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.
TheStony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) 2024 Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.
The Lantern Award showcases our emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, Emergency Departments are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to patient care, as well as the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a visible symbol of its commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
“I am proud of our team of nurses who play a central role in delivering Stony Brook University Hospital’s high-quality care,” said Carolyn Santora, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief of Regulatory Affairs at Stony Brook University Hospital.
“The patients that receive treatment at our hospital can expect to experience the highest level of nursing care delivered by the exceptional group of nurses that walk our halls.”
As a recipient, SBUH will be recognized in upcoming ENA
publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2024, the association’s annual conference in Las Vegas, September 4-7.
For more information on this year’s Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.
About Stony Brook University Hospital:
Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) is Long Island’s premier academic health center. With 624 beds, SBUH serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center, and is home to the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute. SBUH also encompasses Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, state-designated AIDS Center, state-designated Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, state-designated Burn Center, the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, and Kidney Transplant Center. It is home of the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh.
About the Emergency Nurses Association:
The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
• Bluey Family Fun (Families with children up to Grade 2)Friday, August 16, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Drop by for Blueythemed crafts, games, & activities.
• Game Time! (Ages 3 - 12 years with parent/caregiver)Saturday, August 24, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Stop in for free play with board games. Jenga, The Keepy Uppy Game, Checkers, Chicken vs. Hot Dog, and more!
• Perler Palooza! (Grades K - 6 with parent/caregiver. Grades K - 2 will most likely require assistance) - Tuesday, August 27, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Children are welcome to make a Perler bead creation of their choice. Whether they’d like to work from a template or use their imagination, each child will leave with their own work of art! Most projects will take between 40-60 minutes.
• Crafternoon for Kids (Ages 3 - 12 years with parent/ caregiver) - Saturday, September 14, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Make a masterpiece out of recycled materials.
• Health Insurance Assistance table in the Library LobbyTuesday, September 17, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. - A certified Health Care Navigator from Health & Welfare Council of Long Island will be available to help you apply/or renew your health insurance plans through NYS of Health Marketplace such as Medicaid, Essential Plans, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans.
• Volunteer Fair in the Library - Wednesday, September 25, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Meet and speak with representatives from local organizations that are seeking volunteers. Both adults and teens are welcome.
• E-Waste and Metal Recycling in the Library parking lotSaturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Do you have old electronics and metal cluttering up your house or workspace, collecting dust or taking up space? Are they unwanted or outdated? Arrow Scrap Metal and E-Waste Recycling, a NY State Registered Electronic Waste Recycling Facility, can help. Bring your old computers, cell phones, laptops, servers, wire & cable, scrap metal, circuit boards, batteries, printers, hard drives & storage devices, power tools, small appliances, small electronics, keyboards/ mice, stereos, flat screen computer monitors, flat screen TVs, cameras and more! Bring your hard-drives and old cell phones to the event and have them shredded on-site! If possible, please remove the hard drive from your computer before arriving at the event. Not accepted: CRT (Tube) Televisions and CRT (Tube) computer monitors, bulbs, paper, general garbage, liquids, paints, containers containing gases, medical waste, tires, glass or wood. Please do not line up early, as it blocks traffic into and out of the Library.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
120 Main Street, Setauket 631.941.4080
Culper Spy Day is a highlight for history enthusiasts, drawing the community together to celebrate our Revolutionary War heritage. The Three Village area, steeped in hidden intrigue, played a crucial role in our nation's fight for independence.The 10th Annual Culper Spy Day will be on Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and various organizations throughout the Three Village will be holding events. The library will have:
• Live music on the lawn from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - "Tunes of the Revolution'' - Balladeers Linda Russell and Margery Cohen will present ballads, broadsides, marches and dance tunes of the 18th Century accompanied by hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, penny whistle and limberjack.
• An informational table.
• Spy or American Revolution-themed Children's Crafts. 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.
• A thematic display in the Library lobby.
EmmaS. Clark Memorial Library unveiled its new café last year. Owned and operated by Three Village native and chef Chelsea Gomez, Level Up Kitchen Library Café promises fresh coffee and healthy, handcrafted fare that meets a variety of dietary needs. The menu includes nut-free, glutenfree, vegetarian, and vegan items, avoiding cross contamination with allergens. Moreover, Ms. Gomez places importance on sustainability, working with local farms and purveyors where possible to stimulate the local economy and provide the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Ms. Gomez possesses extensive knowledge of food safety, and all of her employees are Suffolk County Department of Health-certified food managers. Stop by today and try a delicious treat! Visit emmaclark.org/cafe for hours and menu.
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
Students have 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.
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.
time 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.
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
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.
Scholastic sports can teach student-athletes valuable lessons they take with them for a lifetime, all the while engaging them in the thrill of competition. High school studentathletes may aspire to continue their playing careers in college, but data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicates only a small fraction of young people will get that chance. The NCAA reports that roughly eight million students currently participate in high school sports in the United States, while less than half a million athletes compete at the collegiate level. Football is among the most popular sports at both the high school and college level. Though more than one million student-athletes compete in high school football, data from a recent NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report indicates that just a little more than 73,000 played college football during that school year.
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health. The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
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.
