1A Front Volume 142 No. 34
Friday, July 29, 2016
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Tonica PTC: Let’s work together Parent-Teacher Committee reaches out to teachers, administrators By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — As the Tonica Parent-Teacher Committee reaches out to talk about its operations, it strives to forge, once again, a connection with the school’s leadership. Sarah Patyk, president of the Tonica Grade School Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC), spoke at the school board meeting on Wednesday, July 20, about the organization. “First off, we are all volunteers, and our
No. 1 goal is to provide the students here at Tonica with programs and technology to further their education,” she said. Patyk said the organization has begun a new facet of its operations this year, which should help facilitate communication and understanding between the committee and community. “We sent home a newsletter, and also posted one on the bulletin board outside the school offices,” she said. “We feel that this newsletter is a great way to keep par-
ents informed about the PTC and upcoming events.” One grievance she noted from recent times is that, while the administration used to attend PTC meetings and be involved, it recently has not done so. There is less connection between the PTC and the school, and Patyk would like to see that change. “This year, we would really like to have both staff and administration involvement with the PTC,” she said. She ended her talk on a positive note,
pointing toward the good that could be accomplished if everyone works together. “Let’s make the 2016-2017 school year a positive one and see what great things we can accomplish when we all work together as a team.” The new interim Superintendent, Jim Whitmore, voted in earlier during the meeting, voiced his desire as well for the connection to resume between the committee and school. He said he would attend their meetings.
Finances OK at Lostant Grade School
4-H FAIR FUN
Board hears report on village’s high schools’ students By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
• Don’t attempt to block the sun entirely: About 20 minutes a day of sunlight is good for people, giving them an adequate amount of Vitamin D.
LOSTANT — Lostant school’s financial situation looks to be in good condition. At the Lostant School Board meeting Wednesday, July 20, the board discussed the district’s financial status, and while nothing is officially set in stone until the official audit is conducted in August, the situation looks hopeful overall. The only fund over on expenses was transportation, and that was because of unexpected costs brought about by two students, who needed to be bused to different schools. Despite this fund going over, the Lostant School District appears to be in good condition. “Overall, we ended under budget,” Lostant Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. The board is even more hopeful for the school’s financial status going forward, since the state passed a budget to include finances for kindergarten through eighth grade schooling.
Sunburn Page 2A
Finances Page 2A
Tonica News photo/Shannon Serpette
Salina Breckenridge of the Lostant Leaders 4-H Club waits for the judge to look over her poultry entry in the Marshall-Putnam 4-H Fair on Tuesday, July 19. The 4-H Fair, which was held at the fairgrounds in Henry, concluded Thursday, July 21.
Keep the cooking in the kitchen Some strategies to avoid sunburn this summer By Shannon Serpette news@tonicanews.com
It’s the time of the year for flip flops, shorts, tank tops and long summer days spent on a number of outdoor activities. But those bright sunny days conceal a dark side. All that exposed skin, especially if unprotected, can increase a person’s odds of Vol. 142 No. 34 Two Sections - 16 Pages
© The Tonica News
getting skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed, with 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers found each year. In 2016, an approximate 76,380 people will hear the dreaded words — that they have the most feared and deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma. While a large number of skin cancer patients are older, an increasing number are not. Melanoma is now one of the most
Skin cancer risk factors Risk factors for skin cancer include: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight and tanning beds. Pale skin. Family history of skin cancers. Multiple or unusual-looking moles. A history of severe sunburns. Older age (although melanomas are also found in younger people).
Source: American Cancer Society
common cancers for youth ages 15 to 29. But with a little planning and common sense, people can reduce their skin cancer risk while still enjoying the long, hot summer season:
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