AUGUST 2013
IF
YOU
DON’T TALK,
YOU’RE
SAYING
STILL
SOMETHING
Suite 304, Melbourne House | 11 Parliament Street Hamilton HM 12 | Bermuda 441.292.3049 | www.dndc.gov.bm
HAVE THE
CONVO n teach your child the
FACTS
n give your child
CLEAR RULES n find out what your child already KNOWS n be prepared to
ANSWER your child’s QUESTIONS n talk to your child about how to
SAY NO
WIn
an IPAD MINI
ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 3 IPAD MINIS With THE PURCHASE OF ANY 2 ITEMS FROM THESE BRANDS :
TO ENTER BRING YOUR RECEIPT TO bGA, 1 MILL CREEK OR ENTER ONLINE AT BGA.BM backpack free with entry, collect your bag from bga contest ends september 30, 2013 BGa employees are not eligible to enter
back to school a special advertising Supplement of the bermuda sun August 23, 2013 page 1
Technology at home and in class By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
With headlines around the world increasingly dominated by the suicides of teenagers from cyberbullying, many parents may have misgivings about the Internet. The World Wide Web may have opened our eyes to more opportunities to communicate and learn, but it can also bring fear and trauma. In this year’s Bermuda Sun Back to School supplement we focus on technology — the pros and the cons — and feature texting and online tips to keep your child safe from harm.
With advances in technology of course, comes more innovative ways to educate your child. Inside, you can read about how some local schools are using iPads, tablets and SMART Boards to make learning more interactive and fun.
Equality We also focus on healthy meals for the forthcoming term and how to save money on school supplies. Did you know you can buy lightly-used uniform items for as little as $2 each? The Barn and Committee of 25’s Bargain Box have racks of uniforms in stock, while the Hands of Love Ministry
and Coalition for the Protection of Children help families in need through donations of clothing, food and school supplies. Inside, you can also read about homeschooling and why one family chose to educate their four children at home. Is your child interested in outdoor activities? Find out how he/she can learn how to sail, at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. There are also health tips and advice for parents on the warning signs of substance abuse. In this edition of Back to School we also focus on LGBT (Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender) students and the effects of bullying. Carla John, a Bermudian diversity liaison coordinator living in Ontario, Canada, explains why every child has a right to feel safe going to school, and what can be done about it. As the first day of school looms upon us, you can also read advice on how to calm those nerves and settle your child into the classroom. We also feature a lighthearted, fun article on how to celebrate — not dread — the forthcoming school year. We wish you and your children every success for 2013-14. n
Inside this supplement Is texting causing spelling standards to slide? Pages 2-3 Essential tips for your child’s online safety Page 4 Cellphone do’s and don’t’s for teens Page 5 Technology in the classroom: The ‘New Age of Education’, by Mark Hamilton, Warwick Academy Page 7 ICT from kindergarten to graduation, by Lisa Stevens, Mount Saint Agnes Academy Pages 8-9
Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.
Kitting out your child — how local charities can help families in need with uniforms, food and school supplies Pages 10-11 Health tips for the new term Pages 12-13 Homeschooling — how one family chose to teach their four children at home Pages 14-16 Outdoor fun — after-school sailing lessons at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club Page 17 How to tell if your child is using drink/drugs Page 19
Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Amanda Dale Layout Amanda Dale Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (deputy advertising manager), Larissa French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Christina White, Colby Medeiros Circulation & Distribution Michelle Furbert
Healthy eating: Tasty, nutritious lunches Pages 20-21 Get them involved in planning the family dinner Page 22 Equality: LGBT students, and why everyone has the right to feel safe, by Carla John Pages 23-25 The legacy of bullying on LGBT youngsters Pages 25-27 Calming those first day nerves Pages 28-29 and 29-31 How to celebrate going back to school Page 32
The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm
2 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
How TXTNG can actually aid spelling By Wendy McDonnell Commissioner of Education
‘OMG, students are becoming so illiterate with the use of texting.’ This is the most common view of many who are watching our young people text on mobile devices. While we have no formal research data to confirm this outcome in Bermuda, studies have been done in England, Australia and the United States that in actual fact show the opposite effect.
Literacy There is no evidence that texting lowers standards and contributes to low literacy rates. Rather, students are increasing literacy and improving spelling while texting. The big question is why this is so. For starters, to text, students must be able to think about the relationships of sounds and letters. This wordplay does require an awareness of how sounds relate to the written English. For example to write 2nite requires that students
n creative commons photo by mrs raggle
communication: Texting is a modern form of shorthand. understand how sounds and letters work or how words are put together. Some teachers would argue that because they are using shortened words and sentences their essays will be filled with this text language. However, again research shows that students know when to use these words
and are able to code switch — that is, they know the difference between formal and informal language usage. For many it is another opportunity to write outside of schools, and again we note that girls will text more than boys. While we do not expect this language to erase our students’ ability to read
books and write extended pieces of literature or essays, it is another means to communicate in a social manner and to play with language. Textisms are actually assisting reading, writing and spelling skills. So LOL, the use of text language is actually driving the development of phonological awareness, and spelling skills go up. Teachers when informed about the benefits of texting are able to use it as a teaching tool. For example, how to consider the audience when writing, or how to break down words, and even how to invent texts. Thus students are being creative with language. Like the word okay — invented during the telegraph era and considered the most inappropriate way to respond — this is now the most popular word in the world, texting is here to stay. n
Wendy McDonnell is the Commissioner of Education, Ministry of Education.
What does that mean? A guide to your child’s txt msgs n
n ATB
n 2d4
2bctnd To be continued To die for n 2g4u To good for you n 2Ht2Hndl Too hot to handle n 2l8 Too late n 4e Forever n 4yeo For your eyes only n 7K Sick n A3 Anytime, anywhere, anyplace n AAM As a matter of fact n AB Ah Bless! n ADctd2uv Addicted to love n AFAIK As far as I know n AFK Away from keyboard n AKA Also known as n ALlWansU All I want is you n AML All my love n ASAP As soon as possible n ASL Age, sex, location
n ATK
All the best At the keyboard n ATM At the moment n ATW At the weekend n AWHFY Are we having fun yet? n B4 Before n B4N Bye for now n BAK Back at keyboard n BBL Be back later n BBS Be back soon n BBSD Be back soon darling n BCNU Be seein’ you n BF Boyfriend n BGWM Be gentle with me n BRB Be right back n BRT Be right there n BTW By the way n CU See you n CUIMD See you in my
dreams n CUL8R See you later n CYA See you n DK Don’t know n DUR? Do you remember? n E2EG Ear to ear grin n EOD End of discussion n EOL End of lecture n F? Friends n F2F Face to face n F2T Free to talk n FC Fingers crossed n FITB Fill in the blank n FWIW For what it’s worth n FYA For your amusement n FYEO For your eyes only n FYI For your information n G9 Genius n GAL Get a life n GF Girlfrend
n GG
Good Game Great minds think
n GMTA
alike n GR8
Great Good salary, own home/Good sense of humour n GTSY Glad to see you n H&K Hugs and kisses n H2CUS Hope to see you soon n H8 Hate n HAGN Have a good night n HAND Have a nice day n IC I See n ICQ I seek you n IDK I don’t know n IIRC If I recall correctly n ILU I love you n IMBL It must be love n GSOH
See txtng, page 3
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
August 23, 2013 n 3
txtng: A guide to your child’s text messages Continued from page 2 n IMFL
I’m falling in love In my honest/humble opinion n IMI I mean it n IMO In my opinion n IOW In other words n IRL In real life n IUSS If you say so n J4F Just for fun n JFK Just for kicks n KC Keep cool n KHUF Know how you feel n KISS Keep it simple, stupid n KIT Keep in touch n KOTC Kiss on the cheek n KOTL Kiss on the lips n L8 Late n L8r Later n LDR Long distance relationship n LMAO Laughing my ass off n LOL Laughing out loud n LTNC Long time no see n IMHO
n M8
n RMB
n THX40
n MC
Mate Merry Christmas n MGB May God Bless n MOB Mobile n MTE My thoughts exactly n MYOB Mind your own business n NA No access n NC No comment n NE Any n NE1 Anyone n NO1 No one n NRN No reply necessary n NWO No way out n O4U Only for you n OIC Oh, I see n OTOH On the other hand n OU I owe you n PCM Please call me n PITA Pain in the ass n PPL People n PRT Party n PRW Parents are watching n QPSA? Que pasa? n QT Cutie
n ROFL
Ring my bell Rolling on the floor laughing n ROFLOL Rolling on the floor laughing out loud n ROTFLMAO Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off n RU? Are you? n RUOK? Are you okay? n SC Stay cool n SETE Smiling ear to ear n SME1 Someone n SO Significant other n SOL Sooner or later n SRY Sorry n STATS Your sex and age n SWALK Sent/sealed with a loving kiss n SWG Scientific wild guess n T+ Think positive n T2Go Time to go n T2ul Talk to you later n TDTU Totally devoted to you n THX Thank you
n TIC
Thanks for nothing! Tongue in cheek n TMIY Take me, I’m yours n TTFN Ta-ta for now (bye) n TTYL Talk to you later n U2 You too n U4E Yours forever n UR You are n URT1 Your are the one n W4u Waiting for you n W8 Wait… n WAG Wild ass guess n WAN2 Want to n WB Welcome back n WRT With respect to n WTF What the f… n WTG Way to go! n WUF Where are you from? n WUWH Wish you were here n X Kiss n X! Typical woman n Y! Typical man n YBS You’ll be sorry n
J a c k s o n S c h o o l o f Pe r fo r m i n g A r t s
FALL 2013 RegIStRAtION Offering Classes In
Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop Pilates Mat/Pilates Apparatus/Barre One (ages 3 to adults)
New For September 2013 *Adult classes in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop *Boys Hip Hop classes *Boys Funk Tap 10 yrs. & up *Mum and Me classes *Jazz/Hip Hop Class 9 - 12 yrs.
Jazz Dance Store Offers a full range of Dancewear, Costumes, Liturgical Wear and Dance Shoes
Please call or email the Jackson school for more information. 15 BurnaBy Street, Hamilton • t. 292.5815 • FaceBook: JackSon ScHool oF PerForming artS
e. JackSonS@nortHrock.Bm • www.JackSonSScHool.com
4 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n online safety
Essential tips to keep your child safe
By Marisa A.J. Stones
‘Cyberbullying is often persistent and public and does not stop when the victim goes home.’
Department of E-Commerce
Technology is pervasive in Bermuda. You may already realize the importance of being technology-literate at work and school. The 2012 State of ICT in Bermuda report showed that 95 per cent of residents believed that having a strong knowledge of technology is essential in getting ahead today. We must also practice safety in our online interactions. Our technology tools and the Internet literally give us access to the world and open us to great risk. It is important that we adopt safe practices as we and our children use computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices.
Risks Social networking — social networking covers a variety of services from Facebook to YouTube, Instagram to Snapchat, WhatsApp to Blackberry Messenger, and allows direct interaction between users. While social networking is a great communications medium, there are risks that we must consider. Users may say or do things online that they would not do in real life, that could in turn get them into trouble. They may share too much personal information that could put them or others at risk. It is important to know how to manage your privacy settings and online friends in these social environments. Think before you post — once information is out there, it is virtually impossible to delete it.
Sexting Sexting involves sending provocative or sexual images, videos or messages using
n image supplied
advice: Warn your child about the dangers of the Internet. a cellphone/smartphone, e-mail or posting online. First and foremost, do not press send. Such messages are virtually impossible to remove once they are in cyberspace. Once they are out there they can be shared, seen and used in ways you did not intend. Additionally, consider the legal ramifications before sending or asking for a sext. If anyone in the picture is under the age of 16 (including you), you are committing a crime viewing, possessing and/or forwarding child pornography.
Cyberbullying Cyberbullying involves the use of technology to harass, hurt and embarrass another person through activities such as nasty comments, demeaning text messages, embarrassing photos and videos, and often outright lies. Unlike traditional bullying, there is no escape for the victim as cyberbullying is often persistent and public and does not stop when the victim goes home. Cyberbullies are often
emboldened by the perception that they are anonymous. The information is often difficult to remove. Unfortunately friends, teachers and families are often oblivious to the situation but may notice a change in the bullied person’s behaviour. It is important to establish consequences for bullying behaviour. Monitor Internet and cellphone/smartphone use and remember that all private information can be made public. If you don’t want the world to see it, do not post or send it. Additionally, harassing someone online or via cellphone/smartphone is an offence under Section 68 of the Electronic Communications Act 2011 and is punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine.
Cellphones and smartphones Up to 95 per cent of Bermuda households own a cellphone or smartphone, with device ownership increasing proportionately with household size.
With smartphones, we’re able to text, surf the web, participate on social media sites, play games, take pictures, record videos, etc. In essence, we’re carrying powerful a media production and communication tool in our pocket that can distribute information to the world very quickly. It is vital that we practice responsible cellphone and smartphone use. For children and teens, this is even more important as these devices are both portable and private. It is essential to agree to rules for use of the devices and to make sure that kids are using phones appropriately. Talk about sexting, cyberbullying and the consequences for violations of your rules. Remind them that oversharing and ‘checking in’ (on Facebook) can let others know their habits and where they may be. Let them review each month’s bill with you so they understand how expensive the privilege of having a phone is and how much time they spend using it. For more information visit www.cybertips.bm or visitCybertips.bm on Facebook. n
Marisa A.J. Stones is a senior analyst with the Department of E-Commerce, Ministry of Economic Development.
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 5
Cellphone do’s and don’t’s for teens By Honey Adams Department of Consumer Affairs
In the old days mobile phones were just that, a device for making and receiving phone calls when you were mobile — out and about, and not near a landline. These days mobile devices serve many purposes — you can play music, play online games, take photos and videos, access the Internet, download all sorts of applications, and who knows whatever else. Almost everyone in Bermuda has some sort of mobile device, more than likely a smartphone. Children are increasingly asking for and receiving mobile devices.
Costs If your child has a mobile device or if you are about to purchase one, here are a few things to consider. First, when making a decision on which mobile device to purchase, consider what your child actually needs and will use, rather than what is ‘in’ at the moment. The latest smartphones feature high-speed Internet and advanced mobile technology — in simple terms, they are highly sophisticated and can do almost anything a computer can. If you decide to purchase your child the latest smartphone you can expect to pay for all the added features, whether you use them or not, and mobile devices these days update their features very quickly. What is ‘in’ today, may be ‘out’ by the time you figure out how to use all the bells and whistles. Also, consider the cost to operate your device. If you buy a modern smartphone be sure to evaluate the cost to operate the device before you purchase. Depending on how much your child will be surfing the Internet, sending e-mails, tweeting and play-
n mct photo
mobile: Before buying your child a cellphone, make sure you set out the ground rules. ing online games you will need a data plan that will accommodate their usage. Texting and talking can also be expensive if you do not have unlimited texting, and a ‘nights and weekends’ plan. Take the time to understand what plans are available and which one is best suited for your child before you end up with a whopping bill. Besides having the right device and the right voice and data plans there is an education process that parents should go through with their children before they are allowed to have a mobile device, whether it is a simple cellphone or a smartphone. Teach your children basic do’s and don’t’s for using their mobile device. Make sure your child does not use their cellphone to chat with people they either barely know or do not know at all. They should not send
text messages to strangers and should not accept calls, texts, e-mails etc. from people they do not know. Better to be safe than sorry. Use good manners — the same good manners that you would want your child to use in ‘real life’ apply to cellphones. They should not curse, bully or be rude to people via a cellphone, especially through texting or e-mailing. It is very easy to get caught up in a ‘cyber’ fight and say things that they would not ordinarily say face to face but they must resist the urge to respond negatively. It is very hard to take back written insults and jibes. Watch what is shared — most modern mobile devices come with camera and video features. This is both a good and bad thing. Be very careful of what your child photographs, videos and shares.
Equally as important is what they allow other people to photograph and or videotape of them. Everything they do should, of course, be appropriate and so should any photos or videos that record their actions. Encourage your child to tell their friends if they do not want to be photographed or have their photo shared via a cellphone or posted on the Internet — everyone’s privacy should be respected. There is a wealth of information on the Internet that speaks to children and cellphones — the challenges and the opportunities. Do your research before purchasing and teach your child to be responsible with their mobile device. n
Honey Adams is the education officer for Consumer Affairs, Government of Bermuda. Call 297-7627 or see www.ca.gov.bm
6 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 7
n technology in the classroom
Welcome to the ‘New Age of Education’ By Mark Hamilton Warwick Academy
‘Engage’ has been a keyword thrown around a lot lately when dealing with educating students both at the primary and secondary levels. This is an age where the average child, and even more so in Bermuda, learns how to operate an array of electronic gadgets often quicker than even mom and dad can. Gone are the days of Matchbox cars and My Little Pony figures. Welcome the electronic age of Track Mania and Robot Unicorn Attack. As sad as it may seem it is as inevitable as the passing of Betamax. Books and colouring are being replaced by ebooks and TouchPad drawing.
SMART Boards Many stalwart die-hard moms and dads will fight it to the end but children are being lured away by the sights and sounds of electronic devices. At Warwick Academy, we have moved to supporting the traditional learning — good old books, pens and paper — with electronic stimulus. Schools use SMART Boards to present the teachers’ lessons on the wall, replacing traditional blackboards. But watching a lesson is not enough for these ‘New Age’ students. You can have them walk up and select the right answer on the board for all to see, but now we are seeing an even newer ‘New Age’ student, so to speak. Web 2.0 and social media has taken over because the user participates, collaborates and designs the content for all to see. This is what the current students feed off of. Many schools have adopted the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) method allowing students to participate in
n afp photo
learning tool: Students around the world are using iPads and tablets in the classroom.
‘The PC itself will be dead within the decade... ’ the class with tablets and smartphones. This saves the school on technology purchasing costs but raises the issue of control and monitoring. To meet this need, Warwick Academy has incorporated the use of iPads in the classroom so students can have their own device to work from and still actively design and submit material for all to see. We have also signed a leasing agreement, replacing all school computers with new PC’s, to be replaced every three years. This way we can be sure that the technology they work from never becomes outdated. New hardware allows for any application to run quickly and effectively without teachers waiting for a student’s PC to ‘catch up’. Using our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), students can access
department material, homework assignments and check on school notices and upcoming calendar events. Parents have access to student assignments, attendance, reporting and additional school-related information. We are about to launch a new version specifically designed for tablets and mobile devices. The PC itself will be dead within the next decade. Knowing this, we have started actively investigating the use of tablets, which will be the only device most users will work from at home within five years. As mentioned, we have purchased two labs of iPads for classes to sign out. But iPads have certain limitations that make enforcing regulations over users difficult. To overcome this, we are now testing and having great success with Android
tablets.Within the next year we expect to have labs of these available for primary and secondary students to work from. Teachers will be able to bring up a screen on the SMART Board that monitors every student’s tablet in ‘real time’ view. With the touch of the SMART Board, a teacher can grab a student’s work and bring it to the front, for all students to watch. Tablets will be locked down to allow only access to sites and applications the teachers design, and every teacher will have their own desktop for the students to log into, with material pertinent to only that subject. No hunting through icons and folders to find what you are supposed to be running. On-task and engaged — electronically. Students will run surveys, take quizzes, vote on topics and collaborate on material all through the tablets. Welcome to the ‘New Age of Education’. n
Mark Hamilton is the ICT teacher and IT support for Warwick Academy.
8 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n technology in the classroom
ICT from kindergarten to graduation By Lisa Stevens Mount Saint Agnes Academy
The advancement of technology has had an enormous impact on the world. The introduction of new and innovative technology has drastically changed the way we communicate. We have become more reliant on the benefits that these new technologies provide.
‘Students... have to be able to collaborate, communicate effectively, and be increasingly aware of their local surroundings as well as global issues.’
Skills As a result of tools such as e-mail, instant messaging and video conferencing, we can now reach more people around the world than ever before. We use the Internet to find and collect information and then share our research with each other, via blogs, wikis and social media. Students need to under-
stand how to use the resource that they have been given. Being Internet-savvy isn’t the only skill students need. Our world is becoming increasingly complex. In order to be effective problem solvers students need to develop higher-level thinking skills that help them to analyze, synthesize
and evaluate the information at their disposal. Students also have to be able to collaborate, communicate effectively, and be increasingly aware of their local surroundings as well as global issues. The curriculum at Mount Saint Agnes Academy encourages the integration of technology into all teach-
ing disciplines. It allows students to take an active role in the classroom and provides them with opportunities to demonstrate their learning in different ways. Students actively think about information, make choices, and execute skills not usually found in a typical teacher-led lesson. Teachers are no longer the centre of attention in the classroom, they are the facilitator. Teachers set project goals, provide guidelines and resources. They move from student to student, or group to group, providing suggestions and leading discussions. As part of the MSA curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12, technology is best See opportunities, page 9
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 9
opportunities: How technology aids learning in class Continued from page 8 learned within the context of applications, activities, projects and problems that replicate real-life situations. All classrooms are equipped with a SMART Board. A SMART Board is an interactive, wall-mounted white board that merges the blackboard concept with the attributes of a computer. The SMART Board is more than a glorified projection system. Because of its’ interactivity, students are able to manipulate objects and information, and identify connections in a way that helps them to be much more engaged in the learning process. It also allows a teacher to record a lesson they are giving in class, save it, and then send it to a child who is sick at home.
Digital citizens The SMART Board has helped to develop visual learners, while supporting oral and logical thinkers. We use PowerPoint or Prezi for presentation purposes and then, at the tap of a finger, access the Internet to view video content. Think giant iPad stuck to the wall and you have a good idea of what the SMART Board can do. There are three Media Labs at MSA. Two are fullyequipped labs (computers/ SMART Boards) for teachers and students to use, as they are needed for their individual subjects. The third lab is dedicated to teaching Information and Communication Technology from Grades 6 to 12. Information and Communication Technology at MSA is a ‘curriculum within a curriculum’. Lessons are based around core subjects of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Students need to be made aware of the pros and cons of communications. It is not all about texting and instant messaging; it is about verbal communication as well, what you say and how you say it.
n Photo supplied by gateway systems ltd
interactive: SMART Boards keep children focused and make learning fun.
‘Teachers are no longer the centre of attention in the classroom, they are the facilitator.’ At the forefront of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) curriculum is to teach students how to be safe, responsible and aware as they navigate this fastpaced digital world. As soon as children enter kindergarten they are provided with opportunities to use technology on a regular basis. As they progress through the elementary grades they are provided with many opportunities to utilize technology to enhance learning. Students in Grade 6 to 12 are exposed to everything from graphic design to photography; from creating apps to working in Microsoft Office Suite, and this year they will be able
to produce audio files to broadcast their morning announcements. It is not just about learning the specifics of how to become a TV producer or a graphic designer; it is about learning the applications to succeed in a technologybased society. Students are allowed to bring their iPads or tablets to school; however, they must register them with the main office and sign a contract on the use of the devices. After agreeing to the School Technology Policy, students are then given a password to connect to the network. These steps help to ensure that students use technology appropriately and
are accountable for their actions. In the communications technology course students will be using iPads and other tablets, all types of cameras: video, SLR, point and shoot, microphones and a multitude of software applications. The more that students can be exposed to different technology the more receptive they will be to the benefits it can provide to their learning. Not to mention that there are many rewarding career choices in a variety of technical fields awaiting students who are proficient in the use of technology. Mount Saint Agnes Academy is dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will enable them to become responsible and productive digital citizens in our ever-changing world. n
Lisa Stevens is the communications technology teacher at Mount Saint Agnes Academy.
10 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n school uniforms
Charities can help to kit out your child By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
With money still tight for many families, the time to go back to school is when many will feel the pinch. But if you are struggling, there is help at hand — there are charity clothing stores that sell second-hand school uniforms for a nominal sum. Rummage through the racks at The Barn or the Committee of 25’s Bargain Box and you may be able to pick up items for as little as $2 each. The Coalition for the Protection of Children and the Hands of Love Ministry also assist families in need, through donations of school supplies, uniforms and food vouchers. Nicola Feldman, executive director for the Coalition for
n istock photo
helping hand: Charities on the island can help you to make ends meet when it comes to uniforms and suppliesz. the Protection of Children, said: “Each year the Coalition assists families in preparing their children for the new school year. “As with other areas of need in recent times, the
demand for assistance with school uniforms and school supplies is significantly higher than before the recession hit. “For families that already struggle week to week to
provide for the most basic needs of their children, the beginning of the school year can be an especially stressful and worrying time for parents who cannot find the extra dollars to re-equip their children with the supplies and clothing required. “Exacerbating this problem is the fact that the public school uniforms seem to change regularly (both for regular uniforms and gym clothes) making it difficult to take advantage of handed-down clothing.” She also appealed for donations from the community. “The Coalition assists client families with uniforms and supplies where it can, but with the need up and the funding down, this will be a particularly difficult year in terms of our ability to assist. “If any individuals, families or companies are interested in supporting parents at this difficult time, they are welcome to donate vouchers to the English Sports Shop, the Stationery Store, or other supplies and clothing vendors, or to donate in-kind.” For the past 25 years, Fern Wade has been helping families in need through her Hands of Love Ministry. The charity holds a ‘back to school drive’ each year, in which it appeals to families across the island to donate unwanted clothing for those in need. The Ministry also asks for donations of food and school supplies. “People drop off shirts, shorts and T-shirts for different schools, and backpacks and shoes,” said Mrs Wade, the charity’s founder. “We also ask people to donate food vouchers which we then give to families in need. “When we started our school drive, we originally helped about 10 families a year, but with the economy the way it now is, we have See clothing, page 11
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 11
clothing: Used uniform items for as little as $2 each Continued from page 10 up to 600 families in need of help. “We need up to $50,000 in donations, because of this great need. So it would be wonderful if anyone in the community can donate towards this.” Mrs Wade set up the Hands of Love Ministry after being inspired by her faith. “I’m a Christian and the Lord speaks to you about ministering in the community, so I decided to start helping people out. “Mainly it was the homeless, through donations of clothes, blankets and toiletries. That was about 38 years ago and the school clothing drive just developed out of that.
Deliveries “So many people were coming to us asking for help with shoes, school uniforms and food. These can be very expensive items. “We’ve been running the ‘back to school drive’ for 25 years now. It usually starts on August 8. “We just ask that the school bags and clothing items are clean, with no holes. “At the Ministry, we mainly get items from schools ‘up country’ (the west end) such as Purvis, Heron Bay, Paget and Port Royal Primary Schools, but we appreciate any uniforms from anywhere on the island. “Please also bring us socks — all colours are great, whether khaki, blue,
n istock photo
quality: Donations of backpacks and clothing must be clean and free of holes before a charity will accept them. green or other, and in all sizes. We also need school shoes of all sizes, from age one-and-a-half to eight. She added: “Pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers, and other school items are also appreciated.” The Hands of Love Ministry has a van that can pick donations up, and also drop them off to families in need. People can also drop items off at the Ministry’s headquarters, by Heron Bay Primary School, Middle Road, Southampton. Food vouchers can be purchased from the MarketPlace or any other grocery stores. People can also donate food items for children’s lunches, such as fruit, bread, peanut butter, cheese, eggs, tuna, cookies and juice boxes. “We start appealing for food donations at the end of August, ready for the children going back to school
on September 6,” said Mrs Wade. “People can just go and buy a bag of groceries for a child’s lunch — it all helps. “Everything we receive, we give out to people freely, just for a smile,” said Mrs Wade. “You can’t really charge people who have nothing, and most are very appreciative of what is given. We try to be fair with everyone. “Our motto at the Ministry is, ‘It’s not about me, it’s about we’. “If you don’t have much, you can still help out, because a little is always a lot when you place it in God’s hands. The size of the gift doesn’t matter, it’s the heart behind it.” She said: “We aim to help out as many families as possible. It’s our community and so we need to help one another, because that’s the only way we are going to survive.” “Families in need can
come by the Ministry, but we also don’t mind delivering things to them in our van. “We also take families shopping with us when we receive donations of store gift certificates for uniforms and shoes. “In terms of the monetary donations we receive, this also keeps everything honest.” The Barn, the charity thrift shop that raises funds for the Bermuda Hospitals Board, also has second-hand school uniforms in stock. Ann Ross, manager, said: “It costs $2 for each school uniform item, and ties cost $1. We have quite a lot of items in stock. We have uniforms from Saltus Grammar School, Harrington Sound Primary, Warwick Academy, Gilbert Institute, Paget Primary, Mount Saint Agnes Academy and Somersfield Academy. “It’s mainly uniforms from the middle parishes but we also get odd bits and pieces from other schools on the island. “The majority are shorts, skirts and shirts from the primary schools. “There is quite a big demand each year for uniforms, although some of the primary schools seem to be changing their uniforms now, which I feel is a little unfair. “But I don’t feel families utilize this service — buying second-hand uniforms — as much as they should. It’s all good quality, clean clothing here,” she said. “We also have a 50 per cent off sale at the end of August.” n
The charities: where to source out school uniforms Barn, 53 Devon Springs Road, Devonshire, is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 9am2pm. Call 236-3155. n The Committee of 25’s Bargain Box, 2 Midsea Lane, Serpentine Road, Pembroke, is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays (until September), from 10am-4pm. It stocks school uniform items for $2 upwards, mainly from n The
schools in Pembroke. Call 292-4324 / 296-0296. n The Hands of Love Ministry is located by Heron Bay Primary School, Middle Road, Southampton. It is open from 12:30-8pm, Monday to Saturday. To donate food items/school uniforms, or to request assistance, call 238-7368 or 333-6789. Anyone wanting to make a donation should make cheques payable
to the charity, sent to: PO Box HM3281, Hamilton, HMPX. To make a cash transfer, make a payment to Hands of Love Ministry, HSBC Bank Bermuda, account no. 010-434-009011. n For more information on assistance from the Coalition for the Protection of Children, or to make a donation, call 295-1150 or see www.coalition.bm n
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
12 n August 23, 2013
THE BERMUDA SUN
Creating a healthy start to the new term Monica Lindo and Lisa Mattis Department of Health
Before heading back to school, here is some advice to keep your children healthy during the forthcoming term. Ensure all immunizations are up-to-date. Immunizations may be given at your physician’s office or at the Hamilton Health Centre, from Monday to Friday, 8:30-11:30 am. At the Health Centre, an appointment is not necessary and most immunizations are free. Make the first day easier by helping your child to focus on the positive aspects, like meeting old friends and making new ones. You can also make your child’s favourite breakfast and slip a loving note in
Pre-K to Grade 12
n Public domain photo
rest: Make sure your child has 10 hours of sleep each night. their bag. Ensure that your child has at least 10 hours of sleep. Getting all the sleep a child needs will help him/ her to feel great and do well at school. Limit or eliminate TV-watching during the
Reading
Writing
Math
school year. Do not allow your child to have a TV in his/her room. Encourage one hour of outdoor play daily, to maintain proper weight and good health. Ensure that your son/
Grammar
Study Skills
daughter has a wellbalanced diet and drinks enough water during the day, especially when the weather is warm. Teach proper hand washing and cough/sneeze-covering techniques to reduce the spread of diseases. Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 per cent of your child’s body weight. Ensure that if your child’s weight is over 40-pounds a booster seat or other appropriate child restraint is used in the car all times. Ensure the seatbelt fits correctly, which includes a See health tips, page 13
Homework
SAT/ACT Prep
Act Before You ‘C’ Poor Grades
Hot summer weather doesn’t melt away school issues. In fact, problems could be worse after two months off.
So Why Wait Until The First Report Card? Whether your child had school issues or not, starting the school year with Oxford Learning is transformational. Imagine turning homework hassles into homework happiness, study stress into study success, and poor grades into straight A’s.
Make this year the best yet with Oxford Learning.
Enrol Today!
oxfordlearning.com Bermuda
133 Front Street Hamilton, Bermuda, HM12
Join in the conversation!
441.296.6060
bermuda@oxfordlearning.com
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
August 23, 2013 n 13
health tips: How to ensure your child stays fit and well Continued from page 12 lap and shoulder belt. If you are transporting your child by motorbike they must be seated on the back and have a proper fitting helmet. Please adhere to the speed limits and be extra careful in the schoolyards. Learn the facts about child sexual abuse and teach your child about personal safety. Every child needs to feel that they will be kept safe from harm. Open communication must be encouraged. Experts recommend laced shoes rather than slip-on shoes for best fit. Best fit equals best performance in any motor skill or sport. Teach your child to cross the road only on the pedestrian crossing. Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework.
Quality time Youngsters need a permanent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions and promotes study. Supervise computer and Internet use. Spend quality time with your son/daughter. A child will appreciate time more than a present. If your child is ill they may be seen at the Hamilton Health Centre on Monday to Friday from 8:3011:30 am or by your family physician. Please do not send them to school if their illness is likely to put other children at risk. Your child should be excluded from school for conjunctivitis ‘pink eye’ until treated by a physician and the medication given for 24 hours. Children with ringworms should be excluded until they are treated by a physician or nurse. Exclusion from school for diarrhoea or vomiting is required from 48 hours after the last episode. Please ensure your child has been healthy for a 24-hour period before
n istock photo
activity: Encourage one hour of outdoor play each day, to maintain health and fitness. returning to school. Please remember that every child needs to have a set of morals to live by, and a belief in the human values of kindness, courage, honesty, generosity and justice.
Every child needs to feel loved and wanted, and that they matter very much to someone. All the very best for the new school year! n
Monica Lindo and Lisa Mattis are community health nurses with the Department of Health. To contact the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, Hamilton, call 278-6460.
C.A.R.E. LEARNING CENTRE •
New G.E.D. Programme
•
High School Diploma
•
Mathematics
•
Essay Writing
•
Employability Skills
•
iPad Training
•
Computer and Internet Skills
• Student Homework Assistance AFTER SCHOOL P R O G R A M M E F O R Math, Language, Spelling and Reading Skills Primary Middle Secondary Students
Academic Year SEPTEMBER 2013 - June 2014 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Monday and Thursday afternoon 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday evenings 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
CALL 292-0915 FOR REGISTRATION OR EMAIL: carelearningcentre@myoffice.bm
14 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n homeschooling
A more personal approach to education How one family chose to teach their four children at home By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
Your child’s education is a priority, but are you happy with the quality of education on offer in Bermuda’s schools? If not, perhaps you should consider homeschooling. This is the education of children at home, away from the public/private school environment, either by the parents or tutors. Homeschooling is a growing trend both here and overseas as many parents are opting to take their children out of the school environment. There are many reasons why a parent would want to homeschool. You might want to provide a more religious or moral environment, or a different style of teaching to that at your local schools. Any parent considering homeschooling first needs to weigh up the pros and cons.
Benefits The advantages include a greater one-on-one time between your child and the ‘teacher’, plus substantial cost savings to be made on school fees. And with the growth of educational programmes on the Internet, it has never been easier to homeschool. The disadvantages are that you alone are responsible for the curriculum, quality of teaching and the educational growth of your child. That’s quite a lot of pressure. You also need to be in a position where you can devote substantial hours of your own time to the teaching of your child. Critics have also claimed that teaching children at home can affect their socialization and the interaction with other youngsters and adults growing up. But there are plenty of
n Photo by mark wheddon
together: From left, Liam, Gideon, Michele, Asher and Moriah Wheddon take a look at a history book. parents who disagree with this, and Michele Wheddon is one of them. Mrs Wheddon, a motherof-four, has been homeschooling her children for the past several years. She has a BA degree in English from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and an ECE (Early Childhood Education) diploma from Fanshawe College, Canada. Mrs Wheddon is married to Mark, a swimming pool technician who has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St Mary’s University, Canada, and formerly owned the business, Designer Flowers. The couple live in Paget with their 12-year-old daughter Moriah, and three sons, Gideon, nine, Liam, seven, and Asher, five. As a Christian family, Mrs Wheddon said having a more religious focus was one of the reasons why they decided to homeschool. Another factor was cost,
as the expense of sending four children to private school in Bermuda would have been too high to bear. As a former nursery school teacher at Adventureland Pre-School and Nursery and at Bloomfield Nursery School, Mrs Wheddon also had experience in teaching youngsters. She says however, that any parent can homeschool these days due to the accessibility of programmes available on the Internet. Mrs Wheddon said: “You know your child better than anyone, so who can teach them better than you? “Nowadays there are so many different programmes out there which are written word for word, it makes it easy to teach your child at home. “There is a lot of support online, and even online tutors you can contact if you need help on anything. And there is a lot of support for homeschooling
in Bermuda,” said Mrs Wheddon. “There are a lot of other homeschoolers, so we get together quite a lot. Sometimes we have classes at the aquarium or at BUEI, and then we get together for playdates in the afternoon. “We also have a Yahoo group and a Facebook page, so if you have a question you can contact us. “If someone has a question about a certain homeschool programme or they want to know how it works, we can give them feedback as to whether it may suit them or not. “And if anyone in the group has something they want to do, they just post it on Facebook and we organize a get-together. “Homeschoolers are all kinds of people, from all walks of life. A lot of us are Christian, but there are many who aren’t.” She said: “Homeschool can be done at any age. Some parents will put their kids in public school for primary and then when they reach middle school they want to teach them themselves, particularly if they can’t afford to send them to private school. “We know parents who have started homeschooling their kids as teenagers and who have had considerable success from that. Sometimes it can be an adjustment for the child to no longer be in a classroom, but they can do very well.” Mrs Wheddon said: “Our children have been homeschooled from the beginning; they’ve never been to school apart from Sunday school. “I decided when I was pregnant with Moriah that I wanted to do that, and when she was about six or seven months old we said we were definitely going to do it. “Because I was a nursery See homeschool, page 15
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 15
homeschool: An alternative to the public school system Continued from page 14 school teacher I decided I could school her myself. But I also wanted her to have a Christian upbringing. “I want my children to learn how to have good morals and a good character, without the interference of peer pressure you sometimes get at schools. “I didn’t want my children picking up swear words and different values.” She added: “There was also a money factor, with having so many children (four) and with private schools being so expensive. “Homeschooling makes sense when you consider the school fees. But that’s only if you can afford to stay at home and not have to go out to work. “For me, it balances out financially for me to make my ‘job’ teaching the kids. If I was working as a nursery school teacher I wouldn’t have the salary to be able to afford the school fees for our kids.
One-on-one “It is a lot of organization though; it’s definitely a fulltime job. And my husband knows not to expect a clean house on school days.” She said: “Some days it’s really rewarding, and other days I’m tired at the end of the day. Everyone has good days and bad days, including kids.” Mrs Wheddon uses a mix of educational materials, mainly resourced online. “I use a book called The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home (Susan Wise Bauer, Jessie Wise), and this tells you which level your child should be at a certain age, what you should be teaching them, and for how many hours a day. “When it comes to workbooks and educational materials, I usually bring in whatever I need through Amazon. “I pick and choose what works for each child, and will research it first, ordering items from different companies.
n mct photo
attention: Homeschooling is a legal option in many countries. In the US, most parents cite concern about the public school environment, academic standards, and having more opportunity for religious/moral instruction as reasons for homeschooling their children. “If something is not working I won’t be afraid to drop it and try something else. “I try to do Christian courses as much as possible, usually ‘Horizons’ by Alpha Omega Publications. “People can order programmes online that come in a box set. For example, Horizons has an entire year’s programme within one box.” As her son Gideon is dyslexic, Mrs Wheddon uses Horizons Math, which she describes as “very colourful”. “This helps him to ‘separate’ things,” she explained. “We are also using Horizons for a CD-ROM course for Gideon this year. Gideon goes to the Reading Clinic three times a week and they are recommending he does a lot of his language arts and maths on a computer, because then he won’t have to write everything down. “As Gideon thinks a lot faster than he can write, it’s frustrating for him. This
computer course will hopefully help him. It covers five subjects and costs $500, so it is affordable.” This year, Moriah will also start to attend a high school on a part-time basis for science classes. Mrs Wheddon said: “Moriah has decided she wants to become a vet and so she will need a lot of sciences. “She is 12 and it will be like I am sending my child off to school for the first time, so it is a bit of a worry about how she will do in a classroom setting. But I’m sure she will do fine. “It will be interesting to see how she finds it.” Mrs Wheddon said: “Because homeschooling is more one-on-one, the children actually spend less time in a classroom on a typical school day.” She described a typical day at the homeschool. “We get up, have breakfast and then feed the animals. “The kids all take respon-
sibility for them,” she said. The four children are each given a different daily task, written on the blackboard in the living room. This involves feeding, cleaning and looking after the family’s two dogs, cat, goose, rabbits and chickens. After this is completed, it’s time to turn to the workbooks. Mrs Wheddon said: “We start at about 8:30am. I start off with the kindergarten class, with Asher, going through his workbooks. “In our lessons we do letters, numbers, shapes, and learning to read. The rest of the time is then play and songs. “Then I will sit with Liam to go through his workbooks. While I am teaching Liam I let Asher play with something I have set up for him. “I can work on math with both Liam and Gideon at the same time. “While I am teaching the See homeschool, page 16
16 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
homeschool Continued from page 15 younger ones, the two older children can be left alone to go through their workbooks. “Moriah will read her history lesson and will start on a project, followed by a quiz. She’s more self-taught now. “Gideon, being dyslexic, needs a bit more help sometimes and so if he has a test I will read out his questions. If it’s a long test I will also break it down into segments for him. “When it’s 10am we all go into a 20-minute recess. Then we have more lessons until lunchtime, when we have an hour’s break. “After lunch, we will continue if the younger children have anything else to do, but mainly it will be Moriah and Gideon who continue into the afternoon with their studies. “Moriah, being the oldest, will finish at about 2:30pm, while Gideon tends to finish at around 1pm.
Classroom “I tell them what they have to do at the start of each lesson, and if it’s something new then I will give them a lesson first on the blackboard. “I will write out the problems, for maths for example, and then make sure they understand it before I leave them to work through the workbook. “They always know they can ask for help at any time. I will take each of the boys for a one-on-one reading lesson, which needs to be done in a quiet setting.” The Wheddons’ homeschool curriculum consists of “all the basics”. “They do math, English, science, history and geography, and Bible class,” said Mrs Wheddon. “We try to get some logic in there as well, which is about puzzles and problemsolving. It usually consists of visuals and you have to figure out what is going to happen next in the picture. “The problem-solving gets harder and harder as you progress. “There are also word puzzles, such as writing down
n Photo by mark wheddon
sociable: The Wheddon children also attend Sunday school, the Olympian Club, sailing lessons and summer camps. what is going to happen next in a story. “Our daughter (Moriah) also does Latin as it is the basis of many other languages and so we thought it would give her a good base to start with for foreign languages.” Mrs Wheddon plays the piano and so also teaches her children music. Moriah and Liam play the piano, and Gideon sings. Liam and Asher are currently taking Kindermusik lessons with a group of other homeschooled children. The Wheddons are in the process of creating a purpose-built classroom in their home. Mrs Wheddon said: “Everyone will have their own desk and we will probably also get a couple of computers for Gideon and Moriah to work on.” When it comes to the pros and cons of homeschooling, Mrs Wheddon said: “The benefits are that you are teaching your children your values, and if they are falling behind then you know right away. “If they don’t understand something then you also know right away because it’s more one-on-one than being taught in a group.”
She does not believe homeschooled children necessarily learn faster however. “They will come along at their own pace,” she said. “I don’t push my children hard but if they’re falling behind I will say, ‘You need to work harder on this subject and spend more time on it’. “A few years ago my daughter was tested for her reading ability and although she was in Grade Five, her reading was at Grade Eight. But that’s not because I pushed her but because she loves to read. “When she goes to the high school this year, I think she will be at the same level as the other kids. She tested to get into the school and so they will put her where she’s supposed to be.” Mrs Wheddon added that some homeschooled children may also feel more comfortable asking questions about things they are not sure of, rather than in a group setting with a teacher. “With homeschooled kids, they’re used to their mom answering questions so they will definitely feel comfortable asking questions of their parents when it comes
THE BERMUDA SUN
to education too. “And most of them ask a lot of questions! “There’s also none of the hand raising and having to wait that you have in a school classroom.” She added: “You can also save a lot of money by homeschooling. “We could have sent our children to private school or we could have had a house, and so we chose to have a house.” She said: “As for the disadvantages of homeschooling, if a child is shy and then goes into a group setting at some point, then they are not so used to it and it may take them longer to come out of their shell. “My son Liam is shy, but all my children are very socialized. They all go to Sunday school and sailing each week, and also go to the Olympian Club, and so they are constantly around other children. “I don’t believe that homeschooling makes children ‘anti-social’, and in that whole socialization issue. “It’s all about a child’s character. From the age of two my son Gideon would go to the playground and say ‘I’m here’ and then make friends with everyone there, whereas Liam is more shy. “Homeschooled kids are really very sociable; I don’t know any who are antisocial. “When you think about it, they’re not stuck in a classroom all day long with a group of kids all the same age group who are getting on each others’ nerves. “When these kids get together with other kids they just have fun. “My kids also spend most of the summer in camps, so that’s their chance to get out there and away from Mommy. They talk to kids of all age groups.” Mrs Wheddon said: “If anyone needs any questions answered, they can always contact the homeschooling group in Bermuda.” n
To contact the Bermuda Home School Group see the Facebook or Yahoo page. Contact Laura Humphrey via Facebook message for more information.
A3 poster Caribbean_Layout 1 19/08/2011 15:27 Page 1
It’s as easy as 1, 2 Omega-3 Children are under increasing pressure to do well, particularly at school. Supplementing your child’s diet is an effective way to safeguard their supply of Omega-3 and other essential vitamins. Contains vitamins A, C, D and E to help support healthy growth, skin, eyes and a healthy Immune system
Provides essential Omega-3 nutrients
Haliborange Kids Omega-3 Fruit Burst Capsules
Haliborange Teensense Omega-3 Fruit Burst Capsules
PER 2 CAPSULES • Contains 400mg Fish Oil • Providing 240mg Omega of which 168mg DHA
PER 2 CAPSULES • Contains 800mg Fish Oil • Providing 480mg Omega-3 of which 336mg DHA
www.seven-seas.com
EatWell Bermuda Bermuda's Daily Dietary Guidelines
Calcium Rich Alternatives or Low Fat Dairy choices Choose low fat dairy or calcium rich alternatives.
Fruits & Vegetables Eat a variety of 5 or more everyday.
Starches/Grains Choose whole grains with each meal.
Meat/Meat Alternatives Choose lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, nuts and seeds.
Fat, Sugar & Salt Limit foods with added fats, sugar and salt. When using fats choose the liquid oils from vegetables, nuts and seeds.
www.EatwellBermuda.org www.health.gov.bm
TCO_13BacktoschoolBDA SUN_FINAL.indd 3
8/7/13 11:23 AM
BUY VALUE FOR LE$$
READY FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR?
ALL THESE SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MORE FOR ONE AFFORDABLE PRICE OF JUST
$2.50
Monday-Friday....9am-7pm (Shelly Bay, Heron Bay & Somerset) Monday-Friday....8am-7pm (Shopping Centre) Saturday....8am-7pm. (except Heron Bay 8am-8pm)
4 GREAT LOCATIONS
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 17
Sailing lessons to boost their confidence By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
Learning to sail not only provides a healthy, outdoor activity for your children but also teaches them selfconfidence, resourcefulness and independence. At the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC), children aged five to 18 can learn how to sail a range of different craft, imbuing them with a lifelong love of the sport. The RHADC’s sailing academy produces young sailors who go on to compete in regattas both in Bermuda and overseas. Recently, a group of junior sailors took part in the O’pen BIC World Championships in Italy, while the RHADC also runs events throughout the year. But even if you just want to have fun, the RHADC has a flexible programme to cater for all ages and skills.
Safety Its summer camp in July and August is always popular, but during term-time it also runs an after-school sailing programme. Neil Redburn, RHADC rear commodore, said: “There are five different skills levels and five different types of boat. “We use the US Sailing curriculum, and aim to inspire children to take up sailing as a lifelong pastime. “Sailing is about independence, discipline and focus, but is also a lot of fun. “There’s a definite progression to the sailing programme, which develops the child into a sailor from the age of five and up, into their teenage years. “If you are thinking of signing up your child, sailing is a fantastic sport that will keep them fit. “Our programme is all about learning to sail in a safe environment. “Our sailing director Nicolas Stefani and the other US Sailing-qualified instructors will ensure the safety of your child and take
n Photo supplied
great outdoors: The RHADC has a sailing programme for all ages and abilities.
‘If you are thinking of signing up your child, sailing is a fantastic sport that will keep them fit.’ neil redburn RHADC rear commodore
care of their needs, both in and out of the water.” Mr Redburn said: “Different age groups are matched to different types of boats. “Optimists (Optis) are the standard boat for children learning how to sail, from the age of five up to 15, while 12-year-olds can move on to O’pen BICS, and 14-year-olds, 420’s. “At 15, they can then move on to Lasers and Bytes, and at 16, 29’ers. As
the kids get more experienced, the boats get more technical. “As young adults (17-18-year-olds), they then move on to two-man keel boats such as 420’s, and learn more about teamwork. “We also have J-24 keel boats and our own youth racing team, ‘Team Rhadical’.” The RHADC’s fall sailing programme runs from September 16-December 15, from 4-6pm on weekdays,
and 10am-12noon and 1-5pm on Sundays. During the school holidays there are also sailing camps and events, such as the Frostbite Series over Christmas. “We also send kids to the Fall Harvest Regatta and Orange Bowl Regatta in Florida,” said Mr Redburn. Up to 40 children of various ages from across the island enroll in the sailing programme each term. Mr Redburn said: “We do have a capacity and are already filling up for this term, so would encourage kids and parents to call or e-mail us as soon as possible.” n
Contact the RHADC for more information on prices. Various packages are available, plus discounts for RHADC members. Call 236-3077 or e-mail sailing@ rhadc.bm. See www.rhadc. bm or see Facebook/rhadcbermuda
cvB2School4colx10inBSbNwAug7Fin.pdf
1
8/7/13
6:58 PM
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
18 n August 23, 2013
VIDEO ON DEMAND
THE BERMUDA SUN
DVR SERVICE
HD CHANNELS
BERMUDA CONNECTED
STREAMING
HOME BROADBAND
VIDEOS & GAMES
DIGITAL LIFE
• Nick Jr Games
• Mobile Apps
• Physics in Action
• Social Media
• Sports Replay
• Digital Jobs
• Calculus Explained
• International Sports
8 C
Mbps
25
Mbps
15
Mbps
To Be
LEARNING
• Virtual College Tour
Announced
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Cloud Computer
TALENT PREPARED START WITH 8 Mbps HOME RIGHT BROADBAND SPEED Our service can expand beyond 50 Mbps and can comfortably handle HD streaming, multi-device syncing and video uploads.
ACCESS EVERYSIGN UP FOR THING, ANYTIME ONLINE CLOUD RIGHT RIGHT Connected to HOME DEVICES SERVICES SERVICES Office BROADBAND - Tablets, Web Apps, Google Smartphones, Laptops, Drive, iCloud Get free Game Consoles, Tvs - will display PDFs, email and apps like Word, Powerpoint Photos, Documents, Videos and Music. and Excel with instant file sync. Phase 3 Washington Mall 441 - 292 - 5544 info@cablevision.bm
www.cablevision.bm
Bringing Your Future Home
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 19
Can you tell if your child is using drugs? By Shavana M. Wilson Department for National Drug Control
It is difficult for a parent/ guardian to be informed that their child is using drugs. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that drug abuse has become a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Drug abuse in children and teenagers poses a greater hazard than in older people. Researchers have discovered that because young peoples’ brains are not yet fully developed they are more susceptible to drug abuse and addiction than an adult. The NIH further reports that drug abuse also plays a role in many major social problems, such as drugged driving, violence, stress and child abuse.
Warning signs Drug abuse has very serious economic implications that can lead to homelessness, crime, missed time at work and problems with keeping employment. It also harms unborn babies and destroys families. In the Department for National Drug Control’s (DNDC) 2011 National School Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs, middle and senior school students who reported using alcohol and marijuana in 30 days prior to the survey were as follows: n Alcohol: One in five students. n Marijuana: One in 13 students As a result, one important measure for parents/guardians is to become educated about the substances of abuse that are prevalent in the community. In particular, parents/ guardians should learn about the harms that are related to gateway drugs. Gateway drugs are any drug that are believed to
n istock photo
risks: Young people are more susceptible to addiction due to their mental development. lead to the use of stronger psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reported that some signs of risk can be seen as early as infancy or early childhood. These signs include aggressive behaviour, lack of self-control, or a difficult temperament. Furthermore, parents should also be aware that when a child gets older, interactions with family, at school and within the community can affect a child’s risk for later drug abuse. Parents/guardians should be cognisant of both risk and protective factors. Risk factors are conditions or characteristics that increase the likelihood of problem behaviours such as substance abuse occurring. Protective factors are conditions or characteristics that build resilience and buffer young people from the negative consequences of exposure to anti-social behaviours such as the experience of substance abuse. Examples of risk factors include: not being aware
of/not monitoring young peoples’ activities at home and socially; and the lack of clear rules and consequences regarding alcohol and other drug use. Examples of protective factors include: community service opportunities for youth; and very clear expectations and limits regarding alcohol and other drug use. With 55 per cent of youth having already tried an alcoholic drink by 12 years’ old, as indicated in the 2011 National School Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs, parents/guardians are encouraged to know the warning signs that may indicate a child is using drugs. The following warning signs are provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and include the following. n Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness. n School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action. n Rebellion against family rules. n Friend changes: switch-
ing friends, and a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends. n A ‘nothing matters’ attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests, and general low energy. n Alcohol presence: finding it in your child’s room or backpack, or smelling alcohol on his or her breath. n Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech. It is very important to note that although these signs are affiliated with drug use, some reflect transitional periods for adolescence. Please contact Bermuda Youth Counselling Services at 296-7548 or the DNDC office at 292-3049 if you are concerned or suspicious. n
Shavana M. Wilson is a drug prevention officer for the Department of National Drug Control. For more information about programmes and educational materials regarding drugs and alcohol please contact 292-3049 or visit www.dndc. gov.bm
20 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n healthy eating
How to think outside the ‘lunch box’
immeasurable. During warmer months, food safety is especially important. A new school year is on Use freezer packs and the horizon filled with new insulated containers. challenges. Freeze water bottles With these handy tips, and yoghurts so that they creating a healthy lunch remain cool for lunch. box need not be one of them. Pre-heat thermoses for hot Packing a healthy, tasty meals by filling with boiling and kid-friendly lunch water and let them stand a improves your child’s perfew minutes before adding formance both inside and hot food. outside the classroom. Include a food from each of the following groups. Do not overwhelm your child Involve your children in with too much food but making their own lunch. make sure to pack enough Studies show that children for the day’s activities. who help to prepare their A serving of meat is meals are more likely to eat approximately the size of and enjoy their creations. your palm, not including Have them wash fruits fingers. and vegetables, put the food A serving of whole grains into containers and layer and cooked vegetables is sandwiches with veggies. the size of a handful or half This takes a bitBack more a cup. 3Quaker to School BDA SUN.0.pdf 7/30/13 1:24:13 time, but the benefits are
By Courtney Minors
Bermuda Dietitians Association
Involvement
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Protein Choose skinless chicken, lean ground turkey/chicken/beef, low fat cheeses, non-fat yogurts with less than 12 grams sugar per serving, tofu, soybeans (edamame), eggs, fish, tuna salad, chicken salad, peanut and other nut butters. Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, corned beef, bologna, salami and pepperoni.
Fruit Choose fresh fruit when possible, opting for whole fruit or fruit salads. Use cookie cutters to create different shapes for melons. Fruit cups packed in their natural juices are also a good choice. Avoid fruit PM juices because they contain no fibre: one 10-ounce serv-
ing may have as much simple sugar as a can of soda.
Vegetables Choose fresh, frozen or unsalted canned vegetables. Cut veggies into different shapes to add variety to your child’s lunch such as cucumber circles, carrot sticks, broccoli trees or diced tomatoes. Send at least one serving of two different vegetables.
Grains Choose whole grains most often. Whole grain (wheat, corn) provides fibre, vitamins and minerals. This includes whole corn tortillas, brown rice, quinoa and whole wheat breads, rolls and bagels. See lunches, page 21
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
lunches Continued from page 21
Snacks Pack at least two healthy snacks. Include one to two fruits for recess. Options include whole grain tortilla chips with hummus, granola bars (with at least three grams fibre and less than six grams sugar), yoghurts or a healthy trail mix. You can prepare your own trail mix from air-popped popcorn, sliced almonds, raisins and cinnamon.
Beverages Send plenty of water to keep your child hydrated. Add fresh fruit, sliced lemon, lime or orange to flavour.
Avoid ‘bad’ fats Avoid added salt, sugar and ‘bad’ fats when cooking, like stick margarines and butter. Instead use small amounts of ‘healthy’ fats
n mct photo
tasty: A roasted chicken pita pocket with salad. like olive oil, sesame oil or peanut oil. Avocados, nuts and seeds provide healthy choices. Opt for lower fat cooking methods like grilling, broiling, poaching in water or steaming. Use herbs and spices to add flavour without added salt. As busy as a parent may be, grabbing a packaged
‘lunch in a box’ does a disservice to your pocket and your child’s health. The blatant lack of nutrients, over-processing, preservatives, added sugars, fat and salt in these ‘foods’ leave your child craving high-fat, high-sugar, highsalt foods. You can easily recreate this lunch for half the price.
August 23, 2013 n 21
Here are suggestions for healthy packed lunches: n Whole grain crackers, cheddar cheese (equivalent in size to one or two small matchboxes). Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a crunch and a piece of fruit for a high fibre sweet treat. n Pita pocket: One whole wheat pita pocket stuffed with tuna salad, lettuce, diced tomato and cucumber, with one cup fruit salad for dessert. n Leftovers made into a burrito: One whole corn tortilla, leftover chicken, peppers, tomatoes topped with plain non-fat Greek yoghurt and salsa, with a yogurt for dessert. With some effort, organization and teamwork, you and your child will be on your way to an A+ lunch box. n
Courtney Minors, MS, is a registered/clinical dietitian and diabetes educator with the Bermuda Hospitals Board. See www.eatwellbermuda.org
22 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n healthy eating
Get them involved in planning dinner
By Hanna Simpson and Shanae Harford Bermuda Diabetes Association
Healthy eating should be a priority for everyone, and it is especially important to ensure our children have the healthiest start in life. As parents, we want our children to eat healthily all the time, but we also want them to enjoy the foods they are eating. Kids can be picky eaters and this presents extra challenges in creating enticing, healthy meals they will actually eat. Here are some ideas to help you make foods exciting by using colour, imagination, and most of all, thinking like a kid! If you want your child to eat healthily, it is important to get them involved. Plan family meals together, and then find a healthy version of the chosen dishes.
Choices This could be a fun weekly family activity. For cost-effectiveness, limit the number of ingredients and buy in bulk. Children who are involved in planning meals are more likely to eat healthily. If your children are allowed to make some choices, they are more likely to eat what is selected. For example, ask your children to pick which vegetables they want with dinner tonight — it doesn’t really matter which they choose, as long as they choose one. Children enjoy helping in the kitchen and are more likely to eat food they have helped to prepare. Even young children can help with mixing foods up, mixing a salad or tearing lettuce. Older children may like to help chop the veggies. Make cooking fun! Here are some kid-friendly healthy food suggestions that are very easy to prepare and sure to please your children.
n mct graphic by donna grethen
variety: If you offer your kids different options, they are more likely to eat what is selected. To enhance flavour, season foods with herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic, chilli peppers, paprika, lemon or lime juice, curry powder, or mustard or salt-free seasoning such as Mrs Dash. n Wholegrain spaghetti with a meat sauce, made with lean meat, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers and carrots. Serve with a side salad and a little parmesan cheese. n Cottage pie – lean ground meat cooked with peas, carrots and onions, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Serve with broccoli. n Homemade chicken nuggets – mix cornmeal or panko with parmesan cheese. Spray bite-sized chunks of skinless chicken breast with olive oil and toss in the crumbs. Bake in the oven along with potato wedges, and
serve with homemade salsa. n For a one-dish meal, smother lean pork steaks in apple sauce and bake in the oven with small potatoes, carrots and asparagus. n Tuna pasta salad – cooked macaroni, canned tuna, Borlotti beans, red onion, celery, olive oil, lemon, parsley, black pepper or salt-free seasoning. n Colourful chicken kebabs — fill skewers with chunks of assorted veggies, such as peppers, zucchini, button mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and chunks of lean protein, such as skinless chicken breast, pork, shrimp or tofu. Broil or BBQ. Serve with corn. For an easy dinner, plan and cook ahead of time. Bake strips of veggies, such as onions, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant and cabbage with strips of skinless chicken, lean steak or chunks of wahoo. Store in
the fridge. When ready to eat (reheat if desired), fill wholegrain pitas or soft tortilla wraps with the mixture. Use your slow cooker and prepare ahead of time so everything will be ready when you get home. Try a delicious chicken curry. Combine low sodium chicken broth and light coconut milk, tomato paste, curry powder and cayenne pepper and add chunks of skinless chicken breast, onion and a can of chickpeas. Serve with wholegrain brown rice. Remember to turn the cooker on before you leave in the morning. n
Hannah Simpson is a registered/clinical dietitian and Shanae Harford is a student dietitian for the Bermuda Hospitals Board. See www. eatwellbermuda.org
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 23
n equality / Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) students
Everyone has the right to feel safe By Carla John School should be a place where we send our children to learn and grow. It should not be a place where they experience constant fear, harassment and discrimination. We often use john the word harassment when referring to abusive and offensive conduct against adults, but when it comes to our children, even though the acts of harassment are similar to what adults face, we call it bullying, and send our children off to school to ‘toughen up’. Bullying has been a problem since I was a student but with the invention of social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, bullying does not end when the bell rings at the end of the school day.
Harassment Now, from the comfort of home, students can engage in relentless attacks through text messages, nasty posts, unflattering pictures and other borderline criminal forms of harassment. Unfortunately, the laws around online bullying have not caught up with the available technology. When left unchecked, bullying can turn violent, and lives are destroyed, all because one group thinks that they should have the right to decide how another group lives. We need to ask ourselves if the right to fair treatment is for some of us, or all of us. Parents and teachers have a role to play in the reduction of bullying. This is particularly true for efforts to make schools safer for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
n creative commons photo by diego grez
fear factor: Whether physical, verbal or online, bullying can take many forms.
‘Some parents may need to go through a grieving process to work through the new reality that their child’s sexual orientation may be very different from their own.’ (LGBT) students. The culture of keeping it in the closet will have to change — we cannot address what we refuse to acknowledge. People seem to get sidelined by the idea that if we acknowledge the presence of LGBT students in schools this will somehow catch on and turn everyone gay. If sexual orientation were that contagious we would all be heterosexual. I attended the Berkeley Institute in the 1980’s and had an amazing group of
friends. But, like many LGBT students in high school, I kept my feelings and questions about sexual orientation to myself. Fortunately I was able to leave Bermuda and attend university in Canada, a country that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. After returning home to Bermuda to teach for more than seven years, I moved back to Canada to explore my educational and professional options. The work I do now in
Northern Ontario involves liaising with high school students and staff to act as a resource for creating safe spaces in schools for LGBT students. This is largely done through Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) groups; student-led organizations in schools that help to create a safer and supportive environment for LGBT youth and their straight allies. Most of the teachers that facilitate these groups are not part of the LGBT community; they are allies who see the importance of having these groups in their schools. Students join for different reasons; some of them have friends, parents or relatives who are LGBT, and some join for the social justice/ equality aspect because they feel that discrimination, harassment and bullying are wrong. Some straight allies who join GSAs have been the See bullying, page 24
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
24 n August 23, 2013
bullying Continued from page 23 target of anti-gay bullying because they were perceived as being gay. Making schools safer for LGBT students also makes schools safer for straight students. When meeting with students who are LGBT or who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, one of the main questions I get asked is: “What was it like for you when you came out?” Both students and their parents seem to want me to tell them that everything is going to be okay, but coming out is different for everyone. For me, coming out was strategic. I was home from university for Christmas break and I needed to know if I should start looking for a new place to live for the summer. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, as I already had an older relative that we all knew was gay, so this
‘A conference like this (Classroom Closet Conference) in Bermuda could highlight the local resources available to teachers, and would be a great first step toward creating safer spaces for LGBT students.’ was not a foreign concept to my family. I was not physically abused for coming out, kicked out of the house, forced into therapy or any of the other traumatic realities that LGBT people have experienced. I tell the students to give their parents a chance to think about what coming out means to them. Often we want our parents to love and accept us without having time to digest this new information about us.
Some parents may need to go through a grieving process to work through the new reality that their child’s sexual orientation may be very different from their own. For the past two years I have been one of the organizers of the Classroom Closet Conference — free one-day workshops that gather students, teachers, support staff, guidance counsellors, directors, school administration staff, police, community partners
THE BERMUDA SUN
and allies to discuss their roles in creating a safer, positive and inclusive environment for LGBT students and co-workers. Students and teachers are hungry for information and tools they can use in their schools to help to make them more inclusive. A conference like this in Bermuda could highlight the local resources available to teachers, and would be a great first step toward creating safer spaces for LGBT students. With the recent change in the Human Rights Act, I hope that the Ministry of Education will be proactive in making policy changes and investments in teacher training to ensure that Bermuda’s schools are welcoming to everyone. The Ministry of Education must not only declare that they are inclusive and are working toward more inclusivity, but they must also be seen to be working toward inclusivity as well, because everyone has the right to feel safe at school. n
Looking for a rewarding experience for your child? Then let them join..
Bermuda Sea Cadets Our primary aim is to instill in our youth the highest standard of conduct using a nautical theme based on Royal Naval customs.
AgeS 10-18 MALe & FeMALe WATeR SAFeTY SMALL BOAT HANDLINg PARADe TRAININg KAYAKINg SAILINg SWIMMINg CHART ReADINg FIRST AID ROPe WORK & MORe...
Commanding Officer of Somerset Unit (TS Venture) Lt. Jason Simons Commanding Officer of Hamilton Unit (TS Bermuda) Slt. Eurique Wilkin Commanding Officer of St. George’s Unit (TS Admiral Somers) Lt Mark Guishard
Website www.seacadets.bm
THE BERMUDA SUN
Carla John is the Diversity Liaison Coordinator at Réseau ACCESS Network, a non-profit, community-based charitable organization located in Sudbury, Ontario. n She works with teachers, students and parents to make schools safer and inclusive for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth. n Carla is a former teacher who returned to university, and received her M.Ed. from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2008. n In February 2013, she attended The Center for Excellence in School Counselling and Leadership Conference in California, and took part in the NOH8 (No Hate) Campaign. n The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization in the US whose mission is to promote gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest. n Participants are encouraged to write about why they participated in the campaign.
Bermuda Really Is Another World was Carla’s submission to the ‘Be Heard’ section of the charity’s website, at www.noh8campaign.com
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 25
NOH8: Bermuda Really Is Another World By Carla John I was born in Bermuda, a place that because of its beauty some consider paradise. However, as of 2012, Bermuda still has no law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. I am now fortunate to be able to live in Canada, a country where the legal debate over discrimination against LGBT people and equal marriage was decided years ago. To me, NOH8 is about more than equality, it’s about humanity. Before I was born, my ancestors fought for basic civil rights, now I do not have to. Women fought for the right to vote, now I do not have to. People with disabilities fought for accessibility rights, today I wear my hearing aids with pride. Now it’s my turn to fight, speak up and participate in campaigns that promote equality so that our future will be about making progress together instead of continuing this fight against the legal declaration that
n Photo by adam bouska
advocate: Carla John, photographed for NOH8 Campaign. some people are more worthy of rights than others. When can we stop fighting? Carla UPDATE from Carla: On June 19, 2013 the Bermuda Senate approved the proposed amendment to the
Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. While Bermuda still has a long way to go in terms of education around LGBTQ (Queer, or Questioning) issues, I am hopeful that this is a step in the right direction. n
‘How being bullied still haunts us, years on’ By Stephen T. Watson The Buffalo News, New York (MCT)
When Michael Mangus left his day planner behind in a classroom, someone wrote in it a disturbingly graphic death threat — replete with a drawing of a hangman. Seth Girod’s tormentors walked behind him in the school hallway, kicking his rolling bookbag until it broke and taunting him to the point that he sometimes came home in tears. A male classmate grabbed Jason Yalowich by the neck, told him that he’d like to slit his throat and punctuated the warning with a gay slur. The men were bullied in middle or high school
because of how they dressed or acted, because they were too small or not athletic — or because someone thought they were gay. All three men, now openly gay, have been out of high school for years. They have moved on to successful careers and rewarding relationships, but the painful memories from their teenage years linger. “I’m going to be 64 years old this coming Monday. I have bitter, bitter memories of being bullied as a kid,” said Bruce Kogan, an Allentown, Buffalo, resident and vice president of the local Stonewall Democrats. He recalls being beaten up and thrown down a flight of stairs while growing up in
Brooklyn, New York. These men see themselves in Jamey Rodemeyer, a high school freshman from Williamsville who was harassed relentlessly before killing himself. Jamey, 14, struggled with his sexual identity before coming to identify himself as bisexual.
Suicide He was seeing a school social worker and a therapist, and had talked of suicide before he killed himself. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youths — or those who are perceived to be gay — are bullied at a higher rate in school and in social media and on blogs,
experts say. “Children and adolescents who are engaging in behaviours that fall outside this strict, confining norm of what it means to be masculine, or feminine, they’re the ones who are targeted more frequently,” said Paul Poteat, an assistant professor of counselling and developmental psychology at Boston College, who studies homophobic bullying. Jamey’s death drew heightened national attention in the US to the problem of bias-based bullying, and prompted others who suffered harassment to share their own stories. “When I heard what had happened, and it’s See legacy, page 26
26 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
legacy: How gay teens can be driven to suicide
THE BERMUDA SUN
Continued from page 25 still going on in the same schools I went to, it made me really upset,” said Mr Yalowich, now 30, who lives in Amherst. Like Jamey, he attended Heim Middle School and Williamsville North High School. People who care about the issue say teachers, school counsellors and administrators, parents and children and teenagers themselves all have a role in curbing the behaviour. “We really need to get a message to adults that they can have a significant part in changing the culture of bullying,” said Marvin Henchbarger, executive director of Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York.
Homophobia Nearly nine out of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students reported being harassed at school, according to a 2009 survey of more than 7,000 middle and high school students by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. The study also found that nearly two-thirds of surveyed students felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation, and about 30 per cent reported skipping at least one day of school in the previous month because of safety concerns. Some of the bullying is rooted in homophobia, even though the victims might not have formed a sexual identity yet. They may be harassed because the way they act, or dress, doesn’t fit the accepted standard for boys and girls. “I’d get looks. I would get, ‘Why are you wearing that? Are you a girl?’,” said Mark Gordon, who wore skinny green jeans, tight black T-shirts and, later, scarves while attending City Honors School. Mr Gordon, who came out as gay in high school and now identifies himself as transsexual, is a sophomore
n istock photo
isolated: The effects of bullying can leave children feeling all alone, with far-reaching consequences, even years later. at the University at Buffalo and vice president of UB’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance. Bullies target people who don’t fit in for many reasons. “When you’re different and stand out as a young man, what you generally get called is ‘faggot’,” Ms Henchbarger said. “Whether you’re gay or not gay, it’s the worst thing you can call a young man, and it puts everybody at risk.” Mr Girod didn’t tell anyone he was gay until later in high school, but the bullies found other reasons to pick on him. “I was smaller and kind of nerdy, geeky. Kept my head down, hunched shoulders,” he said. The 23-year-old, a UB graduate, is a counsellor on the men’s health team for AIDS Community Services
of Western New York. “I got a lot of stuff behind teachers’ backs, or going through the hallways.” His grades suffered, so when his family moved from the Poughkeepsie school district to nearby Hyde Park before his sophomore year, he took it as a chance for a fresh start. There, he became involved in musicals, choir and the orchestra. “It helped me find a group of friends I could count on,” he said. Mr Yalowich didn’t fit in because he was short and not masculine, because he was more interested in the arts scene than in sports, and because all of his friends were girls. He remembers one tormenter pinning his arms behind his back and tripping him while they ran laps in gym class. It got worse during high
school, he said, when several groups of students, about 20 in total, harassed him regularly. “You feel like being gay is wrong because you’re being told this on a daily basis,” said Mr Yalowich. “You get to this point where (you say), ‘I guess this is my life’.” Do school districts do enough to help bullied students? Rhonda J. Mangus says no. Her son, Michael, came out in middle school, but the bullying got worse when he started at North Tonawanda High School in the fall of 2005. He wore a pink buttondown dress shirt on his first day of school. His mother said someone came up behind her son, whacked him on the back and said, “Nice pink shirt, faggot”. See legacy, page 27
THE BERMUDA SUN
legacy Continued from page 26 “They were trying to get him to conform to the social norm,” she said. She said school officials didn’t take the death threat written in Michael’s planner seriously, so she pulled her son out of school that October. She was cited for subjecting him to educational neglect, a case that took years to wind its way through the courts, but she said she’s convinced she did the right thing.
Cyberbullying Michael Mangus received his GED in 2009. “He’s come into his own,” said Mrs Mangus. The problem of bullying is getting worse with the rise of social networking and blogging. Disputes that previously were confined to handwritten notes, phone conversations and face-to-face confrontations now carry over
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
‘Nearly nine out of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students reported being harassed at school, according to a 2009 (US) survey... ’ to the online world. “I think the issue with cyberbullying is that kids aren’t able to get away from it,” said Kathy Gust, local programme director for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Experts say a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the bullying problem. Young people need diversity training; teachers and other school staffers need to be taught how to handle cases of bullying; and parents need to learn how to talk to their children about these issues, some experts say. Groups such as the Pride
Center of Western New York need to be invited into schools to conduct diversity training, with an emphasis on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, according to Damian Martinez, a programme coordinator. “Schools need to be made safe, for everyone,” he said. “Students need to know there’s someone they can talk to.” Gay & Lesbian Youth Services offers numerous resources to schools in the US, ranging from fiction books for the school libraries to referrals for counselling staff, said Ms
August 23, 2013 n 27
Henchbarger. But few schools reach out to the organization, she said. The organization helps “only when asked, and, I’ll be honest, we’re not generally asked”. For some gay men, it’s painful that even after strides have been made in the fight for gay rights in the US — gays and lesbians can serve openly in the military, and gay and lesbian couples can marry in New York and a half dozen other states — bullying in school continues. A national campaign, the It Gets Better Project, encourages bullied gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people not to give up hope, no matter how bleak their lives seem. The programme’s intentions are noble, but some said it’s not right to expect children or teens to bear this harassment now, even with the promise of a happier life in the years ahead. “They also need it to get better now,” Mr Gordon said. n
28 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
n first day nerves
How to calm those back to school jitters By Keri Houchin Fort Worth Star-Telegram (MCT)
When my son Eli started first grade last year, he was anxious about the things that most kids fear. What if he didn’t like his teacher? Or something was really hard? Or none of his friends were in his class? The last one was his worst-case-scenario: no friends. To ease his worries, I called a few other parents. To Eli’s disappointment — and mine a little, too — it seemed as though none of his friends from kindergarten would be in his class that year. I knew that in the real worst-case scenario, he would make friends with whomever was in his class; Eli has the ability to be friends with everyone.
Positivity Still, I didn’t want him to worry. Ever the optimist, I told him a little story. “I’ll bet that right now there is a kid who has just moved here. “He is sitting at home, just like you, worrying that he will not have any friends.” This seemed to ease his worries, at least a little bit, and on Meet-the-Teacher Night my prediction came true. Like magic, a little girl entered the classroom. She was new, had just moved to Fort Worth, Texas, from another state and was worried about making friends. Heroically, Eli took her by the hand and gave her a tour of the classroom, despite the fact that first grade was new to him, too. The pair instantly hit it off and have become good friends. Children naturally worry about going back to school. Parents do, too. There is something about the unknown, even if it’s just a new grade in the same school, that bothers just about every child. We talked with Lisa M.
n istock photo
i don’t want to go: Talk through your child’s concerns to reassure them and offer support. Share your own stories. Elliott, a licensed psychologist and clinic manager at Cook Children’s Medical Center; Cynthia Bethany, a licensed clinical social worker and critical incident specialist for the Fort Worth school district; and Kathryn Everest, the director of guidance and counselling for the Fort Worth school district, about how parents can help ease their students’ back-to-school nerves. n “Be sure to attend any type of school orientation day,” says Ms Elliott. Some schools offer a meet-the-teacher night so that students can acclimate themselves to the new environment.
Spend some time talking to the teacher and familiarizing yourself with the new classroom. This will also give your child a chance to see who will be in her class. “If you are concerned that your child does not feel comfortable with their new teacher, be sure to speak to your child’s teacher in the first few weeks to help facilitate a closer relationship,” Ms Elliott suggests. n Ease into your new routine, starting a few weeks before the first day. Summer is often more laid-back, but the school year should have a set schedule.
“Start getting a good night’s sleep,” recommends Ms Bethany. Slowly get back into an earlier bedtime with less television and video game play. Rather than making a big change all at once, move bedtime a few minutes earlier each night. Ms Elliott also recommends going a step further: “Help your child prepare mentally for school by reading more, practice math facts and engage in other fun academic-related games.” n “Talk about what to expect,” recommends Ms Bethany. The social and environmental challenges are often more daunting than the academic ones. Older kids will have more responsibilities, but make sure you have reasonable expectations as a parent. Tell your child about your own experiences in school. No matter how old you are, your child will find your stories fascinatingly ‘old-fashioned’. Ask your child to tell you what he enjoyed best about the previous year and give him the chance to reminisce. n Listening to your child’s fears is important, says Ms Everest. No matter what your child is worrying about, take the time to stop and listen to him. Rather than telling him not to worry, assure him that his fears are valid. “Don’t be too quick to rescue them,” she says. Your child needs to be able to work through minor issues on his own. However, you can ask what you can do to help and then make that happen. n Involve your child in supply shopping. Crowded stores and waiting in lines may not sound like much fun. However, letting kids See first day, page 29
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 29
The excitement and fear of a new term By Pamela Knudson Grand Forks Herald (MCT)
Whether it’s kindergarten, middle or high school, starting school can be daunting, even frightening — not to mention a hurdle for parents. “A lot of it stems from anxiety and excitement,” said Dr Meghan Salyers, assistant professor of teaching and learning at the
first day Continued from page 28 choose some of the supplies will “help them to take ownership,” says Ms Elliott. Even if you have a fairly specific list, your child can choose items in her favourite colour or a lunch box with her favourite cartoon characters. n Stay positive. If you had a bad school experience or your child has in the past, it is important not to pass that negativity on to your child, cautions Ms Bethany. “Our children often take their cues from us as parents,” says Ms Elliott. Focus on what is most comforting, whether that is something new and exciting or old and reliable. n Plan the first day. You do not want to forget things or be rushed. “Organization can often help ease your child’s concerns,” says Ms Elliot. She recommends laying out clothes and packing lunches the night before. n Be informed. Parents are not immune to first-day jitters, but knowing what your child is doing will make it easier. “Arm yourself with plenty of information,” says Ms Bethany. The teacher will send home lots of paper work that should be kept and organized so that you can refer to it with questions. Make sure you have contact information and know how your child’s teacher prefers to be contacted. n Send a photo or notes. For young children or those
University of North Dakota. “It’s shown by (the child) being the first one at the breakfast table, saying ‘Let’s go!’ or ‘I don’t want to get dressed’,” she said. Reactions range from “either side of that or a combination of the two”. Children are worried about whether they’ll fit in, she said. Parents should use a calm voice to quell some of
‘There is something about the unknown, even if it’s just a new grade in the same school, that bothers just about every child.’ with separation anxiety, send a photo that can be kept in the locker or pencil box. “A very helpful tool is to place a family photo in a photo keychain that they can attach to their backpack,” Ms Elliott suggests. Your child can check in with your smiling face whenever he is feeling anxious. A short note in the lunchbox will also brighten your child’s day. Even for those too young to read, a cute doodle or ‘I (heart) U’ is perfect. n Set goals for the year. Ask your child what he or she is looking forward to most,says Ms Elliott. Create a list of things your child wants to accomplish this year, such as honour roll, or certain academic or sporting standards. When the goal is met, celebrate it. n
that excitement. At school, the child may be very shy, “even if they were excited at home,” she said. “They’re in an environment where they don’t know most of the kids, they don’t know the teacher.” The child is wondering, what are they in for, she said. “How terrible and how wonderful is it going to be?” Parents too may have feel-
ings of anxiety and should ask any questions they have. By their actions, eye contact with the teacher, and calm voice, they show confidence in the school and in the child, she said. “The parent needs to show that confidence so (the child) learns ‘I can do this,’ and kids need to practice See fears, page 31
n istock photo
new friends: Most children will settle into school quickly.
30 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
THE BERMUDA SUN
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
August 23, 2013 n 31
fears: Enthuse your child with confidence in the school Continued from page 29 that,” she said. Children recognize that ‘Mom and Dad wouldn’t leave me here if it wasn’t okay.’ Once parents are assured that their child is in a safe environment, they need “to walk out and let go,” Dr Salyers said. “The teacher will take care of the children very well.” “Even if you see children crying, you need to walk away. It’s emotional,” she said — and not unlike the first time you leave the child with a sitter or at day care. “There can be dramatic screaming... It’s separation anxiety.” But “children in kindergarten are more cognitively able to handle it; you need to let them do that... They’re able to take control of their emotions and, with the guidance of the teacher, they need to.
Conversation “It’s a very normal feeling for parents not to want to walk away. You’re the protector of the child — and have been since day one.” “Don’t leave them without a big, reassuring hug and a kiss on the cheek,” she said, and tell the child when you’ll be back. In contrast to the overtly expressive child, there are those who don’t exhibit any anxiety or excitement, Dr Salyers said. “Some are very calm about it — those are few.” “Those are the children I want to start a conversation with,” she said. She would ask open-ended questions like, how do you feel about this? “Getting the child to open up is a good thing.” For kids heading into middle school, or sixth grade, the level of anxiety is higher and shows up in different ways, Dr Salyers said. “They want to know exactly where their classes are and how to get to them.” These students “want to get notebooks, their
schedule, the clothes they need — they have a list they go through, like the world is going to end on the first day of school” if they’re not fully prepared. Others just show up, less prepared and far less concerned. Generally middle schoolers “are insecure about their image,” she said, and worried about acceptance as well as new expectations. They may feel they should be able to handle such wor-
ries, and it’s embarrassing to tell Mom or Dad that they’re uneasy or fearful. At this age, their bodies are undergoing a lot of changes, she said, their perspective on life is opening up, and they have to start to take some risks. If your child is entering high school, as other transition points, it’s important to stay calm and show confidence in the child and the school. She has seen parents pres-
sure kids, as they approach high school, expecting straight A’s. Such pressure “is unneeded and ineffective”, she said. While it may well-intended, it’s best to balance calm with the expectation that the child will do well. “You could say, ‘You’ve done a great job so far; don’t worry about what you don’t know yet. “‘Yes, you’re going to have challenges, and we’ll help if you need it’.” n
32 n August 23, 2013
Back to School: a special advertising supplement
THE BERMUDA SUN
Get an ‘A’ in academic entertaining By Erin Davis McClatchy-Tribune (MCT)
‘Twas the night before school, when all through the house, many a parent was frantic, like a cat-fearing mouse. Backpacks were hung by the front door and stairs, in hopes no one would forget lunches or what new outfit to wear. Sound familiar? The start of a new school year, although chaotic, can also be a great opportunity for academic-inspired celebration. Experts Mariah Leeson, event stylist and author of Giggles Galore (www. gigglesgalore.net), and Sue Katsiotis, special sales and events manager at Creative Kidstuff (www.creativekidstuff.com), offer tips to make this school year entertaining, memorable and jolly.
Exchange Make a school supply list and check it twice. For those clinging to the last dog days of summer, both Ms Leeson and Ms Katsiotis recommend throwing a back-to-school supply party. “Try hosting a school supply swap,” Ms Katsiotis said. “On the invitations ask that guests bring new or lightly used backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, binders, folders and clothing. “If your children are in a uniform-based school a uniform swap is a great way to stretch your budget,” she said. “If you can, designate someone at the party to be the ‘tailor’ to repair small rips, (for) hemming, and to sew on missing buttons.” Or, take Ms Leeson’s lead and get into the philanthropic school spirit. “Ask guests to bring school supplies to donate to a local shelter or community programme,” Ms Leeson said. Every good story has a plot, so why not have one
n mct graphic by camille weber
philanthropy: Why not throw a party to collect school supplies to donate to charity? Or hold a school uniform swap. for your back-to-school party? “Host a back-to-school breakfast,” said Ms Leeson. “Serve donuts, muffins, apples, yogurt parfaits, granola and milk.” To rile up school spirit peruse Pinterest for back-toschool printables. Use them to decorate inside, outside and to accent a buffet table. Or, use common school objects like crayons, chalk, markers and apples for party decor. Ms Leeson also suggests throwing a book-themed party. “Have each guest bring a favourite book for a book exchange,” she said. “Include activities like storytime, and snacks named after favourite books or characters.” To take literary inspiration a step further, provide wrapping paper, clothing scraps and assorted stickers for children to fashion their own book covers.
Ms Katsiotis recommends incorporating a school-locker theme for older children and teens. “Provide each party guest with a mock-locker box (cardboard or plastic). “Include a variety of items they can use as decorations: duct tape, mirrors, stickers and other related items,” she said. Leftover items can be used for ‘real’ lockers when school begins. Children aren’t the only ones in need of a back-toschool boost... don’t forget parents. In honour of their arduous back-to-school prep, host a party for moms, dads and caregivers of kids heading back to school. “At the beginning of the school year parents’ schedules are stretched and meal times can be an added stress,” said Ms Katsiotis. “Host a recipe exchange where parents can bring fun, family-friendly din-
ner recipes and unique bag lunch or brain-boosting breakfast ideas to share.” Or go a step further and host a dinner swap, where everyone cooks up double or triple batches of a favourite and brings servings to freeze for quick weeknight dinners. Though there’s one caveat to that: Make sure any food allergies are noted and recipes are agreed upon ahead of time. For some parents, the first day of school can be an emotional occasion. “Organize a back-toschool breakfast for parents after they drop their kids off at school where they can celebrate their tears of joy or sadness as the kiddos start their first day of school,” said Ms Leeson. Back-to-school already may have hit some households. Not to worry, there are many more schooloriented party occasions to come. “Celebrate the first 100 days of school with a party featuring 100 favourite recipes from students and teachers,” said Ms Leeson. “Compile a recipe book and sample some of the dishes.” Or, gather parents and children to replenish classroom supplies, creating baskets based on their teacher’s ‘wish list’, advises Ms Katsiotis. Offer a snack and beverage station and then have kids deliver the gifts to their teachers on the 100th day of school. If you prefer less fuss to bring in the new school year, try keeping the fun within the family. “Getting ready for the start of a new school year is a ritual and with it comes the opportunity to start family traditions,” Ms Leeson said. “It’s an opportunity for families to start new backto-school traditions like a special ‘Night-before school dinner’, a special breakfast or a back-to-school ‘time capsule’.” n