Back to School Special Section

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

5 Ways to Pack a 'Green' School Lunch Many parents of schoolaged children are interested in packing a healthy and environmentally friendly lunch for their children each day.

However, they may have questions regarding how to do just that.

This is the season for school lunches, as thousands of students will be heading back to the classroom ... and lunchroom. For those who will be bringing a lunch from home, there are ways to make it healthy for the body and the planet.

1. Choose foods the child will eat. Nothing is more wasteful than a lunch that ends up in the trash rather than the stomach. Instead of experimenting with foods that one would hope a child will eat, select healthy items that have a past track record for success.

2. Skip the brown bags.

Certain children may relish

the idea of bringing in a character-themed lunch box.

Older children may scoff at the idea. But the fact is that disposable paper lunch bags are wasteful and reusable lunch carriers are much more eco-friendly. Today there are lunch bags that are subdued in color and style and are often insulated to keep food at the right temperature.

3. Select organic foods.

Whether the child is bringing in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a pizza on a pita, choose foods that are organically grown or local.

Supermarkets now stock the shelves with plenty of organic options that are free from pesticides and harmful growing practices. These foods are healthier and more sustainable.

store it in the pantry. This saves on packaging and extra trips to the store, both of which are wasteful.

5. Use reusable containers.

Rather than packing a sandwich in a plastic baggie or a piece of plastic wrap, select a series of sandwich holders, containers and the like that can transport the lunch contents to and from school. Sure they'll have to be washed each night, but children won't be contributing to extra waste.

4. Buy favorite foods in bulk. If the child loves cereal treats or whole-grain granola bars, buy the big box and

Backpack Safety Goes Beyond Back Pain

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When it comes to backpack safety, most people tend to think about injuries caused by a heavy backpack or one worn improperly. However, there are other dangers associated with backpacks and caution should be used.

Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and can be a handy tool for students or adults. When worn correctly, with weight evenly distrubuted across the back and shoulders, backpacks can be safer and more effective than using a purse or briefcase. But many people wear overly loaded backpacks slung over one shoulder, which can pose problems with posture and lead to back issues.

In addition to the physical strain backpacks can cause, they can be a danger in other ways. Many people fail to recognize how much space a backpack can take up.

Entering the tight quarters of a school bus or commuting on a train or bus means a bulky backpack can knock into other people. If that backpack is full of heavy, cumbersome books or even a laptop computer, an inadvertent bump by the pack can cause injuries.

Also, backpacks taken off and placed in bus aisles can be a tripping hazard.

Students also can be injured if a heavy pack falls on them. Children tucking backpacks into lockers or classroom cubbies may find that they slide out and hit another classmate.

Backpacks change the way individuals walk.

Because the person is carrying around extra weight, he or she

may lose balance or trip and fall, especially when going down steps.

To avoid these secondary hazards from backpacks, consider these tips.

• Don't overload a backpack.

Carry only what is necessary.

If too many books are the issue, parents should talk to the school administrators and teachers to reach a happy medium regarding textbook usage.

• When on the bus, safely store the backpack on a lap or under the seat. Be sure straps or the pack itself is not extending into the aisle.

• Avoid rolling backpacks, which can be difficult to roll.

Some schools ban these styles because of tripping hazards.

• Recognize how much space the backpack takes up when worn. Be conscious of others when turning around or entering a confined space.

• Hold on to stair rails and do not run with a heavy backpack to help avoid slips and falls.

• Choose a lightweight backpack. Canvas backpacks are generally lighter in weight than leather backpacks. Do not add extra weight unnecessarily.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

Be Smart: Stay School-Bus Safe Mirrors, lights, braking systems and the like are regulated to provide the utmost safety to passengers.

While catastrophic accidents involving school buses are very rare, buses are built to handle much more than the occasional run-ins with passenger cars and light trucks.

Maintaining school bus safety is a team effort.

Students need to do their part while riding the bus. Here are the safety precautions that should be followed.

• Walk to the bus stop, don't run.

• Always use caution when crossing roadways.

• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If no sidewalk is present, walk in the opposite direction of traffic to be aware of on-coming traffic.

• Don't fool around at the bus stop. Accidents can happen when individuals are unaware of their surroundings or distracted.

three steps away from the bus so that visibility of the driver is improved.

• Watch for traffic when crossing the street. Always cross in front of the bus.

• If something is forgotten on the bus, don't try to run back and retrieve it. The driver may not expect a student to be returning to the bus.

Barbara Pawlak, Artistic Director

come to a complete stop and for other traffic to halt before approaching the bus.

• Promptly take a seat, and remain seated throughout the entire ride. If there are safety belts present, use them.

• Do not distract the bus driver with loud yelling, music, etc.

• Don't throw anything around the bus.

• Keep the aisle clear to avoid tripping hazards.

• Follow the driver's instructions in the event of an emergency.

• Remain seated until the bus has stopped at a particular drop-off location.

• When exiting the bus, take

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School buses are essential modes of transportation, taking thousands of students to and from school every day.

While school bus accidents are rare, riders should still practice safety aboard and around the bus.

In the early days of education, students were educated in local schools within walking distance. If they needed to travel, it was by horse-drawn wagon. As the nation's roadways began to evolve, so did the methods of getting children to school.

Eventually school buses became the norm.

In an effort to prevent injuries, representatives from 48 states met in 1939 to establish safety standards for school buses. Since then, several meetings, known as the National Conferences on School Transportation, have taken place to modify safety procedures and standards.

In addition to safety procedures regarding ridership, school buses are built with certain standards in mind.

• Stand at the bus stop in a safe location. Do not enter the street.

• Arrive at the bus stop early so there is no need to rush and be distracted.

• Wait for the school bus to

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

Shop Smart for School Supplies There are many tips out there for back-to-school shopping, but some of the smartest advice is to get organized, make a list, and stock up on the sales/bargains you can find.

Parents may find that school supplies are becoming more expensive, and that a wider array of items are requested each and every year. It’s not uncommon to see tissues, antimicrobial soap, and snacks placed on

school supply lists. That’s because many teachers’ budgets for school supplies are being cut, and parents must make up the difference.

In a recent Back-toSchool Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, families with school-aged children were expected to spend about $450 on school supplies each year.

To avoid breaking the bank on school supply shopping, consider the following ideas.

202 North Plains Industrial Rd., Wallingford, Ct.

Recycle and reuse: After each school year, sort through students’ supplies and weed out the ones that still have some utility and put them in a safe place. Not only will this save money, it’ll be just another way for your family to go green. Supplies re-used are supplies that don’t end up in the trash... or in landfills.

Begin shopping early: Don’t wait until the week before the school year starts to go shopping, because prices may be higher at this time. By starting early you can shop the

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Patricia's School of Dance

Separate wants from needs: Most school supplies do not go out of style, provided you buy book covers, notebooks and folders that do not play into the latest cartoon or movie craze. Buying generically styled supplies is often less expensive and will help ensure that you won’t have to purchase all new supplies the next time the latest blockbuster movie comes out.

Think usefulness in supplies rather than fancy and fun.

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sales and keep an eye out for bargains. And don’t limit yourself to one store. Check out office supply centers, warehouse clubs, department stores, and pharmacies to find the sales that are easiest on your budget.

Buy in bulk: It is often cheaper to buy in bulk, so think about doing so for the supplies you know your child will use up quickly, such as pens and pencils, paper, and paper clips. Think about getting together with other parents and negotiating with stores for a less expensive price if you buy in bulk. Set up a storage cabinet or supply cabinet in your home, like a business office would have, that can house the supplies.

Send kids to school with only a few items at a time so they’re not lost or traded.

Shop best price for the value: You want supplies to last, so purchasing cheaply made items when quality counts could cost more in the long run. You may want to spend a bit more when shopping for electronics, such as scientific calculators.

Definitely comparison shop if you’re thinking of purchasing your son or daughter a personal computer for school use.

Talk to the teachers: See if your child’s school can implement a policy to send home school supply lists at the end of the school year so parents can get a head start on purchases over the summer.

Some tech-savvy teachers have their own Web pages where they list supplies, reading lists and homework assignments. So be sure to check that before heading to the store.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

• Don't be trendy. Clothing styles and trends change almost as often as the seasons themselves. When shopping an end of summer sidewalk sale, avoid indulging in this season's trends because there's a very small chance those trends will still be popular come next season. When shopping, stick to more basic items like solid color T-shirts or tops or standard fare like flip flops.

• Go with what's known.

Sidewalk sales typically offer heavily discounted merchandise, so shoppers should go with what they know, especially when shopping for kids.

The sales are only good if kids end up wearing the items, so shop at stores kids like and are familiar with to make the most of sidewalk sales. The same principle also goes for adults. It's not a true bargain unless the items are eventually worn, so stick to familiar stores.

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Infants and Toddlers (ages 3 weeks to 36 months) Preschool (ages 3 to 5) • Accredited Half Day and Full Day options • Food Program Before and After Kindergarten (located at South Meriden YMCA) • Bus transportation to/ from Meriden elementary schools Before and After School (Grades 1-5) • Hanover, John Barry, Ben Franklin, and Casimir Pulaski students will attend program at Ben • Franklin School. Bus transportation provided.

• Thomas Hooker, Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale, and Roger Sherman students will attend program at Roger Sherman. Bus transportation provided.

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ry Nurse l Schoo

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• Take inventory. Sidewalk sales are often a store's way of reducing inventory before they shift to the new season.

But stores should not be the only ones with an eye on inventory. Shoppers should take inventory as well, looking over what they truly need before hitting the sales. This helps reduce the risk of purchasing products that aren't really needed. For example, if kids already have four swimsuits, there's no reason to buy another just because swimsuits are on sale.

• Size things up. Parents shopping the sidewalk sales for their kids should look ahead to next season and try to predict how much their kids will grow between now and then. Shorts and dresses tend to be more lenient in size, as dresses can be worn long, short or medium and shorts like swim trunks tend to have adjustable waists. But if shopping for shirts and other items that are more form-fitting, try to predict just which size kids will be by the time next summer arrives.

1+1=2

1961⁄2 Gravel Street Meriden (203) 630-0609

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The end of summer is often not a reason to celebrate. Kids dread the end of days off and the return to school, while adults bemoan the loss of summer hours at the office.

One thing to look forward to at the end of summer, however, is the sidewalk sale.

Before the sun sets on summer, many stores take to the sidewalks outside their storefront to sell heavily discounted merchandise. Savvy shoppers can make the most of sidewalk sales and get one last hurrah out of summer before it's gone forever.

and e r o f e B School After are C

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Make the Most of End of Summer Sidewalk Sales

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Care 4 Kids Funding is accepted for all Meriden YMCA Child Care Programs.

Call 203-235-6386 or visit www.meridenymca.org for more information.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Best in Child Care

Saint Andrew’s Preschool Established 1972 20 Catlin Street, Meriden

• Programs for 3, 4 & 5 year olds • 2, 3 or 5 day plans available 1168086

M/W/F 9:00 am to 1:00 pm T/Th 9:00 am to 11:30 am

111 Church Drive Cheshire, CT 06410

A 1, 2 or 3 year program promoting social, emotional and academic development to prepare for Kindergarten

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for more information!!

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1052 So. Colony Rd.

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• Ages 2-5 Accepted • Offering: Morning & Afternoon Academic Nursery Programs • Extended Day Academic Programs • Before & After School Programs • Owners/Teachers - Susan Baker & Colleen Del Sole • Over 20 Years Teaching Experience

104 ELM STREET WATCH FACTORY SHOPPES CHESHIRE, CT (203) 271-1147

Childcare & Learning Center

Serving children six weeks through 12 years old.

Learning Center MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT 06450

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♥ Home-Like Setting 6 months-6 years of age ♥ Nurturing Infant/Toddler Program ♥ Specializing in “Hands-On” Learning ♥ Enrichment Programs include: Creative Art, Music, Physical Education, Computers, Spanish & Bookmobile ♥ Special Monthly Events and Numerous In-House and Off-Site Field Trips ♥ Full Day Preschool, Nursery School & Kindergarten Classes ♥ Tri-Lingual, Friendly, Professional Teachers First Aid/CPR Certified

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558 Cromwell Ave., (Rt. 3 Exit 23 Off I-91)

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ORANGE (203) 891-0599 801 Baldwin Rd., (At Derby Ave./Rt. 34)

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA

Giggles & Grins Child Care Center, LLC 21 Cummings St., Plantsville, CT 06479 1168285

860-621-3408 Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM-5:30 PM

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First Congregational Preschool 62 Colony St., Meriden

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2, 3, 5 Day Program for 3 to 5 Year Olds Small Classes Educationally and Developmentally Appropriate Emphasis on Preschool Skills, Art, Music & Cooking, Science & Computer Programs

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Call (203)634-8886 for more information Handicap Accessible Serving All Children since 1967

State Licensed & NAEYC Accredited

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St. Paul's Kindergarten Childcare Program

Responsibility

65 North Main Street, Wallingford

203-269-1712 Enroll Now For the Fall • Transportation available Providing after-school childcare for children who attend morning kindergarten

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS CT State licensed by the Department of Public Health ◆ Homework assistance, creative enrichment activities, supervised athletic play, informal games, snack time, social opportunities, and much, much more! ◆ Theme Days, Special Events, Holiday Parties and Community Service Projects ◆ Professional, dependable, and safe care for children grades K-8. ◆ YMCA Character Values - CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY - taught in all of our programs. ◆ Site supervisors are YMCA trained, qualified educators, and certified in CPR/First Aid and Child Abuse Prevention. ◆ We follow the school year calendar and offer Camp Ulbrich Y-cation during school vacations and days off. ◆ Hours are 6:45 am to the first bell and from dismissal until 6:15 pm after school. ◆ Servicing all Wallingford elementary schools and Holy Trinity. ◆ The YMCA accepts third party payments and financial assistance is also available through the Strong Kids Campaign.

◆ Healthy Snacks ◆ KIDZLIT Literacy Program ◆ Kindergarten Child Care

◆ CATCH Nutrition Program ◆ Storm Club ◆ All Day Kindergarten

WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA a non-profit organization

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www.stpaulswallingford.org

81 South Elm St., Wallingford, CT 06492 203-269-4497 www.wallingfordymca.org

Sunday, August 1, 2010

8 Discover the KinderCare® Difference

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KinderCare® Learning Center is the largest private provider of early education care in the nation. We are proud to offer an innovative curriculum implemented by caring and dedicated teachers who are eager to work with you to provide the very best experience for your child. Visit a center near you and we’ll arrange for your child to spend a day with us, free!* NOW ENROLLING:

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CARING & SHARING TOGETHER Convenient Location - Easy Access to I-691/91

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Partnering with families, building a foundation for life.

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

Today's educators are increasingly aware of the learning disabilities common in children. One of the more widely publicized and much debated conditions is autism.

The educationl debate with respect to autism largely surrounds whether segregated autism classrooms or integrated programs are better for the child.

Autism is a developmental disorder that can begin at birth or in the first two years of life. In more severe cases, autistic children engage in puzzling behaviors that are markedly different from other children their age. They may show no interest in social situations, aversion to touch and repetitive behaviors, such as rocking or flapping their arms. Less severe cases may be classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or Asperger's Syndrome. These children may exhibit normal speech, but have deficits in social behavior.

Autism was once very rare. Today, however, autism numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism. Boys outnumber girls four to one in diagnoses.

Because autistic children are impaired in their ability to communicate and socialize, many programs exist to segregate autistic children from others and focus on specialized education, sometimes one-on-one instruction.

However, due to educational budget cuts, many autistic children are now being integrated right into the regular classroom. Whether this is better or worse for all students involved is debatable. But if autistic children are being schooled along with non-

autistic peers, certain steps teachers can implement will make the process more successful.

• Follow a rigid schedule.

Knowing what is going to happen next is often beneficial to autistic children. A chart listing a daily schedule that he or she can follow will indicate study times, lunch time, recess, and other scheduled activities. If any changes occur to the schedule, provide plenty of advanced warning.

• Use clear language and avoid idioms so there is no confusion.

• Have a quiet place the autistic child can go in moments of overstimulation or frustration.

This is a comforting place where he or she can regroup before rejoining the class.

• When addressing the entire class, it might also be necessary to address the autistic child individually. He or she may not understand that group instruction also pertains to him or herself.

• Use various means to present lessons, including pictures, words and modeling with other students to help ensure clarity.

• Enforce social rules, such as taking turns and sharing.

• Repeat instructions and check that the student understands them.

• Make sure the other students are aware of the autistic child's special needs and that teasing will not be tolerated.

• Keep in mind that obstinate behavior or anger should not be taken personally. It could simply be a sign of frustration in the child.

• Organization can help reduce anxiety and outbursts.

Make sure the autistic child sits in a distraction-free area.

Integration of autistic children into the regular classroom can be a good start toward building social skills.

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Integration of Autistic Children 37 Hall Ave., Wallingford • (203) 294-3900

MEDICAL CAREERS TRAINING PROGRAMS Certified Nurses’ Assistant (CNA) 16 week course of study - classroom & clinical • 2 evenings per week Tuition: $700.00 - Wallingford resident, $725 - non-resident

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High School Diploma Preparation Classes at the Learning Center Start Tues. Sept. 7th Classes M-Th 9-11:30 AM • T & Th 6-8 PM

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

What's the Difference Between ADHD and ADD? Hip Hop • Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Pointe No Registration Fee

PRE-SCHOOL ~ ADVANCED

Miss Reneé & Her Daughters

Celebrating Our 17th Year!

All classes personally taught by Miss Reneé 1100 Sq. Ft. Studio

60 Church St., Wallingford

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The terms ADHD and ADD are often used interchangeably. Though similar, there are some subtle differences which set these conditions apart from each other.

ADD is actually a subset of ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is the umbrella term most medical professionals use for the condition. Just as the term "autism" is used to cover a number of behaviors and symptoms because it is easier than calling each by an individual name, such is the case with ADHD. Generally, the term ADD is used when individuals do not display hyperactivity behaviors. There are some other major differences in the types of ADHD. Recognizing symptoms can help doctors

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and parents achieve a more refined diagnosis.

1. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: This is the form of the disease most commonly referred to as ADD. Symptoms include inability to sustain attention, making careless mistakes due to distractions, and avoiding tasks that require concentration.

2. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Symptoms of this particular condition include excessive talking, fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others, and being constantly in motion.

3. ADHD, Combined Type: In these cases, individuals have a combination of symptoms.

Those with the type of ADHD classified as ADD may be misunderstood and originally considered shy.

They also may experience coexisting emotional conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

They may have trouble making friends, but experience close emotional bonds with friends they do make.

On the other hand, individuals with ADHD are often diagnosed earlier because hyperactivity is easily recognizable. They may attract a lot of attention and friends, but have difficulty maintaining relationships.

Some symptoms are shared by all kinds of ADHD, including: Lack of organizational skills, easily misplacing items, difficulty in school, low self-esteem, poor social skills, and relationship problems.

Depending on symptoms, doctors and therapists will develop a plan to enable ADHD patients to better focus and be more successful in daily activities.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010

Who Are Kids Chatting With Online?

Protect Privacy by Being Informed Millions of people, including school children, use a computer, mobile phone or another digital device to participate in social networking sites. This combination has the potential to be dangerous.

The information being shared or the "friends" on the other end of the connection may lead to trouble for unsuspecting individuals.

According to ComScore

data, Facebook now commands 41 percent of all traffic on social-destination sites.

Myspace, Gmail and Twitter follow. Parents who are unaware of these modes of communication should educate themselves to protect their children. While some of these sites have age requirements, many younger children are circumventing this requirement by lying about

age -- something that is difficult to verify online. Perhaps most disturbing, some adults are masking their ages to target children.

Many kids are logging in every day to chat. According to a recent study by Pew Internet Research, 38 percent of respondents ages 12 to 14 said they had an online profile of some sort, and 42 percent said they logged in each day

to chat with friends. Because this research was compiled four years ago, it's safe to assume the percentage of students online is now much higher.

Children may not realize what is safe with regards to

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Although parents may feel out-paced by their technologically savvy children, it is important for them to be informed and involved in their children's online interactions.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL 2010 • Online continued from page 11 Here are some steps parents can take to make the process fun but safe.

• Discuss privacy.

Adolescents may think that only their friends will view their private information.

While privacy settings on social networking sites can be established, if a child befriends someone he or she thinks is safe, that person will have access to information, too. Certain information, such as social security numbers, addresses, birthdays, account numbers, etc. should never be made public on a site.

• Talk about sexual predators. No parent wants to think

about an individual preying on his or her child. But the Internet is home to many sexual predators who use social networking sites to target victims. Parents should inform their children not to accept friend requests from individuals they really don't know.

While this may seem to counter what the sites were designed to do, it's better to be safe than have a long list of friends.

• Remember that information cannot be taken back.

Inform children that once information is shared online, it has a funny way of always remaining somewhere in cyberspace. It's very difficult to delete information once it has been shared; there is a

digital record of it. Also, even if a child removes himself or herself from a social networking site, it's safe to assume that his or her information is still being stored in a database.

• Don't post any information you wouldn't want everyone to see. Social networking sites are not private places.

Language, photos and information may be seen by a larger audience. Therefore, if a child wouldn't feel comfortable swearing in front of his or her teacher, that kind of language shouldn't be used online. What's more, some social networking sites make limited profile information available to advertisers and target marketers. There are

few online days.

secrets these

• View children's pages.

It's a good idea to see what children are doing online. There are parental monitoring software programs that can limit certain Web sites or track Web surfing.

Also, a parent can simply ask to view a child's social networking page to check on friends and activity.

Social networking sites can be fun ways to stay in touch, but they're also ripe with predators looking to prey on kids.

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