FP_ Back to School

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 1C

Tech Tips To prepare students for the school year Preparing children for a new school year is no longer just about stocking up on pencils and notebooks. The face of education is changing, and a well-equipped student should know how to use new technology to personalize the learning experience and succeed in school.

“Digital resources and applications can stimulate and engage students by providing a more interactive learning experience,” says Dan Caton, president of McGraw-Hill School Education. “Some of the best digital learning tools personalize learning, adapt to children’s individual strengths and help them overcome unique challenges.”

While digital learning may come naturally to children, parents should get up to speed on technology as well to better understand how new tools and resources can help their children learn.

Here are some great back-to-school tech-tips for parents: • Talk to your children and their teachers about what they want to accomplish this year and how they can use traditional and new learning tools to meet goals.

• Encourage children to use computers and other web-enabled devices for more than just games and Facebook.

• If you think books are the same as when you went to school, think again. New digital textbooks available for download through applications like iBooks2, allow you to highlight text, make notes, or search inside the book. You can even have your tablet device read the book to you. Learn how this technology works so you can keep up with your kids.

See TECH on Page 4C

Family Day Monday

The Christian Academy of Knoxville seeks to build a vital partnership with Christian parents from a broad cross-section of the Body of Christ, to assist them in fulfilling their Biblical mandate to educate their children “...in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

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Receive 8 Game Room Tokens for $1 OR 40 Game Room Tokens for $5!

2C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Make sure your kids protect their electronic devices The technology used at school and at home by young people may be more expensive and sophisticated than in the past, but kids are still kids. Parents need to take steps to ensure their children make the most of their devices and protect their gear.

Here are some things to consider before letting kids take their technology out of the house: • Don’t opt for the most soupedup devices until you can trust your kids. Buy basic models first or buy used ones until your kids prove themselves responsible.

• Consider extended warranties for valuable tech items.

• Protective cases should be used whenever devices aren’t in use, especially when traveling to school and on family vacations.

Save money and simplify with a universal case that allots for storage of cables and other accessories. For example, the iEssentials Universal Tablet Case Series works with the Apple iPad, Android based tablets, and all ereaders, including Kindle and Nook. This way, your child can use the case with any device – even those you haven’t yet bought!

• Instill great habits in your children like never leaving devices in the car, especially during extreme weather. Teach children to lock devices in a safe place during the school day, and never to leave open drinks near tablets and e-readers.

• Get extra cables and chargers.

Kids are prone to lose wires and accessories. To save money and time, choose a compact universal

charger that works with all devices. For example, the DigiPower Cross-Brand Tablet Charger works on all USB-powered tablets from Apple, Samsung, HTC and BlackBerry. Such chargers are ideal for use on-the-go, so that active but potentially forgetful kids don’t end up with a lowbattery dilemma!

• Impress upon your children the value of their gadgets with simple math. If they receive an allowance, calculate how long it would take them to save up enough to replace the device themselves. Or calculate the number of chocolate bars a gadget is equal to in cost. By putting it into terms they understand, they’ll be more likely to protect their technology.

• If traveling light is a priority for your child, go with a form-fitting case that can be used on any device. For instance, Travelocity Travel Tablet Cases fit all 7 to 8 inch and 9 to 10 inch tablet or ereader models, have a thin design ideal for travel, but still provide extra cushioning.

• Appeal to children’s sense of individuality to entice them to always use protective cases on pricey devices. Let your kid guard that gadget with a stylish case with a snazzy design of his or her choosing.

More information on protecting your family’s devices can be found at www.mizco.com.

Help your children help you save time and money by giving them the tools to protect their devices.

Friday, August 3 through

Sunday, August 5 The State of Tennessee's Annual Sales Tax Holiday is held every year on the first Friday in August and ends the following Sunday night. This year's tax-free holiday weekend begins at 12:01 a.m on Friday, August 3 and ends Sunday, August 5 at 11:59 p.m.

Tax-free items include clothing with a price of $100 or less per item, school and school art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item and computers with a price of $1,500 or less. These items are exempt from state and local sales tax in Tennessee during the holiday.

Any individual can make a tax-free purchase during the holiday.

However, items purchased for use by a trade or business are not exempt.

Go to

www.tntaxholiday.com for more information.

B

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POTLIGHT

Knox Dance Worx K n o x D a n c e Wo r x hosted a Hip Hop and Tap Workshop with the amazing IVAN KOUMAEV and CORY FINN on July 14th & 15th!

Ivan just finished working with Justin Bieber, Usher, & Chris Brown!

Cory is on staff with IHollywood has been very busy teaching master classes around the country!

Call 694-2002 to be on the contact list for future workshops!

Cory Finn and Ivan Koumaev

10614 Flickenger Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922

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Low Ratio

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• Help With Homework • Healthy Snacks

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SALE HOURS: Thursday and Friday: 10 am to 8 pm Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm – 1/2 Price Event

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Programs for children ages 1st through 5th grades NAEYC Accredited Check our website at morningstarchild.com or call 671-0244 for more information

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 3C

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4C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Reasons to support technology in the classroom Technology has become an integral part of life, affecting how we communicate, how we view our homes, how we conduct business and nearly every other aspect of our daily lives. That includes how we learn, especially for today's youngsters.

The classrooms of yesteryear are quickly becoming a thing of the past, as teachers are increasingly turning to technology to help students learn.

Whereas technology in the classroom once meant teaching basic computer software and fundamental computer skills, nowadays technology is being integrated in ways that supplement lesson plans regardless of the subject matter. Students are utilizing technology to tackle projects,

Tech From page 1C

• Some forward-thinking schools are using innovative programs like CINCH Learning, which makes the complete K-12 math and 7-12 grade science curricula accessible online.

Programs like these go beyond the textbook, so talk to your children’s teachers to learn how to maximize the program’s interactive tools and games from home devices.

• Nearly half of all high school students who take Advanced Placement (AP) exams fail. But new subscription based programs like the ONboard series from McGraw-Hill Education are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these advanced courses.

Parents of high school students should encourage teens to take advantage of such study aids before senior year.

• Pick a regular time each day dedicated to beefing up vocabu-

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which helps them get a more realistic grasp on how to handle projects outside of the classroom and in the professional arena. Utilizing programs that professionals use better prepares students for life after they have earned their diplomas or degrees, making them more attractive to prospective employers and more capable once they are hired.

Another way technology in the classroom is benefitting today's students is the wealth of resources that technology can provide.

Classes connected to the Internet, for instance, give students access to the latest information about topics they're studying.

This can include up-to-date studies and theories from experts in the field or, for

lary, improving spelling, reading together and just talking about new topics and ideas. The International Reading Association (IRA) recommends giving children choices in what they read -browse the ever-growing selection of age-appropriate books and periodicals available for download to your e-reader.

• If you’re on a budget, don’t stress. Not all technology will break the bank. In fact, with a bit of effort, you can find e-readers on sites like eBay for much less than retail cost. And as more devices come onto the market, prices will become even more affordable.

Many public libraries offer access to computers so you can familiarize children with basic technology and a range of digital resources, such as free e-books.

For more information on how digital technology is changing the way kids learn, visit www.mheonline.com. Help make this school year successful for your children by learning about new educational tools.

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current events students, instant access to what is going on in their community and beyond. Such accessibility was unimaginable as recently as 15 years ago, but is quickly becoming commonplace, and benefiting students along the way.

Technology in the classroom can also help teachers. Students learn in their own ways, but teachers faced with growing class sizes and fewer resources often find it hard to connect with students who might not respond to the same teaching methods as their classmates. Technology can provide teachers with another avenue by which to reach their students, helping to engage those students who might otherwise have been turned off or lacked the

B S Cool Sports USINESS

POTLIGHT

“Stop what you are doing!”

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necessary initiative to excel in school.

Teachers may also find that technology in the classroom makes it easier to reach students. That's because kids tend to find technology fun, even if it's part of the learning process. In a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education that reported on the experiences of teachers and students in classrooms where technology was incorporated, teachers responded that, in many instances, students chose to work on technology-based projects during recess or lunch.

As classrooms continue to change, the role of technology figures to expand. That expanded role can benefit students and teachers alike in a variety of ways.

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 5C

explore the world of languages . . . have fun . . . broaden your horizons . . . improve your learning ability . . . increase job opportunities . . . get a head start now . . .

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6C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Vaccinate Make sure kids and teens are fully vaccinated for the school year

The beginning of the school year is a great time to make sure your children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Informed parents know that immunizations save lives. But even those who vaccinated their babies and toddlers dutifully may not be aware that the recommended vaccination schedule continues through

the later teen years.

Research published by the American Medical Association found that teenagers age 14 and older were much less likely to see a pediatrician than their younger-adolescent counterparts. But threats to health don’t go away just because children are older.

“We live in a busy world and it’s easy to forget to make appointments for an annual check-up,” says Dr. Robert W. Block, MD, of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Let the

new school season be your annual reminder to protect the health of your kids.”

Here are some crucial vaccination tips and facts for parents of older children and teens: • Check your calendar. When was the last time your child saw a pediatrician? If it’s been over a year, make an appointment as soon as possible. In advance of the appointment, talk with your child and draw up a list of any concerns or questions to discuss with the doctor.

See VACCINATE on Page 14C

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DANCE CENTER WEST It’s not just about dance, it’s about developing skills for life.

The right dance school will build self-confidence, develop teamwork skills, and strengthen self discipline. Knoxville’s Premier Dance Studio, Dance Center West, has been teaching all ages for over 35 years.

Certification & Qualifications:

It’s back to school time!

The Eye Group is the place for all of your eye care essentials.

Exams, glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses…EVERYTHING you need to start the school year off right!

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• College Degrees in Dance, K-12 Education, Physical Education and Public Relations

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Individual attention in small classes with adequate pupil teacher ratio in a wholesome environment. A facility with National Dance equipment, appropriate music, and Adagio dance floors, best for all dance types, sanitation and injury prevention.

Awarded for Excellence in Preschool & Creative Dance Classes Begin August 9th Ballet - Lyrical - Tap - Preschool Jazz - HipHop - Dance Team Directors: Jeanne Sellars, Tracy Sellars

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 7C

Get

d e v l Invo

Kids perform better in school when parents suppor t learning Children spend five times as much time outside the classroom as they do in school. With all this time away from teachers, it’s important for parents to support their children’s learning.

In fact, children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score 10 points higher on standardized reading tests, according to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL).

“Learning can happen anywhere and at any time,” advises Emily Kirkpatrick, Vice President of NCFL. “Go beyond homework help and find learning moments in everyday life that fit in with your schedule.”

Here are some tips for how you can take a more active role in your child’s education: • It all starts with you. With some preparation on your part, you can be a better resource for your child. Make sure that you, and those who spend time with your child, are well-equipped to support learning.

• Turn a household shopping trip into a fun chance to do math. Take a walk outside to discuss nature or the community.

Make a lesson plan out of the world around you.

• Develop a partnership with your child’s teachers. Talk with them about homework and be sure you understand what is expected.

• Some children need and

want time to play when they get home, while others may want to get homework out of the way first thing. Set a schedule for your child that works for him or her, and make it a routine. Just be sure that your expectations are clear.

• Reinforce the idea that homework is not punishment, but a chance to practice new skills. You can help make it fun by rewarding progress.

• Ask your children thoughtprovoking questions, like what they wonder about. For inspiration you can turn to free online resources that emphasize fun in learning, such as such as www.Wonderopolis.org.

• Help set a timeline so that school assignments are not left until the last minute. Older children with assignments that will take several days or weeks to complete may need your help learning to manage their time.

• Checking to be sure assignments are complete is great, but don’t forget it is your child’s assignment, not yours. Do not do homework for your child.

• Read to your children or with them every night. Not only is this an enjoyable way to spend time together, it will benefit the child and help instill a love of learning.

By getting more involved, you can help your children make this school year their most successful one yet.

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Foreign Language Academy Foreign Language Academy has been teaching, tutoring, translating and interpreting in Knoxville for 21 years. As the only fullservice translation agency in East Tennessee, Foreign Language Academy works with clients both locally and abroad in multiple industries including medical, educational and contractual. They employ only native speakers for all services and have the ability to offer over 25 different languages.

For more information about FLA, visit their website at www.

ForeignLanguageAcademy.org or call 865-694-8880.

Foreign Language Academy Executive Director Jean-Pierre Granju with Barbara Granju, FLA President, at their office located in west Knoxville off South Peters Road.

Knoxville Christian School Christian Values, Self Discipline, Responsibility, Integrity, Good Citizenship, Pre-K3 through 12, College Prep Academics

DID

YOU KNOW...

• Our graduates attend major universities throughout the country • Our ACT scores are above state average • Small student to teacher ratio • Certified, loving and professional teaching staff • Extra curricular programs - drama, competitive athletics, National Honor Society, choir, & much more!

• Dual Enrollment Program with Pellissippi State Community College • We develop the whole student - Spiritually, Physically and Academically Come by for a personalized tour. We offer an excellent Christian alternative for your family.

KCS is fully accredited by the National Association of Christian Schools (NACS) and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Enroll Now (865) 966-7060 www.knoxvillechristianschool.org 11549 Snyder Road Knoxville, TN 37932 (off Campbell Station Road)

Open House Augu st 4th 10am to 2pm

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New Re gistrati on with thi open ho s ad at use dat e

8C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

g n i z i n g o c Re

D H AD As kids watch their last few days of summer vacation slowly slip away, their parents are preparing them for a return to the classroom. Some kids can't wait to get back to school, where they can continue their studies and spend time with their friends. Others, though, might not look forward to new schoolwork, and that might be because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD is a common condition in which children experience problems with paying attention or concentrating. Such problems can make it difficult for kids to excel in the classroom.

Many children have ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD, while other experts feel ADHD occurs in as many as 10 percent of school-aged children.

Because it's so prevalent, ADHD is a concern for many parents, who want their children to enter the classroom on an even playing field. Parents who suspect their children have difficulty paying attention or concentrating can look for certain warning signs or symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in children are grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Inattention will often not be noticeable until a child enters a school environment. A child with ADHD will: • exhibit a tendency to make care-

less mistakes in school or other activities, • frequently shift from one uncompleted activity to another, • procrastinate, • struggle to finish schoolwork or perform tasks that require concentration, • be distracted by irrelevant stimuli.

Hyperactivity symptoms can manifest themselves rather early and are almost always present before a child reaches his or her seventh birthday.

Symptoms of hyperactivity include: • fidgeting or squirming when seated, • frequently getting up to walk around, • running or climbing excessively when it's inappropriate, • talking excessively.

Impulsivity can lead to accidents, be it knocking objects over or banging into people. Impulsive children may also engage in dangerous activities without considering the consequences.

Symptoms may include: • impatience, • difficulty delaying responses, • difficulty awaiting one's turn, • initiating conversations at inappropriate times, • frequently interrupting or intruding on others.

Parents who want more information on ADHD can visit www.nimh.nih.gov.

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West Side

Honda

Welcome to West Side Honda! Located on Parkside Dr. in Knoxville, TN, West Side Honda is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in the area. From the moment you walk into the showroom, you'll know their commitment to Customer Service is second to none. They strive to make your experience with West Side Honda a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to purchase, finance, or service a new or pre-owned Honda, you’ve come to the right place. Stop in during the Honda Summer Clearance Event going on now.

Strengthening the body, enriching the spirit, enlivening the imagination

BALLET • TAP • JAZZ • MODERN

Open House & Registration

August 18th, 10am - 2pm In addition to our non-competitive gymnastics classes for boys and girls, we offer a full range of experiential learning and physical development programs for children 4 months through 12 years.

Classes start August 20th Ages 3 - Adult Special Programs for Preschoolers ACADEMY OF

Academy of Dance Arts, Inc. 265 Town Creek Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772

FARRAGUT • www.tlgfarraguttn.com 966-4FUN (4386) Knoxville • www.tlgknoxvilletn.com • 583-1166

(865) 988-3262

Call Today to Register

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 9C

COOL SPORTS Home of the Icearium Invites YOU to

East Tennessee’s

Total Indoor Sports

Destination

ICE SKATING CLASSES Fall Semester th th August 14 - October 14 Instructional Ice Hockey-Learn to Play Ice Hockey! Fall Semester- starts August 13th Only $75 for 1st time rookies!

Youth Indoor Soccer Fall SessionAugust 20th to October 11th, Ages 3-10 Registration Deadline August 6th

Spots Go FAST!

110 South Watt Road • Knoxville, TN 37934

(865) 218-4500 • Visit www.coolsportstn.com

10 Off New Participant $

Program Registration Expires 12/31/12 No other offer applies.

Valid One Coupon Per Customer Not Valid for Ice Hockey

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Valid One Coupon Per Customer

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Expires 12/31/12 No other offer applies.

Valid One Coupon Per Customer

10C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

The Great Outdoors

Being active outdoors makes kids more successful in school

If your children are like most kids, they are spending more time indoors than ever before. A 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study found that children ages 8 to 18 engage in over seven hours of electronic media each day.

Some experts warn that all that time indoors can take a heavy toll on children’s health, contributing to attention difficulties, hyperactivity, obesity, a diminished use of senses and even a disconnect from the real world.

“American children are losing a vital aspect of healthy development as they spend less time

riding bikes, climbing trees or doing much of anything outdoors,” says Kathy McGlauflin, Director of Project Learning Tree (PLT), a non-profit organization that trains teachers to incorporate environmental education into school curricula.

“Today, children spend most of their time indoors -- largely because that’s where all the electrical sockets are.”

According to McGlauflin, teaching children to understand and value nature is vital to raising the next generation of environmental stewards and even to improve children’s performance at school.

Here are some fun ways to cure nature deficit disorder: • Brainstorm with your children’s teachers and principal about ways the school can incorporate learning in the outdoors and provide a healthier environment for students and staff that promotes ecological sustainability, reduces waste and teaches students to be environmental stewards.

• Have your child help sort the recycling at home. Visit the recycling center to see how it all works.

• Talk to your child’s See OUTDOORS on Page 14C

The Episcopal School of Knoxville

950 episcopal school way, knoxville, tn. 37932 865.777.9032 www.esknoxville.org

WHAT MAKES

ESK UNIQUE

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY Flex, Open Platform, Tech Classes INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION Teachers Know Each Student WORLD LANGUAGES Latin, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese FINE ARTS Band, Chorus, 2D/3D Digital Art, Video Editing COMMUNITY Service, Tribes Curriculum, Daily Chapel ATHLETICS Nine Sports, 92% Participation

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 11C

Reading

Back to school tips to get your kids to read more The start of a new school year is a great time to emphasize the importance of reading at home.

Solid readers perform better in school and in the workplace, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong learners.

Research shows a whopping 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 are not read to daily, and this lack of literature can take a negative toll on school performance.

Luckily, there are many things parents can do to make kids passionate readers.

“Reading stimulates children’s imagination and expands their understanding of the world,” says actress Kate Beckinsale, who is teaming with "The Nestlé Share the Joy of Reading Program” to raise awareness about the importance of children’s literacy and support the work of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States.

If you’re looking to make reading a bigger part of your children’s lives this school year, here are some great tips to get them motivated: • Start young. Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain critical language and communication skills and instill great habits.

• Take advantage of free online tools and resources that help make reading an engaging, shared experience for parents and kids. For example, RIF’s “Leading to Reading” website

contains activities for children ages birth to 5. Visit www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading for more information.

• Variety is the spice of life! Be sure your house contains plenty of books to choose from on a variety of topics.

• Launch a children’s book club with other parents. Take turns hosting your children’s friends for snacks and a lively discussion on the book of the month.

• Kids love getting mail!

Subscribe to children’s magazines so they’ll have something fun and beneficial to look forward to each month.

• Make sure children have their very own library cards and become frequent patrons at your local library.

• Be it the morning paper or your favorite novel, set a great example by making reading a daily habit for yourself.

• Many literacy programs supporting underserved communities are currently experiencing federal funding cutbacks, but everyone deserves a chance to read. Invest in the lives of other children who might not have the same opportunities as your kids.

For example, right now, every time you enter a promotion code found inside specially marked packages of Nestlé and Wonka candy at www.Celebration Corner.com/RIF, Nestlé will donate money to RIF, to fund purchasing books for kids.

Almost a quarter of public

school fourth graders score below even the most basic levels on reading exams, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Don’t let your children fall behind. Take steps this school year to help your children and others to hone this basic tool for success.

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Premier Athletics Are you looking for an activity that will get your child moving, laughing and LOVING LIFE???

Premier offers classes for all skill levels in gymnastics, cheer, dance and pre-school.

Call 865.671.6333 or visit us at 11250 Gilbert Road, Knoxville, TN 37932 today to schedule your free trial class, or book your next birthday party with us!

See you in the gym!

Do you remember how much fun it was to get new school supplies when you were a child?

2012 BACK-TO-SCHOOL

We Need Your Help!

This Year More Than Ever

A donation of e $10 will provid k and a new backpac y er supplies to a v deserving Student.

Parents want their children to have everything they need for a good education, but in rural Appalachia; this privilege is sometimes an impossibility. In 1998, the Mission of Hope took on the yearly ministry of helping to provide school supplies to children living in poverty-stricken areas of rural Appalachia. Working through Elementary Schools with very high Free Lunch percentages; the Mission of Hope gathers together backpacks, glue, scissors, crayons, rulers, protractors, spiral notebooks, pens and pencils; so needy children can start the new school year with the necessary supplies. The Mission of Hope needs your help with its 2012 Back-to-School Campaign.

We hope to assist over 10,500 Appalachian Children this year. Will you please help us help those in need?

If you would like to sponsor one or more children, make your tax-deductible check to Mission of Hope and send it to: PO Box 51824 • Knoxville, Tennessee 37950-1824 (865) 584-7571 • Toll Free (877) 627-1909 • www.missionofhope.org

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FOR HELPING TO EXTEND THE HOPE.

12C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Magic of Music Music education can help with school skills Music's efficacy as a teaching tool has long been studied. Though some still doubt if music has any effect on student performance, a strong body of evidence suggests otherwise.

Studies into the effects of music on learning are nothing new. Such studies have been conducted for decades, gaining popularity during the 1950s when research was done on something called the "Mozart Effect." The Mozart Effect theorizes that listening to Mozart can temporarily improve performance and may even boost a person's IQ. In response, many parents started playing Mozart and other classical music in their homes. By the late 1990s, Baby Einstein, a company that offers a wide range of developmental and entertainment products for babies and toddlers, released a series of CDs and videos that prominently featured classical music amid visual learning sequences for young children.

"Baby Mozart," "Baby Bach" and "Baby

Beethoven" were just a few of the videos capitalizing on the evidence that children learn more when exposed to classical music.

Ongoing research continues to support the theory that music education can help children on many levels. In Canada, a research group from McMaster University conducted their own study into music education. That study, which was published in the journal Brain in 2006, examined two groups of children, ages 4 to 6. Each were taught the same lessons, but one group was also given musical instruction. The study found that the group of children who received musical instruction scored much better than their peers in literacy, mathematics, IQ, and memory skills.

Long Island University researchers Joseph Piro and Camilo Ortiz found that children exposed to a multi-year program of music instruction, involving training in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal,

and practical skills, displayed superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to their peers who did not receive musical training. The authors concluded that, "because neural response to music is a widely distributed system within the brain, it would not be unreasonable to expect that some processing networks for music and language behaviors, namely reading, located in both hemispheres of the brain would overlap."

Music education is not just for the average student. Other research shows it may be beneficial to children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

A study completed at Stanford University showed that mastering a musical instrument improves the ability to process parts of the spoken language. The researchers believe that additional research might develop a way to use the knowledge obtained in the study to increase language development for individuals with dyslexia or cognitive disorders.

In many schools, music education is being drastically reduced or eliminated.

Parents may want to look outside the classroom for music instruction or play more music at home.

z n e e T Totz2

865-671-SHOP (7467) totz2teenz.com Do You Prepare More for Family Vacations Than You Do for College?

Having fun with your family is important. But nothing is more vital than your child’s future. That’s why at Edward Jones, we can help you put together a strategy to save for college.

Using our education funding tool, we can estimate future expenses at more than 3,000 schools and then recommend a financial strategy based on your unique needs. True, vacations are great. But graduation ceremonies are even better.

Nancy L Welch

For a free, personalized college cost report, call or visit today.

Financial Advisor 1911 Kingston Pike 101-A Farragut, TN 37934 865-966-9911

Shining like a star, cause that’s who we are,

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600 Business Park Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 (off Dutchtown Road) Visit Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diamondsallstars

MENTION THIS AD FOR ONE FREE CLASS!

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Registration:

August 10 and 11 12-6pm Classes begin August 20

FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 13C

14C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Outdoors From page 10C

teacher about applying for a Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grant to help get started on building a school or community garden, starting a recycling program or restoring a nearby stream. Since 1992, PLT has distributed nearly $1 million to fund 1,000 environmental servicelearning projects in communities nationwide. Apply by September 30 by visiting www.plt.org/ApplyForaGrant.

• Encourage your child to adopt a local tree and get familiar with it. Revisit this tree on a regular basis throughout the seasons, recording observations in a journal.

• Take a walk through a local wooded area, park or even your own backyard.

Observe wildlife and plant life, paying special attention to fallen logs to learn how decomposition works and get a bet-

Vaccinate From page 7C

• Store immunization and other medical records in an easily accessible place and be sure to keep the records current.

Bring this information to the appointment. When you see your pediatrician, ask directly, “What vaccines does my child need at this point?”

• Be sure to ask about the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for both boys and girls. While protection is most effective for adolescents ages 11 to 13, older teens who haven’t yet received the vaccine can benefit from it as well. This cancer-preventing vaccine will safeguard your teen’s health in the future.

• If financial considerations are preventing you from taking your teen in for visits and immunizations, talk with your pediatrician. He or she may be able to point you toward resources that can off-

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

ter understanding of microhabitats. Look for signs of animals including insects and plants in, on or around the log.

• Go for a bike ride around your neighborhood for exercise, quality time and some fresh air.

• Plant a garden together to improve your family’s nutrition and create something meaningful. You’ll diversify your meals with fresh local produce and teach your child about the life cycle of plants.

Choose flowers that will attract an array of hummingbirds and butterflies to admire.

More tips can be found at www.plt.org.

Getting children outside is an important aspect of child development and can contribute to student achievement and a healthy lifestyle. This school year, be sure your child takes some time off from television, video games and the Internet to explore the great outdoors.

set the costs.

• All children ages 11 to 18 should be protected against meningitis, a deadly bacterial infection that’s spread easily in close living quarters. If teens are going to boarding school, college or the military, do not delay giving them the vaccine.

• Every year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized because of the flu and its complications, and 36,000 die. An annual influenza vaccine is an important part of protecting your children. Health authorities including the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual flu vaccine for everyone starting at 6 months of age.

Your children’s health plays an important role in their academic success.

Make sure you take steps to keep him or her safe from life-threatening dangers and prepare for a healthy school year.

Visit us online at www.farragutpress.com

Come Celebrate with Us!

4 Year Anniversary Sale!

Saturday, July 28th RECEIVE

15%, 20% or 40% OFF ONE ITEM

Register for FREE merchandise and gift cards!

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712 N Main St Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337-9203

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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 • 15C

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2012-2013

School Calendar

Knox County Schools

p i l C &e v a S

March 13

February 4-8 February 5 February 18

January 8 January 21

January 7

(Wednesday) End First 9-week Grading Period (Third 9-week Grading Period) (Tuesday) ACT (State Wide) (Monday-Thursday) SPRING BREAK (Friday) Good Friday – Holiday

MARCH

(Monday-Friday) Writing Assessment (Tuesday) End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period (Monday) System-wide Staff Development Day – K-5 In-School/6-12 System-wide (Student Holiday); President’s Day

FEBRUARY

(Monday) Inservice Day – First Day for Teachers (Student Holiday) (Tuesday) First Day for Students (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – HOLIDAY Schools, Central Office Closed

JANUARY

May 23 May 24

May 7-9 May 10 May 15-18 May 22

April 1 April 18 April 23-30

BUCKLE UP AND DRIVE SAFELY

November 6 (Tuesday Inservice Day – Election Day (Student Holiday) March 19 March 25-28 November 20 (Tuesday) End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period March 29 November 21-23 (Wednesday-Friday) Thanksgiving Holidays

NOVEMBER

(Wednesday) End First 9-week Grading Period (Thursday & Friday) FALL BREAK

October 17 October 18-19

OCTOBER

(Monday) LABOR DAY – Holiday (Tuesday) End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period (Monday) Constitution Day (Students In School) (Friday) Staff Development Day – K-5 In-School/612 System-wide (Student Holiday)

SEPTEMBER

(Tuesday) First Day for Teachers – Inservice Day (Wednesday) Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) (Thursday) System-wide Staff Development Day (Friday) Inservice Day (In-School) (Monday) Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) (Tuesday) First Day for Students (1/2 day for students) School Times

AUGUST

September 3 September 11 September 17 September 21

August 7 August 8 August 9 August 10 August 13 August 14

DECEMBER (Tuesday-Thursday) AYP/EOC Tests (Friday) AYP/EOC Tests Make-up Day (Friday) End Second 9-week Grading Period (1/2 day for students) December 24 – January 4 (10 days) WINTER HOLIDAYS

December 4-6 December 7 December 21

(Tuesday-Thursday) AYP/EOC Tests (Friday) AYP/EOC Tests Make-up Day (Wednesday-Saturday) High School Graduation (Wednesday) Last Day for Students (1/2 day for students) End Second 9-week Grading Period (Fourth 9-week Grading Period) (Thursday) Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) (Friday) Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) – Last Day for Teachers

MAY

(Monday) Holiday (Thursday) End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period (6 days) Achievement Tests

APRIL

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16C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 BACK-TO-SCHOOL