08.07.14 West Orange Times Back to School Tab

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Back School West Orange Times special section • August 7, 2014

2 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

Ocoee students saying hello to new schools

By Amy Quesinberry Rhode Students at Ocoee and Spring Lake elementaries will start the school year on new campuses Aug. 18. Orange County Public Schools built the two replacement schools with a budget of $14.9 million each, and they will be ready for students when bells ring in a little more than a week.

Both schools boast updated technology in the classrooms, including new computers and digital projectors, as well as a computer lab, art and music labs and new or expanded student drop-off loops.

The new campuses are more secure, too, with one public entry point.

The new Spring Lake Elementary, which sits on 11

acres at 1105 Sarah Lee Lane, has a capacity of 627 students. SLES students spent the last year attending class at the original facility for Clarcona Elementary while the updated school was being built.

The first Spring Lake was constructed in 1960.

The new Ocoee Elementary sits on 16 acres at 400 S. Lakewood Ave. and has a student capacity of 830. The last version of the school was built in 1978 incorporating the pod concept of classrooms with no interior walls.

About 15 years ago, the school was renovated and individual classrooms were added.

BRPH Architects-Engineers Inc. designed the campuses. McCree General Contractors & Architects handled construction of OES, and Charles Perry Partners Inc. was the contractor for SLES.

The old Ocoee Elementary was being demolished in recent weeks and is now a pile of rubble.

Spring Lake Elementary Media Specialist Valerie Campbell, left, and Principal Nancy Pender enjoyed looking at some of the new books for the school’s media center on Monday.

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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4 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

Dear Parents: On behalf of the Orange County Public Schools team, I am pleased to welcome you back to school. We have been working hard to prepare for another great school year.

Our teachers have been getting their rooms organized and ready, our custodial and office staff have worked hard to organize and tidy up the school for the new year, our bus drivers are familiarizing themselves with their routes, and our cafeteria personnel are ensuring that our students have nutritious options for their breakfast and lunch.

At Orange County Public Schools, everything we do is focused on leading our students to success. And our organizational mission is to lead our students to success with the support and involvement of families and the community.

Here’s a quick look at the some of our recent accomplishments: • Our school district was named as one of two finalists for the prestigious Broad Prize for Urban Education.

• All 19 of our traditional high schools made the Washington Post’s list of the most challenging in the country.

• Digital learning is being incorporated into

all of our schools.

• Our high school graduation rate continues to rise.

• Eighty-one graduates from the class of 2014 were admitted into the top 20 colleges and universities as ranked by US News and World Report.

• We were recognized for our organizational excellence by receiving the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award.

I encourage you to visit our website, www. ocps.net, where you will find more about Orange County schools and what we offer for your family.

Whether you are a parent, student or community volunteer, I want to thank you equally for choosing Orange County Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Barbara M. Jenkins, Ed.D. Superintendent

Share the road safely with school buses, officials urge

By Tony Judnich When Orange County Public Schools start the new school year Aug. 18, 61 big, yellow buses will hit the road to begin transporting 7,210 students to and from 35 West Orange schools.

And, while students perhaps are focusing on things such as new classes, teachers and after-school activities, the bus drivers’ main concern is the safety of their young passengers. Unfortunately, too many motorists do not obey what should be common-sense safety precautions.

“Be patient, and if your daily trip includes school-bus traffic, leave a few minutes early to allow you the patience you need behind the wheel,” Jim Beekman, senior director

of Transportation Services for OCPS, said in an email to The West Orange Times.

Beekman shared many other tips for motorists who drive behind or near a school bus.

For example, “ Drivers should maintain a good following distance behind school buses,” he said.

And when a motorist sees a bus’s yellow flashing lights, a motorist must be prepared to stop behind the bus for student pick up or drop off, he said. The bus’s amber-colored lights are activated 200 feet prior to showing its red-colored lights, at which point other drivers must stop.

“Last April, Orange County took a one-day survey, and almost 1,700 cars passed the red stop signs (on a bus) when students were loading and/or unloading,” Beekman said.

He said buses are 40 feet long and make wide turns and frequent stops, including law-required stops at all railroad crossings.

“If a right-turn signal is on and the bus moves slightly left, do not pass on the right, as the driver may be making a wide-right turn,” Beekman said.

Also, “Please be aware that even though the driver constantly scans their mirrors, recognize that there are blind spots just like you have in your automobile, so make sure when traveling next to a bus that you do not stay in the same spot for any extended length of time.”

In addition, Beekman urges drivers to be aware of students walking to and from, and waiting at, bus stops.

There are no new bus routes for West Orange schools for the upcoming school year, he said.

“At the first of the year, we normally get some growth in areas when students move here in the summer and do not register for school until the last minute,” he said. “Typically, we can absorb some on certain routes, but the numbers will be evaluated on a daily basis to determine if there needs to be added service.”

The school district’s overall, annual transportation budget consists of: • $49.3 million in salaries and benefits for its more than 1,600 positions • $9.1 million for fuel (its fleet of buses in Orange County consumes about 14,300 gallons of fuel every school day) • $5.8 million in operational costs (parts, repairs, contracted services, supplies, oil and tires).

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

OCPS School Calendar for 2014-15 Monday-Friday Monday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Monday-Friday

August 11-15 August 18 September 1 October 22 October 23 October 24 October 27 November 24-28

Two Weeks

Dec. 22-Jan. 2

Monday Thursday Friday Monday

January 5 January 15 January 16 January 19

Tuesday Monday

January 20 February 16

Thurday Friday Monday-Friday Monday Monday Wednesday Thursday-Friday

March 19 March 20 March 23-27 March 30 May 25 June 3 June 4-5

Pre-planning for teachers (Aug. 13 is a staff development day.)

First day of school for students Labor Day holiday (Schools and district offices are closed.)

End of 1st marking period (47 days) Student holiday/teacher workday Student holiday/teacher professional day Begin 2nd marking period Thanksgiving Break • Students are out all week • District offices are open Nov. 24-26 • Nov. 24-26: Teacher non-workdays • Nov. 27-28: Teacher holidays Winter Break (Schools are closed. District offices are closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1.)

Students return to school End of 2nd marking period (44 days) Student holiday/teacher workday Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (Schools and district offices are closed.)

Begin 2nd semester/3rd marking period Presidents Day holiday (Schools are closed; district offices are open.)

End of 3rd marking period (42 days) Student holiday/teacher workday Spring Break (Schools are closed; district offices are open.)

Begin 4th marking period Memorial Day holiday (Schools and district offices are closed.)

End of 4th marking period/last day of school for students (47 days) Post planning for teachers First semester: 91 days (47/44) • Second semester: 89 days (42/47)

PRIORITIZED BAD WEATHER DAYS

PRIORITY DATE

CURRENT USE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Professional Day Student/Teacher Holiday (Presidents Day) Thanksgiving Break – Day 1 Thanksgiving Break – Day 2 Spring Break – Day 5 Spring Break – Day 4 Spring Break – Day 3 Spring Break – Day 2 Spring Break – Day 1 Thanksgiving Break – Day 3

October 24, 2014 February 16, 2015 November 24, 2014 November 25, 2014 March 27, 2015 March 26, 2015 March 25, 2015 March 24, 2015 March 23, 2015 November 26, 2014

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6 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

The Florida Standards and your child

– What you need to know for the 2014-15 school year By the Orange County Public Schools’ Curriculum Department District and school leaders across the country spent the summer adjusting to the changes in the way we teach students. In our state, these changes are known as the Florida Standards. In some states, the term is the Common Core Standards.

The Florida Standards provide a new framework for what students are expected to know in grades kindergarten through 12.

To begin with, students will move from just memorizing information to measuring application of knowledge. We can expect “growing pains” in Orange County Public

Schools (OCPS) and across the state as districts work with incorporating the new standards into teaching and testing. The promise is that the new standards will improve student readiness for post-secondary paths - college and career.

In OCPS, we have implemented the standards rollout with primary grade students having been taught the new way last school year. This year, 2014-15, we are expanding to full transition where all students in grades kindergarten through 12 will learn via the new system of delivering education What are the Florida Standards exactly? Well, the new standards are designed to be relevant, reflecting the

ography

Megan Moore Phot

knowledge and skills that students need to succeed in college and careers. In education, we begin with a grade-level understanding of the skills and expand upon it as we move up in grade level and age.

For example, the literacy standards require that students become critical readers, not only of fiction, but also of informational texts.

Students must show they are able to read and comprehend texts of steadily increasing complexity as they progress through school, so that they can independently become critical readers and thinkers.

In mathematics, the Florida Standards are built on progressions. A basic mathematical concept introduced in

kindergarten may be taught on a 6-year-old level, only to grow deeper and wider as the child progresses through the grades.

This is good because students have the opportunity to deeply learn math concepts through exposure, experience, and building on prior knowledge.

Each grade level teacher is expected to fully develop concepts which will build upon skills the student will use in the next grade level.

Students are most successful when their learning is relevant and they are engaged in their own learning. The new Florida Standards offer an exciting way to value relevant and rigorous learning — the kind that truly motivates students to become

learners and leaders. The 21st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication are interwoven into the standards. When students experience relevancy in what and how they are learning, the results are far superior to a student stuck in a classroom of uninteresting topics and a non-meaningful way of presentation of the material to be learned.

Take a look at what to expect in English-Language Arts: • Increased volume of reading for students providing a good mix of literary and informational text • Explicitly teach the foundation of the Florida Standards skills in grades kindergarten

through 2nd.

• Take a look at what to expect in Mathematics: • Rather than racing to cover topics in a “mile wide and inch deep” curriculum, the new standards are narrow and deep to build a strong foundation of math skills and concepts • Increased rigor, increased attention to being precise and emphasis on persistence in completing math problems • Students will be asked to explain their thinking in solving math problems.

The philosophy of Florida Standards rests on the fact that the United States is seeking to allow our students to compete in a global marketplace.

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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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8 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

New principal will greet

Tildenville Tigers

By Amy Quesinberry Rhode

MyOn. She plans to continue a successful component of it: the book-cover jigsaw puzzle. The It was just her second day of work last ThursTES media specialist makes an enlarged copy of day, but Agathe Alvarez had already met quite a book cover and cuts it into small squares; stua few of the parents at Tildenville Elementary, dents can add a piece after completing a reading where she has been assigned as the new principal assignment. The walls of the school’s hallways for the 2014-15 school year. That’s exactly the are filled with puzzles that classes have collabkind of family atmosphere that drew the educator oratively finished. to the position when it opened up this summer afAlvarez is excited about the new garden, too. ter Dr. Carmen Balgobin was transferred to MolSix Winter Garden elementary schools — inlie Ray Elementary in Orlando. cluding Tildenville — were selected by Orlando Her staff has been amazing, she said, supHealth Central to have edible, sustainable learning gardens donated through Orlando Health porting their new leader from the beginning. She Foundation’s “Growing Healthy Children” projwas touched when she was introduced at a recent ect. Each grade will get its own space in the garOrange County Public School Board meeting den to grow fruits and vegetables, with the idea and Tildenville teachers and administrators were there with flowers for her. that students will play a hands-on role in planting “The staff has been so welcoming,” she said. the seeds, nurturing the plants and harvesting and Parents have, too, stopping by the school to eating what’s ripe. introduce themselves to the new principal. She Funding has come from various sources, such invited them all to a tea she held Tuesday “just as the city of Winter Garden, community organito say hi.” zations, the West Orange Healthcare District and She said: “It’s such a close-knit community.

Health Central Hospital, which is a lesson in itI just feel like I’m going from my home to my self on supporting one’s community. second home. It’s a great feeling.”

“You want [the students] to love their commuAlvarez is already familiar with Tildenville’s nity and want to make it better,” she said. campus; her youngest child was once a student “I’ve always wanted to be part of my neighthere. And she’s knows about TES’s Dual Lanborhood,” Alvarez said. “It’s great to go out and do something awesome at a school,” but it’s even guage Enrichment Magnet Program because she better to change the lives of students in one’s own lives locally in Windermere and has heard good things about it. backyard.

In Tildenville’s magnet program, all students Alvarez started her educational career as a are immersed in instruction in both English and first-grade teacher in the Bronx, N.Y. After two Spanish daily. Both languages are integrated Agathe Alvarez, center, meets two parents in the front office of and a half years of classroom teaching, she ran a throughout the school day, giving students the Tildenville Elementary last Thursday: Jennifer Walker, left, who Head Start program for three years. She and her opportunity to practice speaking in both languag- brought the new administrator a bouquet of bright flowers, and An- family moved to Central Florida in 1999, and she es. Parents, students and staff sign a contract that drea George, who was picking up supply lists for her children. taught at Shingle Creek Elementary and became shows commitment, as well as a partnership bethe curriculum resource teacher at Fern Creek Elementary. From 2008-13, she was assistant printween the school and home. cipal at Catalina Elementary, and last year, she While Alvarez admits she is not fluent in Spanserved as assistant principal of Millennia Elementary. ish, she is able to converse with Spanish-speaking par- said.

She and her ex-husband, Frank, have successfully coents. She can, however, speak Creole — she was born in Reading is important to Alvarez, and she wants to Haiti — and she knows a little French, she said. ensure there is an emphasis on it. The school excelled parented three daughters: one who attends the University She is eager to pick up more of the Spanish language with its Accelerated Reading program in past years, and of Central Florida, another about to start school in Maine in her daily contact with the dual-language program, she she expects the same with a new reading program called and the oldest, who recently married and is a local teacher.

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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Back-to-school shopping on a budget The excitement of backto-school preparations can bring back fond memories of youthful school days.

Once you have kids of your own, making new memories can be even sweeter by thinking about your child’s new friends and teachers and what the new year will bring -- but they’ll need some cool new school supplies first!

So while the start of the academic year may mean lots of new stuff for your kids, don’t let it be a budget-breaker. To make the back-to-school season easier and more affordable, do your homework and get your game-plan together.

The shopping experts at Dollar General are sharing convenient and cost-effec-

tive tips to prep the family for a great school year: Reading, writing, arithmetic Pencils, paper, calculators and everything else.

For the little ones, you may need to stock up on pencils, markers, crayons and arts-and-crafts essentials.

Older children may have more advanced classwork and advanced supplies like calculators, compasses and composition notebooks.

Consider purchasing all of these items during the summer from an everyday low price retailer like Dollar General. You can get a great deal and spread the cost of back-to-school supplies out over the summer months.

Cool threads For a new academic year, start with a fresh look.

Any parent knows keeping up with fashion isn’t the only consideration for school wear-- there’s price to think about as well. Not only do styles change, but children grow and change too. Be smart and buy the basics like jeans, sweaters and sweatshirts for those upcoming fall and winter days at low cost.

Kids quickly outgrow everything so you have to plan accordingly. For school uniforms, research online low prices, discounts and free shipping offers.

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important meal of the day to help fuel their brains and muscles and meet their growing needs. Unfortunately, it may be quickly eaten in a rush out the door or completely forgotten all together.

Get off to a running start

by clipping digital coupons and buying everyday items that can be eaten quickly, such as cereal or peanut butter. Save time and money by shopping online too. To help you save even more for the back to school season, text DGBTS to re-

ceive $5 off any $25 pretax purchase in more than 11,000 stores nationwide or online at www.dollargeneral.com.

The season of great deals starts now, so don’t be late for school! (Content courtesy of Statepoint)

10 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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12 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

OCPS dress code Orange County Public Schools has a dress code that applies to public students in kindergarten through 12th grade to “promote a positive educational environment and not disrupt the educational activities” of the school. These minimum standards of dress and grooming apply to all students in the public schools of Orange County, unless a specific exemption is granted by the principal. Any request for an exemption shall be made to the principal.

• Clothes shall be worn as they are designed — suspenders over the shoulders, pants secured at the waist, belts buckled, no underwear as outerwear and no underwear exposed.

• Clothing with holes, tears or inappropriate patches will not be allowed if considered obscene.

• Bare midriffs and bare sides should not show even when arms are extended above the head.

• Clothing normally worn when participating in a school-sponsored extracurricular or sports activity may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor, coach or principal. Examples

would be cheerleader, drill team and band uniforms and team shirts.

• Clothing that is too tight or revealing is unacceptable.

• Garments and/or jewelry that display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, alcohol or tobacco-related wording/graphics or may tend to provoke violence or disruption in school shall not be worn.

• Gang paraphernalia, jewelry, tattoos, clothing or other insignias that display, suggest, provoke or might tend to provoke violence or disruptions are not allowed.

• The following items have potential to cause disruption or threat to a safe and positive school environment and are prohibited: hats, caps, visors, sunglasses, or bandanas while on campus

during the school day; chains hanging from the neck, belt or pocket or attached to wallet; and jewelry that contains any type of sharp object.

• Hemlines of shorts, dresses, skirts and skorts can be no shorter than mid-thigh.

• Clothing must follow the four-finger-wide rule at the shoulders.

• Shoes shall be worn. The following are not acceptable: thong sandals (K-8), cleated shoes (K-12), backless shoes (K-8) and Heeleys wheeled shoes (K-12).

Individual schools are expected to use the district dress and grooming guidelines as minimum standards, but are encourage to extend their own standards to meet the uniqueness of their school community.

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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

BACK TO SCHOOL

SPECIALS

The school year is upon us...treat your student to a make-over before returning to school.

Immunize children now for new school year August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is urging parents to prepare their children now for this upcoming school year. The goal of the awareness month is to stress the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations. In August, and throughout the year, Department of Health encourages all persons to be sure immunization records are up-todate.

Parents should use their medical homes or private doctor to have their children vaccinated and avoid the last minute back-to-school rush and long lines. Families who do not have a medical home can inquire about immunizations by calling the Department of Health in Orange County at (407) 836-2502 or by going to 832 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

“We should all be concerned about rising numbers of pertussis and measles cases in our area and across the country.

Make sure to adequately immunize your children. Keep your children up-to-date

on their immunizations and ready for school”, said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, director of the county’s Department of Health.

Due to the high demand for immunizations, services are provided on a firstcome, first-served, walk-in basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult family member or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form signed by the parent or legal guardian must be presented before services are rendered. A copy of each child’s immunization record and government-issued, valid photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required. Parents can avoid the lines and go directly to their primary care provider.

A certified DH 680 immunization form is required for school entry and is provided free once vaccinations are received. If a client only needs a DH 680 form, there is an administrative fee. This form can be obtained from the child’s doctor’s office and the health departments’ immunization clinics or medical records departments if the child is already up-to-date on his or her immunizations.

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14 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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16 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

Orange County Public Schools

Parents, are you prepared?

School starts Aug. 18, and Orange County Public Schools has provided back-to-school tips for parents: · Before buying back-to-school clothing, check the school’s dress code to ensure that your child will be in compliance. · If it’s a transition year for your child (from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school), or if your child is new to the district, visit the school to familiarize him or her with the building. · Many beginning middle-school students are anxious about their ability to master the combination lock on their locker. When you visit the school, ask if your child can practice unlocking a locker. · If your child participates in sports, make that sure he or she has had a recent physical exam, and that the proper forms have been completed and returned to the school. · After the “lazy days” of summer, it’s important to re-establish

a more structured routine during the week or so before school resumes. · The beginning of each school year offers students an opportunity for a fresh start. Sit down with your student and set goals. Discuss the pros and cons of the previous year, and how some things can be changed for the better. · Carefully review the important information that is sent home with each student at the start of the school year. Complete and return any necessary forms. Organize the rest of the material in a special folder that you can keep handy. · It’s particularly important to update the emergency-contact information for your student, and send the form back to the school office. · Contact the school in writing if your child is has special needs

or circumstances thatteachers should be aware of, such as a need to take medication while at school. · Sit down and review the student handbook with your child. · Finally, don’t be afraid to fill out the form for the free or reduced-price lunch offered by school districts to students who qualify. This information, say the educators, is strictly confidential, and no one in the lunch line can tell if your child is receiving this benefit.

Meet the new teacher

For kids, one of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Take advantage of your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails -- another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins.

If personal contact with the teacher isn’t possible, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook, so your child can put a name with a face. If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together.

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Walk Ins

Welcome

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL Tour the school

If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with her environment will help her avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet her teacher, find her desk, or explore the playground. With an older child, you might ask him to give you a tour of the school. This will help refresh his memory and yours.

Connect with friends

A familiar friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. You might try calling parents from last year’s class and finding out which children are in your child’s class this year. Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a play date or a school carpool.

Tool up

Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help him feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

School supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let him practice using supplies that he’s not used before -- such as colored pencils or a protractor -- so he will be comfortable using them in class.

Avoid last-minute drilling

While it is important to support learning throughout the sum-

mer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the rigors of school begin. For some kids, last-minute drills can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten instead of what they remember.

Ease into the routine

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful to everyone in the household. Avoid firstday-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother. · Be interested and enthusiastic about the start of the school year. If you are confident and excited, your child will be too. · If you have visited your child’s school already, you are one step ahead of the game. If not, take a walk around the school with your child and locate his or her classrooms, lunchroom,

LOCAL NEWS

UPDATE

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playground and restrooms. This will help keep your child from feeling lost on the first day. · Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school that he or she is worried about. Remember to let your child know that it’s normal to feel nervous about the start of school. For parents of younger children, suggest that your child take a family photo or special object to school to make his or her surroundings more comfortable. · Spend time each day talking to your child about what happened in school. Give your child positive feedback about his or her new experiences. · Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and try new things.

· Attend school functions and stay involved in your child’s education.

Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school. · Make a point to learn about how your child develops not just physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. If you are aware of what’s typical behavior and thoughts for your child’s stage of life, you will more readily be able to tell when things may not be right.

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18 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

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20 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

Join us on Monday, September 29th, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Focus on Literacy Kickoff The West Orange Times & Observer and Just 1 Book.

Silent Auction, Local Authors, Food and Fun to Focus on Literacy.

Event will be held at

146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden Tickets: $20.00 per person will include Beer, Wine and Hors D’oeuvres.

The Kickoff supports the distribution of new books to more than 3,000 children in West Orange County during the holidays.

Tickets can be purchased at The West Orange Times office at 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, or call (407)656-2121 for more details.

Good study habits

By Steven Ryzewski

As we approach the time of year where school bells break the serenity of weekday mornings, thousands of parents around the area might find themselves wondering how they can help their student perform to the best of his or her abilities.

Establishing good study habits can go a long way toward a student’s success, so we sat down with an expert to get some tips.

Dr. Jason Ampel is a professor at the University of Central Florida’s College of Education and is also the owner and founder of The Learning Liaisons Inc., an online company offering services (including tutoring and workshops) for students, parents and educators.

We broke down our conversation into six basic tips that should help you and your student get off to a strong start to the 2014-15 school year.

Have a plan

It might seem a bit obvious, but Ampel says years of experience have proven that many students and their parents don’t have a set plan or schedule when it comes to schoolwork.

“It’s the most important [thing],” Ampel said. “The first question I always ask the parent and the child that are sitting there is ‘what’s the first thing you do when you get home?’ …

“A lot of times there’s no set study time.”

Often, students find themselves spread thin between sports, clubs, volunteering or working a part-time job (in the case of high school students), in addition to their school work obligations.

Ampel said the key is to recognize and come to terms with the increasingly chaotic lifestyles of students and to be honest with that reality in creating a plan.

“We all live a crazy life, so it’s so imperative that we have consistency,” Ampel said. “Having a schedule, regardless of how many sports you play, if you’re in band … everyone needs to have some semblance of a schedule to keep themselves on track.”

Establish an order of operations

So many of us — adults and students — do it; we save the toughest task for last, usually at our own peril.

Students who, for example, struggle with math and science, might choose to do their English and history homework first and save the subjects they have trouble with for later. The problem, of course, is that they often get to the tougher tasks when they are already somewhat mentally fatigued and might not have as much time or energy as they need to accomplish that night’s work.

Ampel’s suggestion for combating this problematic strategy might sound a little familiar, especially to those who are familiar with popular test-taking strategies.

“The students have a tendency of leaving the calculus, the things that are hardest, at the end when you’re tired and kind of want to shut down and quit,” Ampel said. “I would suggest to start with what you think is most difficult, do what you can, and then you go through your other work and come back to it.”

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

Pass on multitasking

Multitasking — practices like having eight tabs open on your web-browser at a time — is seemingly becoming more and more ingrained in our society, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

While the ability to effectively multitask as an adult can be an important skill, Ampel says it’s best for students to zone in on what they’re doing when homework time rolls around.

“You have to kind of block out the outside world and I think a lot of students think that they can multitask, but we know in reality that they really can’t,” Ampel said. “They go home and they say ‘well, I’m doing my homework’ — but they’re also watching their T.V. and they’re also texting their friends or updating their Facebook status.”

Create an environment of organization

Organizational skills can be a boon to a student’s academic success, as well as being awfully helpful later in life, too.

In addition to encouraging your student to be organized, Ampel said, organization skills are an area where a parent or guardian’s ability to lead by example can go a long way.

“If you have a child that is in an environment where the parents are always forgetful or they’re not very organized or they’re losing stuff — odds are, the child is going to be that way,” Ampel said. “I’m not saying 100 percent, but you kind of model your environment in social learning.”

Capitalize on technology

Building off of earlier suggestions regarding scheduling and organization, Ampel says that taking advantage of technology is something that can help, and engage, your student.

Suggestions include utilizing free and relatively cheap applications available for smart phones, such as Dropbox (a service to store files — things like study notes and reading assignments — digitally) and flash card apps.

Ampel suggests getting creative with tehcnology.

The Learning Liaisons previously had focused on tutoring, but he acknowledges that tutoring services can be expensive and out of the reach of a family’s budget. One of the benefits of technology, he says, is that you can find relatively affordable ways to get the same information or service. The Learning Liaisons, for instance, offers an

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affordable SAT prep service, with strategies, news and support, though a closed Facebook group.

As services and ideas such as this continue to pop up, parents can increasingly walk the line between helping their student and easing the burden on their checkbook.

Take an interest

Less a problem with parents of elementary and middle school students than it is with parents of high school students, Ampel said he has observed a trend where parents often distance themselves from their student’s studies as they get older.

Rooted in a growing trust that a high school student is responsible and knows to do the right thing, which Ampel said isn’t necessarily a bad thing, parents begin to assume their student is doing what needs to be done — which is not ideal.

“My wife always assumes that I took at the garbage — that doesn’t mean that I did it,” Ampel said. “You have to check up on your kids … there’s things to get around [looking like] you want to spy on your 17 or 18-year-old.

“Show an interest.”

The showing an interest part, Ampel said, is key for students of all ages. Whether the student verbalizes or not, a parent or guardian showing an interest and asking questions about what he or she learned that day can make a huge difference in the enthusiasm with which the student approaches his or her studies.

“Believe it or not, [it] motivates kids to want to do better,” Ampel said.

22 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL Fun DIY projects for back to school

Back to school shopping can seem tedious and boring for some students. But you can help your young ones get motivated for a new school year by getting them more involved in the experience. After an extended vacation, going back to school and getting back into the daily grind can seem stifling, but personalizing and accessorizing school supplies, lockers and work spaces can be a simple antidote. With that in mind, here are a few tips and DIY ideas to get kids pumped about the new school year:

Notebooks

Why settle for the same plain notebooks everyone else has? Liven up math, history and English by decorating a notebook for each subject with its own unique design and color concept. Doing so isn’t just fun, it can help students find their stuff quickly during the rush between classes.

One easy way to decorate notebooks and reinforce them at the same time against wear and tear is with duct tape. Lay down a solid color duct tape along the cover of your notebook in rows, then use a crafting knife to cut along the sides, making the edges sharp and clean. After that, lay a few horizontal, diagonal or vertical stripes of patterned duct tape down over the base in fun patterns to make it your own. Don’t forget to label each notebook with your name and subject!

Workspaces

A student’s work space should be a place that in-

spires him or her to do great work and be creative. But that can seem impossible when the space is colorless and uninspiring. To get your kids excited about homework, let them play a role in choosing where they do it and then allow them to decorate that area.

A place for friendly reminders and to-do lists above the desk can be a helpful study aid that keeps kids on task. However, rather than hanging a conventional chalkboard, create a portable version with 3M’s new Scotch Chalkboard Tape or Dry Erase Tape, which acts just like a regular chalkboard or dry erase surface, but is applied like tape and removes cleanly and easily from surfaces.

Be creative

You provide the binders, notebooks, pencils and the crafting supplies and let kids provide the imagination.

And now, kids can share their crafting talent not just with their classmates, but also with the world by entering 3M’s “Tape On” contest where they can submit their own back to school creations using duct tape for an opportunity to win prizes.

Feeling inspired? Channel that creativity this summer by submitting your own back to school project. Visit http://go.3M.com/tapeoncontest for more information on how to enter and to see the official contest rules.

Don’t let back to school shopping be a chore. This year, get the kids off to a great start by making school – and all the supplies that come with it – personal, stylish and fun. (Content courtesy of Statepoint)

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24 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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Walking and Biking Safely Walking and biking to and from school can be a great way to get exercise, interact with your children and teach them lifelong traffic safety skills. Know your child’s abilities and remember your child’s limitations. Children under 10 years of age are developmentally limited when it comes to judging speed and distance accurately.

Walking

Teach, practice and remind children to: • Walk with an adult or responsible older child at all times.

• Children under 10 years old should cross the street only with an adult.

• Walk on the sidewalk if there is one.

• Walk facing the traffic, as far from the road/traffic as possible, if no sidewalk is available.

• Use traffic signals and marked crosswalks if available.

• Stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left for traffic before crossing the street.

• Walk; don’t run.

• Give drivers time to see you before crossing the street.

• Keep looking for cars while you are crossing.

• Wear white clothing or reflectors when walking in the dark or in low light.

Biking Bicycles are vehicles and riders must follow Florida traffic laws. Teach, practice and remind children to:

• Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted.

• Whenever possible, ride with an adult or responsible older student.

• Always obey all traffic signs and signals.

• Ride on the right side of the road or trail in a single file (one bicycle behind another).

• Ride in the same direction as other vehicles.

• Go straight across railroad tracks.

• Always use proper hand signals when turning and stopping.

• Yield to pedestrians and alert them with a bicycle bell or your voice when passing.

26 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

What can parents and students do against bullying?

Tips for parents: • Encourage your child to talk to you. Praise your child for positive communication and behavior.

• Provide/ensure adequate supervision.

• Teach your child to be assertive rather than aggressive or violent when confronted by a bully.

• Verify that consistent messages about rules and safety are practiced in your child’s school and staff is trained in bullying prevention.

• Build a relationship with your child’s teachers and administrators.

Tips for students: • Stay away from bullies.

• Tell an adult.

• Avoid bad situations.

• Make friends.

• If bullied, tell the bully to stop; then walk away.

Did you know that research shows that at least half of all bullying can be prevented? For bullying prevention visit www.stopbullyingnow.org.

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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28 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

The Faculty and Staff at Foundation Academy give a big Welcome Back to School to all of our FA Families!

We are ready for another terrific year!

FoundationAcademy.net

South Campus: 15304 Tilden Road • Winter Garden • (407) 877-2744 • North Campus: 125 E. Plant Street • Winter Garden • (407) 656-3677

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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30 BACK2SCHOOL Thursday, August 7, 2014 The West Orange Times

Tips for parent drivers and teen drivers:

To reduce energy usage, pollution and traffic congestion in neighborhoods, consider walking or bicycling with your children or having them take the school bus. If you need to drive, follow these safety tips: • When picking up children in the afternoon don’t arrive too early and hinder the movement of traffic in the neighborhood around the school.

• Wait in a single line and leave enough room so an emergency response vehicle would be able to get through.

• Don’t block driveways, sidewalks, mail-

boxes, disabled parking spaces or fire hydrants, and don’t park on lawns.

• Don’t block access to or the view from side streets.

• Don’t back out onto any street from the school parking lot or from a side street.

• Try to arrange your drop off/pickup time after the peak rush hour and use designated loading and unloading areas.

• Always heed signs and the directions of school and law-enforcement officials.

• Always obey posted speed limits and other traffic laws.

• Act as you would want people to act if it were your neighborhood.

• Be patient and understand that walkers, bicyclists and school buses are trying to exit the school, too.

• Always ensure that you and your passengers buckle up.

• Never talk on a cell phone, text or engage in other distractions while driving.

Did you know that young drivers, ages 15 to 20 years old, are especially vulnerable to death and injury on our roadways?

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. Most of the fatalities involving young drivers are the young drivers themselves and their passengers.

The West Orange Times Thursday, August 7, 2014 BACK2SCHOOL

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