Schools and Guide A Blank Slate Media/Litmor Publications Special Section • September 21, 2018
36 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018
Creating a helpful homework atmosphere for your children C
Let kids rest or relax before starting their homework. Another element of a good homework atmosphere is letting kids unwind between getting home from school and cracking open the books. A break between school and homework time can help kids focus better on their studies. In the interim between arriving home from school and starting on their homework, give kids a healthy snack that can provide an extra jolt of energy they can use once they start their homework.
lassrooms conducive to learning may go a long way toward helping students understand the subjects they study in school, but the environment kids encounter at home also plays a big role in how well kids do in their studies. A homework-friendly atmosphere at home can facilitate learning, and there are many ways parents can create such an environment for their school-aged children.
Designate a homework zone in a distraction-free area of your home. Some youngsters are easily distracted, and those distractions come in many forms. A living room where the television is blaring, a noisy kitchen where dinner is being prepared and a room where pets can roam free are not ideal homework areas, as each can take kids’ attention away from their assignments. Designate a room in your home that is quiet and well lit so kids can do their homework free from distraction. Choose the right location for the homework room. When choosing an area of your home where kids will do their homework, avoid rooms adjacent
to the kitchen and living room, as these rooms tend to be popular and subject to heavy foot traffic. But don’t choose a room that’s too far away from the hustle and bustle, such as the basement, as that may make kids feel as though they are being punished. In addition, you want to be able to periodically check in on kids to see if they need help and make sure they aren’t spending their homework time surfing the Internet or procrastinating.
Keep the homework room clean. A cluttered homework room may be less appealing to children, and such disorganization also can distract kids from the tasks at hand. Encourage kids to keep their homework rooms clean, and help them clean up if need be. Supplies and other items kids need should be easily accessible in the homework room so kids are not wasting time looking for items they need to complete their homework.
Evaluate how the homework zone is working. Once an ample amount of time has passed, examine how kids are performing on their homework assignments. If they are doing well, then there is no reason to break up the current routine. If they are struggling, ask them if there is anything about the current setup they dislike and address those issues accordingly. Kids rarely look forward to doing their homework. But the right atmosphere can make homework seem like less of a chore and more of an opportunity for kids to apply themselves.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Holy C Holy Cross High School is a Cattholic college preparatory school in Quueens, that educates the hearts and minds young people following the educattio l and spiritual vision of Blee father Basil Moreau, founder o t Congregation of Holy Cross. Begin i this fall with the Class of 2022 each year after, young woman apply to join Holy Cross. The mi s to educate young people in the l Cross traditions of the Catholic a and to prepare them for futuree i situations, remains as important to a as it did when our school first oppe in 1955. Holy Cross High Schoool dedicated to providing a challennging college preparatory education aliigned with state and national criteria thrrough various academic programs. Receently, Holy Cross received a gift of $1,0000.000 ments from an alumnus for enhancem to our STREAM (Science, Theoology,
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stylee. With over 50 electives and 25 advanced placement and honors courrses, Holy Cross offers an inspiring eleection of classes to spark new errests and allow students to carve a sonalized career path from pre-med, omputer science and engineering. Our ternational travel is an exceptional ay for students to apply the concepts t ey discuss on campus to their realorld experiences. A great number f Holy Cross students compete in rscholastic sports. As an integral rtt of the total education process, our thleetic program is significant to the perssonal growth and development of our students. Our athletes learn about heallth and wellness, sportsmanship, mwork and perseverance as they team strivve for victory. Holy Cross has a strong alumni network offering invaaluable guidance to students as they expllore their college choices.
Holy Cross High School • 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing NY 11358 ool Holy Cross High Sch nds of Educating the Hearts and Mi Young Men and Women
Fall Open House
Sunday, October 21, 2018 12:00 pm-4:00 pm RSVP at www.holycrosshs.org
For more information contact Mr. Robert Botero ‘00 at 718-886-7250 ext 558 or text at 718-309-0589 email: admissions@holycrosshs.org 26-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358
o · 12:1 Student to teacher rati rses · Over 25 Honors and AP Cou offered · Every incoming freshman is and provided with a chromebook s App gle Goo the to full access for Education · Class of 2018 earned over 25 million dollars in academic scholarships an · 1 out of 2 graduates received ship olar academic sch · 100% graduation rate tive Our graduates have a competi s edge in regards to scholarship s ege coll with ms gra and pro the and Universities throughout ty country including the Universi , ege Coll ill neh Sto e, Dam of Notre ege, King’s College, Holy Cross Coll St. Edward’s University and University of Portland
TACHS Prep Program Holy Cross High School is proud to offer a rigorous 6-week program for boys and girls to best prepare for the TACHS exam. Over the span of 6 weeks students enrolled in our program will review mathematics and language skills that are assessed on the Test for Admission into Catholic High School (TACHS) exam. Historically, Students that attend a prep class are better prepared and score higher on the exam. To enroll or for more information visit holycrosshs.org/tachsprep
38 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 ADVERTORIAL
A Short Distance To A Promising Future At Queensborough Community College Located in Bayside and just minutes from Nassau County, Queensborough is home to a community of dedicated faculty and staff, professional mentors, and a diverse student body. We offer many award-winning degree programs, exciting student activities, competitive athletics programs and academic outreach opportunities extending beyond campus and into New York City. After earning an Associate’s degree from Queensborough, students transfer easily to a CUNY senior college or any other four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Queensborough is renowned for its more than 40 academic programs including 10 Dual/Joint programs and its award-winning Queensborough Academies, which feature enhanced advisement and High Impact Practices leading to deeper, meaningful learning. FACULTY AND PROGRAMS TO INSPIRE YOU The Queensborough Academies offers a wide choice of academic and career opportunities from Business, Health-Related Sciences, Liberal Arts, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), to the Visual and Performing Arts Academy
(VAPA). Once you are enrolled in an Academy, you will be paired with a personal Queensborough Academy Adviser dedicated to helping you reach your academic and career goals.
after receiving a quality education. In addition, Queensborough offers an array of scholarships and internship opportunities designed to not only help pay for college, but to motivate you on your path to the career of your choice.
All of our academic programs provide opportunities for scholarly research to complement in-class learning.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Mateo D. Sàenz, Winner of the National Science Foundation Research Award
PEERS AND ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE YOU Our 40+ clubs and organizations serve as outlets for exploring your talents and interests. We field 14 women’s and men’s varsity teams, ten of which have recently won CUNYAC championships.
Since Mateo was a young boy, he was curious about medicine. After emigrating to the U.S. at age seven, his curiosity grew and years later turned into a passion which led him to Queensborough, where he is studying Biotechnology and Engineering Science.
EMPOWER YOUR FUTURE Join the ranks of our alumni who go on to enroll at prestigious 4-year institutions such as Baruch College, Columbia University, Queens College, and others. When you begin your career, you will be connected to a network of more than 72,000 successful alumni.
Soon after his academic career began at Queensborough, he started working with the College’s outstanding faculty mentors in scientific research. Under their guidance, he presented and published a paper in the Columbia Undergraduate Research Journal, a prestigious peer-reviewed journal. He continued his research in the College’s Advanced Queensborough Community Manufacturing and 3D College’s tuition rate is just Printing Lab where he works a fraction of other public and tirelessly on innovative private institutions, and, thinking. His 2017 because of its affordability, Innovation Challenge nearly 90% of students grad- Research Project: Eagle- I, is uate without student debt a biotechnology sensing
drone system that can assist public safety responders detect gunfire and reduce crime response time. The project was among the winning pitches presented at the fall 2017 CUNY Innovation Challenge, designed to provide students with real-world, hands-on learning experiences and to successfully transfer their knowledge into creating products and services that benefit society. Mateo and his team are building a prototype in the 3-D printing lab with biotech sensors and cloud connectivity with AI. Mateo’s plans for the future are to continue doing research and to create a new way to save and improve lives. Now, as a participant in the National Science Foundation I-Corps Program, Mateo will be investigating potential customers, travelling to diverse companies and organizations, and working on his business model canvas. “Thank you for the wonderful experience that is the academic and student life at Queensborough Community College. I know anything is possible in this community of infinite possibilities.”
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
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40 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018
How to encourage kids to read will develop and continue throughout their lives. Many parents read to their children at night before bedtime, but any time of day will suffice.
hile many parents recognize the impact reading can have on their children, it’s no secret that getting kids to embrace reading can be difficult. Distractions such as video games, social media and even the great outdoors are all there to draw kids away from reading. But parents who want to instill a love of reading in their children can still take steps to ensure their kids don’t miss out on the benefits of a
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good book. Read to your children. Numerous studies have discovered various benefits of reading to children when they are young. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that children whose parents read to them typically become better readers and perform better in school. Reading to children early on is the first step toward fostering a love of reading kids
Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro
has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)
drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com
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Don’t be discouraged if kids are not interested in books. While reading fiction can help develop a youngster’s imagination, parents should not be discouraged if kids don’t want to read books. Reading the newspaper, magazines and even comic books can help kids develop strong reading skills and an extensive vocabulary and, in the case of comic books, inspire their imaginations. Young sports fans might be more inclined to read the sports page than a novel, so let them do so. Kids are more likely to embrace reading if what they’re reading interests them, so encourage kids to read up on those interests, even if that reading does not involve picking up a book. Get your youngster his or her own library card. Thanks to the popularity of e-readers, many adults would be hard pressed to locate their local library if asked to do so. But visiting the library is a great way to encourage kids to read, especially if kids
have their own library cards. Kids with their own library cards tend to look at visits to the library as shopping trips where they get to make their own choices about what they’re taking home with them. And once kids reach a certain age, they can visit the library on their own. Share your own reading experiences with children. Kids look up to their parents and often want to mimic their behavior. So parents can set a good example by reading as well. On trips to the library, check out your own book. While you might not want to discuss every book you read with your children, discuss the books they’re reading. Chances are you read many of those same books yourself when you were a child, and discussing books with your child is a great way to improve his or her reading comprehension. Distractions abound for today’s youngsters, who might not embrace reading as readily as they do video games or social networking. But parents can take many steps to instill a love of reading in their kids that will last a lifetime.
DID YOU KNOW? According to the College Board, the cost of a college education has risen by almost 130 percent in the last 20 years. However, middle-class incomes have flatlined, making a college education an unattainable goal for many students. Those who take out loans as a means to pay their way may want to consider college majors that may better prepare them to find jobs in well-paying fields and offset the cost of those loans. According to salary data site PayScale, engineering majors are the majors to consider if salary is a priority. • Petroleum engineering: Starting pay, $91,000; median pay, $155,000 • Chemical engineering: $64,500; $109,000. • Electrical engineering: $61,300; $103,000 • Aerospace engineering: $60,700; $102,000 • Computer engineering: $61,800; $101,000 • Physics: $49,000; $101,000 • Applied mathematics: $52,600; $98,600 • Computer science: $56,600; $97,900 • Nuclear engineering: $65,000; $97,800
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Building a strong parent-teacher relationship Once a school year begins, many students spend more time in the classroom with their teachers than they do at home with their parents. That’s especially true in dual-income households where both parents work outside of the home. Though many parents would love to spend more time with their children, doing so can be difficult when both parents must go to work every day. Because kids spend so much time with their teachers, it’s important for parents to work toward building a strong parent-teacher relationship. Such a relationship fosters communication, which can help a young student do his or her best in and out of the classroom, something that’s a goal for parents and teachers alike. Parents interested in developing a strong relationship with their kids’ teachers can take several steps to make that happen. Meet your child’s teacher at the beginning of the year. Teachers have many students come in and out of their classroom on any given day, so it can be hard for teachers to initiate a relationship with parents. Parents have significantly fewer children to look after, so they should take the first step toward building a relationship with teachers. Introduce yourself at the onset of the school year, providing phone numbers and e-mail addresses where you can be reached. Let the teacher know you’re available for discussion any time during the school year and that you look forward to the coming school year and working with the teacher as the year progresses. Attend “Back to School Night.” School events like an open house or a “Back to School Night” are a great way to help kids grow acclimated to their school. But such events also make great opportunities for parents to learn more about their kids’ teachers than they might have learned during their introductory meeting. Such events may allow teachers to explain the curriculum for the upcoming year, and teachers may feel encouraged when parents show an active interest in such events. Prioritize parent-teacher conferences. Parent-teacher
conferences are a great opportunity for parents to speak to their children’s teacher one-on-one. Unlike an introductory meeting or an open house at the beginning of the school year, a parent-teacher conference allows parents and teachers to specifically discuss students in private. Teachers may provide insight into how a child is performing and behaving in the classroom, offering advice as to how to improve that performance or suggestions as to how to encourage kids to keep up the good work. Such conferences may be your only opportunity for a one-on-one, in-person discussion about your child, so make sure you’re on time and that you don’t miss these conferences. Your child’s teacher will appreciate it, and you can use this as an opportunity to ask any questions you have about your child. Keep the channels of communication open. If it’s been awhile since you’ve spoken to your child’s teacher, don’t be afraid to e-mail the teacher to check in or see if you can lend a helping hand. In addition, if your child really enjoys a teacher’s class, don’t be hesitant to share that with the teacher. Teachers appreciate compliments just like other professionals, and parents should express their gratitude to those teachers who are working hard to make learning fun for their youngsters. Establishing a strong relationship with a child’s teacher can help parents ensure students are making the most of their time in the classroom.
Early Childhood Education Week • Oct. 21-27
Give your children a leg up, with Early Childhood Education. You want to give them a safe, loving environment. With structure and discipline. Not just day care, but a real school with certified teachers. A school that supports working Moms (and Dads), with before and after care—and gives students as young as three years old the fundamental skills they need to develop a lifetime love of learning. Of course, choosing a Catholic education gives them much more than an educational advantage. It also helps them understand their purpose in life and their obligations to others, reinforcing the values you live at home. Isn’t that what you want for your children? To learn more about why Catholic Elementary School is a better place to start, and to find a school near you, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org
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58 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018
Effective test-taking tips for students A ccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety is a form of performance anxiety that can affect even the most prepared students. The ADAA notes that several factors, including fear of failure and a poor test history, can contribute to test anxiety, the presence of which can make it difficult for students to concentrate and may even cause physical symptoms like headache and nausea. Parents of students who are anxious about upcoming tests can share the following test-taking tips with their children, courtesy of the ADAA.
Prioritize preparation. Test preparation should begin well in advance of the test, as cramming the night before may make students feel unprepared and less confident in their knowledge of the material. In addition, studying at least a week or two in advance of the test date affords students the opportunity to take practice tests in conditions similar to those in real testing situations. That familiarity can calm any nerves they may typically experience when taking exams. Develop an effective test-taking strategy. The ADAA recommends students answer the questions they know first before returning to more difficult questions. Doing so may contribute to students’ confidence and calm their nerves as they approach the
rest of the test. When tests include essay portions, students can outline their essays before they begin to write so they have a clearer idea of what they want to say and how they want to say it.
Employ relaxation techniques. Deep, slow breaths and systematic relaxation of muscles can energize students’ bodies and make it easier for them to focus. Students can apply such techniques before exams to curb any pre-test jitters they might have and, if necessary, revisit these relaxation exercises during the test if feelings of nervousness return. Get enough sleep and eat healthy before the exam. Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so parents should encourage their children to get adequate sleep the night before an exam. In addition, provide healthy foods for kids to eat prior to the exam so they are not lethargic or hungry once the test begins. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Plenty of students experience test anxiety, and many schools offer programs designed to help students overcome their test-taking fears. Making use of these programs is a great way for kids to improve their testing performance.
Extracurricular activities need not involve sports are is the child today who returns home immediately after school. Many school-aged children now have busier schedules than their parents. Involvement in an extracurricular activity can help kids make friends while they learn about responsibility. Some extracurricular activities even allow kids to apply lessons learned in the classroom in realworld situations.
be able to make a team. But lacking the desire or talent to compete in high school sports does not mean students cannot participate in extracurricular activities. The following are a handful of extracurricular activities that can benefit students even if they don’t require them to lace up their cleats.
Many students play a sport as their extracurricular activity. In fact, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in high school sports increased for the 23rd consecutive year in 2011-12, when nearly 7.7 million student-athletes participated in high school athletics. High schoolers in Canada also frequently turn to sports, where School Sport Canada reports that more than 750,000 school-aged students participate in sports.
Volunteering is a great way for schoolaged kids to spend some of their free time. Student volunteers can often pick when they want to perform service, and that can make it easier on kids who want to focus on their performance in the classroom. For example, students can focus on their studies on weekdays and volunteer on the weekends. Many organizations, from animal shelters to hospitals, accept student volunteers, who can learn about the benefits of helping others and the importance of making a positive impact in their communities. Volunteer organizations do not typically require a long-term commitment, so students will not have to continue to volunteer if an organization is not what they hoped it would be. But
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Such heavy participation in sports can make it easy for parents to encourage their youngsters to go out for a school team. But not all youngsters want to play sports, and even those who do might not
VOLUNTEERING
parents should discuss kids’ interests with them before choosing a volunteering opportunity. For instance, youngsters who love the beach might be best suited to an organization devoted to cleaning up the beach, while animal lovers would likely love to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Finding the right organization will benefit both parties, and parents will be happy to have fostered a sense of responsibility to the community in their youngsters. MUSIC Some youngsters might not know the difference between a first down or the first inning. But many kids who are not inclined to play sports may be inclined to play a musical instrument. And some kids are inclined to play both a sport and try their hand at music. Many school music programs have fallen victim to governmental budget cuts, leaving students who want to play an instrument without a proper introduction to music or an opportunity to play. Parents must therefore make that introduction on their own, discussing kids’ attitudes toward music with them. That discussion should include asking kids if
they would like to play a specific instrument or be part of a choir. In addition to giving kids a creative outlet, music may even benefit them in the classroom. Stanford University researchers found that musical training improves how the brain processes the spoken word. In addition, in an analysis of data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers at the United States Department of Education found that students who report consistent involvement in instrumental music during middle school and high school perform significantly better in mathematics by grade 12 than those who do not participate in music programs. WORKING Many students live in communities that allow them to work once they reach high school age. While working might not be as fun as playing an instrument, getting a job can teach high school students valuable lessons they will carry with them throughout their lives. Even though high school students only work part-time, such a work schedule can still teach them the importance of money management and the valuable lesson of reaping what you sow. High school students can save their money to finance their college educations or purchase their first cars, each of which can teach them the value of saving money. Working in high school also can prepare students for college, where many will need to work in order to support themselves.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
59
ADVERTORIAL
A Place for Every Student The Winston Preparatory School (WPS) has announced the launch of Winston Prep Long Island, its fifth campus, opening in Dix Hills this September. WPS is excited to bring the same essence, expertise and methods to the Long Island community that have been successfully applied to each of its campuses in Manhattan and the tristate area.
intense skill remediation while encouraging students to build independence, resilience, responsibility, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. Key to the development of each student is the
focus on assessment-based remediation, the daily one-to-one Focus Program, a skill-based curriculum, small homogenous class groupings, an expert faculty, an emphasis on social-emotional
Winston Prep is a highly individualized and responsive setting for students in grades 3 through 12 with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorders, and executive functioning difficulties (i.e. ADHD).
development, and a supportive community. The opening of Winston Prep Long Island marks the logical next step for an organization that has experienced consistent growth over the years. WPS now reaches eight times the number of lives it did just two decades ago and continues to replicate its model in order to meaningfully impact the field. Winston Prep Long Island is currently accepting applications. For more information, or to sign up for an open house, contact Karen Preston, WPSLI Admissions Director at liadmissions@ winstonprep.edu, or visit www. winstonprep.edu.
Its unique model of education for the individual provides
Is your child struggling in school? We can help. NOW ON LONG ISLAND BEGINNING SEPT 2018
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APPLY NOW www.winstonprep.edu liadmissions@winstonprep.edu The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The WPSLI campus is not associated with the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.
60 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018
Student cyber security precautions T Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing usually occurs through fraudulent email messages that mimic the look of reputable solicitations. Scammers rely on these tactics to tempt people to click on links or download attachments that can put malware on a device and steal personal data. Exercise caution with all links and downloads.
hanks to advancements in technology, students and educators are increasingly turning to birth, tablets and computers when working on daily assignments and classroom activities. Students rely on the internet for research and keeping in touch with teachers and other students, and work is even assigned and completed via digital platforms. Despite the upside of technology, cyber crime is a potential pitfall of all that time spent online. The internet provides instant access, and that can put students at risk.
According to Verizon’s 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report, the education sector ranked sixth in the United States for the total number of reported “security incidents.” Schools are data-rich, meaning they give hackers access to information like identification numbers, birthdates, email addresses, financial data, medical records, and more. Students must understand cyber security risks when working and sharing data online. The following are some tips students can follow. Protect passwords. Students are urged to keep their passwords to themselves. This prevents others from
Schedule routine backups. Data can be lost if a device crashes, so routinely back up personal devices and home computers. Backups can be stored on external hard drives or with cloud services.
using accounts maliciously or even in seemingly harmless ways that can put you in trouble, such as searching for inappropriate content in school. Choose complicated passwords that can’t be easily guessed, and opt for two-step authentication whenever offered. Use secured WiFi networks. Free or open WiFi connections are not encrypted, meaning they can be accessed by anyone. Many cyber criminals gain access to information
through these channels. Schools should have encrypted systems in place. Limit what you share on the internet. Students are urged to be aware of what they share online. According to DataManagement, a computing service, information posted to social media is permanent, and deleted items aren’t necessarily gone. Exercise caution on social media. Don’t post unless it is something you would be comfortable sharing in public.
Exercise caution when filesharing. UC Santa Cruz’s information technology services says viruses and malware can be transmitted by filesharing software, and files offered by others may not be what they say they are. Only used school-approved filesharing options. Cyber security is something students should prioritize this school year. The right security measures can protect students, their classmates and their schools.
Manage teams, clubs and leagues in a digital world Sports leagues, after-school clubs and other extracurricular activities enjoyed by children and their parents would not be possible without the volunteer efforts of fellow parents and other adults. Very often an entire committee of volunteers gathers to make a sports team or group successful, and much of their work is being done behind the scenes. Managing a recreational group is no small undertaking. Such an endeavor requires the patience and perseverance of volunteers ready to juggle a variety of tasks. While in the past there may have been few resources to aid in such tasks, today’s technology makes it easier to handle the responsibilities that come with managing a team. The vast array of apps available for smartphones, tablets and other devices can alleviate some of the work for recreational group managers. The following are just a handful of applications league managers can consider to coordinate efforts across the board. * Team Snap: Team Snap is one of the premier team and club management services available (www.teamsnap.com). This software helps anyone, even those with little or no website design experience, run a team,
league or other organization online. The team is managed by a team owner who can choose free services or a tiered payment plan depending on the option that owner chooses. Team members are invited to join free, where they can message other players, check calendars and even get text message alerts. * Team Pages: Having a current and welldesigned website can encourage others to be more involved and invested in a particular team or league. However, sometimes getting a website up and running can be challenging, particularly to the novice designer. With Team Pages (www.teampages.com), anyone can create a sport- or club-themed website and have it live in a manner of minutes. Drop and drag layout design options makes creating multiple pages even easier, and there is a calendar option for keeping track of games and other meetings. * Active: Active (www.active.com) is the leader in online event registrations, from marathons to softball leagues. Visitors can search for various activity-inspired events nearby and learn more about sports leagues for children and adults. In addition, the site
features informative articles on nutrition, troop’s site enable password-protected inforplayer improvement tips, medical information, mation to stay private. and much more as it pertains to activities. * Google Sites: In addition to the scores * League Athletics: This tool (www. of other website creation software availleagueathletics.com) mixes team website able at no- or low-cost, Google Sites (sites. design with league management and reg- google.com) is a component of Google seristration. It also enables others to follow a vices, including Gmail and Google calendars. team’s progress while broadcasting scores All of these Google facets can work together and schedules. Custom design options enable and be linked to a single Google account. This flexible and easy layout in a matter of days. presents a viable way for clubs and teams to not only build impressive websites but also * Scoutlander: Scoutlander (www.scout- stay connected through email and calendar lander.com) hosts and manages troops, packs updates. and dens associated with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The site is free, though voluntary Modern technology has developed even donations are used to further the develop- more ways to keep sports teams and extrament of the site. Scout leaders can inform curricular clubs organized. A variety of appliparents of upcoming meetings or events. cations and websites can help any organizaSeparation of public and private areas of a tion look and feel tech-savvy.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
61
ADVERTORIAL
,QVSLULQJ FRQÀGHQFH H[FHOOHQFH DQG NLQGQHVV VLQFH East Woods School is a friendly community of students, faculty and parents that feels more like one big family rather than just a school. Founded in 1946 by a small group of parents, East Woods is still a community of like-minded families seeking a school that is small by design, and one that promotes excellence in a nurturing environment. At East Woods School, located in Oyster Bay, Long Island, kind leaders. We believe that your child’s potential is only the beginning. We cultivate FRQÀGHQFH through our philosophy that making a mistake presents the best opportunity to learn and grow. Our students are taught to be fearless in the face of failure. They are encouraged to raise their hands, to stand tall, and to ask questions. They understand that their education is a journey, and not simply a number on a test. They are provided with numerous public speaking and performing opportunities, from their years in the Early Childhood Center to the capstone eighth grade year. ([FHOOHQFH is encouraged through
consistent exposure to a STEAM-based curriculum, where advanced learning opportunities abound. East Woods students are immersed in science, technology and math, foreign languages, history, literature, athletics and the arts (musical, performing,
visual and industrial).The interdisciplinary approach of the school allows for a deeper appreciation and greater recall of these subjects. The interactive and hands-on teaching style of East Woods teachers allows students to be active participants
East Woods is a fully accredited private school by the State of New York through the New York State Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
in their own education. The small class sizes allow teachers to get to know and understand students on a personal level. In turn, our teachers support and challenge our students in a way that is most meaningful to each student, individually. In a highly competitive world, our students consistently place into top-tier independent, parochial, and boarding schools, and then again into some of the top colleges and universities around the globe. .LQGQHVV is taught and modeled because we believe every child deserves to learn in an environment that is nurturing and kind. At East Woods, our character education program is focused on the ideal of teaching and sustaining a community of kindness. We prioritize the importance of having respect for self and others, and the responsibility of giving back to local and global communities. An integral component of kindness is making connections with others. Research has proven that student success relies heavily upon the quality of relationships with teachers and peers. Here at East Woods, students clearly value these relationships. The bonds formed between our students lasts a lifetime.
PRE-NURSERY-8TH H GRADE
Where your child’s potential is only the beginning.
PLEASE T OUR A S U N I JO NG UPCOMI
Admissions se u o H n e p O
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 9AM-11AM Contact admissions@ @eastw woods.org or 516-9 922-4400 mation or to RSVP for more inform 31 Yellow Cote Road, Oysterr Bay, NY • www.eastwoods.org
62 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, September 21, 2018
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