2016 back to school k 12 edition

2016 MAKE THE GRADE

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

YOUR L A C O L E D I GU

Thursday, July 21, 2016 • 1C

FOR A UL F S S E C C U S EAR Y L O O H C S

+ BUDGET FOR SCHOOL + SCHOOL YEAR CHANGES

Students must find motivation to head back to class

By Vicky O. Misa

Vicky.misa@news-star.com Twitter: @Vicky_NewsStar

W

ith summer temperatures in full swing, it can be a difficult transition back into school mode for Shawnee and Tecumseh students Aug. 11, but a regular routine and stable nutrition is just what the doctor ordered.

Dr. Karen A. Rose, a pediatrician at St. Anthony Physicians in Shawnee, said it’s an important thing for children to get into a routine before school starts.

“Kids need to start now getting to bed at the same time every night as well as getting up at the same time every morning, keeping in mind that children –– even teenagers –– need 10-12 hours sleep each night,” she said.

“It’s good to limit electronics at least an hour before

bed since television and phones can hinder sleepiness,” Rose said.

Another element of smooth transition is nutrition.

Rose said breakfast should have some protein and carbohydrates.

“Toast with some peanut butter on it is a good example,” Rose said. “Kids need decent meals to have enough fuel to last through the day.”

Maria Isenhower, director of school nutrition services for Shawnee Public Schools, has been working to make meals healthy, tasty and affordable.

“We are really big on surveying the students and having lots of taste testing to make sure we aren’t wasting our money on food the kids won’t eat,” she said. “Plus, we use Made in Oklahoma products and Farm to School, a fresh fruit and vegetable program, to get local food into our schools. It makes it cheaper and we’re able to stay focused on healthier choices at the same time.

“I know what people think when they hear the term ‘school food.’ It’s not some brown box of mystery being dropped off at our back door,” she said. “Here, we get the same stuff that everyone in town buys, just in larger quantities.”

Through grants, all seven Shawnee schools have been able to offer breakfast at no charge for a while. More recently, Kindergarten through fifth grade has been able to have no-charge lunches.

“Last year we were able to add the middle school to lunches at no charge. So, parents at six of our seven schools were not charged for meals at all,” Isenhower said.

Isenhower said she also has employed a new greaseless fryer used to crisp food better, yet stay on track with healthier nutrition.

Continued on page 2

OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra

Auditions for the

Open houses…back-to-school shopping…after school practice, games, and activities…life can be hectic once the school year starts. Whether you are a teacher, parent, grandparent, or student, First National Bank has the online and mobile banking tools to make life-on-the-go more manageable. Visit FNBOkla.BANK to learn more about our online account options and download the FNBOkla mobile app.

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• Have a prepared piece (solo or etude) to demonstratate your skills • Be prepared to sight read a short musical excerpt

2016 MAKE THE GRADE

2C • Thursday, July 21, 2016

MOTIVATION From Page 1

Rose said, in her opinion, parents don’t have to worry if their picky eaters only have a short list of go-to favorites.

“If my kid likes apples, and that’s her fruit of choice, then that’s okay.

I’m not bothered by that.

As long as parents can find a balance of variety around the foods their little ones like, it’s okay,” she said. “It’s still a good idea to try new things and encourage that. Just work it in as you can.”

Rose said a helpful way to get into a routine is to have a checklist for the kids.

“Something they can see and mark off. So they can look at it,” she said.

“Communication is vital so they know what is expected of them,” she said.

Rose said families need to spend time with each other sharing about their day –– something specific, not generic.

“Parents should focus their attention on the child. Let them share,” she said. “Let them know they can come to you with anything, that they can expect your full attention in a nonjudgmental way.”

“Children need to know schedules ahead of time just like adults. It can be frustrating for them to be out of the loop.”

Rose said sometimes children may have a different person picking them up from school for a variety of reasons. Having

a code word in place as a safety tool and making sure the child is clear on who’s picking them up can relieve some anxiety for the child and make them feel more stable.

Another hurdle new –– and sometimes the most seasoned –– parents face is staying up-to-date on shots. Immunizations are required by state law for children to attend public school.

Jennifer Birchett, immunization field consultant for Hughes, Okfuskee, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties, said the health department gives several hundreds of immunizations to area children before the start of the new school year.

“The Pottawatomie County Health Department offers immunizations Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. We can also do them on Tuesdays by appointment only,” she said.

Back-to-school shopping can be a real pocket-pincher, but Oklahoma’s annual sales tax holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, and runs until midnight Sunday, Aug. 7. Items like clothing and shoes are exempt from sales tax over the weekend. Retailers are required to participate.

For more information and a listing of sales tax exempt items, visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission website at www.tax. ok.gov.

You can reach Vicky O. Misa at (405) 214-3962.

Shawnee enrollment information • Your child must be 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2016, to enroll in pre-K. Space is limited to 200 students in pre-K. Placement will start with in-district students first. After placing 20 to a class a waiting list will be started. There are two sessions of halfday pre-K each day.

• Your child must be 5 on or before Sept.

1, 2016, to enroll in kindergarten. The kindergarten program is full-day.

• Bring birth certificate, current immunization record, any previous school records, proof of current residence (utility bill or lease agreement.)

• Enrollment for students new (only) to the district can register online at registration. shawnee.k12.ok.us.

• Classes begin Aug. 11 for all Shawnee schools.

• Online registration is available for all new students. Currently enrolled students registering for the 2016-17 school year do not have to register at the website. Re-enrollment will be at the school sites July 25-29.

• For more enrollment information, call (405) 214-7146.

Information compiled from Shawnee.k12. ok.us.

SHAWNEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Board hires superintendent community,” Grace said after the selection.

She was chosen to succeed SPS Superintendent Dr. Marc Moore, whose last day was May 6, after announcing his resignation in March. Moore accepted a position with the Stillwater school system.

Grace began as the superintendent in July.

Between Moore’s departure and Grace’s start, Dr. Bob Gragg stepped in as the district’s interim superintendent.

Dr. April J. Grace

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

About Grace Grace has been assistant superintendent of Human Resources for Putnam City Schools since September 2008. As director of the HR department of the Oklahoma’s fifth-largest school district, Grace is tasked with a wide-ranging and complex job that directly affects each of the district’s 3,300-plus employees.

She developed and manContinued on page 3

By Vicky O. Misa

Police: Watch school speed zones After a hot summer break, it’s already back-toschool-time for area students. Police will be watching for speeders in school zones.

To help bring awareness in school zones, the Shawnee Police Department utilizes its speed trailer, which alerts drivers of their speeds in posted school zones while also keeping a record. The trailer will be rotated around town as drivers readjust to school zones.

Police also offer these tips for drivers:

• Always be alert, cautious and patient around children, crosswalks, bus stops, schools, school buses and school parking lots.

• When approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arms extended, motorists traveling in both directions are required to STOP in nearly every instance.

• Obey all traffic laws and speed limits, paying extra attention to the lower speed limits in school zones.

• Do not pass other vehicles in school zones or at crosswalks.

• Do not change lanes or make U-turns in school zones.

• Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.

• Do not text or use a cell phone while driving.

• Only drive or park in authorized areas to drop off or pick up children at school.

Photos by Ed Blochowiak

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healthy living for your brain and body tips from the latest research

Vicky.misa@news-star.com Twitter: @Vicky_NewsStar

A grueling search finally came to an end in May for Shawnee’s Board of Education –– putting in place a new superintendent to oversee the next school year, as well as upcoming bond projects.

From a pool of 23 applicants, Dr. April J. Grace, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Putnam City Public Schools, accepted an offer to become the superintendent of the Shawnee Public School District.

Board members unanimously selected Grace.

“I’m honored by the board’s confidence in me and look forward to forging lasting relationships within the school and

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an education program by the alzheimer’s association

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Join us as Belfair of Shawnee partners with the Alzheimer’s Association. Come learn about healthy lifestyle choices and enjoy a light lunch full of brain healthy foods.

Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Time: 11:30 am.

Location: Occasions Event Center, 678 Kickapoo Spur, Shawnee Space is limited.

Please RSVP by July 25 to 405.275.1199

2016 MAKE THE GRADE

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Thursday, July 21, 2016 • 3C

PIXABAY.COM

BUDGETING

7 M

ways to make mornings less hectic

MONEYSMART How to budget for school expenses

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

B

ack-to-school shopping is expensive, but budgeting on backpacks and school supplies can make your dollars go farther.

After peaking in 2014, back-to-school spending dipped a bit last year.

The National Retail Federation estimated that families with students in kindergarten through high school spent $630 per child in 2015, down from $669 in 2014, for a grand total of $29 billion.

“Every family needs to budget for backto-school spending no matter what their financial outlook,” said personal finance expert Rachel Cruze, author of “Smart Money Smart Kids.”

From trendy school clothes to nifty pencil bags and binders, it’s easy for parents to overspend.

“Budgeting is key. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up spending too much,” Cruze said.

Some people “hear the word ‘budget’ and cringe, but a budget doesn’t limit freedom, it

increases your freedom so you can control what you spend,” Cruze said.

Budgeting has to be intentional, and backto-school spending needs to be a part of the household budget, Cruze said.

“List all the categories your money is going to: bills, mortgage, rent.

That’s your household budget. What’s left after bills can be saved or set aside for things like back-to-school spending. You know school is coming. Plan ahead and you’ll have a nice little fund for shopping,” Cruze said.

Here are some more tips from Cruze, whose new book, “Love Your Life, Not Theirs,” will be available in October:

Plan it Start smart by making a list of everything you’ll need so you can budget the money you have to cover your expenses.

Without a list, you’ll spend blindly and spend too much. Don’t shop without your list.

Think ahead Some states have tax-free shopping days before school starts.

Comparison-shop and look online to find the best prices. Take advantage of retailers who slash prices at the end of the season.

Make sure you need it Check what you already have. Does last year’s school uniform still fit? Is there an extra box of pencils that can be used? You might already have essentials such as rulers, scissors, pencils and paper on hand.

Needs over wants Just because you have a coupon for an item doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Stick with what your child needs rather than what your child wants. The required list of school supplies and new gym shoes to fit growing feet are needs. A new backpack is a want if last year’s is still in good shape.

Let kids help Back-to-school shopping is an opportunity to teach kids about budgeting. Take an envelope with cash and let kids see the money disappear as it is exchanged for goods.

When it’s gone, shopping is over. If a child wants

trendy clothing brands or upscale supplies, let them cover the difference themselves.

Use tools In addition to paging through weekly circulars and researching deals online, use an app to help with budgeting and couponing such as EveryDollar, SnipSnap, shopkick or YNAB (You Need A Budget) as well as apps from retailers you frequent.

Think about schoolyear expenses now “It’s likely that you’ll have fees due throughout the school year, some expected and some unexpected. Too many parents get caught off guard because they weren’t planning for these fees and don’t have the extra money to pay for them,” Cruze said.

“Create a line item in your budget for miscellaneous school expenses and start setting money aside. This will allow you to have the money readily available for when the fees come due and prevent you from going into debt or feeling stressed about not having the money.”

from carefree mornings to busy mornings go more smoothly.

any families find the rush is on to make it to school and work on time each morning. Feeling rushed in the morning is a recipe for added stress.

Rushing through things is a poor way to begin a day, and those feelings of uneasiness can put a damper on the rest of the day ahead.

Making mornings less hectic involves a few different strategies that parents and kids can easily incorporate into their daily routines.

• Prep backpacks in the evening. Look through folders, sign paperwork, check assignments, and do whatever is you need to do the night before to save your family from having to scramble in the morning. This ensures those permission slips get signed and items make it back into school bags.

• Opt for school lunch a few times. Look ahead on the school lunch menu and speak with children about which meals they enjoy. Let kids purchase school lunch on those days to give yourself a day off from lunch detail.

• Wake up slightly earlier. Getting up earlier than normal, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes before you’re accustomed to getting out of bed, can help reduce morning stress. Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button over and over again. A few extra minutes each morning can make you feel more relaxed and make for a smooth, stress-free start to the day.

• Have quick breakfast foods available.

Smoothies, cereal bars, oatmeal, and wholegrain cereals are fast and nutritious ways to start the day.

• Carpool whenever possible. Busy families can save themselves extra work by proposing a neighborhood carpool.

Sharing school dropoff detail frees time up for parents once or twice a week, and kids may enjoy traveling to school with their friends.

• Get some work done the night before. Prepare lunches the night before and have them ready in the refrigerator.

In addition, lay your clothes for the following day out each night. This saves time and takes a couple more things off your morning to-do list.

Mornings can be tricky when family members are getting ready for school and work at the same time.

By practicing a few daily rituals, it’s possible to curb the rush and start the day happier and more relaxed. BS167224

• Ease back into a routine. As a new school year dawns or a long vacation comes to an end, begin going to bed earlier and start waking up earlier as well. This can make the transition

Photo by Ed Blochowiak

Walk to School Day observed in October Accompanied by police escort, Shawnee students, teachers, parents and officials participate in International Walk to School Day in 2015. The yearly event is recognized every October.

SUPERINTENDENT From Page 2

ages hiring practices, programs and services for district personnel, directs teacher recruitment efforts, plays a central role in keeping the district financially sound in an era of state budget cuts, and leads yearly negotiations that culminate in a salary and working conditions agreement with teachers.

She also shepherded the district through implementation of the state-required teacher and leader evaluation system and has gone on to help districts across the state and nation as they work on their own evaluation systems.

Before taking charge of Human Resources for Putnam City, Grace served Putnam City as a middle school administrator for four years and one year as a specialist helping integrate technology into teaching and learn-

ing. She was with Noble Public Schools from 2000 to 2003 as an assistant principal at Noble High School for one year and as principal of Noble Junior High School for two years.

She started her 27-year career in public education as a science teacher at Norman High School.

Since 2001 Grace has been an online instructor for the University of Phoenix master’s of education program for a range of courses, including Personnel Administration in Education, Critical Issues in Education and Professional Communications. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma and Southern Nazarene, teaching master’s level classes in educational leadership, critical issues in education, education law and many other areas.

Grace is president of the Oklahoma Association of School Personnel Admin-

istrators and a member of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leader-

homa.

ship from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in Secondary School Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in Science Education from the University of Okla-

What’s ahead The transition came at the heels of a vote to pass a $32,225,000 school bond proposal to update and

upgrade a large chunk of the Shawnee Public School district’s needs.

You can reach Vicky O. Misa at (405) 214-3962.

1201 N. Harrison #100, Shawnee, OK 74801 In the old Braums building.

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2016 MAKE THE GRADE

4C • Thursday, July 21, 2016

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

CHANGES

More advice Here are some more tips:

FREEPIK.COM

• Visit the school’s website. Take a virtual tour and download a map of the school if possible.

Check the school calendar and read the school rules and dress codes.

• If possible, visit the school and talk to the teacher or an administrator before classes begin.

• Practice your introductions. Have your child come up with a short conversation-starter: “Hi! My name is Mike. I just moved here from Baltimore and I play baseball.”

That way they’ll be ready with something to say to new acquaintances.

• Remind your child that it’s normal to feel anxious and let them know you’re there for them if they have questions.

KEEP IT

POSITIVE Help your child deal with school year changes

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

C

hange is hard for everyone.

Entering a new school is one of the biggest changes a child may encounter in his young life.

Parents can help smooth the transition and make it less traumatic.

“A lot of parents may feel anxiety about a change of school, but they should be careful not to project those feelings on their kids. Their child may not be feeling the same thing,” said parenting expert, blogger and author Richard Greenberg, who shares an analogy: “If you got in a taxi and said to the driver, ‘Take me to the airport’ and he said, ‘I don’t know how to get

there,’ you wouldn’t feel too good about it.

Kids are in the back of our cab. The key is to project confidence.”

Put yourself in their shoes and try and remember how it felt to be a kid in a new situation, he added.

“Let them know you’re part of the process. Project that this is going to be great.

They’re going to have fun. Change is a part of life. It’s a part of growing up. Tell them that you’re proud of them. Use the power of positive thinking,” Greenberg said.

Make a friend early “Friends play an enormous part of success in school,” said educational psychologist and parenting, bullying and character expert Dr. Michele Borba, author

of “Unselfie.” “Friends keep kids happy.

They make a child want to go to school.

They are a support system.”

If you can connect your child with one friendly face before school starts, it can ease the process of changing schools.

“Walking into a new school without knowing someone is stressful,” Borba said.

“The goal is to make your child feel secure in dozens of ways. Whatever you can learn and discuss ahead of time will reduce their anxiety.”

Look for opportunities for your child to meet neighbors and potential classmates over the summer. Check out library and park district programs and the local newspaper to see what’s happening in your area.

PIXABAY

COMMON CORE

• If your child is concerned about riding the bus, brief your child on safety rules and visit the bus stop in advance. Point out familiar landmarks and reassure your child that an adult will be on hand when they disembark at the school.

• Parents can contact the school’s parent teacher organization, which can provide information about the new school. Volunteering is a great way to become a part of a new community and make new friends for both parent and child.

• No matter how anxious you are when dropping off a child at a new school, don’t linger. Borba said.

That will only increase their anxiety.

5 hot trends in school supplies (BPT) - School supplies have never been this stylish. Sure, you should stock up on classic highlighters and yellow pencils, but why stop there? Why not reach for a binder with an elegant rose-foil design or a zipper pouch with a sassy slogan? Will these expressive touches make your kid study harder? They can’t hurt, especially if it makes them even a teensy bit excited to hit the books and stay organized. Here is a roundup of some of the year’s hottest trends for school supplies.

Precious metals and metallic accents Who says the pocket calculator has to be a style buster? The Maze Calculator is dressed up with glitter for an instant accessory. Look for fun accents, such as metallic pencils and pens. Better Binders are stimulating with holographic patterns. Even backpacks, lunch bags and zipper pouches refuse to be anything but fabulous, as seen in a line that comes in metallic silver by designer Cynthia Rowley (find her line of school and office products exclusively at Staples).

wiped

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

A

cross the nation, parents, teachers and children are objecting to the educational reform of the Common Core, creating a trend of opting out and raising serious questions about its future.

The Common Core is a set of ambitious standards, the knowledge and skills that students will need to master by the end of a given school year, said Jonathan Supovitz, professor of leadership and public policy and co-director of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

The goal of Common Core is for students to master what they will need to know so they will be able to attend college without taking any remedial classes, said Mindy Kornhaber, associate professor of education in educational theory and policy at Penn State College of Education.

A brief history Adopted in 2010, Common Core peaked initially with 46 out of 50 states jumping on board but went downhill after that. Early adopter Indiana along with South Carolina and Oklahoma repealed the standards in 2014 and replaced them with new ones, Supovitz said.

Only 32 percent of public school students live in states that are using the federally funded tests (called PARCC or Smarter Balanced) statewide, a drop from 46 percent a year ago, according to Education Week.

In spring 2015, when the first Common Core “tests were applied, opting out was a big phenomenon.

There was a big outpouring of parents who chose to withhold their children” from testing, he said.

Why people opt out The trend of opting out was triggered by a combination of reasons, both educators said.

First, many people think education should be a local issue, Supovitz said. They feel that the government is strong-arming local school districts into adopting national educational standards.

It became a political issue with people on both the right and left finding fault. The Right felt it was

government overreach, while the Left felt wary of the foundations and private people that were contributing to public policy without any oversight, Kornhaber said.

“The Common Core has turned into a political hot potato,” Supovitz said. “It became a proxy issue for people who were opposed to educational reform.”

Others objected to the testing itself. Common Core’s “high-stakes testing” is testing with consequence, Kornhaber said, and some people object to having their teachers evaluated this way. If too many students opt out, a school’s state report card could go down, and it might not be eligible for federal grant money.

“Testing is the linchpin of this entire system,” Kornhaber said.

Others find fault with the technology. When the first tests were administered in 2015, many school districts had infrastructure problems.

“There was not enough bandwidth to give all students the tests,” Kornhaber said. Plus there are “technical equity issues,” Supovitz said. Poorer school districts may not have the technology available to them and some children may not have regular access to the technology at home, he said.

Additionally, the “test materials were rolled out too quickly, and teachers didn’t have good professional development,” Kornhaber said. “Teachers were required to start teaching things that they would be judged on before they were ready to.”

What’s next Some states are balking at the cost associated with administering standardized testing. “Billions were spent on No Child Left Behind, but we saw minimal educational gains,” Kornhaber said.

“The opt-out movement was a wake-up call,” said Supovitz. “It’s clearly a signal that the system has prioritized testing too much. We have to reposition testing. It has value but we need to recalibrate and find its appropriate role.”

“Whether Common Core could have done better, I don’t think we’ll ever know because the system was never really implemented they way it was supposed to be,” Kornhaber said. “Common Core hasn’t been wiped out, but it’s severely injured.”

Tropical themes This year’s hot tropical look is popping up all over back-to-school essentials.

Toucans, pineapples and palm trees can be found on notebooks and backpacks, bringing some fun into the classroom. A collection of “beach umbrella” pencils in hues of orange, purple, blue and yellow from Ticonderoga are a great accent to brighten up your student’s day.

Bohemian vibe Bold, intricate prints adorn Mead notebooks and Carolina Pad binders, evoking a romantic, free-spirited, hippie-chic fashion sense.

Expressive sayings about traveling the world are found on Gartner Studios notebooks, taking students out of the classroom and on their own personal adventure.

Fun with LOL cats “Cat selfies” and feline-themed vintage movie posters play up the laughs on C.R. Gibson 1-subject and composition notebooks. But if cute and cuddly is what your child likes, there is plenty of that as well. Spiral notebooks from Carolina Pad feature cute, graphic prints of large-eyed pandas, foxes and hedgehogs.

Timeless Of course, classic never goes out of style, and you can find notebooks, pens, folders and more at the lowest prices thanks to the Less List for School at Staples. You can also save money on technology (calculators, USB drives, batteries and ear buds) and additional items like storage totes, tissue, hand sanitizer and more on the Less List for School.

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2016 MAKE THE GRADE

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

BACK-TO-SCHOOL 101

for kids with allergies and asthma (BPT) - There are lots of things kids get excited about when they go back to school. From brand new lunch boxes loaded with pudding cups, to shiny 64-packs of crayons and catching up with friends they haven't seen for awhile, anticipation is in the air.

But if you're a parent of one of the 28 million children who suffer from allergies, or one of the 7.1 million children who have asthma, sending kids back to school can cause anxious moments.

"Many parents look forward to their child returning to the classroom," said allergist Janna Tuck, spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "But for parents of children with allergies or asthma, school raises questions about conditions that can't be controlled or monitored.

They want to make sure their child is safe, has adequate resources and that systems are in place if they have an asthma or allergy attack."

By following these suggestions from the ACAAI, you can help ensure your child has a safe, fun start to the school year.

Know their triggers.

Students with pets at home can bring pet dander into school. Other common allergens such as pollen and dust will

definitely find their way into the classroom. If your child suddenly develops a runny nose, has difficulty breathing or comes home with a rash, it may be related to classroom triggers. Check with your allergist if previously unseen symptoms occur or if existing symptoms worsen.

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Make an appointment with an allergist. If you think your child might have allergies or asthma, making an appointment with a board-certified allergist is the first step to accurately developing a game plan. An allergist can determine what's causing your child's symptoms, as well as provide guidance to help both of you cope with allergies and asthma. Through prescribing medication and creating treatment plans, your allergist can provide the care that leads to fewer school absences.

Talk to your child about lunch time. Younger children especially might be excited to share food with friends or try new things on the lunch menu. If your child has a food allergy, it's important they know why they cannot eat certain things or share food.

If your child is prescribed

an epinephrine auto injector, make sure the staff is trained in how to use it, and knows where your child's is located.

Meet with the school.

This is one of the biggest steps in preparing for the new school year. Your child's teachers, coaches, school nurse and principal should all be informed about your child's asthma and/or allergies, and what medications they carry with them. All 50 states have laws allowing children to carry their needed medication. If your child is old enough, teach them how to use their epinephrine auto injector or rescue inhaler. Make sure they understand warning signs and symptoms, what precautions to take and who to talk to if a reaction develops.

Talk with your child's friends and other par-

ents. Communication is always a good policy when it comes to managing your child's allergies and asthma. Talking to your child's friends, or asking their parents to talk to their children about asthma and allergies, adds another layer of support.

This is important for social reasons, as the more your child's friends and classmates understand allergies and asthma, the less chance your child will feel isolated.

It can be a challenge to keep your kids free from allergy and asthma triggers. To help get you started on developing an action plan and find an allergist in your area check out the ACAAI allergist locator tool. The ACAAI website has lots of resources to ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable school year.

NOW HIRING

SHAWNEE MILLING CO.

“Treating you like family.”

Plus School Therapy Services

Thursday, July 21, 2016 • 5C

Must be able to pass a Drug Screen & Background Check.

Must have H.S. Diploma or GED. Must be able to work anyy shift. **New Occupational Therapy Rachel Quinones **New Speech Language Pathologist Celeste Price Brandi DeBruin Kristina Freebom

503 N. Broadway • Tecumseh (next door to Tecumseh Oxygen and Medical Supply)

405-598-2899 www.tecumsehpt.com

music

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

405-273-7000 ext. 240 Ask for Jane Lewis jane@primerecruiting.com

s classes choirs n o s s le

P R E PA R AT O R Y

Kindermusik – For children birth through 5 years of age.

Provides learning opportunities through innovative music, singing, movement and guided rhythmic and listening activities.

After-School Art Classes ؔSix classes exploring distinct artforms!

Keyboard Readiness – Piano class for children in kindergarten HUK ÄYZ[ NYHKL VMMLYZ HU PU[YVK\J[PVU [V [OL M\UKHTLU[HSZ VM reading music and basic piano skills, combining private and group instruction in a fun environment.

ؔExplore painting, drawing, clay & more. ؔEach class taught by a qualified artist. ؔClasses for students ages 7-18. ؔClass registration opens August 1. ؔHome school students always welcome. ؔScholarships available. Call for details.

Register online mgmoa.org/classes DŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͗ ϰϬϱͲϴϳϴͲϱϲϬϲ

Keyboard Concepts – Group lessons for second- and thirdgraders who have not previously studied piano. A combination of class and private instruction with concentration on basic piano skills and reading music.

Private Piano – Private lessons for beginners through adult.

Theory, ear training, technique, and opportunities to participate in auditions and contests.

Private Voice – Private lessons for high school and adult students with opportunities to participate in auditions and contests.

Private Strings –Violin & Cello – For pre-school through adult students from beginning to advanced levels.

Instrumental Lessons – Wind Instruments, percussion and

guitar.

Choirs and Ensembles

Shawnee Honor Choir – Auditioned treble choir for grades 3-7.

Concert Choir – Auditioned choir for grades 8-12.

Discovery Singers – Non-auditioned choir for children in grades 2-5.

String Ensembles and Jazz Ensemble Lawyers: Shawn Spencer, Terry West, Brad West and Gregg Luther

Choir Auditions

August 22-24 | 3-5 p.m.

Auditions in Raley Chapel, Room 141 No appointment or preparation necessary.

If above times are not convenient, call for appointment.

Classes begin August 25.

Conchita Hansford, Preparatory Director

Auto Injury • Work Injury • Medical Malpractice Product Liability • Wrongful Death

www.thewestlawfirm.com 1-800-441-WEST • 405-275-0040 124 W. HIGHLAND • SHAWNEE, OK

CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.

585.4323 or 273.2273

Oklahoma Baptist University

For information and to register online:

musicprep.okbu.edu

2016 MAKE THE GRADE

6C • Thursday, July 21, 2016

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Add health screenings to back-to-school checklist

TRENDS

PENNEY OURTESY JC PHOTOS C

A

SELFIE WORTHY

Get an on-trend back-to-school look

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

I

f you look good you feel good, but figuring out what’s on trend, finding the right fit and sticking to a budget can be a challenge. Head back to school in style with help from fashion experts.

Back to school is all about authenticity, said Elizabeth Melley, vice president of kids design, trend and product development for JCPenney.

“The simplicity of a great pair of jeans, classic vintage tees and iconic styling are the base of personal style.

The mix of athletic wear with oversized cozy classics brings an update to the typical back-to-school wardrobe seen in outdoor trends for Arizona Boys and ‘70s boho trends for Arizona Girls,” Melley said, referring to Penney’s exclusive clothing brand.

Kids want to be “comfortable while still expressing themselves and their unique personalities,” said Angie Thompson, Target spokeswoman. That means many will be reaching for graphic tees and colorful printed leggings, she said.

“2016 back-to-school

trends will continue to push forward some of the key themes from last season with a new twist. Last year we saw a strong focus on galactic, preppy, ‘70s and ‘90s themes, which we see continuing,” said Erin Rechner, senior editor, kidswear for trend forecaster WGSN. “Some key items you will spot this season are the bomber jacket, straight leg jean, and jogger (pant) alongside print-driven two-piece sweat sets for the more fashion-forward brands.”

“The perfect denim jacket or vest are essential to every closet,” Melley said.

Trends by age Similarities exist from elementary to high school,

but each age stands out.

“Younger kids are fearless when styling their clothing, with a great graphic tee or a mix of colorful patterns; there are no rules for kids’ fashion this season,” said Melley. “For older kids, it is all about personal style and how the individual brings their style to life; texture, pattern, fabric and artistic embellishment make every look feel unique.”

The ‘70s will have a

heavy influence on fall fashion with printed boho tops, lace-up tops, crochet tunics, novelty oversized sweaters and textured layers. Pair those with suede button-up A-line skirts, indigo jeggings and jeans with patches, Melley said.

Also on trend are moody florals balanced with youthful easy stripes in knit tops, plaids with shiny Lurex thread and graphic tees in soft textures grounded by denim, Melley said.

For boys, “back to school is all about athleisure, layers, comfort and style,” Melley said. Look out for texture check and plaids, blanket stripes and color blocking.

“Preppy will always be a key theme for back to school, and this season we project items to have a more relaxed look with the recent uptick in activewear-inspired pieces,” Rechner said.

Color and embellishments Mustard and dusty pink continue to be the must-

have colors for kids.

“Dusty pink is finally being accepted into commercial products and is

even being treated as a neutral by some girls brands,” Rechner said. “Mustard is strong for girls and boys, tapping into that 1970s color palette.”

“Neutrals are important for both girls and boys but are all in textured fabrication. Indigo blues and olive are new key neutrals followed by classic black and white,” Melley said. Or, go for saturated color with bright pops, she added.

Fashionistas will be putting their feet forward in metallic versions of the Ugg boot, prettified grunge boots, the Chelsea boot, colorful sneakers and anything with fur trim, Rechner said.

“For accessories, ‘70s-inspired prints, global craft elements as well as classic nylon backpacks will also be key,” she added.

Students can even go a step further and accessorize their school supplies.

“Target partnered with Bethany Mota on a new, exclusive DIY collection so students can personalize their school supplies with fun stickers and accessories. The collection includes a variety of assorted stickers and rub-on transfers, ink pads, stencils, confetti, thread tassels and more,” Thompson said.

s summer vacation winds down, thoughts turn from jaunts to the beach to readying for a new school year. To-do lists include many of the typical tasks that precede going back to the classroom, including shopping for new clothes, purchasing school supplies and finishing summer reading assignments.

Another essential requirement parents must find time for is completing their children’s health screenings and immunizations so youngsters can return to school.

Health screenings may include, but may not be limited to, routine physical exams, eye exams and dental cleanings. Each school district may have its own set of health requirements that must be met in order for children to attend school.

Many schools require that children are up-todate with all immunizations before they can begin a new school year. While the issue of vaccinations has inspired debate in recent years, parents should recognize that many schools will only exempt students from receiving certain vaccinations due to religious reasons. For a list of state vaccination requirements and possible exemptions for schools in the United States, visit www2a.cdc.gov/nip/schoolsurv/schImmRqmt.asp.

Students who have specific learning disabilities or medical conditions that require classroom modification should obtain recent documentation from any therapists or specialists prior to beginning a new school year. Doing so facilitates the process of setting up procedures within the school while ensuring children have what they need to excel in the classroom. All parents may want to ask doctors to provide copies of medical and immunization records so that schools will have the most recent copies on file.

Parents should schedule eye examinations well in advance of the first day of school so they have ample time to fill new prescriptions for youngsters before school begins. This ensures kids won’t be starting off on the wrong foot because of vision problems that could already have been addressed.

Parents of adolescents or students on the verge of adolescence may want to address the subject of bodily changes before the school year begins anew. Address which changes can be expected, including the start of menstruation for girls. This will help children better understand what is happening when they witness changes in themselves and fellow classmates and give them a chance to receive accurate information rather than gossip from their peers.

Keep in mind that health screenings conducted in advance of the school year may not preclude students from school-sponsored screenings. Schools may offer their own vision and hearing screenings and may take physical measurements to ensure students are growing on schedules in line with normal development.

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