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Back in the OF THINGS Establishing routines will help students succeed under unusual circumstances
T
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
he routine your children had during school slowly faded during the summer break. Now that physically attending school is in question due to COVID-19, your children must spend time to create and get into a school routine that will allow them to get work done if learning from home is required.
Daily schedule
Attending school from home can feel like an extended vacation for your children. It’s easy to be distracted by television, being at home and siblings. It’s important that your student does well while attending online school from home so that they are not behind when school and life return to normal. Time management when attending online school from home is crucial. Create a schedule for your kids to follow that will allow them to wake up at an appropriate time, attend online school and complete homework. Plan lunch breaks and breaks for your children to relax a bit during school hours. It’s important to make sure your kids stay in a school mindset. Remember that it is okay to be flexible with the hours. Giving your children a little more time to relax or sleep is OK as long as they are getting their work done.
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The importance of homework
Creating a time at home to get work done can help your children stay on track during this difficult period. The U.S. Department of Education says homework can help children develop strong study habits and positive attitudes. According to ed.gov, homework helps students: Review and practice what they have covered in class. Prepare for class the next day. Learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials and websites. Explore subjects more fully than classroom time permits. Extend learning by applying skills they already have to new situations. Integrate their learning by applying different skills to a single task, such as book reports or science projects. Learn to manage time and meet deadlines.
Help with homework
Parents can help their children with homework by setting a regular time and place for it that removes distractions that may interfere with their progress. The U.S. Department of Education advises parents to provide supplies, identify resources and show interest in what your child is learning. Remember that communication with teachers and counselors at their school is very important for helping your child with homework. If your student is struggling at home, contact the teacher about online tutoring or work that can help your child sharpen weaknesses.
Sleeping better
The United States Department of Health and Human Services advises children to get plentiful sleep each night. Sleeping is not only about the number of hours you sleep, but more about the quality of sleep that is gained each night. Placing yourself and your children on a sleep schedule will make it easier for your body to get good quality sleep. Here is a list of the recommended hours of sleep various age groups should get each night, according to the HHS: Most adults need seven to eight hours of good quality sleep on a regular schedule each night. Preschoolers need to sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day, including naps. School-aged children need nine to 12 hours of sleep each night. Teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Staying on a consistent sleeping schedule can benefit the body in a variety of ways. Good quality sleep reduces stress, can help you maintain a healthy weight, think more clearly and do better in school and at work. Sleep can also lower your risk for serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Dr. Marilyn Toliver hopes to expand early childhood education program at John A. Logan D JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE
r. Marilyn Toliver has spent 28 of her 36 years in education at John A. Logan College. She currently teaches 11 of the 14 classes offered in the Early Childhood Education Program. According to Toliver, the field of Early Childhood Education has seen its challenges through the years, especially now as fewer schools offer the degree program. “Before the COVID pandemic, the ECE program was already in crisis mode,” said Toliver. “Now more than ever, there are many students without access to early childhood education training living in rural southern Illinois. With Early Childhood Education programs recently closing at two other southern Illinois community colleges, Toliver decided to offer more online and hybrid classes to try and fill the void for students that would have to travel over an hour to take courses at the College.
Dr. Marilyn Toliver “Time and distance are significant barriers for EDE students who may work and have children,” said Toliver. “This semester, students do not have to drive to campus at all for some courses and only a limited number of times for others. We have also arranged for child care labs to be conducted at the workplace with cooperating centers.”
Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, believes that offering the program online will bring more people into this critical field. “Childcare is critical to southern Illinois parents, and we recognize the need to offer educational courses that prepare individuals to serve in this field,” said Hartford. “Our goal is to make our education accessible and affordable to those who want it. We believe that making our Early Childhood Education program fully online will accomplish this and allow for trained childcare workers to continue to serve our region.” Despite the barriers, Toliver still sees Early Childhood Education as an excellent career choice with several employment options. “Our graduates find jobs as teachers and directors in child care centers, assistant teachers at Pre-K and Headstart Centers as well as assistant elementary teachers in public schools and personal aids for chil-
dren with disabilities,” said Toliver. “Some of my students choose to own and operate daycares or work as Nannies. There are a lot of options and a lot of opportunities for our graduates.” After 36 years, she still enjoys working with students and helping them achieve their goals. “I grew up in Carbondale, the youngest of seven children. I am the only one of my siblings to achieve a college, so I know first hand just how much this means to my students,” said Toliver. “With fewer and fewer programs now being offered, I am both excited and proud that we (John A. Logan College) have made the changes necessary to provide this vital program to more individuals.” For more information about the Early Childhood Education program at John A. Logan College, contact Dr. Marilyn Toliver at 618-985-2828, Ext. 8468 or at marilyntoliver@jalc.edu
BACK TO SCHOOL | Sunday, August 23, 2020 |
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LEE SHULMAN BIERER
T
The Charlotte Observer
he to-do list for high school seniors seems to be growing longer each day. When they’re not doing homework, participating in their extracurricular activities, hanging with friends, sleeping, eating or texting, they’re probably thinking about their college list, testing, upcoming campus visits, college applications, the Common Application essay, the Coalition essay, supplemental essays, transcripts, an activity list, letters of recommendation, final test prep, sending test scores and scholarships. Are you tired or stressed? Think about how they must feel. Let’s try to de-stress the situation by creating a fall timeline and breaking each of these bigger tasks into more manageable pieces. Check them off as you complete them:
Finalize the college list by making sure it is a balanced list with reach/target/safety schools. Be sure to include an in-state safety school for financial reasons. Review the standardized testing calendar and register for the SAT in October, November or December, or the ACT in October or December, if needed. Find out if any of the colleges on your list recommend or require SAT subject tests and register for those tests.
A fall
timeline for high school seniors
Check your school’s calendar. Take advantage of any teacher work days and schedule campus visits.
Set up accounts on each college’s website.
Ask a trusted source to review your essays.
See if any of the colleges you’re considering offer open house dates or discovery days for seniors.
Create a document that keeps track of your user names and passwords for each college.
Meet with college representatives when they visit your school.
Determine which schools offer Early Action.
Prepare a timeline of assignments based on each college’s deadline (i.e., don’t work on the Coalition or the Common Application if none of your Early Action colleges accept either).
Decide if a binding Early Decision option at one college makes sense. Figure out which of the colleges on your final list are on the Common Application or the Coalition, and which are not on either, and you’ll need to apply directly to the college. Research the number of essays required or recommended by each college and create a document for each one, listing their essay prompts and their deadlines
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| SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2020 | BACK TO SCHOOL
Review and then order high school transcripts. Find out how your high school is sending transcripts to each college. (Most high schools are now transmitting transcripts electronically through Naviance.)
recommendation, and find out how many they require and how many they will allow as “optional.” Ask teachers, coaches, advisors and employers for letters of recommendation. Begin researching scholarship opportunities.
Prepare your resume/brag sheet/activity list and give it to your recommenders.
Check your high school guidance office and the high school website for scholarship opportunities.
Check to see if any colleges on your list will allow you to attach your resume/brag sheet to their application.
After reading this, I hope all of you parents are now a little more sympathetic to the angst of being a high school senior.
Write a first draft of essays.
Complete the data input into each application.
Edit essays and, yes, edit again.
Research which colleges accept letters of
Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Brainstorm essay ideas for colleges with the earliest deadlines first. See where you can multi-purpose the same essay for multiple schools, but be careful to tweak the essays appropriately.
Outstanding faculty member has a passion for teaching JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE
A
ssistant Professor of Biology and Life and Physical Science Department Chair, Cheryl Thomas was named 2020 Outstanding Full-time Faculty Member at John A. Logan College. She has been teaching full-time at the College since 2006. Thomas began her career at John A. Logan College in 1995 as a professional tutor in the Student Success Center tutoring students in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and as an adjunct Biology instructor in 1996. In 1997, she became the Director of the Student Success Center and remained in that position until accepting the position of full-time Biology Instructor in 2006. In 2012, she became the Life Science Department Chair, and in 2016, the Life and Physical Science Departments merged to form one unit with Thomas as the Chair. In addition to her duties as department chair, Thomas currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology courses. For Thomas, being named the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty of the year is a bonus for the opportunity to do what she loves. “Being selected by my peers as Outstanding Faculty is such a humbling experience. It means the world to me to be recognized amongst so many outstanding faculty members at John A. Logan College.” Cheryl Thomas had originally planned to go to medical school until a human anatomy class in her senior year of college changed her mind. “Never in a million years did I think I would become a teacher,” said Thomas. “My plans were to go to medical school, but within weeks of my first human anatomy class, I was hooked, and decided to change my plans to pursue a master’s degree so I could teach at a community college. For Thomas, there was never any doubt that a community college was the place she wanted to teach. “I love the atmosphere of a community college. I love that my students show up ready to learn and have open minds. I love my colleagues, who feel like family. I love that I was finally given the opportunity to do what I love at a place that I love,”
Thomas said. Her love of teaching and the passion she has for the subject is what she wants her students to take away from each class that she teaches. “I strive to provide an encouraging environment where each student has the ability to mature as both a student and a person. I believe an instructor should show genuine enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and enduring dedication in all aspects of teaching,” said Thomas. “Teachers have the opportunity to make a very powerful impact on students’ lives, and a teacher’s attitude is critical in doing so. A passionate approach to teaching and learning can motivate, support, and encourage students both inside and outside Cheryl Thomas the classroom. I have a true passion for teaching and for my subject, and I hope to share that with my students. Her efforts in the classroom have made her a popular instructor in a difficult subject area, and earned her the admiration of her peers. “Cheryl is a dedicated faculty member who wants the best for her students. They (students) love her classes because they ACCOUNT FEATURES know how much she cares about their education. We are fortunate to have Cheryl at No minimum balance requirement John A. Logan College. She is a wonderful No monthly service charge example of the caring faculty that comprise our staff and she is most deserving of Debit card this honor,” said Dean for Academic Affairs Convenient, secure electronic Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford. “Cheryl covers detailed, complex material in her statement delivery class, but does it in a way that makes it accessible and memorable for students.” Every semester on the first day of class, she tells her students the very same thing, “If there is one thing I want you to know and remember about me, it is that I LOVE what I do! I love teaching; I love the topic, and I love working with students.” Then, on the last day of class, she reminds them Carbondale Carterville of what she has said with the hope that 216 East Main St. 200 West Plaza Dr. they have recognized that throughout the (618) 549-2181 (618) 985-5494 semester. One thing is for certain, despite the fact www.tboc.com Member FDIC that this semester will look a little differ$100 minimum deposit to open account. Two forms of identification required, ent this fall, the sentiment is clear from including a valid student ID. Electronic statement delivery required. students and fellow faculty alike. Cheryl Must be a currently enrolled, full time student. Call for complete details. Thomas loves what she does, and she is very good at it. BACK TO SCHOOL | Sunday, August 23, 2020 |
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Know the symptoms of
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GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
ith the uncertainty during the global COVID-19 pandemic comes the possibility for children to catch the disease from people they encounter, even if they are taking classes at home. COVID-19 can spread quickly if you do not know how to identify the symptoms, when to seek help and how to care for others if they have contracted the disease. It is important to teach your family how to identify the symptoms for the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 has a wide variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness. It is important to know that anyone can have symptoms or can carry COVID-19 without even realizing they have it. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Here are symptoms people with COVID-19 may have, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. The CDC reports that these are not all the possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications.
COVID-19
When to seek help
If you suspect that you, your child or another family member has COVID-19, the CDC encourages you keep track of the symptoms and look for emergency signs. If someone is showing emergency signs, seek emergency medical care. Here are those emergency signs, according to the CDC: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and bluish lips or face. If you or your child shows any emergency signs or symptoms, call 911 or call your local emergency facility immediately.
Stay home if you’re sick
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actions. Keep the ill person in a room away from the rest of the household members, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health. Keep surfaces disinfected. Avoid sharing personal items with the ill person. If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email. Stay informed about the local outbreak situation. Contact your child’s school to let them know that you or a family member has contracted COVID-19. These are all preventative, cautionary steps to take that will prevent the spread of germs. If you or your family member contracts COVID-19, all members of the family should enter a quarantine period of 14 days, the CDC recommends.
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Managing
stress important for college students GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
hile stress is a normal part of life, anxiety W for a college student can become more difficult to manage. The experience can be heightened for young adults because of academic demands and sometimes living away from home. If you’re feeling like the experience is becoming too overwhelming, there are lifestyle changes you can make. Get more sleep. Try to think positively. Have an outlet for stress, such as a social gathering or participate in sports. Learn to meditate or practice other relaxation methods. Talk to a close friend or family member about your emotions. When these techniques still won’t lessen the feeling of anxiety, you should reach out to an expert. Your campus will likely offer programs with available counselors.
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s reaction to a challenge. While most look at the experience as a bad thing, it can be a positive emotion. In some cases, our bodies can perform better or improve the sharpness of our minds. According to the American Psychological Association, there are three different types of stresses:
Acute stress: The most common form of stress is the result of recent or anticipated stressors. Episodic acute: Often accompanied by worry or angst, this type of stress occurs frequently and sometimes arrives in patterns. Chronic acute stress: This dangerous form is thought to be never-ending and can lead to health issues like heart problems, strokes and some cancers. It’s crucial to manage stress before it becomes an issue that can lead to unhealthy ways to alleviate the feelings.
By the numbers
To get a better sense of how stress affects college students, check out these statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the Associated Press: 34% report feeling depressed at least at one point within the last 90 days. 13% have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. 80% say they experience stress sometimes or often. About half of surveyed college students felt overwhelmed with anxiety at least once within the last twelve months. 20% say they feel stressed most of the time.
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JALC develops a plan to continue providing a top quality education during the pandemic JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE
J
ohn A. Logan College’s top priority as the fall semester begins is to provide quality education in a safe environment. To provide a semester with a variety of formats to meet students’ needs, faculty and staff have developed four modalities to deliver courses to students this fall: online anytime, online scheduled, hybrid, and face-to-face. Online Anytimeis a traditional online course, providing a convenient, flexible, and student-centered way of learning. Students login to the College’s online learning platform, Desire2Learn, and complete course assignments day or night, without coming to campus. Online Scheduledis an online class at a scheduled time. Students login to their class at the scheduled times and participate in live video classes broadcast by instructors from the JALC campus. This online course format is the most comparable to the face-to-face, on-campus experience. Information for ac-
cessing the scheduled class meetings will be provided to students in their Desire2Learn course site. Similar to a face-to-face class, real-time attendance will be required in an online scheduled course. Through this format, instructors will teach courses from specified, pre-determined distance learning classrooms. These rooms will be set up with high-quality video conferencing cameras and sound equipment to establish a professional, educational atmosphere for at-home learners. Hybrid courses will include a combination of online content and on-campus attendance. Instructors will place students into groups and create a schedule that outlines the required on-campus attendance for the semester within the scheduled meeting times for the course. The on-campus experience will include social distancing, specific entry and exit points, and require the use of face masks by students, faculty, and staff. Information regarding established groups and attendance days will be communicated
via the student email account, Volmail, and the course site on Desire2Learn. Face-to-Facecourses will deliver content to students through on-campus attendance in classrooms that allow for social distancing at all times. This on-campus experience will include social distancing, specific entry and exit points, and require the use of masks by students, faculty, and staff. Most classes, except for labs or clinicals that cannot be done online, will move to online learning beginning November 30 through December 11. In addition to requiring masks to be worn on campus, all social distancing protocols will be enforced on campus, and students and staff will have to pass through a health screening and have their temperature taken before entering any building. Administrators are encouraging all students to monitor their email accounts, the College website, and official social media accounts for all updates and to allow for adequate time when traveling to campus.
“Due to the health screenings and limited entry points on campus, it will take longer for students to get to their classes, so they need to allow for enough time when traveling to campus,” said Vice President for Instructional Services Dr. Melanie Pecord. Pecord added that it is vital for students to monitor their JALC email account for information from their instructors. “Students in Hybrid classes in particular need to watch their email as the semester begins so that they know exactly what days they will be on campus, especially during the first days of the semester so that we can avoid unnecessary congestion on campus.” Classes begin on August 12, and registration ends on August 18. Students that are unable to enroll in courses at the beginning of the semester will have an opportunity to enroll in second-half block schedule classes on October 8. Questions regarding registering for classes should be sent to registration@jalc.edu.
Fall 2020 Course Formats John A. Logan College’s top priority is to provide a quality education in a safe environment. Our goal is to provide a semester with a variety of formats to meet student needs.
Online Anytime is a traditional online course, providing a convenient, flexible, and student-centered way of learning. Students login to their Desire2Learn account and complete course assignments day or night, without coming to campus.
Online Scheduled is an online class at a scheduled time. Students login to their class at the scheduled times and participate in live, video classes broadcast by instructors from the JALC campus. This online course format is the most comparable to the face-to-face, on-campus experience. Information for accessing the scheduled class meetings will be provided to students in their Desire2Learn course site. Similar to a face-to-face class, real-time attendance will be required in an online scheduled course. Hybrid courses will include a combination of online content and on-campus attendance. Instructors will place students into groups and create a schedule that outlines the required on-campus attendance for the semester within the scheduled meeting times for the course. The on-campus experience will include social distancing, specific entry and exit points, and require the use of face masks by students, faculty, and staff. Information regarding established groups and attendance days will be communicated via Volmail and the course site on Desire2Learn. Face-to-Face courses will deliver content to students through on-campus attendance in classrooms that allow for social distancing at all times. This on-campus experience will include social distancing, specific entry and exit points, and require the use of masks by students, faculty, and staff. Most classes, with the exception of labs or clinicals that cannot be done online, will move to online learning beginning November 30 through December 11. We are hopeful Illinois will remain in “Phase 4” of the Restore Illinois Plan, but should a mandate require a transition to remote learning, students will need a minimum of a computer and reliable internet. Together, we will get through this experience and be stronger on the other side.
Registration Underway! Classes begin August 12th. For more information contact registration@jalc.edu S10 | Sunday, August 23, 2020
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Features
BESTREVIEWS VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Give your kids a place to work Weigh the pros and cons of portable lap desks
W
ERICA VAN BLOMMESTEIN | BestReviews
hether it’s homework, studying, drawing or crafting, kids often bypass conventional desk-and-chair setups completely, favoring the floor, a bed or a couch instead. Portable kids’ lap desks combine seating flexibility with the steady surface kids need to be truly productive anytime, anywhere. Read on to find out more about the different kids’ lap desk styles and which features to be on the lookout for. We’ve also included a few of our favorite portable kids’ lap desks at the end of this guide, like our top pick, the ECR4Kids’ Surf Portable Lap Desk, which boasts an elevated surface and an innovative design that helps promote focus.
Considerations when choosing kids’ portable lap desks
Intended use: What’s the chief purpose of your child’s lap desk? Asking yourself this question before you start shopping can help narrow down your options somewhat. Reading, writing, or drawing: A simple lap desk with a flat surface and a cushioned base can be ideal. Tablet or laptop computer use: A desk that provides some elevation via folding legs might be the most comfortable option. Arts-and-crafts work: For pint-sized Picassos, a lap desk with built-in storage will help keep all their supplies organized. Size: Portable kids’ lap desks come in a variety of sizes, so don’t forget to check the surface dimensions before you buy. If your child frequently works on a laptop, for instance, check the measurements first to make sure the lap desk surface is large enough to accommodate the device. While larger models might not seem as portable as compact varieties, many are designed to fold down for storage or travel.
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Padding: Some flat lap desks come with soft, cushioned bases for improved user comfort. A handful of padded models even include removable cushion covers that can be washed as needed. However, it’s also worth noting that many don’t and will need to be spot cleaned. Handles: When it comes to on-the-go use, models with carry handles can be exceptionally convenient, allowing kids to simply grab their lap desk and go without having to wrestle with a separate bag or carrying case first. Adjustability: A handful of kids’ lap desks feature height-adjustable legs for varying levels of elevation. Some also have adjustable surfaces, so children can choose the most comfortable angle for reading, writing, sketching or typing. Storage: Whether it’s just a couple of side compartments or a full-sized cubby tucked away under a flip-up lid, portable kids’ lap desks that come with built-in storage can help kids stay organized and keep track of their belongings. Design: Kids’ lap desks come in a variety of cute and colorful designs. From vivid hues to adorable animals and cute characters, there’s something for every personality and preference.
Price
Kids lap desks can cost anywhere between $8 and $45, with prices hinging on factors such as size, construction materials and individual feature sets.
Kids’ portable lap desks we recommend
Best of the best: ECR4Kids’ The Surf Portable Lap Desk Our take: This innovative lap desk features an integrated seat that requires kids to sit still in order to anchor the desk. What we like: May encourage kids to sit still and focus. Integrated seat allows the desk to be used anywhere, even outdoors. Angled desk surface promotes proper posture. Durable. What we dislike: The seat is somewhat hard, but cushions can be purchased separately. Best bang for your buck: Mavo Craft’s Folding Lap Desk Our take: Loads of storage space, sturdy construction, and folding legs make this lap desk ideal for anything from crafting to laptop work. What we like: Lightweight, but strong and sturdy. Features a large storage compartment under a flip-up surface. Legs fold down for storage or on-the-go use. Excellent quality at a reasonable price. What we dislike: This lap desk only comes in black. Choice 3: LapGear’s Lap Pets Lap Desk for Lil’ Kids Our take: This adorable pet-themed lap desk is sized just right for little laps and comes in a variety of kid-friendly designs. What we like: Cute designs and bright colors are sure to thrill little kids. A generously cushioned base ensures optimal comfort. Features a built-in carry handle. Comes in a variety of animal designs. What we dislike: Parents who purchased more than one style noted that the unicorn design is smaller than others. Erica van Blommestein is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
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SIH Walk-in Clinic 5 Locations »
Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale
»
Logan Primary Care Herrin
»
Logan Primary Care West Frankfort
»
Primary Care Harrisburg
»
John A Logan College Community Health Education Complex
For hours of operation, visit:
sih.net/walkinclinic
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S12 | Sunday, August 23, 2020
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