2016 Back to School Guide

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2 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016

Contents:

4 5 6 7 8 9 12 14 16 18

Make school lunch healthier ................

2016 first day of school ........................

Staying on budget with school clothes ..

Pros and cons of repeating a grade .....

The ‘summer melt’ experience ..............

Adjusting to a new school ....................

STEM taking schools by storm........

Kids should fight their own battles ..

Music education matters .................

How to save on school supplies .......

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 3

Make school lunch healthier

A Metro Services

s part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the United States National School Lunch Program was revised to guarantee healthy, nutritionally sound choices, as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for lunch. America’s school menus were altered to be healthier than ever, including more fruits and vegetables while limiting calories. Despite some controversy through the years, including some students saying the smaller portions and food choices aren’t always satisfying, states suffering from high child obesity rates have seen marked improvements.

Whether students purchase lunch from school or bring lunch from home, there are ways to guarantee a more diverse offering and better nutrition.

Here are some guidelines to follow.

T H E

B E S T

• OFFER NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS. Foods should contribute to the daily recommended amounts of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Provide a selection of foods, such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Nutrient-dense foods also help kids feel fuller, longer.

• LIMIT FAT INTAKE. Avoid foods that do not get their fat from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats can lead to obesity and clogged arteries. The American Heart Association recommends kids get no more than 25 to 35 percent of their calories from fat. Fish, nuts and olives are healthy fat sources.

• LET KIDS CHOOSE SOME OF THEIR FOOD. Allow kids to pick

some of the healthy foods they will be eating. Giving kids a say in their diets will make them more likely to enjoy their lunches and cut back on snack foods. Eating meals regularly

C H O I C E

T O

will keep energy levels up during school and make kids less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks to fill hunger gaps.

• MAKE SMALL CHANGES THAT ADD UP.

made with healthier ingredients.

Switching from white bread to whole grain breads, and opting for low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat dairy products can make a world of difference. Kids may not notice a change in texture or flavor, and many of kids’ favorite foods, such as chicken nuggets, pizza and macaroni and cheese, can be

L E A R N ,

• REMEMBER, BEVERAGES COUNT, TOO. Giving children a healthy lunch and then packing a sugar-filled, highcalorie drink negates your efforts.

Calories from beverages can quickly add up. Water is always the best option for a healthy drink. Low-fat milk and real fruit juice consumed in moderation also make healthy alternatives to sugary beverages.

W O R K ,

L E A D

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2016 First Day of School School District

Start Date

Website

Academy District 20 ................................ August 15 .................................................. ASD20.org Calhan District 1...................................... August 16 ...................................... CalhanSchool.org Cheyenne Mountain District 12 ............... August 25: K – 6th .................................. CMSD12.org August 26: 7th – 12th Colorado Springs District 11 .................... August 18 ...................................................... D11.org Edison District 54JT ................................. August 11 .......................Edison54JT.schoolfusion.org Ellicott District 22.................................... August 8 ........................................ Ellicottschools.org Falcon District 49 .................................... August 2 ........................................................ D49.org Fountain-Ft. Carson District 8 .................. August 11 .................................. FFC8.schoolfusion.us Harrison District 2 ................................... August 16 ....................................................HSD2.org Lewis Palmer District 38 .......................... August 17 ......................................... LewisPalmer.org Manitou Springs District 14 ..................... August 26 ............................................... MSSD14.org Miami-Yoder District 60 ........................... August 9 and 10................................miamiyoder.com Peyton District 23.................................... August 11 ........................................Peyton.k12.co.us Widefield District 3.................................. August 16 ................................................... WSD3.org August 17 7th – 8th Woodland Park RE-2 ................................ August 23 ............................................. WPSDK12.org BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 5

Staying on budget with school clothes

By Leslie Massey, Gazette Parents

For ages parents have noticed that kids seem to grow like weeds. The pants they loved wearing to school last year are now too short, and their once-loose shirts are suddenly too snug. Frequently trying to amass a proper wardrobe can end up putting quite a dent in already stretched-thin budgets.

Although various times throughout the year parents supplement their children’s wardrobes, the bulk of shopping tends to occur just before the school year begins. Clothing can get expensive, but by shopping smart and making calculated selections, buyers can stretch their money further.

“I see parents tackle back to school shopping in a couple of ways,” Andrea Nyquist, Marketing Director at the Outlets at Castle Rock said. “Before school starts they purchase some of the basics — things the kids always need.

Then after school starts and the kids have seen what their peers are wearing,

they get back out again to pick up those trendy pieces.”

Industry professionals suggest investing in a few specific, high-quality pieces is the best way to start out. For instance, focusing on trendy outfits that may not survive the year isn’t a shrewd way to build a wardrobe.

However, a high-quality pair of shoes that will get your kid through the year is a wise investment to make. In other words, think carefully about when to splurge and when it’s better to shop the discounts.

By stocking up on staples and then augmenting your child’s wardrobe with some pieces from the latest trends, kids feel good about their look and parents feel good about their wallets. Jeans, casual shirts, and hoodies, are a few classic foundation pieces that always come in handy and stick around longer than those “all-the-rage” items.

“The basics are always the basics,”

Nyquist said. “Invest most of your money in those and build around that with the latest trendy items.”

The Outlets at Castle Rock offer a convenient way for parents to not only save money, but also save time on their school shopping.

“When I talk to parents who come to the Outlets to shop for their kids clothes, they commonly mention that with over 100 name brands to choose from, it’s basically a one-stop shop,” Nyquist said. “Everyone’s so busy these

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days, parents like coming here knowing they’ll be able to take care of the whole family.”

Use this opportunity to teach kids to value your hard-earned money and how to stretch those dollars by making smart choices. Some moms appreciate making a checklist with their kids before heading out, and preparing a budget with them so they know what to expect from the start.

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pros & cons of repeating a grade The

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The majority of students move up a grade each fall. However, some students may not be ready to move on to the next grade come the end of the school year.

Educators and parents often have to make the challenging decision of whether to have a student repeat a year — called grade retention — or to engage in social promotion. There are pros and cons to both sides of this debate, and oftentimes the decision comes down to parental preference, test scores and the recommendations of teachers and administrators regarding the best decision for each individual student.

Grade retention can be an emotionally charged issue, but having students repeat a grade is sometimes

necessary. The following examination of the advantages and disadvantages of grade retention may help families make informed decisions and help them do what’s best for the child.

PROS

1. If a student has missed a lot of school due to illness or a family situation, it may be in his or her best interest to repeat the grade and catch up on the lessons he or she missed.

2. Developmentally immature children might find that repeating a grade reduces their stress, which can increase as students attempt, yet fail, to keep up with the development of their peers.

3. Children who are nearly a year younger than their peers may benefit

from attending school with children who are their same age.

CONS

1. In certain instances, students who repeat a grade may be as many as two years older than their classmates.

While academic readiness should weigh heavily as parents decide whether or not to have their child repeat a grade, parents should also consider the potential impact on their youngster’s self-esteem if he or she is asked to repeat a grade and attend school with much younger classmates.

2. Students may feel embarrassed by grade retention, especially if other students tease or pity them.

3. Kids who do not agree with their parents on the issue may protest

by engaging in behaviors that make it difficult for them to benefit from repeating a grade.

Grade retention and social promotion are serious topics for parents and educators to consider.

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The ‘summer melt’ experience

By Leslie Massey, Gazette Parents

S

tudents have received their acceptance letters, picked the particular college they want to attend and are kicking off their last summer before heading off to college. Along with selecting courses, dorm room shopping, packing, and awaiting their first day, a significant number of tasks need to be accomplished. Some of it can become overwhelming when you lack experience in the transitioning-tocollege process.

According to the American School Counselor Association, some of the most discouraging undertakings for incoming college freshman are things like: determining cost of attendance, making sense of financial aid, understanding tuition bills and required deposits, registering for

and attending orientation, taking placement tests, housing decisions, registering for classes, and figuring out transportation, among others.

A large portion of these students find these tasks to be daunting and inhibiting. In spite of being college eligible, and usually already enrolled, these students will not end up attending college in the fall and instead “melt” away over the summer.

“Summer melt” happens nationally to about 10 to 40 percent of college eligible students, a large portion of which are low-income, minority students.

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Before “melting,” students that are apprehensive about starting CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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By Leslie Massey, Gazette Parents

Information from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the average person moves 11.4 times in his or her lifetime.

A number of factors inspire people to move, from job opportunities, to the desire to be closer to family members, to wanting to live in a nicer climate. In the Pikes Peak region, our large military population brings families in and sends families out all the time.

Moving is seldom an easy task, and children report moving, leaving friends, and changing grades or schools as being highly stressful. The following tips may help children acclimate and enjoy a less stressful transition.

• Take pictures of friends and favorite places and offer ways to keep in contact via phone, email, and social media. Let your child talk about what he or she will miss and also about the things that will be new and different.

• Let them know it is natural to feel apprehensive. Share childhood memories of times when you were worried about a new situation. Relate the good things that happened like how you met your best friend or that your new teacher was one of your favorites.

• If you have a choice of schools, listen to your child's ideas about what is important to him or her. Visiting schools and openly discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each helps your child feel included in the decision making process.

• Expect the transition to be ultimately successful, but remember that adjustments take time and the first days in a new school are often overwhelming. Your attitude can help your child; let him or her know you are confident in their ability to adjust well.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 9

Summer melt

New school CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

college and considering backing out should consider these few things: first, if funds are limited and you’re unsettled about your ability to afford college, contact the school’s financial aid office to see if there is more money available. Second, continue searching for scholarships throughout the summer, and even for the rest of your college years. Scholarships are not limited to just high school seniors. Third, seek encouragement and guidance from friends and family about the prospects and goals that going to college will present.

Research has shown that intervention can have a significant impact on alleviating the summer melt phenomenon and increasing college enrollment rates. Awareness of summer melt continues to grow, and many states, cities, and school districts are implementing counseling and guidance programs to bridge the gap for students.

10 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016

• Attend the school's orientation, open house, and/or tour the school with your child. Get to know other parents, and especially parents of your child's new friends.

• Remember, while many kids find it easy to make new friends, others need some assistance. Help them make the most of opportunities to socialize and form friendships that may last a lifetime.

• Help find opportunities for socialization. Kids should have opportunities to explore friendships outside of the classroom where peer pressure might not be so prevalent.

Establish a carpool or invite a classmate over for a play date.

Unstructured time to play or get to know each other is a great way to establish friendships.

• One of the quickest ways to build friendships is through common interests. Encourage your child to join a club or sports group where he or she can meet other kids with similar interests. Sometimes finding

reasons to talk other children is the most difficult • Boost confidence levels by talking to your children about their strengths and positive attributes. Emphasizing their best traits will increase their self-esteem, and that sense of self-worth can make it easier for them to make friends. A child who is shy and insecure may retreat when

meeting new people, but a child who can proudly stand behind his or her accomplishments may attract friends easily.

Feeling uprooted as a kid can seem unfair and really, really hard. But let kids know it’s also a chance to grow and get stronger, to expand their network of friends and to enjoy new experiences.

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 11

STEM taking schools by storm

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An increased focus on STEM education is one of the most influential initiatives to reach schools in recent years. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The world has become increasingly complex and competitive, and today’s youth need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to evaluate ideas and turn them into productive applications. These are two of the key hallmarks of STEM .

According to the National Science

Foundation, STEM subjects include chemistry, computer and information technology science, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, physics and astronomy, social sciences (anthropology, economics, psychology and sociology), and STEM education and learning research.

Recognizing that more and more students are gravitating toward STEM focused fields and that projected STEM job rates are rising steadily, schools CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

have begun to beef up their offerings with regard to STEM subjects. Jobs in mathematics, computer system analysis, systems software, and biomedical engineering are just some of the careers in which anywhere from a 15 to 62 percent increase between 2010 and 2020 is predicted, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Individuals may believe that STEM study begins in high school, but the success of older students in STEM subjects is often shaped much earlier on. That’s why parents and educators can do much to cultivate an interest in natural and social sciences as well as in math as early as possible. Here are a few ideas to do just that.

• ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY. Various national clubs and science-based organizations have begun to pay more attention to STEM and offer activities that foster a greater love of science, engineering and math. By joining such clubs and organizations, students can learn more about these subjects and reinforce their enjoyment.

• SET UP AN INTERNSHIP OR MEET-AND-GREET. Take students to STEM -centered places of employment so they can get a firsthand experience from within the STEM trenches. Provide opportunities for students to chat with people in the field and ask questions about the type of schooling necessary to pursue a particular degree, and if any hobbies and other activities promote STEM learning.

• INVESTIGATE SCHOOL-BASED OPPORTUNITIES. Schools are broadening course offerings and also establishing STEM -based clubs.

Students have the opportunity to get involved with other like-minded classmates. If a club isn’t already available, a teacher or a parent can consider volunteering to serve as the head of the club.

STEM is a hot topic of discussion in the world of education. Students can expect to get plenty of exposure to science- and math-related topics both inside and out of the classroom.

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 13

Kids should fight their own battles, mostly

By Danielle Braff, Chicago Tribune

Defending your child against all the bullies may feel like the most natural part of being a parent, but parenting experts warn that fighting your child’s battles may turn your kid into an easy target.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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14 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016

First, there was the crazy kid who argued with your precious dumpling at the playground. So you swooped in and grabbed your little bundle.

And then there was the mean girl who teased your little one about her new princess lunchbox because princesses, apparently, are for babies.

That warranted a call to the teacher because of the bullying incident.

Finally, your child got picked on for knowing all the answers in science class. You scheduled a meeting with the principal because smart kids should be applauded, not teased.

“If a parent is always stepping in, there will be no end to that — you’re teaching the child that you will always solve their problems in life, and that is a disaster, and we’re doing more of that than ever before,” said Michael Bradley, Philadelphiabased adolescent psychologist and author of “When Things Get Crazy With Your Teen.”

“We’ve had a 400 to 500 percent increase in adolescent anxiety and suicidal behavior over five decades, and part of the reason is that a lot of parenting has gone in a lot of directions — the parent is not involved or the helicopter parent who is fighting all of the kid’s battles, and those are both disaster parents.”

The magic is in the middle, Bradley said.

But it’s difficult for a parent to figure out what the middle is, especially because the middle changes depending on a child’s age and the stage he is in.

Bradley suggested that parents start teaching their children to stand up for themselves with their words as soon as possible. So if they have problems, instead of rushing in to help them, he said, ask them what they think they

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should do to remedy the situation.

“Let them sort out their answers, and throw out more questions,” Bradley said.

So if a child thinks that a good remedy would be to punch the other child, a parent could say, “’What do you think will happen if you punch him,’” Bradley suggested.

One way to help a child figure out the best way to stand up for himself effectively is during your own battles with him, said Lucie Hemmen, California-based clinical psychologist and author of “Parenting a Teen Girl.”

Your kids are arguing with you, in part, because they’re practicing a new skill that’s important to master.

“Instead of crushing them with your paternal trump card, give them feedback about what is working and what isn’t in the teen’s communication,” she said.

For example, Hemmen said, when her children badger her, she shuts down, and they are foiled. She explains that she isn’t listening because she feels bullied by their tenacity. But, she tells them, if they give her the information that she needs to consider their request, and time to think it through, they may get the answer they need.

While teaching arguing skills at all ages is great, there are times when parents do need to step in and take over the situation more tangibly, said George Glass, co-author of “The Overparenting Epidemic.”

When a child is being consistently bullied or scapegoated by other kids at school and he has tried other approaches, it may be time to step in and ask the school what it has done to help.

“The normal response in this era is for the parent to jump in and to contact the teacher,” Glass said. “Help your

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

child learn how to ask for help or to talk to the other child first. If your coaching and listening to their response does not work after several tries, then you might consider talking with the teacher.”

A red-flag situation, for instance, is when the child tries to fix his situation but is unable to do so, the parent feels the school is not taking the

— Michael Bradley, adolescent psychologist and author

issue seriously and the adults aren’t effective in calming the child’s stress, Hemmen said.

“Certain environments are just not a good fit, and if your child feels emotionally or physically unsafe without enough adult support, a new environment should be considered,” she said.

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 15

Music education matters Metro Services

C

ome the 2016 – 2017 school year, the music and arts budget in the Los Angeles Unified School District will reach its highest point in a dozen years.

While that’s great news for students, it also illustrates the sad fact that arts and music programs have taken a considerable hit in recent decades, when arts education fell victim to budget cuts.

The benefits of music education extend far beyond getting kids to tap their toes. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) lists the following benefits among the many reasons to support music education in schools.

• MUSIC TRAINING HELPS DEVELOP LANGUAGE SKILLS. Studies have shown that music training contributes to the physical development of the part of the left side of the brain associated with processing language. A 2005

study from researchers at Stanford University found that mastering a musical instrument may also improve reading skills, which can benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.

• MUSIC TRAINING CAN IMPROVE HAND-EYE COORDINATION. That is likely connected to the motor skills children develop when playing musical instruments. Without those instruments, those skills may not develop as strongly.

• MUSIC IMPROVES CONCENTRATION. Even

students who cannot play a musical instrument can still benefit academically from simply listening to music. In 2007, a research team from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention. Today’s students deal with numerous distractions, from smartphones to tablets to social media, but those who routinely listen to certain types of music might find it

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easier to block out those distractions and focus on their work.

• MUSIC CAN HELP STUDENTS’ EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

A 2003 study commissioned by Chorus America found musicians are more likely than the average person to be involved in charity work as volunteers and donors. The NAfME also notes that music students may be more likely to exhibit empathy toward other cultures.

• MUSIC CAN IMPROVE SELFESTEEM. In a study examining 117

fourth grade students attending public school in Montreal, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin found that children who received piano lessons weekly for three years had higher self-esteem than children who were not given piano lessons during the same period.

Neither group had participated in formal music instruction before the study, and students in both groups reported similar levels of self-esteem prior to participating in the study.

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 17

How to save on school supplies Metro Services

Back to school season can be as expensive for parents as it is exciting for students. Once the initial letdown of the end of summer vacation wears off, many kids are excited to return to school, where they can see their friends, study their favorite subjects and participate in extracurricular activities.

Parents of school-aged youngsters may share in that excitement while also knowing that back to school season can stretch their budgets. One of the ways to salvage those budgets is to save on school supplies. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can do just that.

• BE PATIENT. Shopping early can save shoppers money in many instances, but parents may benefit by exercising patience when it comes to buying school supplies for their children. Teachers often give students lists of supplies they will need for each class, and parents who wait to receive such lists can avoid

and more highly rated calculators, may end up saving you money in the long run, even if the initial pill is somewhat tough to swallow.

• USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. Department stores and

spending money on items their kids won’t need. Even if you wait it out, you may be able to get a head start, as some teachers may post supply lists on school websites, while others might email lists to parents before back to school season hits full swing.

• TAKE INVENTORY. If you have more than one child, chances are you already have lots of school supplies around the house. Dust off kids’ backpacks and study areas from last school year to determine which supplies you need to buy and which

you already have. Going forward, encourage kids to store their supplies in a predetermined area once the school year ends, as this will make next year’s inventory that much easier to examine and assess.

• SPEND MORE NOW TO SAVE LATER. While inexpensive supplies can be hard to resist, such items likely won’t withstand the test of time, forcing you to spend time and money each year buying replacement supplies. Paying more now for certain items, including stronger backpacks

businesses that sell school supplies, such as pharmacies and office stores, may or may not discount too many items once back to school season hits full swing. But savvy parents can still find deals by using technology to their advantage when shopping for school supplies. Download apps like RetailMeNot to your smartphone and enable its updates so your phone essentially notifies you of any discounts the moment you walk into a given store. If you don’t receive any updates, search for discounts via the app or the Internet as you shop.

Chances are strong that there are deals to be had, even if you don’t learn of the deals until you arrive at the store.

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Partners with Catamount Institute and Pikes Peak Community Foundation to bring hands-on, environmental education to all elementary and middle school students.

Provides choice options for families valuing home-based education including an on-line program, part-time enrollment, and a Homeschool Enrichment Academy.

Make the Choice to Elevate YOUR Student’s Education.

Go to wpsdk12.org / 719.686.2000 18 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016

Competes at state and national levels in sports, academic competitions, and activities.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP!

Our degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind.

• Finish your bachelor’s degree online • Gain your master’s degree online, evenings or weekends in Colorado Springs • Change your career, change your salary, change your life

EXTENDED.UNCO.EDU

THE DIFFERENCE YOU’LL MAKE IS THE DIFFERENCE THEY’LL MAKE

With a Master of Arts in Counseling or a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, you’ll soon discover that making a difference in one person’s life can create a world of good.

Discover the difference a graduate degree can make.

2016 2016 BRONZE AWARD WINNER Best College for Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Get started at regis.edu/helphealing or call 800.317.6478.

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 19

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COLORADO SPRINGS 1817 N Union Blvd (North of Walmart Neighborhood Market) 6554 S Academy Blvd (Near Black Bear Coffee)

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OFFER EXPIRES: Friday, 8/19/16

COLORADO SPRINGS 2850 S Academy Blvd (Near King Soopers) Austin Bluffs & Academy (Next to King Soopers) 6957 Austin Bluffs Pkwy (Across from Albertsons)

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M-F 8-9 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5

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At Colorado Springs/Pueblo area salons.

OFFER EXPIRES: Friday, 8/19/16

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ANY HAIRCUT

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Limit one coupon per customer.

At Colorado Springs/Pueblo area salons.

OFFER EXPIRES: Friday, 8/19/16

Find us at

20 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE July 2016 BTS_9.45x10.98_CO Springs_88016.indd 1

7/5/16 8:57 AM