2018 Education Guide

EDUCATION GUIDE

Brought to you by the Chester County Press August 8, 2018

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TCHS grad goes from West Grove to West Point TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus graduate Maggie Weir, from Avon Grove School District, will be making the trip from West Grove to West Point.

Weir is a recent graduate of the Criminal Justice & Police Sciences program who fulfilled a lifelong dream by receiving an accommodation to West Point from Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

As a public high school of choice, TCHS is for students in grades 9 to 12 who want to prepare for success in post-secondary education and the workforce. At TCHS, students get ahead with hands-on experience and opportunities to earn up to a year’s worth of college credits in high school, making them stand out to prospective colleges and employers.

“I come from a military family, so from a young age, I knew I wanted to join the military,” Weir said. “Getting into West Point has been a dream come true. It was hard work, but I really believe being in the Criminal Justice & Police Sciences program at TCHS gave me a leg up.”

Tracey Weir, Maggie’s mother, believes that TCHS played an important role in fulfilling Maggie’s dream. “At TCHS, Maggie had opportunities to really step outside of her comfort zone and take leadership positions in the classroom,” Tracey said. “When I found out she got accepted into West Point, I didn’t know whether to smile or cry. I did both! I am prouder of her than I am able to put into words.”

What is Tracey Weir’s advice to parents considering whether TCHS is a good fit for their child? “Sending your child to TCHS is the best thing you can do for them,” she said. “It gives them opportunities that they will not be able to get elsewhere. This is the best way for them to see what their career choice will be like before entering the ‘real world.’ My second child currently attends TCHS and my third child is excited to start once he is in 10th grade. TCHS provides an education and experience that are second to none.”

For more information about TCHS, visit www. technicalcollegehighschool.org.

Maggie Weir is a 2018 graduate of TCHS Pennock’s Bridge who will be attending West Point.

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Try on a career in: The student-centered approach at TCHS offers students a hands-on career exploration using state-of-the-art methods DQG WHFKQRORJ\ JXLGHG E\ KLJKO\ TXDOLÆ“HG instructors with years of industry experience.

Students connect at TCHS, building community and opportunity in relationships with instructors, administrators, colleges and LQGXVWU\ SDUWQHUV LQ 67(0 Æ“HOGV WKH DUWV DQG skilled trades.

www.TechnicalCollegeHighSchool.org

The future looks good on you.

Technical College High School ool Brandywine Campus Downingtown, PA (484) 593-5100 Technical College High School ool Pennock’s Bridge Campus West Grove, PA (610) 345-1800 Technical College High School ool Pickering Campus Phoenixville, PA (610) 933-8877

TCHS is operated by the Chester County Intermediate UnitAn equal opportunity employer and educator

TCHS0718005

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The benefits of child’s play extend beyond exercise (BPT) - When you think about the most important part of a child’s school day, what comes to mind? Is it reading? Science? Math or history? What about recess?

Children will likely mention recess as their favorite part of the day, and new

research shows that this free time is actually a fundamental component to their future development and host to numerous educational opportunities.

Yet, if there are such benefits for children in recess and unstructured play, why are school districts everywhere reducing it?

More than just exercise Researchers for years have hypothesized about the link between the reduction in free play and the rise of childhood obesity, but new research also indicates a link between children’s ability to engage in free play and their overall development.

A recent meta-study by the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, commissioned by Landscape Structures Inc., finds that “children’s early experiences and the settings they inhabit play a powerful role in shaping the adults they will become.” The meta-study also finds that unstructured play provides children the opportunity to practice key social, cognitive and physical skills.

The research draws from a wide body of social scientific analyses, case studies and examinations of play and playground behavior. Educators, child psychologists, playground designers and the American Academy of Pediatrics all contributed to the report.

The findings show that when left in unstructured play, children spend

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roughly 80 percent of their time on the playground engaging in important activities such as social, physical and pretend play. Any or all of these activities have been shown to further a child’s future development.

The manner in which playtime is spent is nearly as important as the amount of time spent. Well-designed playgrounds have proven to be a uniquely flexible play setting with equipment that supports social and imaginative play while also supporting children with diverse needs and ability levels. Toddlers, for example, appreciate the physical challenge of climbing a few stairs while older children will set their sights on the taller portions of the structure.

However, at the same time that the benefits of unstructured play are being expounded, the research shows the time spent in open play is under attack.

Threats to play come from myriad sources, including restrictive school and work

schedules, safety concerns, organized after-school activities and the rise of passive entertainment options including television and video games. These factors combined are seen as the key reasons children’s unstructured play has dropped by 25 percent since 1981.

Pushing back for play While the importance of classroom lesson plans can never be discounted in a child’s educational path, the opportunity for recess and open play should not be seen only as a break.

Landscape Structures’ research findings show children actively learn while in play and that the skills they learn here cater to their continual development. The educational lessons don’t end when the bell rings for recess; they simply become a lot more fun.

To learn more about playground solutions for your area, visit playlsi.com/.

Oxford Center for Dance 610-932-3267 • 2371 Baltimore Pike, Oxford, PA 19363 www.oc4dance.com • oc4dance@zoominternet.net Oxford Center for Dance has been educating students in the art of dance for 30 years. We offer dance classes for kids from pre-school to adult and much more!

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REGISTER ONLINE OR IN-STUDIO Wednesdays, August 15 & 22 from 4:00-6:00pm

OXFORD CENTER FOR DANCE

Dance Education | Nutcracker Ballet HOME OF THE REGIONAL & NATIONAL COMPETITIVE DANCE TEAMS!!

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There’s still time to register for fall classes at Delaware County Community College There’s still time to register for fall at Delaware County Community College – don’t miss out!

There are five options available for fall, including traditional and accelerated courses, as well as online and on-campus classes. Each session features courses on a broad range of subjects, including allied health, business, communication, English, mathematics, public service, science and the trades. Courses are offered at each of the college’s eight campuses, with three locations in Delaware County and five in Chester County.

Fall – Full term semester, courses run August 27-December 9. The last day to register is August 22.

Fall Accelerated 1 – Courses run August 27-October 14. The last day to register is August 22.

Fall 2 – Courses begin September 17 and end December 9. Not as fast-paced as fall accelerated 1 and 2, this option gives students a chance to get started on their education without waiting until spring. The last day to register is September 14.

Fall Accelerated 2 – Courses run October 22-December 9. The last day to register is October 19.

Winter Online – A fully online session that gives students a chance to earn credits between semesters. These intensive, five-week classes are offered entirely online and run from December 10-January 11. Registration is open from August 23 to December 8.

Walk-In Registration Week From August 13 to 22*, the College will host Walk-In Registration for fall courses.

On these days, students can receive help with applying, placement testing, financial aid, meeting with an advisor and registering for classes – all in a single visit.

Walk-In Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (must arrive by 5 p.m. if you need to placement test) from Monday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday (must arrive by 11 a.m. if you need to placement test) at the Marple Campus (901 S. Media Line Road, Media), the Southeast Center (2000 Elmwood Avenue, Sharon Hill), Downingtown Campus (100 Bond Drive, Downingtown, PA) and the Pennocks Bridge Campus (280 Pennocks Bridge Road, West Grove).

On Saturday, August 18, Walk-In Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (must arrive by 11 a.m. if you need to placement test) at the Marple Campus, Southeast, Pennocks Bridge and the Exton Center (906 & 912 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA). (*Walk-In Registration will not be held on Sunday, August 19.)

More information is available at www.dccc.edu/walk-in.

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START SMART.™ START HERE. Become a Student in a Single Visit

Offered on select dates and times through August 22, Walk-In Registration allows current Delaware County Community College and new students to complete the registration process in one visit.

• Apply and meet with an advisor.

• Take any required placement tests.

• Register for fall classes.

Visit dccc.edu/walk-in for more information, locations and dates.

Educating Delaware and Chester Counties Delaware County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or age in its programs or activities.

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Cecil College offers a wide variety of associate degrees and certificate programs

Photo by Nathan Cox Photography Founded in 1968 to meet the postsecondary and continuing education needs of Cecil County residents, Cecil College has been serving the community and shaping its future for 50 years. With a diverse student population, Cecil College enrolls 3,000 credit students and more than 4,000 non-credit students annually. Cecil offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit classes.

Classes, taught by qualified faculty, can be taken in a traditional classroom setting or online. Many of the programs can transfer to four-year institutions. The Accelerated Studies for the Adult Professional is for adults who want to earn an undergraduate degree while working full or part-time.

Cecil offers a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs. The college has formalized articulation agreements with public and private four-year institutions throughout Maryland and the United States to expedite the transfer process for Cecil students and graduates. Cecil College has partnerships with Wilmington University and University of Maryland University College. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in materials engineering from Frostburg State University or a bachelor’s degree in social work from Salisbury University without leaving Cecil County.

Students can also opt to take non-credit courses to upgrade their job skills or expand their horizons. Certifications are available for various healthcare careers.

Additionally, students can earn computer certifications in several areas as well as business and management training certificates.

Cecil College is a member of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference in all sports and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The college fields men’s teams in baseball, basketball, and soccer; and women’s teams in basketball, softball, soccer, and volleyball. The college is adding cross country for fall 2019. The athletic programs have won numerous titles, including the 2018 NJCAA Region XX championship.

Cecil College’s locations include the North East campus, Elkton Station, College Crossing, and the Bainbridge Center.

For more information, visit www.cecil.edu or call 410-287-1000.

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Community invited to celebrate Homecoming with Lincoln University Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), invites the community to Homecoming 2018 from Oct. 12 to 14.

On Friday, Oct. 12, a Community Stage features a DJ and live regional community and student performers. You may purchase a variety of food and merchandise at the Vendors’ Fair.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, come to downtown Oxford to watch the University’s Homecoming parade, then get your spot for tailgating

prior to the Homecoming football game versus Elizabeth City (NC) State University. New this year at the game is the Athletics Director’s Beer & Wine Garden. Women can join the Women of Lincoln Reception.

Homecoming wraps up on Sunday, Oct. 14, with a worship service at the Mary Dod Brown Memorial Chapel.

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.lincoln.edu/homecoming. The schedule is subject to change. Fees may apply.

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The proactive parent’s checklist for back-to-school success (BPT) - A new school year is quickly approaching, and while you probably have supply lists and bus schedules in hand, there are a few other things parents should tackle to get a head start on the back-toschool season. Prepare kids for the best school year yet by handling these important tasks that sometimes are overlooked during the hectic summer.

Routines Before the school year starts, begin building a routine so children can adjust properly. This means structuring activities so kids know what to expect, including healthy meals at the same time each day and a regular bedtime.

Getting enough sleep is critical to students’ well-being and ability to learn, says Dr. Suresh Kotagal, pediatric sleep expert at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center.

He suggests establishing a bedtime routine before school starts to help children fall asleep and get a good night’s rest. He adds that children rest better if they skip caffeine after dinner, get regular exercise, turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime, and silence phones so text messages or alerts don’t disrupt sleep.

Vaccinations Dr. Robert Jacobson, Mayo Clinic Children’s Center pediatrician and vaccine specialist, advises parents to ensure their child has recommended vaccinations and to be aware of changes to those recommendations. He suggests parents contact their family physician or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online registry to stay informed of the recommended school admission vaccine requirements for their child.

For example, children can now be vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV), at age 11, rather than having to wait until they are 16 years of age. What’s more, some vaccines are now more easily administered. Jacobson says, “We’ve combined the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine with the chickenpox vaccine so a single dose will cover all four of those diseases.”

Medical records If your child is starting a new school or after-school program, you may be required to supply medical records or vaccination forms. Doctor’s offices should be able to supply this to you at no charge simply by calling or stopping by and filling out a request, just make sure to allow a week or more for processing.

By reviewing this record you can also verify if your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and wellness visits. “It’s very easy to fall behind and a simple phone call to your primary care practitioner will assure you that your children are up-todate or whether you need to make an appointment,” says Jacobson.

Anxiety Heading back to school is exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For some children, it can fuel anxiety, which parents can help get ahead of by taking proactive measures.

“Some kids are more anxious than others, and transitions like going back to school can be more difficult for them,” says Dr. Stephen Whiteside, psychiatrist with the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. “Talking to them and preparing them ahead of time by doing things such as visiting the schools and meeting teachers can be beneficial.”

Bullying One reason a child may have anxiety about heading back to school is he or she experienced bullying previously. Mayo Clinic Children’s Center psychologist Dr. Bridget Biggs says bullying comes in many forms: physical, verbal, emotional, social and online. Biggs says creating a culture of respect in and out of the classroom is key to bullying prevention.

Before school starts, ask your child about their concerns. Learn about what happened and discuss how to respond if it happens again in the new school year (for example, walk away or get help from a trusted adult or peer). Build up your child’s self-esteem so they have confidence to handle difficult situations. Finally, reach out to teachers to build a team mentality.

By taking a few proactive steps now, both parents and children can be well prepared for the start of a great new school year. For more tips on back-to-school and pediatric health, visit us at mayoclinic.org.

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Bethany Christian School Preschool - 8th Grade Before & Aftercare Program Bethany Christian School located at 1137 Shadyside Road in Oxford is conveniently accessible from all local routes including Maryland. Biblical truths are the hallmark of our academics. We partner with parents and stress the value of a Christ-anchored curriculum as a foundation for the citizens of tomorrow. We use time-honored teaching strategies along with Smart Boards and Chrome Books to impart fundamental knowledge to foster a life-long zest for learning. Our curriculum is innovative and includes STEM/STEAM themes. Weekly specials iclude art, gym, Spanish and technology. Students attend Chapel every Wednesday.

In addition to scholastic learning, students can engage in sports, clubs and fine arts. We stress service

by partnering with many neighboring organizations to build service character while strengthening our community.

Our PRESCHOOL programs for the three and four year old child, attends to the cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual development through fun-filled hands on experiences. Hand-writing is introduced in both programs. Bethany Christian School offers three, five and half-day options.

Please call or stop by for a tour. Bethany Christian School is now enrolling for the 2018-19 school year. Our phone number is 610-998-0877. www.

Bethanychristian.org.

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Kids and screens: Not all screen time is created equal (BPT) - Screen time. You’ve heard the phrase before, and if you’re a parent, you’ve probably agonized over creating a screen time policy for your family. You understandably want a policy that reflects your family values, and you also want to consider your child’s wants, needs and expectations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a go-to resource for parents on screen time guidelines, has determined that not all screen time is created equal. New research is changing the way parents look at screen time, and challenging parents to examine the quality of the time spent in front of devices. Quality is especially important when your children are seeking screen-based entertainment - games, shows, social media - and this is where family policies get tricky.

How much online entertainment is too much? Can there be too little?

The team at Star Stable Online - makers of the world’s most popular online, horse adventure game - recommends parents get involved with their children’s online activity, monitor their online behavior, explore their favorite games, shows and activities, and create a family screen policy that

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is more than just “hours or minutes.”

The conversation around screen time is less about time and more about active digital engagement.

If you do not recognize all the activities they’re enjoying online, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and create a dialogue about their digital habits. To help you determine whether your child is enjoying quality screen time, the team at Star Stable Online recommends these questions to get the conversation started: * Do you interact with other kids online? This question helps you determine if the child is building social skills in a safe, online environment. Parents must determine if the game or online activity promotes positive social and collaborative play. Star Stable believes collaborative play, along with a safe environment, is more beneficial and inspires kids to become content creators, not just passive media consumers. * Do you solve problems in the game? This question helps you determine how the child interacts with the game and what he/she learns from playing.

Determine if your child faces challenges in an environment that is constantly changing and expanding, forcing them to adapt. Find out if they need to use their best reasoning skills to complete challenges independently or as a team.

Star Stable believes that unique challenges that force kids to think outside the box are preferable to games that serve up constant repetition. * What does success look like and how do you feel when you succeed?

This line of questioning helps you determine if the game is building your child’s personal character. Does the game include storylines and activities that promote responsibility and respect for others? If your child interacts with other players, ask how that makes him/her feel (happy, motivated, helpful or strong). * Have you learned new vocabulary while playing the game? This question helps you determine if reading is a big part of the game or if it’s all visuals.

Reading is a fundamental life skill and any screen time your child is involved in should provide an element of age-appropriate reading. This will push your child to expand their vocabulary and even help to grow a lifelong love of reading. * Have you learned anything about money management? While this seems like an odd question, screen time solutions should do more than simply provide children a way to spend money, they should teach kids how to manage money or currency. It’s not a “must” for all screen time choices, but games or activities that provide a weekly allowance certainly help reinforce money management skills (spend, save and budget).

Finding the right screen time solution for your child The screen time debate is no longer a matter of hours or minutes, but how your kids are investing time interacting with a screen. Ultimately, it’s a balancing act of time and quality that will help your child build a positive digital footprint and smart screen time habits that can serve them their entire life.

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5 tips to prepare for college when you have allergies (BPT) - Going to college is the first time many young adults will be away from their parents and their home.

With this newfound freedom comes new responsibilities, especially for those with allergies and asthma.

“For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living on their own,” says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “In addition to moving to a new place, many teens must learn to manage their own schedule, diet, exercise and health.

Young people may find their allergies and asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more important demands for their time.”

If you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma and is headed off to college this fall, here are five tips from ACAAI on how to prepare for the transition.

1. Make time now to see your allergist - Schedule an appointment with your allergist now to discuss plans for the fall. During this visit you should ask for a referral to an allergist close to where you’re going to college, as well as a complete copy of your records, including medications, lab work and allergy test results.

2. Start practicing good self-management - The best line of defense against allergy and asthma attacks starts with you. Know your triggers and always be aware of risk factors when you go into an unfamiliar environment. Carry your asthma medications with you in case of a flare-up.

3. Set up a network - It’s easy to leave things to parents, but once you move out, you’ll need to take an active role in your health. Whether you’re going 100 or 1,000 miles away, you’ll need to contact school administrators to discuss necessary arrangements for your dorm room and meals. If you’re moving far from home, along with a new allergist, identify new primary care and specialty physicians, as well as a new pharmacy.

4. Talk to the folks who’ll make your food - If you have a food allergy, plan to talk to food handlers and ask about ingredients at every meal or snack. You probably already carefully read labels, but make sure your friends, roommate and resident adviser know about your food allergies. It’s your job to educate others about your allergies.

5. Have an emergency plan - Anyone at risk for a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, needs to always have immediate access to epinephrine auto injectors. Almost every fatality from food allergy involves lack of timely use of epinephrine. Even when you’re at the gym or out with friends, find a way to keep two doses of epinephrine on hand.

Allergists are the best trained professionals to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma. To make sure you’re fully prepared for the fall, contact your allergist or, if you need help finding one, visit the ACAAI allergist locator.

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