Back to School 101

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

A Classic Booklist

Friday, August 13, 2010

Ten classics for children and young adults For Children: “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett “The Lorax” by Dr. Suess “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle

For Young Adults: “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Collected poems of John Keats “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy “Paradise Lost” by John Milton “The Trial” by Franz Kafka “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau

Things to do before leaving for college:

✔ Register for classes ✔ Buy books ✔ Learn social security number ✔ Break up with high school boyfriend/girlfriend ✔ Padlock bedroom door to keep younger siblings out while you’re away ✔ Meet new roommates ✔ “Borrow” basement TV for dorm room ✔ Sign up for FREE text alerts to stay connected www.AlbertLeaTribune.com

l o o h c S o T k c a B

1 0 1

t s i l k c e h C e g e l l o en r d l i h ♦♦The C C r o f s t f a r C d n a s ol o h c S r ♦♦ Game o f s l o o T ♦♦ Cool

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

Table of Contents pg. 3

pg. 5

Study Green

♦♦How to stay eco-friendly in school

pg. 4

Lessons From Freshman Year

♦♦Local college students talk about first year

The College Checklist

pg. 6

Janet Lawler

Cool Tools for School ♦♦High-tech gadgets for 2011 ♦♦Backpack safety tips

I have lived on a small farm north of Northwood, Iowa, my entire life yet was privileged to attend Albert Lea High School from which I recently graduated. While in high school I was co-editor of the Ahlahasa, captain of the Speech Team, vice president of the National Honor Society and one of the valedictorians. I was also involved in theater, physics club and managing volleyball. This fall I will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; as of yet my major is undeclared. I am overwhelmingly grateful to all the kind and generous people I have met while here who have inspired me by their actions.

From notebooks to jeans, Trades & Labor can help you with back to school expenses.

PERSONAL LOAN SPECIAL Borrow $1,000 at only 8.95% APR Apply today! Offer ends Sept. 30, 2010

610 S Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN

377-1863 www.tradesandlabor.com

Games and Crafts for Children

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 7

Register for your chance to win...

Activities for pre-schoolers to adults Young children in school often have more extra time than their parents.

Here are some fun and educational crafts and games to entertain them or participate with them.

Paper filter butterfly

♦♦How to get what you want in a college

Written and Designed by:

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

pg. 7 Games and Crafts for Children ♦♦ Activities for preschoolers to adults

pg. 8 A Classic Booklist ♦♦ Ten classics for children and young adults

Gather together a paper coffee filter, a clothespin and some water-colors before you and your child begin. Have your child paint the coffee filter however they like with the water-colors. However, their creative genius does not have to be limited to water-colors. They can use stickers, markers, crayons or whatever else they like to decorate the filter, what will be the butterfly’s wings. Once dry, attach the clothespin so it becomes the butterfly’s body. They can also draw eyes on the clothespin or attach pipe-cleaners for antennae.

Self-portraits At the beginning of the school year have your child draw a self-portrait of themselves. Have them put as much detail and color in as they can. In the middle of the school year have them draw it once again to see if they are gaining any skills or sense of detail. When the school year ends, the child can draw one more. This way their progression of skills can be seen throughout the year.

Bean bag toss This age-old game is used in pre-school through junior high and some rare high school classes to test knowledge and hand eye coordination. Set up a basket, trash can, box or other container and gather some bean bags or balls. Have your child stand at a predetermined distance from the basket and ask them a question according to what they’re learning. If they get it right they can try to throw the bean bag into the basket.

There are many ways to change this around.

You can even drop the questions and just try to make the basket; this is especially important for younger children who can work on their coordination. Have them try with their nondominate hand or stand at various distances.

Have fun with this quick and easy game.

* Two tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival,south of Shakopee.Tickets are good from Aug. 21 to Oct. 3.

Official Entry Form Name __________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ Date __________________________________________________ Age __________________________________________________ Mail entry form toAshley at theAlbert LeaTribune,808W.Front St.or deliver in person from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entry forms must be received by Friday, August 20, 2010.

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

Cool Tools for School High-tech gadgets for 2011

Wayne O. Sletten, DDS, MSD 1206 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN • 373-1915 Member of the American Association of Orthodontists

Dr. Matt Tubbs

(507) 369-5601

226 W. Clark Street • Albert Lea

www.TubbsChiro.com clinic@TubbsChiro.com

• Neck Pain • Back Pain • Auto Injuries • Work Injuries • Graston Soft Tissue Technique • Kinesio Taping • DOT Physicals

A.L. HIGH school sports

The latest generation of the Amazon Kindle allows you to bring your library with you. A very slim, light-weight book-like device, it can hold up to 1,500 books. It has 3G wireless coverage that can download books in less than 60 seconds. The battery lasts one to two weeks, while you read or do some social networking on Twitter or Facebook. The paper-like display reads like real paper without glare. The Kindle is a great tool for students to have literary resources right at their fingertips without carrying them all.

Brown bag book covers are practically free, easy to find and still protect your book. They can also be decorated and personalized. If you get tired of it, you can always make a new one.

Logitech Digital io Pen This futuristic note-taker is no ordinary ball-point pen. It will digitally capture everything you write or draw, so there is no more endless sheaves of notebooks and papers to keep track of and lose in time for the next test. It comes with a USB cradle which allows you to download your notes in handwritten form to your PC. It’s compatible with most versions of Windows and can file notes and sketches up to 40 pages before being downloaded onto Word 97 or later. You can even write e-mails on the go or update a written calendar. If that doesn’t seem practical, it can also be used as a regular pen.

sale events

Backpack Safety Tips

al batt

By Matthew M. Tubbs, DC, KTCP

campus notes

1. Position - The pack should sit only a few inches below the belt line. A pack that sits too low forces the student to arch the back and could lead to pain and discomfort.

community bulletin board

hometown forum

coupons birth announcements

What’s on your doorstep?

2. Straps - The pack needs to have two padded straps to equally distribute weight. The student should be encouraged to use both straps at all times.

3. Weight - Current research suggests that the pack should not weigh more than 15 percent of the student's body weight.

4. Organization - When packing a backpack, heavy items should be placed as close to the student's body as possible. This will decrease the strain put on the student's spine.

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

Carpooling Carpooling is the best way to not only stay green but frugal as well.

If you live arond people who go to the same school as you, you could all ride together in the morning.

Chances are you won’t be late and you can alternate between cars every week if you just can’t sacrifice the joy of your own car.

Soy-based Crayons Soy-based crayons are made of all natural products. They have brighter colors than wax-based and are less toxic.

Apple iPad

job opportunities

real estate

5. Padded back - A padded back will prevent sharp and pointed objects from poking the student, forcing them to alter their posture.

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 3

Recycled Paper

How to stay eco-friendly in school Brown Bag Book Covers

dilbert

minnesota vikings

Study Green

Amazon Kindle

The iPad is the latest technological wonder from Apple. A small, light-weight touchscreen that acts like a MacBook, iPod and netbook all in one. It features Safari, the internet browser available for Macintoshes, the Mail application allowing access to send and recieve e-mail and an expansive application store. It can hold pictures and videos, while also operating as an iPod complete with iTunes. The iPad contains maps using Google services which means street views of almost anywhere in the world. It can also keep notes, a calendar and contacts book, not to mention the iBook feature allowing you to keep a library of visual books.

The new iWork system available for the iPad lets you create presentations, documents and spreadsheets.

local events sudoku

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Lunch-boxes Using a lunch-box may not seem like a step for the environment, but it beats using plastic bags every day. A fun lunch-box can also inspire you to bring your own lunch, which guarantees you’ll like it.

Between college versus wide ruled, another choice is recycled versus new paper. Recycled paper tends to be less white, but it’s essentially the same. Look for a label on the notebooks or composition books you’re planning on buying for fall that says it’s recycled; it will probably be cheaper and helps out the environment.

Refillable Pens and Pencils You can use this type of writing utensil until it physically breaks. It’s a lot more reliable than wooden pencils and alleviates the horror that comes with a dying Bic pen or un-sharpenable pencil.

Yak Pak Billboard Bags From the bag manufacturer Yak Pak comes a completely unique twist on an age-old accessory and necessity for back to school. Yak Pak is now making school bags made out of recycled vinyl from billboards. This material is extremely durable and water resistant, while saving it from ending up in a landfill. Both messenger and backpack style bags are available. The best part is no two bags are the same. Check them out at www.yakpak.com.

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

The College Checklist How to get what you want in a college

Finding and choosing the right college can be a difficult and worrisome task. Start thinking about it early, this is a major decision and you don’t want to be stuck in a college you aren’t in love with just because you ran out of time to apply for any others. Remember, your high school counselors are wells of information, and they are there to help you. Don’t be shy to ask them advice and help on the subject. Keep these major factors in mind while researching and attending college visits, but prioritize which are most important to you.

1. Academics College is school. You want to make sure you are getting the best quality education you can for the money that you’re spending. Make sure the classes and curriculum are what you want: challenging but not designed to wash-out students. Look at a syllabus of a class you might take, does it seem like you would enjoy it?

Also check what standardized tests they require, so you can be prepared.

2. Rankings As you’re researching potential colleges check their national and state rankings; sometimes that will give you some insight into its reputaion and prestige. The more prestigious the college, the

more likely an employer will place you.

3. Programs Think about what you’ll want to be doing throughout your four years. If you want to visit another country one of the best ways is to study abroad, but first you have to make sure the college offers it. What about an honors program, or cultural programs? Make sure this college offers you the opportunities and stepping stones to succeed.

4. Extra-curriculars

BACK TO SCHOOL 101 Check out this fall’s hottest new book bags, featured in Southern Minnesota Magazine.

Trust that your decision is good once you have made it and then begin building your own community of friends.

7. Campus The campus can really be a make or break deal when it comes to choosing a college.

Although it might look good on paper that doesn’t guarantee you’ll still like it when you get there. College visits are strongly encouraged before you accept admission.

8. City and Location

The location of your college is very important whether you want a big city or a small town you should enjoy where you’ll be living. See if the city has all of the amenities you want like specific restaurants, book stores, coffee shops or theaters.

Also think about whether or not it’s a place that will offer you a 5. Faculty and Class Sizes job that you might want during college.

College is the gateway to higher learning and you 9. Cost want to make sure the people Before doing anything, come teaching you are highly up with exactly how much qualified and advanced in their field. Keep in mind what you want to invest in a college classroom setting works for and how much you can. This you. Do you want a small class can be the worst part of the with individualized help from college search and one of the the professor, or are you okay most important. Make sure the with a large class taught mostly college is worth what you’re by graduate students? paying for it.

If you’ve spent all four years of high school in a specific club or team and want to continue in college then make sure that college offers it. It would be disappointing to find out you can no longer participate in something you love.

6. Community

10. Home

Keep in mind that every college campus is like its own micro-community, and if it’s not the type of people you want to be around then it might distract from learning. However this is a hard thing to discover over a single college visit.

Can you see this college as being your home for four years?

That is the question you have to ask yourself before committing to it. If it doesn’t have an atmosphere that makes you comfortable, then it probably shouldn’t be on the list.

On Newsstands August 31 To subscribe call 507-434-2220

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 5

Lessons From Freshman Year

Local college students talk about first year emphasis on the stay in shape part.

There are two major differences you will notice your first week at school. One is you are not living with your parents anymore; the second is that you are living in a glorified closet “I thought the transition from with someone else. With no high school into college would parents it’s easy to stay up all be difficult. But it really wasn’t. night and skip class the next day Like in high school, the grade you receive in a course depends on the because the majority of classes amount of work you put in. College don’t take attendance, but it will professors will not hunt you down hurt you in the long run.

Go home as few times and ask you what is wrong if you are struggling with the class; if you as possible. Try to start an want help you have to go to them. independent life away from your parents and high school friends.

There are a plethora of student organizations, so there is no reason You don’t have to forget these not to be involved with at least one friends but try to make some new ones. Don’t stress yourself out too of them. There’s also intramural much, do the best you can. Most sports that are a great way to have importantly, have fun.” fun and stay in shape, with an

Drew Claussen Minnesota State University Mankato

377-6868

331 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

MEMBER

FDIC

Annmarie Caporale Augsburg College Minneapolis

“I can say with full confidence that my first year at college was the greatest learning experience I have had in my 19 years on this earth. I went through many adjustments; some small, like the constant hum of traffic on I-35 outside my window instead of the simple quiet I was used to back home and some bigger adjustments, like balancing my skin-tight budget with temptation all around me. I’ve never cried so much in my life, but I have also never laughed as often and opened my mind to all the wonders life can bring.

I look forward to growing even more this year and stepping outside my safety bubble. To those incoming freshman I am so excited for you. College is a whole different playing field from high school, and I challenge you to make the most of every day you have. Try as many different things as you possibly can — go swing dancing, talk to an international student, see a show at a local theater, shop at a co-op nearby. Broaden your minds and realize that you have everything going for you, if you just simply try. There was a saying that kept registering in my mind this whole year: ‘It’s not where you come from that matters; it’s where you are going.’ I can’t wait to see where my sophomore year takes me.

Bonne chance!”

Meagan Hickman Eternity Bible College Simi Valley, CA

“Living through the first year of college, I found that having all the answers was not a requirement. The freshman year is a launching point that creates opportunities to find new friends, volunteer in the community and strengthen relationships that were left behind.

Going to things like freshmen orientation proved very helpful in meeting great people. I really enjoyed volunteering in my new community. This was a connecting point to people who lived near me and provided a fun way to stretch myself. It’s so easy to find places around you looking for help, but you have to initiate the interaction. Take the time to get involved with what you love.

It was also important to keep in touch with people back home. Making new friends is awesome, but completely losing contact with old friends would be a great loss. Back home you also have your family who will be in your life through even the toughest seasons. So as you move on, not all of your relationships have to.

From my brief college experience, I found it worthwhile to be open when meeting new people, dedicated to finding a place to contribute and persistent with old relationships. And of course finding time to study is important, too.”

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

The College Checklist How to get what you want in a college

Finding and choosing the right college can be a difficult and worrisome task. Start thinking about it early, this is a major decision and you don’t want to be stuck in a college you aren’t in love with just because you ran out of time to apply for any others. Remember, your high school counselors are wells of information, and they are there to help you. Don’t be shy to ask them advice and help on the subject. Keep these major factors in mind while researching and attending college visits, but prioritize which are most important to you.

1. Academics College is school. You want to make sure you are getting the best quality education you can for the money that you’re spending. Make sure the classes and curriculum are what you want: challenging but not designed to wash-out students. Look at a syllabus of a class you might take, does it seem like you would enjoy it?

Also check what standardized tests they require, so you can be prepared.

2. Rankings As you’re researching potential colleges check their national and state rankings; sometimes that will give you some insight into its reputaion and prestige. The more prestigious the college, the

more likely an employer will place you.

3. Programs Think about what you’ll want to be doing throughout your four years. If you want to visit another country one of the best ways is to study abroad, but first you have to make sure the college offers it. What about an honors program, or cultural programs? Make sure this college offers you the opportunities and stepping stones to succeed.

4. Extra-curriculars

BACK TO SCHOOL 101 Check out this fall’s hottest new book bags, featured in Southern Minnesota Magazine.

Trust that your decision is good once you have made it and then begin building your own community of friends.

7. Campus The campus can really be a make or break deal when it comes to choosing a college.

Although it might look good on paper that doesn’t guarantee you’ll still like it when you get there. College visits are strongly encouraged before you accept admission.

8. City and Location

The location of your college is very important whether you want a big city or a small town you should enjoy where you’ll be living. See if the city has all of the amenities you want like specific restaurants, book stores, coffee shops or theaters.

Also think about whether or not it’s a place that will offer you a 5. Faculty and Class Sizes job that you might want during college.

College is the gateway to higher learning and you 9. Cost want to make sure the people Before doing anything, come teaching you are highly up with exactly how much qualified and advanced in their field. Keep in mind what you want to invest in a college classroom setting works for and how much you can. This you. Do you want a small class can be the worst part of the with individualized help from college search and one of the the professor, or are you okay most important. Make sure the with a large class taught mostly college is worth what you’re by graduate students? paying for it.

If you’ve spent all four years of high school in a specific club or team and want to continue in college then make sure that college offers it. It would be disappointing to find out you can no longer participate in something you love.

6. Community

10. Home

Keep in mind that every college campus is like its own micro-community, and if it’s not the type of people you want to be around then it might distract from learning. However this is a hard thing to discover over a single college visit.

Can you see this college as being your home for four years?

That is the question you have to ask yourself before committing to it. If it doesn’t have an atmosphere that makes you comfortable, then it probably shouldn’t be on the list.

On Newsstands August 31 To subscribe call 507-434-2220

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 5

Lessons From Freshman Year

Local college students talk about first year emphasis on the stay in shape part.

There are two major differences you will notice your first week at school. One is you are not living with your parents anymore; the second is that you are living in a glorified closet “I thought the transition from with someone else. With no high school into college would parents it’s easy to stay up all be difficult. But it really wasn’t. night and skip class the next day Like in high school, the grade you receive in a course depends on the because the majority of classes amount of work you put in. College don’t take attendance, but it will professors will not hunt you down hurt you in the long run.

Go home as few times and ask you what is wrong if you are struggling with the class; if you as possible. Try to start an want help you have to go to them. independent life away from your parents and high school friends.

There are a plethora of student organizations, so there is no reason You don’t have to forget these not to be involved with at least one friends but try to make some new ones. Don’t stress yourself out too of them. There’s also intramural much, do the best you can. Most sports that are a great way to have importantly, have fun.” fun and stay in shape, with an

Drew Claussen Minnesota State University Mankato

377-6868

331 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

MEMBER

FDIC

Annmarie Caporale Augsburg College Minneapolis

“I can say with full confidence that my first year at college was the greatest learning experience I have had in my 19 years on this earth. I went through many adjustments; some small, like the constant hum of traffic on I-35 outside my window instead of the simple quiet I was used to back home and some bigger adjustments, like balancing my skin-tight budget with temptation all around me. I’ve never cried so much in my life, but I have also never laughed as often and opened my mind to all the wonders life can bring.

I look forward to growing even more this year and stepping outside my safety bubble. To those incoming freshman I am so excited for you. College is a whole different playing field from high school, and I challenge you to make the most of every day you have. Try as many different things as you possibly can — go swing dancing, talk to an international student, see a show at a local theater, shop at a co-op nearby. Broaden your minds and realize that you have everything going for you, if you just simply try. There was a saying that kept registering in my mind this whole year: ‘It’s not where you come from that matters; it’s where you are going.’ I can’t wait to see where my sophomore year takes me.

Bonne chance!”

Meagan Hickman Eternity Bible College Simi Valley, CA

“Living through the first year of college, I found that having all the answers was not a requirement. The freshman year is a launching point that creates opportunities to find new friends, volunteer in the community and strengthen relationships that were left behind.

Going to things like freshmen orientation proved very helpful in meeting great people. I really enjoyed volunteering in my new community. This was a connecting point to people who lived near me and provided a fun way to stretch myself. It’s so easy to find places around you looking for help, but you have to initiate the interaction. Take the time to get involved with what you love.

It was also important to keep in touch with people back home. Making new friends is awesome, but completely losing contact with old friends would be a great loss. Back home you also have your family who will be in your life through even the toughest seasons. So as you move on, not all of your relationships have to.

From my brief college experience, I found it worthwhile to be open when meeting new people, dedicated to finding a place to contribute and persistent with old relationships. And of course finding time to study is important, too.”

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

Cool Tools for School High-tech gadgets for 2011

Wayne O. Sletten, DDS, MSD 1206 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN • 373-1915 Member of the American Association of Orthodontists

Dr. Matt Tubbs

(507) 369-5601

226 W. Clark Street • Albert Lea

www.TubbsChiro.com clinic@TubbsChiro.com

• Neck Pain • Back Pain • Auto Injuries • Work Injuries • Graston Soft Tissue Technique • Kinesio Taping • DOT Physicals

A.L. HIGH school sports

The latest generation of the Amazon Kindle allows you to bring your library with you. A very slim, light-weight book-like device, it can hold up to 1,500 books. It has 3G wireless coverage that can download books in less than 60 seconds. The battery lasts one to two weeks, while you read or do some social networking on Twitter or Facebook. The paper-like display reads like real paper without glare. The Kindle is a great tool for students to have literary resources right at their fingertips without carrying them all.

Brown bag book covers are practically free, easy to find and still protect your book. They can also be decorated and personalized. If you get tired of it, you can always make a new one.

Logitech Digital io Pen This futuristic note-taker is no ordinary ball-point pen. It will digitally capture everything you write or draw, so there is no more endless sheaves of notebooks and papers to keep track of and lose in time for the next test. It comes with a USB cradle which allows you to download your notes in handwritten form to your PC. It’s compatible with most versions of Windows and can file notes and sketches up to 40 pages before being downloaded onto Word 97 or later. You can even write e-mails on the go or update a written calendar. If that doesn’t seem practical, it can also be used as a regular pen.

sale events

Backpack Safety Tips

al batt

By Matthew M. Tubbs, DC, KTCP

campus notes

1. Position - The pack should sit only a few inches below the belt line. A pack that sits too low forces the student to arch the back and could lead to pain and discomfort.

community bulletin board

hometown forum

coupons birth announcements

What’s on your doorstep?

2. Straps - The pack needs to have two padded straps to equally distribute weight. The student should be encouraged to use both straps at all times.

3. Weight - Current research suggests that the pack should not weigh more than 15 percent of the student's body weight.

4. Organization - When packing a backpack, heavy items should be placed as close to the student's body as possible. This will decrease the strain put on the student's spine.

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

Carpooling Carpooling is the best way to not only stay green but frugal as well.

If you live arond people who go to the same school as you, you could all ride together in the morning.

Chances are you won’t be late and you can alternate between cars every week if you just can’t sacrifice the joy of your own car.

Soy-based Crayons Soy-based crayons are made of all natural products. They have brighter colors than wax-based and are less toxic.

Apple iPad

job opportunities

real estate

5. Padded back - A padded back will prevent sharp and pointed objects from poking the student, forcing them to alter their posture.

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 3

Recycled Paper

How to stay eco-friendly in school Brown Bag Book Covers

dilbert

minnesota vikings

Study Green

Amazon Kindle

The iPad is the latest technological wonder from Apple. A small, light-weight touchscreen that acts like a MacBook, iPod and netbook all in one. It features Safari, the internet browser available for Macintoshes, the Mail application allowing access to send and recieve e-mail and an expansive application store. It can hold pictures and videos, while also operating as an iPod complete with iTunes. The iPad contains maps using Google services which means street views of almost anywhere in the world. It can also keep notes, a calendar and contacts book, not to mention the iBook feature allowing you to keep a library of visual books.

The new iWork system available for the iPad lets you create presentations, documents and spreadsheets.

local events sudoku

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Lunch-boxes Using a lunch-box may not seem like a step for the environment, but it beats using plastic bags every day. A fun lunch-box can also inspire you to bring your own lunch, which guarantees you’ll like it.

Between college versus wide ruled, another choice is recycled versus new paper. Recycled paper tends to be less white, but it’s essentially the same. Look for a label on the notebooks or composition books you’re planning on buying for fall that says it’s recycled; it will probably be cheaper and helps out the environment.

Refillable Pens and Pencils You can use this type of writing utensil until it physically breaks. It’s a lot more reliable than wooden pencils and alleviates the horror that comes with a dying Bic pen or un-sharpenable pencil.

Yak Pak Billboard Bags From the bag manufacturer Yak Pak comes a completely unique twist on an age-old accessory and necessity for back to school. Yak Pak is now making school bags made out of recycled vinyl from billboards. This material is extremely durable and water resistant, while saving it from ending up in a landfill. Both messenger and backpack style bags are available. The best part is no two bags are the same. Check them out at www.yakpak.com.

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

Table of Contents pg. 3

pg. 5

Study Green

♦♦How to stay eco-friendly in school

pg. 4

Lessons From Freshman Year

♦♦Local college students talk about first year

The College Checklist

pg. 6

Janet Lawler

Cool Tools for School ♦♦High-tech gadgets for 2011 ♦♦Backpack safety tips

I have lived on a small farm north of Northwood, Iowa, my entire life yet was privileged to attend Albert Lea High School from which I recently graduated. While in high school I was co-editor of the Ahlahasa, captain of the Speech Team, vice president of the National Honor Society and one of the valedictorians. I was also involved in theater, physics club and managing volleyball. This fall I will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; as of yet my major is undeclared. I am overwhelmingly grateful to all the kind and generous people I have met while here who have inspired me by their actions.

From notebooks to jeans, Trades & Labor can help you with back to school expenses.

PERSONAL LOAN SPECIAL Borrow $1,000 at only 8.95% APR Apply today! Offer ends Sept. 30, 2010

610 S Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN

377-1863 www.tradesandlabor.com

Games and Crafts for Children

Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010 — Page 7

Register for your chance to win...

Activities for pre-schoolers to adults Young children in school often have more extra time than their parents.

Here are some fun and educational crafts and games to entertain them or participate with them.

Paper filter butterfly

♦♦How to get what you want in a college

Written and Designed by:

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

pg. 7 Games and Crafts for Children ♦♦ Activities for preschoolers to adults

pg. 8 A Classic Booklist ♦♦ Ten classics for children and young adults

Gather together a paper coffee filter, a clothespin and some water-colors before you and your child begin. Have your child paint the coffee filter however they like with the water-colors. However, their creative genius does not have to be limited to water-colors. They can use stickers, markers, crayons or whatever else they like to decorate the filter, what will be the butterfly’s wings. Once dry, attach the clothespin so it becomes the butterfly’s body. They can also draw eyes on the clothespin or attach pipe-cleaners for antennae.

Self-portraits At the beginning of the school year have your child draw a self-portrait of themselves. Have them put as much detail and color in as they can. In the middle of the school year have them draw it once again to see if they are gaining any skills or sense of detail. When the school year ends, the child can draw one more. This way their progression of skills can be seen throughout the year.

Bean bag toss This age-old game is used in pre-school through junior high and some rare high school classes to test knowledge and hand eye coordination. Set up a basket, trash can, box or other container and gather some bean bags or balls. Have your child stand at a predetermined distance from the basket and ask them a question according to what they’re learning. If they get it right they can try to throw the bean bag into the basket.

There are many ways to change this around.

You can even drop the questions and just try to make the basket; this is especially important for younger children who can work on their coordination. Have them try with their nondominate hand or stand at various distances.

Have fun with this quick and easy game.

* Two tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival,south of Shakopee.Tickets are good from Aug. 21 to Oct. 3.

Official Entry Form Name __________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ Date __________________________________________________ Age __________________________________________________ Mail entry form toAshley at theAlbert LeaTribune,808W.Front St.or deliver in person from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entry forms must be received by Friday, August 20, 2010.

BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, August 13, 2010

A Classic Booklist

Friday, August 13, 2010

Ten classics for children and young adults For Children: “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett “The Lorax” by Dr. Suess “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle

For Young Adults: “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Collected poems of John Keats “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy “Paradise Lost” by John Milton “The Trial” by Franz Kafka “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau

Things to do before leaving for college:

✔ Register for classes ✔ Buy books ✔ Learn social security number ✔ Break up with high school boyfriend/girlfriend ✔ Padlock bedroom door to keep younger siblings out while you’re away ✔ Meet new roommates ✔ “Borrow” basement TV for dorm room ✔ Sign up for FREE text alerts to stay connected www.AlbertLeaTribune.com

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t s i l k c e h C e g e l l o en r d l i h ♦♦The C C r o f s t f a r C d n a s ol o h c S r ♦♦ Game o f s l o o T ♦♦ Cool