptive to new foods is to involve them when choosing the menu and preparing meals. A youngster who went shopping, picked out foods and assisted in the kitchen may be more eager to try the final product than one who has not.
Mexican-inspired dishes may be one way to put new foods on the dinner table. “Cheddar Beef Enchiladas” from “Casseroles, Slow Cooker & Soups” by Taste of Home editors (RDA Enthusiast Brands) features familiar ingredients combined with some more exotic flavors. Enchiladas can appeal to picky eaters.
Yield: 2 casseroles (5 to 6 enchiladas each)
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 cup water
2 cups cooked rice
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
10 to 12 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer, pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated. Spread about 2 tablespoons of refried beans, 1⁄4 cup of the beef mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese down the center of each tortilla; roll up. Place seam-side down in two greased 13x9x2-inch baking dishes.
Combine salsa and soup; pour down the center of the enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake one casserole, uncovered, at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Cover and freeze remaining casserole for up to 3 months.
To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Spendingtime with their families benefits children in myriad ways. Such quality time can strengthen bonds between parents and children, and one study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that frequent family dinners make children less likely to use tobacco, consume alcohol and use marijuana.
Volunteering is a great way for families to spend time together. Children of various ages can reap the rewards of volunteering, and those rewards may be even more significant when kids give back alongside their parents. Children's ages and maturity levels should always be considered when looking for a volunteering opportunity. The following are some family-friendly options parents can consider as they look to volunteer with their children.
• Food drive: Participating in a food drive is a great way for families to give back together. Kids of all ages can pitch in on a food drive. Parents can take children to the grocery store and let them pick items to donate. Kids also can accompany their parents to pick up donated items and drop them off at the local food bank.
• Toy drive: Toy drives are popular come the holiday season, and children of all ages may enjoy picking items that they know will help to make the holiday season special for other youngsters. If toy drive organizers don't request specific items, ask kids which toys they would recommend or encourage kids to donate lightly used items they no longer use. Children are enthusiastic givers, and toy drives are a great opportunity to illustrate how good it feels to help those in need.
• Park/beach cleanups: Human beings are stewards of the environment, so what better way to instill that lesson in children than to volunteer to clean up local parks and beaches? Kids will look forward to a day in the great outdoors, and they'll take pride in knowing they did their part alongside their parents to make their favorite green spaces and beaches cleaner for their communities.
• Soup kitchens: Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, cited a recent study that found 67 percent of food banks were in need of volunteers. Many volunteers, a significant percentage of which are seniors, stopped volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic out of fear of catching the virus. Volunteering at food banks can teach children valuable lessons about the importance of giving back, and many food banks have altered their operations to make it safe for all volunteers to lend a helping hand.
Startingschool for the first time or simply returning to campus after another summer break can lead to mixed feelings. Kids may be excited to see their friends every day, but that comes at the price of the end of lazy summer days.
The first day of school is on the horizon, and parents may discover their children seem a bit despondent that vacation is coming to a close. Such feelings may stem from more than the end of summer vacation. Some students may be nervous about going to school. New faces, new experiences and new teachers can lead to a little anxiety. Here are some ways to tame the nerves.
• Do a trial run. Before school starts, do a test run to the dropoff location, bus stop or pick up whomever will be carpooling together. Getting into that routine can help reduce nervousness.
• Participate in meet-and-greets. Some schools offer certain events designed to introduce students even before classes begin. Schools may host ice cream socials or picnic lunches on school grounds, particularly for younger grades. These events give children an opportunity to get to know their classmates before the first school bell rings.
• Take a school tour. If a student is about to start in a new school or will be attending school for the first time, families will want to see if they can get tours of the school and facilities. Just one glance inside can be enough to familiarize students with the lay of the land, which might make things less scary on the first day.
• Check the class list. Some schools do not provide a list of all students in particular classes, but increasingly those that rely on programs like Google Classroom or Canvas may enable students to see who will be in their class. Children also can use social apps like Instagram and Snapchat to locate schoolassociated groups to find other students. Parents and their children can brainstorm how to deal with other students who may have been difficult in the past, while also perusing lists for friendly faces.
• Practice conversation skills. Many modern kids have their eyes locked on devices. They may be a little rusty with ice breakers and initiating conversation. Role playing at home can give kids some ideas of how to forge new relationships in the classroom.
• Recognize and take concerns seriously. Parents and other caregivers can be receptive to conversation with children regarding their concerns about starting school. Talking about feelings can help kids tame their nervousness, especially when adults take them seriously.
Children may be nervous about starting school. Parents, caregivers and teachers can work together to help students overcome these jitters quickly.
Musiccourses can have a profound impact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that high school students who take music courses score significantly better on exams in subjects like math and science than their nonmusical peers. The improved academic performance was more pronounced among students who learned to play an instrument rather than vocal music. The researchers behind the study examined the records of more than 112,000 students in British Columbia. Among the students whose records were studied, 13 percent had participated in at least one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that, on average, children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years and ultimately played in a high school band or orchestra were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in regard to their English, mathematics and science skills.
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LaborDay weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekended preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2023, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many
people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer.
Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
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