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A Blank Slate Media/ Litmor Publications Special Section March 8, 2019
38 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
How technology can reinforce lessons Technology in and out of the classroom can be a polarizing subject. Proponents of tech in schools contend that students must be skilled in the ways of the world, which is increasingly being governed by technology. Detractors to tablets and smartbooks in the classroom may say it contributes to excessive time in front of a screen and can prove distracting over other means of learning. It is hard to deny the ways that
technology has helped shape and improve education. Students who may not excel with the traditional tools of learning might benefit from applications geared toward offering assistance for their particular needs. Furthermore, technology, through its globalization, can put educators and students in touch with a wealth of resources - all at their fingertips. The following are the myriad ways that technology can enhance lessons in the classroom.
Inexpensive resources Technology can provide various online resources that go beyond the study guides and other materials offered by textbooks. These resources can be very lowcost or even free, helping educators save money. For parents who need to reinforce lessons at home, the internet can help them collaborate with other parents and teachers and find fun ways to help their children learn.
Quantifiable results Technology can process data more quickly and efficiently than humans. Algorithms can be developed to help students learn faster. Tech can be customized in unique ways to help students learn. Not every student learns the same way. Technology provides for a multimedia approach that can combine visual and auditory tools to better teach students. Connect more Teachers can embrace technology, such as YouTube-powered guides to show students how to complete assignments or to go over information in the classroom. Students who missed class or need a little reinforcement can benefit from a second look at lessons in online videos available at all times on the internet. Some teachers employ QR codes on assignments that students (and parents) can scan to access further information or support materials. This can help kids further explore topics after school hours. Transcend location Technology can connect people by voice, text or video, which
means that learning is not limited to geographic location. Notes and materials can be shared with teachers or study groups through digital connections around the world in real time. Get feedback Students can go beyond their school districts or communities to discover how others learn. High school or college students can rely on internet communities to provide a second set of eyes on papers to proofread for grammar or spelling mistakes or even to assist in brainstorming sessions. Reinforce STEM Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment in occupations related to STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - is projected to grow to more than nine million by 2022. Technology plays a strong role in STEM careers. Honing these skills in the classroom can prepare students for professional arenas in which technology figures to play a sizable role. Technology has changed the education landscape in many beneficial ways.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Guide to Schools & Education
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY CAREER EDGE school sophomore, junior or
One Summer Week That Can Change Your Child’s Life!
senior who is beginning to
CAREER EDGE COURSES
think about college and their
Session 1 July 8-12, 2019
If your child is a rising high
professional path, these intensive, one-week study options allow them to “try on” careers and serve as an impressive addition to their college application.
Applied Arts for Social Justice Digital Filmmaking: Telling the Story Through Technology Digital Journalism and Videography Event Planning and Management in New York City From Writer to Reader: The Art of Editing Books
Session 2 July 15-19, 2019
Residential US Students: June 1, 2019
Computer Information Systems: Cyber Defense Creating and Writing a Television Series Criminal Justice: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom...and Beyond Digital Filmmaking: Telling the Story Through Technology
Commuter Students: July 1, 2019
Session 3 July 22-26, 2019
DEADLINES
FOR PROGRAM DETAILS AND APPLICATIONS, VISIT: sps.nyu.edu/hsacademy/careeredge04
FOR INFORMATION, EMAIL: sps.hsacademy@nyu.edu OR CALL: 212-998-7006
Introduction to Computer Science Using JavaScript Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship Pre-Law Bootcamp Screenwriting—Visual Storytelling: From Short to Feature-Length Films NEW Social Media Influencer Boot Camp
NEW Careers in Healthcare: Exploring the Industry Creative Writing: Finding Your Muse in the Metropolis Discovering New York City Architecture: A Foundation in Design, Theory, and Practice Fashion Design in New York City Finance NYC: An Insider’s View
NEW Digital Filmmaking 2: Advanced Techniques and Technologies Entrepreneurship and Business Startups Finance NYC: An Insider’s View Integrated Marketing: Innovation and Strategy Real Estate NYC: From Design to Development
Integrated Marketing: Innovation and Strategy Interior Design Studio: From Concepts to Color Theory and Beyond Photographing NYC: Through the Mind’s Eye and the Camera Lens Restaurant Entrepreneurship: Examining the Business of Restaurants
Session 4 July 29-August 2, 2019 Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Universal Rights Creative Writing: Finding Your Muse in the Metropolis Criminal Justice: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom...and Beyond Destination Marketing: New York City Finance NYC: An Insider’s View
NEW Introduction to Financial Technology Investment Banking Fundamentals Journalism: The Who, What, Where, Why, and How of Writing Feature Stories Photographing NYC: Through the Mind’s Eye and the Camera Lens Pre-Law Bootcamp
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40 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
Be aware of all of the costs for college College is often met with excitement and interest by students pursuing their passions and what they hope will be fulfilling, lucrative careers. And the rising costs of college, coupled with the growing number of students taking on substantial debt to finance their educations, make it necessary that prospective students consider their earning potential when deciding on a major.
According to the College Board, the average cost of college tuition and fees for the 20172018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $9,970 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. Canadian citizens studying in Canada can expect to pay $6,571 per year, according to Statistics Canada.
The cost of tuition and room and board may catch parents’ eyes, but there are some lesser known expenses associated with college that can make attending school even more expensive. According to Cappex.com, a website offering ideas on how to pay for college, the extra costs of college can cost between $250 and $500 per month. The following are some lesser
known expenses that college students and their families may need to budget for this school year. · Transportation: Commuter students will need to drive to and from campus, which involves budgeting for gas, repairs and auto insurance. Students who live on campus may be subjected to a high fee for a resident student parking pass. Colleges in the United States earn an average of $4 million to $5 million in parking revenues each year, according to the most recent rate study from the National Parking Association. A typical four-year college or university in the United States charges about $635 per space for the school year. Other students use public transportation or ridesharing services to get around. Those fees can quickly add up, too. Students attending school far away from home also need to budget for plane tickets home during the holidays and other breaks. · Fraternities and sororities: Many students join Greek organizations to fully immerse themselves in the college experience and make new friends. Many of these groups charge fees to prospective pledges and then semester dues once students are accept-
ed. Parties, trips, living expenses, and other expenses may come up as well. · Added fees: Many colleges and universities charge technology fees, sports center fees and activity fees. Exploring these fees in advance of the school year can help families create accurate budgets. · Dining out: Families spend hundreds of dollars on campus meal plans per semester, but students also like to visit local eateries during the school year. Snacks, lunches and dinners purchased from such establishments can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Farmer’s Financial Solutions, a division of Farmer’s Insurance, says off-campus dining expenses cost an average of $770 a year. · School supplies: A new laptop or tablet, textbooks and other supplies a professor requires can cost thousands of dollars. The College Board estimates students spend $1,300 on books and supplies in a typical school year. The cost to attend college extends beyond tuition and room and board. Many additional expenses can stretch families’ budgets.
The Great Neck Public Schools Community Education Spring/Summer Catalog is here! Great Neck Community Education provides high-quality, fun, educational opportunities for adults. We offer classes in the areas of:
Creative Arts and Crafts Enrichment and Learning Arts and Entertainment Fitness and Movement Trips and Special Events Pursue your passions and interests in a welcoming community. Whether you come for intellectual engagement or social connection, or both, you’ll become part of our growing family of lifelong learners! Call today to register! (516) 441-4949, or visit us online at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/ce for a complete listing of courses. Classes held at 30 Cumberland Avenue, Great Neck, NY
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Guide to Schools & Education ADVERTORIAL
Michelle and Jerome Vivona - Owners and Artistic Directors of the American Theater Dance Workshop in Mineola, in its 36th year!
Michelle and Jerome became the Artistic Directors of the American Theater Dance Workshop four years ago this August. Prior to that, they spent their careers working in Ballet Companies, on Broadway, TV and Film and Michelle spent 6 seasons as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Our goal was to bring our unique understanding of what it takes to become successful in the business and the arts to Long Island. We met in Paris doing West Side Story and fell in love – we were engaged almost immediately and spent the next two and a half years working together, on tour and on Broadway. 25 years later – we still share a dynamic work ethic and passion for the arts. Michelle and Jerome were very fortunate to learn from, work with, and share the stage with some of the greatest names in the history of Broadway: Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Gwen Verdon, Hal Prince, Bebe Neuwirth, Debbie Allen, Patti LuPone,
Andy Blankenbuehler, Sutton Foster, Matthew Broderick, Brian Stokes Mitchell and so many more. Together we performed in over a dozen Broadway Musicals including Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed…., Kiss Me, Kate, Curtains, Seussical, the Musical, Dream the Johnny Mercer Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sweet Charity, Gypsy, 42nd Street, On Your Toes and Anything Goes as well as touring the US and abroad. We have both worked as Directors and Choreographers, dance and fight captains, swings, producers and advisors. We’ve also taught in College Programs and in classrooms across the country. Because of our experiences and our relationships we directly inherited this art form and learned it must be shared from generation to generation – the stories, the history, must be passed down or they’re lost. Our passion and our attention to detail is what gave us our careers and it’s what makes our studio so unique. Technique cannot be faked. It is what gives you the freedom to dance any form of dance with confidence and style. We are committed to sharing our experiences and connections to the Ballet and Broadway communities to make your child’s experience second to none. Ballet to Broadway – building careers one step at a time. Please join us! #TrainTeamVivona
After 36 years… Long Island’s Most Prestigious Performing Arts School
Register Now For Summer Dance @ The Workshop Join the World Class Staff of Resident Artists led by Broadway’s Own Michelle and Jerome Vivona
3 week Summer Dance Intensive: July 8th-26th Musical Theater Performance: July 29th-August 11th 7 weeks of Summer Dance Classes: July 10th-August 21st Classes offered in: Ballet, Theater Dance, Musical Theater, Acting, Voice & more
We Build Dancers One Step at a Time! Brand New Performing Arts Center 500 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola
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LuHi Summer Programs - Friendships that last a lifetime! Join Us For An Open House March 10th - Noon-2 pm April 28th - Noon-2 pm 516-626-1100 • LuHiSummerCamps.org
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42 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 ADVERTORIAL
Welcome to Notre Dame School Welcome to Notre Dame School! I have had the pleasure of being the principal of Notre Dame School since 2010. I am happy to say that I have been in Catholic education for more than 40 years—there is no other way I would rather have spent my life! I believe strongly in the mission of Catholic education—to provide a faith-based environment in which all students are valued and respected. Our students are ready to become responsible, faith-filled members of society who will lend a hand to others and will be the leaders of tomorrow. My experience here is driven on faith—my own faith in our God, my faith in our teachers and my faith in our students. Together we create a warm, nurturing learning environment in which all students are able to thrive. Notre Dame School begins with Nursery students and we enroll students through eighth grade. Some students attend Notre Dame for eleven years, while others join us later in their educational journey. Our student body is a diverse range of cultures, beliefs and abilities. All students are a vital part of our school family Here are some things we would like you to know… We pray together each morning as a school community and attend Mass on the First Friday of each month. We celebrate liturgical seasons in a variety of ways. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we begin our week with a special prayer service. Our students in
grades 3 through 8 enjoy the use of one-to-one devices. Students in grade3 use iPads, while students in grades 4 through 8 use Chrome Books. Teachers and students in those grades make use of Google Classroom. This enables teachers to post resources and assignments for their students. Students in grades Kindergarten through Grade Five participate in the Christmas and Spring Show. Students in PK- Grade 2 participate in a winter concert. Students in grades Three through Eight may enjoy music lessons and Honor Band through Paul Effman. In music class, students learn to play the recorder and xylophone, and sing at School Masses. We also have a school choir that sings at prayer services and school masses. Our students navigate Google Chrome with ease and use a variety of presentation tools including PowerPoint and Prezi, along with Movie Maker. They build boats, hot air balloons and robotic arms and work with the Cad Pro program to design a better school environment. Our
Technology Lab is stocked with all of the items needed to explore, create and build. Our Art teacher integrates different artists, cultures and literature into her classes. Our Physical Education teacher plays games, teaches important skills, teaches Health to grades Five through Eight and stresses good sportsmanship. Our students enjoy a lunch program that features both hot and cold items, along with snacks and drinks. All students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 work on tablets and SmartBoards, enjoy the annual Notre Dame Picnic, compete at Blue and White events, participate in Liturgies all through the year as Leaders of Song, readers, and altar servers, go on curriculum –related field trips, shop at the Christmas and Spring Boutique and love dress-down days! All students from Nursery through Grade 8 enjoy the benefits of video-conferencing with zoos, science museums and sites all over the United States. We have a full time Art teacher, as well as a full time
Technology teacher, Physical Education teacher, Language teacher and librarian. Our Music teacher is part-time. Grades K and 1 have Italian classes during the school day and students in grades two through eight have their choice of four languages— French, Italian, Spanish and Latin. Our academic programs are rigorous and our most of our students meet or exceed the state standards. We test ELA and Math in Grades 4 and 6; Science in Grades 4 and 8. We broadcast our announcements via closed circuit television on NDTV, our student- run television system. Each week a different homeroom class is showcased. We also have a Drama Club for Grades 4-8 that produces an annual theatrical performance. Our students published a school newspaper during the fall. Proceeds from the sale of those newspapers this year were donated to a charity of their choice. We offer a Chess Club, First Lego League and a STEM Club. Each fall and spring students are able to choose from a variety of afterschool clubs. We have swimming, volleyball and basketball teams. We offer both Morning care and After care We have many wonderful events and programs which we would like to share with you. Come and visit us—see our students and teachers in action. Come and make our home, your home. Take a tour with one of our students and feel the difference!
Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have Caryn Flores Durkin Cdurkin7211@ndsnet.org / www.ndsnet.org
A Blank Slate Media / Litmor Publications Special Section • March 8, 2019
44 Read All About Us • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
Hibachi Sushi Ya The Place for Japanese Fusion The new Hibachi Sushi Ya is the sashimi, steak and vegetables. With a daily delivery of only top leading Japanese fusion eatery, quality raw materials they believe with consistent and delectable one should eat light steamed vegdishes, very big-hearted portions, etables, use on the best oil, so vegsmooth service and affordable gies are crispy and nutritional and dazzling private parties with observe healthy dining traditions. seating available for over 150. They will arrange special menus The hibachi dining room is for an important event and will quite popular and the catering suggest from the many taste sensastaff superb. Considering the tions offered consistently perby the amazing fect preparations chef’s dream and super raw team with materials, the menus that will easy prices on please all tastes all services and budgets. offered, are a Daily specials gift. along with a Minutes from huge variety the Long Island of creative Expressway, the menu options well-informed keep their owners Eric The Staff at Sushi Ya loyal legions of Leong, Paul followers coming back for more. Chong and Sushi chef Marvin are Highly recommended on all masters of design and style. They counts. value the health aspect and only Gift certificates are a vailable. serve the freshest fish, sushi,
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2311 Jericho Tpke., New Hyde Park • 516-741-2288 Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am-3pm, 5-10pm, Fri. 11:30am-3pm, 5-11pm Sat. 1:30-11pm, Sun. 12-9:30pm
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HTA Supports PTA Scholarship Fund
Big Apple Circus, March 2, 2019 Herricks Teachers’ Association
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Read All About Us
Serving The Community For Over 73 Years!!
Eileen and Ronnie, the owners of Bobb Howard’s General Store and Auto Repair Shop, are a couple of baby boomers who grew up on Long Island playing hopscotch and hide-andseek, stick- ball and stoop ball, flipping baseball cards and jacks, and playing hit the penny and spin the bottle...This family-owned and operated auto repair business was opened 73 years ago on Columbus Day, 1946, by Eileen’s parents. Today, as in 1946, oldtime values continue to be followed… They opened the General Store about 27 years ago, when Eileen, noticing the frenetic pace of today’s computerized world, decided it was time to go back to a simpler time, to have people remember what it felt like to be a “kid in a candy store” again, and go back to a time when games didn’t require batteries - a place where kids of all ages could come and browse and giggle with nostalgic memories. The store now has over 1300 retro candies and toys and ships “packages of memories” all over the world... People often comment on the combination of the two businesses, but for Eileen and Ronnie it is a natural extension of the things they love. Cleanliness, honesty and integrity are of utmost importance to them, traits that were passed down to them by Eileen’s parents. There is also an awards program set up each year at the New Hyde Park High School in Eileen’s parents‘ memory, not for the smartest kids in the class, but for the kids that “try the hardest” - that’s all her parents ever asked of her.... Both the General Store and the Auto Repair Shop have won numerous awards, including Best Candy Store, Best Collectible Store, Best Toy Store, Best Auto Repair Shop, Best Muffler Shop, Best of Long Island, Best of the North Shore, Best of Queens, “One of the 101 Places to Take Your Family”, and “Family Friendly Favorite”, but the one they are the most proud of is the award they won for BEST MOM and POP BUSINESS on LONG ISLAND!!! Eileen and Ronnie feel very blessed and incredibly lucky: they love what they do, they love coming to work every day, and they love working with “kids” and “kids at heart” in both the General Store and the Auto Repair Shop - it must be a “generational thing”.... Go visit their place and take a stroll down memory lane. You will smile, and they will send you home with a free bag of popcorn from their 1947 popcorn machine!
Today, as in 1946, those old-time values continue…They’ve watched other repair shops go in and out of business or “change hands”, but they’re still there on the corner of Bryant and Lakeville, striving to give their customers an “honest count” and treat them as family. They’re servicing 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th generations of family’s automobiles!!! They must be doing something right after 73 years!!!
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46 Read All About Us • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
Left to right: Elizabeth Georgey, Jessa Wagan, Suni George, Angie Maniego, Chikku Varghese, Merlin Philip, Elizabeth Geevarghese
Dr. Wilbert B. Maniego, specializing in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics has been providing medical and healthcare services to the community and the surrounding neighborhoods since 2002. He is currently affiliated with Northwell Health - Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center Walk-ins are always welcome. Comprehensive Annual and School Physicals, Immunizations, and Blood Tests provided. Most insurances are accepted. We are located at 915 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (near the corner of Lakeville Road). Office hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Tuesday - 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Saturday - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
HILLSIDE INTERNAL MEDICINE & GERIATRICS DR. WILBERT B. MANIEGO 915 HILLSIDE AVE., NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040 tel: 718-343-7600 fax: 718-343-7603 info@hillsideinternalmedicine.com www.hillsideinternalmedicine.com
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Guide to Schools & Education
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48 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 ADVERTORIAL
The Hannah Kroner School offers a unique educational opportunity The Hannah Kroner school offers a unique educational opportunity to dancers and non dancers alike. Dance makes us aware of ourselves, helps us develop a sense of security, and the desire to achieve. It can be better than other educational means because it combines both the physical and the mental. The goal can be performing, it can be teaching, or functioning in any profession. Dance offers students an opportunity to develop a sense of accomplishment in a joyful environment. The Hannah Kroner School of Dance was established in 1947. The school’s philosophy, then and now, is to educate students in all dance forms, to prepare them to be successful in the varied experiences they will face and demands they will encounter in their lives. Many students find fulfillment in non- performing as well as performing careers because of the extensive dance training they have received through the school. This training has also enabled many graduate students to pass auditions for High School of Performing Arts, summer stock, Broadway shows, television, ballet companies such as Alvin Ailey, San Francisco, Joffrey, and others. The current owner/director of the school, Carol Kaufman-Riley, was a former professional dancer, lifetime member of Dance Educators of America, member AGVA and was a Rockette. Over the past 40 plus years, Ms. Riley and the staff have continued to be innovators of programs unique to dance education on Long Island. Some of these include “Dance and Exercise for Children and Adults with Special Needs,” a recipient of several communityservice awards, the “Toddler/Mom,” “Tots Two,” dance birthday parties, modern, musical
theater, contemporary, lyrical and the ballroom classes for kids. Much of the current staff has been with the school throughout the years on Long Island. Through its distinctive dance teacher-training program, the school has produced many graduates who have become teachers in the studio and fine educators throughout the country. Most schools focus mainly on the end of the year recital. Since its inception, the Hannah Kroner School has offered an open house right in the studio twice a year so parents can observe their child’s progress in a relaxed atmosphere. This year younger students will be given the opportunity to perform on stage. The school is proud of their community events, street fairs, and performed at the Williston Park Street fair in September. This past February Hannah Kroner School of Dance was proud to host a dance marathon with a $2,167 donation raised for childhood cancer research. Throughout the years, advanced students have consistently won awards at regional and national competitions on Long Island. Most recently the school has added a competition team comprised of students ages 8-10 (the Mini’s), 11- 13 (the Juniors), and 13+( the seniors). Students interested must pass an audition in order to be on the team. At the Hannah Kroner School the emphasis is on the enjoyment of dance, learning good technique, knowing dance vocabulary and achieving all around fitness. With every age group taking a part, beginning at toddlers-walking to seniors at the young age of 90, the goals have remained consistent. If you can walk, you can dance, and with over 70 years of positive affirmation, the School continues to flourish
1180 WILLIS AVENUE ALBERTSON 516-484-5430
SUMMER REGISTRATION JOIN US NOW! 2019 Summer Classes begin: July 8th - August 15th
Call to audition this June for our 2019/20 competition team.
1180 WILLIS AVENUE • ALBERTSON • 516-484-5430 HannahKronerSchoolofDance.com
How to advocate for children at school Schools are an important cornerstone of children’s development, both academically and socially. And whether students are part of the general education curriculum or requires accommodations for physical or developmental challenges, their parents are their staunchest advocates for their success in the classroom. Parents can represent their children in the educational climate more effectively if they understand how schools operate. As with any official government or municipal organization, there are policies and regulations in place. Parents who can navigate effectively will have the greater chance of having their voices heard. · Develop a positive image in the school. Parents can ingratiate themselves to school personnel in various ways. This includes participation in parent-teacher organizations, volunteering for school-led activities and taking time to get to know all staff, including office secretaries, paraprofessionals and student teachers. Consider chairing an activity, like Box Tops for education collection or a scouting troop. Being a positive presence on campus will set the tone for how others view you. · Educate yourself on policies. Read up on the issues you support. If your child has a particular learning disability, research it and the tools that have helped other students in similar situa-
tions achieve success. Attend workshops and investigate what your school district offers by way of individualized education modifications so you can present a well-researched argument. In addition, if necessary, learn about children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). · Stay organized. Keep a folder of test scores, homework assignments, report cards, and other pertinent documents in one place so you can document and track your child’s progress and performance. · Be positive, calm and firm. The advocacy organization Understood says parents can learn strategies and phrases to redirect conversations and defuse tense situations. Parents are an equal member of the education team. Be receptive to staff ideas, but don’t feel pressured to agree with them all. · Communicate regularly. The notion that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is largely true. Speak with teachers, therapists and the principal as necessary to ensure that lines of communication are kept open at all times. Continue to do so with tact and decorum. Remember to follow hierarchy protocol, first speaking with a teacher directly instead of going straight to an administrator. Parents are their children’s first and most avid advocates. They can help ensure students get the education they deserve
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Guide to Schools & Education
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Fill snow days with activities and fun A blizzard of white akes has been falling through the night, and the school phone chain has begun. As expected, children will have a day o from school, leaving parents scrambling for ways to keep children occupied and supervised. Snow days may be coveted by kids (and teachers), but they may not be as beloved by parents who are unaccustomed to having kids home during the week. Working parents whose businesses are open do not have the same luxury as their children to roll over in bed and avoid trekking through the white stu. But just because snow days are unexpected, that does not mean parents can’t plan for them. ¡ Establish a snow day plan. Parents who cannot take days o from work will need a contingency plan for snow days. Organize a snow day club, wherein school parents rotate taking children for the day. Working parents can reciprocate by taking the school kids on a weekend and letting the other parents have a “date night.â€? ¡ Create a snow day entertainment bin. Rather than having kids spend the day watching television or playing on their tablets, parents can establish a snow day entertainment bin to encourage their kids to make the most of the day o. The bin can include board games, books, building block sets, paints, and other crafts. ¡ Plan for an indoor picnic. Kids will probably want to spend a portion of the day playing out in the snow. After all of that physical activity, they’re bound to be
famished. Spread a blanket out on the living room oor and enjoy a picnic of sandwiches, snacks and hot chocolate. Kids will enjoy the novelty of eating this way. ¡ Get cooking. Another way to ďŹ ll the day is to have children participate in making meals. A snowy day is a great time to prepare meals for the rest of the week, as well as tinker with hearty, belly-ďŹ lling recipes. Older children can help with cutting vegetables and meats, while younger kids can add seasonings to pots and mix ingredients. Involve the kids in choosing which meals to cook. Baking bread is another fun activity and enables kids to sculpt dough and then eat the fruits of their labors. ¡ Go the movies. If roads are passable, consider a trip to the movie theater, where you can enjoy a matinee. Bring a few friends along and make it a fun-ďŹ lled outing. ¡ Create snow art. Fill squeeze or squirt bottles with some water and food coloring. Allow kids to go out in the yard and create some pictures with the snow as their canvas. ¡ Catch up on cleaning. Cleaning may not be the most exciting snow day activity, but it might be the most productive. Children can spend time sorting through toys and belongings in their rooms. ¡ Take a nature walk. Grab those boots and insulated pants and head outdoors. A walk in the brisk, cold air can boost spirits and introduce kids to the beauty of winter landscapes. Take the camera along and encourage kids to snap pictures of their favorite vistas.
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50 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
Ideas to build school spirit and foster community
3 techniques to help kids concentrate Classrooms are now vastly different from the ones today’s parents were accustomed to when they were children. Technology has changed the face of classrooms, and while digital classrooms have revolutionized the ways kids learn, they also can make it more difficult for students to concentrate. Computers, tablets and smartphones can be invaluable resources for teachers and students. But when such devices compromise student’s ability to concentrate, parents may need to embrace various techniques aimed at improving kids’ ability to concentrate.
tible to interference from irrelevant environmental stimuli and from irrelevant representations in memory than light media multitaskers. Students who try to do too much at once may think they’re getting a lot done, but dividing their attention among several subjects may make it harder for them to fully understand or learn their class lessons. When studying, students who concentrate on one subject or task may understand materials more fluently than those who divide their attention among subjects or those who focus on studying while also performing other tasks.
1. Discourage personal devices in the classroom. Computers and tablets can expand learning opportunities in the classroom, but parents who want their kids to focus on lessons can discourage the use of personal devices, such as smartphones or personal tablets, in the classroom. As noted by the Child Mind® Institute, apps and web content are designed to be user-friendly and addictive. In addition, modern youngsters socialize through their smartphones. Alerts or messages from social media apps or friends can distract kids from their lessons, which may adversely affect their academic performance. Unless teachers ask students to bring their personal devices to class, parents can discourage, if not restrict, their children to bring their smartphones or tablets with them to class.
3. Encourage strategic breaks. The Academic Success Center at Oregon State University notes that taking breaks can improve concentration and make studying more efficient and effective. When taking study breaks, students should set time limits on their breaks and change their scenery. Walking away from a book, device or computer screen for 10 minutes can help students avoid fatigue that can develop when they study for too long without a break. That fatigue can affect students’ ability to absorb the lessons they’re trying to learn, so parents can encourage students to take strategic breaks. Once per hour might be enough, but some students may benefit from more frequent breaks.
2. Limit multitasking. A 2009 study from researchers at Stanford University found that heavy media multitaskers were more suscep-
The competition for kids attention in the classroom is greater than ever before. As a result, parents may need to encourage their children to embrace various strategies that can improve their concentration.
Schools are often at the heart of a community. Schools are centralized places where people gather and friendships are formed. Creating an environment where school spirit is strong can be crucial to building a thriving community. School spirit can make people smile and bring them together for a common goal. Creating a balanced environment in schools also can help students feel more comfortable and happier about attending class each day. The National Federation of State High School Associations reports that, along with showing support for their school, high school students with school spirit perform better academically, are more engaged in social and civic matters and are generally happier than other peers. Those findings were part of a survey conducted by Harris Poll and involved 1,500 students who were asked about key factors like pride, academics and self-esteem at school. Activities for building spirit can range from simple things like wearing silly hats or rooting on the sports team to more complex activities, such as community service projects. The following are some ways students and educators can foster stronger school spirit by encouraging communities to get involved. · Invite guest speakers. Invite local community members to discuss their experiences or alumni share their memories of attending the school. Having students learn from these people can provide incentive for them to do well in school.
· Celebrate diversity. Various months or weeks of the year are dedicated to celebrating particular ethnic, cultural or special groups. Tie school spirit occasions into these events to commemorate the unique diversity at your school. · Host “School Spirit Fridays.” An easy way to inspire school spirit is to ask faculty and students to wear school colors or attire featuring the school mascot each Friday. A short Friday pep rally also can excite the student body. · Raise money for charity. Penny Wars are a great way to raise funds for special interest projects and charities. Homerooms collect as many pennies as they can for a week. Rival classes “sabotage” by throwing nickels, dimes and quarters into the buckets. The pennies are tallied, and the other currency is subtracted from the total. The class with the most money wins a pizza party, and the funds raised are then donated. · Choose a new mascot. Ask students to vote for a new school mascot. While they are exploring the possibilities, kids can learn about unique or endangered animals in the process. · Hold door-decorating contests. Students can decorate their classroom doors to coordinate with holidays or special themes. The winner receives a prize, such as more recess time or nohomework passes. These are just a few ways to boost school spirit. Schools can find more ideas to inspire school spirt by creating committees to connect with students and members of their communities.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019 • Guide to Schools & Education
8 things to consider when choosing a high school Planning ahead for the future often involves having a strong educational foundation upon which a secure and financially rewarding career can be built. While many students and families give ample thought to where they will attend college, taking such an approach to high school can be beneficial as well. High school is a critical time in a child’s life. Many students simply attend their local public high schools, even if that school may not be the best fit for the student. It behooves families to investigate other possibilities they have to ensure teenagers end up in the right academic environment during high school. Public schools, private/religious institutions and specialty and vocational schools may have different assets that set them apart. Therefore, students and their parents can look at various factors to determine which school will present them with the right environment and tools for
success. 1. Identify needs and wants. Have a frank discussion as a family regarding what the student is looking to get out of the high school experience, as well as which settings help him or her learn the best. 2. Look at programs offered. Schools vary in their offerings. Comprehensive high schools offer a smorgasbord of courses to appeal to as many students as possible. Magnet or specialty schools may have specialized focuses, such as STEM, communications, business, or art. 3. How much college prep is desired? While most schools offer advanced placement courses that can translate into college credit, some offer specialty tracks that enable high school students to earn a high school diploma and associates degree concurrently. 4. Check out campus size. The number of students on campus and teacher-to-student ratio can affect how some students learn. Social ADVERTORIAL
kids may like big schools, while an intimate setting may bring others out of their shells. 5. Consider religious affiliations. Many families like a faithbased program, and religious schools often blend faith into their curriculum. 6. Pay attention to finances. Tuition costs can impact which school a student attends. 7. Map the school location. Decisions also can be based on how close a school may be. Long commutes can eat into extracurricular activities or family time. 8. What clubs and activities are offered? School decisions also can be based on the activities that help develop well-rounded students. Athletes may seek schools with strong sports programs, for example. Students can explore all possibilities in their local areas and beyond when determining where to attend high school.
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52 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 8, 2019
Music education boosts more than test scores
Finding balance with extracurricular activities Many high schools, colleges and universities emphasize their goals of producing well-rounded students. Extracurricular activities teach students important life lessons, provide them opportunities to socialize and often stimulate their minds and bodies in ways that differ from the stimulation provided in the classroom. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau states that 57 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in at least one after-school extracurricular activity. Children are more likely to participate in sports than clubs or lessons, such as music, dance and language, but each of these activities can be beneficial to students’ development. Students who participate in extracurricular activities may want to limit their participation to 20 hours per week. This is according to a group of professors from Stanford University and Villanova University who have been collecting data on the issue since 2007. In their report “Extracurricular Activity in High-Performing School Contexts: Stress Buster, Booster or Buffer?”, Jerusha Conner and Sarah Miles found that 87 percent of kids who would be considered to have packed schedules were perfectly happy unless they were doing more than four hours a day. The “over-scheduling hypothesis” may be overhyped. This is the concern that too much organized activity participation leads to poor developmental
outcomes. This hypothesis also suggests that hectic schedules also undermine family functioning, detract from schoolwork and possibly increase the risk of copycat behaviors and excessive competitiveness. However, in the study “The Over-Scheduling Hypothesis Revisited: Intensity of Organized Activity Participation During Adolescence and Young Adult Outcomes,” researchers J.L. Mahoney and Andrea Vest determined that, controlling for demographic factors and baseline adjustment, extracurricular intensity was a significant predictor of positive outcomes and unrelated to indicators of problematic adjustment (e.g., psychological distress, substance use, antisocial behavior) at young adulthood. Even though extracurricular activities are largely positive - even when schedules are packed - parents need to be aware of the diminishing returns of too many activities. This is something called the “threshold effect.” Benefits from extracurriculars can level off when too many activities are being juggled. If a child is experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness or depression, or seems overly stressed, it could be time to reduce students’ time spent doing structured activities. It’s essential that families use the cues given by kids to assess what students can handle. And children should be encouraged to be honest with their parents about their extracurricular activities as well.
School is much more than a place where students gather to learn. For children, school is their first opportunity for social development and introduction to people outside of their family unit. Lessons learned in school go beyond mathematics and language arts. Students learn to cultivate individual interests and find other people who share their interests. Music is one of the ways likeminded children come together. When many people talk about the benefits of music education, they’re quick to point out all of the quantitative and measurable results of that music education. For instance, numerous studies have shown the positive impact music programs can have on children in other areas of study. Dr. Laurel Trainor, a professor of psychology, neuroscience and behavior at McMaster University, has said that young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory compared to children who do not receive musical training. Stanford University researchers have found that musical training improves how the brain processes the spoken word, a finding that researchers say could lead to improving the reading ability of children who have dyslexia and other reading problems. Furthermore, 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. There are many reasons why music education can help to make a child a better student, but there also are other benefits that go beyond the classroom environment. Being involved in music also is a social endeavor, and music education can set the course for lifelong friends and help create social groups that last through school and beyond. Music education breeds familiarity during a school career, when going from class to class or from school to school every year can be nervewracking and unfamiliar. Walking inside of a band room, whether in elementary school or high school, can create a sense of belonging. It is also a place where students not involved in sports or other activities can gather. Children who move a lot due to a parent’s work may find that joining the marching band or participation in the choir is the one portion of school that is familiar no matter where they attend school. While neighborhoods may change and teachers differ from school to school, music can be a reliable constant. While not every child will go on to be the next, great musical sensation, thanks to music education at school, he or she will have learned lessons in working as a team and other social benefits that will help in all areas of life.