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!
At the July 15th Board of Education meeting, Board of Education members Marc A. Negrin, Jennifer A. Krieger, and Bernadette M. Smith were sworn in to begin their terms. Mr. Negrin and Diana Andrade were sworn in once more to continue their roles as President and Vice President, respectively, and Dr. Donna Jones completed the annual swearing in of the Superintendent. In addition, the Board’s new Ex-Officio Student Member, Ella McCann, was sworn in and began her service to the community in this new role.
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.
Know the route or plan for school transportation
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.
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.
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
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 drop-off 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.
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.
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.
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a
way for individuals to improve their own overall
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.
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.
Scholasticsports 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.
Manyvariables affect students’ academic performance. These include a willingness to learn, students’ attentiveness, having a great teacher, and kids’ commitment to studying and doing homework. One component of academic performance can be easily overlooked: eyesight.
The M.M. Joshi Eye Institute in India says vision problems in children can affect studies and restrict students’ academic development. Academic performance is directly linked to the ability to see clearly, as vision affects reading, writing, comprehension, and classroom participation. Clarendon Vision Development Center of Illinois advises that a substantial part of a child’s education is acquired through visual processing. When that vision is impaired, it can hinder the ability to learn and absorb information effectively.
Impaired eyesight may cause students to struggle and fall behind. This ultimately can lead to a lack of engagement in classwork and ultimately make them consider giving up, particularly when a student is unaware that it is eyesight and not another factor affecting their ability to learn. Furthermore, poor grades may cause parents to mistakenly conclude a child has a learning disability or is slacking off.
The relationship between eyesight and education underscores the significance of routine eye exams. Intervention can help prevent poor academic performance. Infants often get their first comprehensive eye exams around zero to six months of age. By age three, children should have a second eye exam, says Medical Optometry America. Around age five or six, children should receive a third comprehensive eye exam, just before entering school.
TheSocial 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
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.
