AUGUST 2022
GUIDE
BOZEMAN DAILY
CHRONICLE KEEPING THE GALLATIN VALLEY CONNECTED
2 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
WHAT’S INSIDE Getting Ready—in Mind, Body and Soul—
to Return to School .......................................................................................3 A Message from Bozeman and Belgrade
Superintendents About the New Schoolyear ...........................................4 Read, Set, Read! Prepping Kids for Literacy .............................................6 3 ways educators can use newspapers in the classroom ....................... 8
Grow up with us. Bozeman Health Pediatrics
How to help students improve their focus on their studies ...................9 2022-2023 School Calendars ...............................................................10-11 Boosting the Immune System:
Advice from a Local Family Chiropractor .....12 kidsLINK Plans for Afterschool Enrichment .14 Packing the Perfect
Back-to-School Lunchbox................................ 16 Vaccine Requirements .....................................18 How much should a backpack weigh? .......... 19
Our care. + SAME-DAY CARE + WELL-CHILD EXAMS + INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Content by Abby Weingarten Layout Design by Darla Allen
2022-23
+ SPORTS PHYSICALS + COVID-19 AND OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS
Bozeman Health Pediatrics is your trusted source for comprehensive healthcare services at every stage of childhood. From the delivery room to high school diploma, we treat your family like our own – celebrating life’s milestones, together. Our pediatricians ensure your little ones grow big, healthy, and ready to take on whatever the future has in store.
Call today to schedule a same-day appointment! Belgrade + Bozeman + Cottonwood
406-414-4100
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 3
GETTING READY
in Mind, Body and Soul to Return to School Written by Abby Weingarten
Reentering school after learning remotely is no easy task for kids— emotionally, socially and academically. But counselors, teachers and administrators are ready to help these learners—along with their longtime in-person peers—as they navigate the 2022-2023 schoolyear. Taylor Gooch, a school counselor at Chief Joseph Middle School in Bozeman, said students will undoubtedly face challenges as they transition back to an academic setting in late August. Some students have been studying virtually at home for one or two years, while others have been in brick-and-mortar schools for the majority of the COVID-19 pandemic. All students have their own specific hurdles to tackle, but school counselors are more prepared than ever to assist. “The unique thing about kids is that every kid is bringing in their own background and challenges,” Gooch said. “If kids are coming back from a couple years of remote learning and transitioning from elementary to middle school, for example, they can’t rely on all the same routines as before because they’re in an entirely new environment.” The shift from elementary to middle school is just one example of a jarring transition for incoming students this year. However, adjusting to new schedules, meeting new teachers and juggling new responsibilities are universal challenges that are especially trying with a pandemic still in the picture. So how can students acclimate? What are some tools for success? “One of the things I’ve done for the past two years is have kids think back on a time when they did something that was uncomfortable or new—whether it was coming into a new school and not knowing anyone, or something similar—and just channel the previous skills they used then,” Gooch said. “I have them think, ‘Can I ask for help?’ and I encourage them to draw on their previous successes.” But it isn’t just students and parents who are learning to adapt to the “new normal.” How do school counselors and administrators prepare to help students and parents in such ever-evolving times? “In times like these, we have to have grit and adjust and pivot, and that can all be exhausting. I think we need to normalize that exhaustion—that it’s OK to feel overwhelmed,” Gooch said. “As counselors, we need to learn how to be available to parents who are coming from many different backgrounds—to just try to listen and validate the family’s concerns. We really do care about and support each one of our families that walk through our doors.”
4 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
A Message from Bozeman and Belgrade Superintendents
ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOLYEAR
Written By Abby Weingarten
Holistically supporting students—whether they have been learning remotely, in person, or a little bit of both since the start of the pandemic—is paramount this schoolyear. And the superintendents from the Bozeman and Belgrade public school districts are offering their guidance on how to maximize student success. Godfrey Saunders, the superintendent for the Belgrade School District, said adjusting to a new routine will be the first step for students and administrators this August—and it may not be without its hitches.
will a critical be part of the process. Saunders encourages students to “be positive and learn to take care of each other” while also taking care of their own emotional, mental and social needs. “Students will be getting back into reading, writing and reconnecting with friends, and there will be challenges there,” Saunders said. “But, while students are doing this, parents will be reaching out and finding out what schools have available to assist their children with their needs.” There is no one-size-fits-all method to approaching future student success; the pandemic has affected every family differently.
“I think part of the challenge this year will be getting back into a routine of being in person again. Some of our students were not in person last year, so they will be getting back into that day-to-day school experience,” Saunders said. “Some students will still be wearing masks, and that’s something they’ll need to get accustomed to. COVID has not gone away, but it’s just not at the levels it was before.”
“I think students have definitely been impacted by the pandemic. But I think the pendulum has swung both ways; there have been negatives and positives,” Saunders said. “The students who learn best via digital learning thrived during the pandemic. And other students who did not learn best that way fell behind and it impeded their academic progress.”
Taking the proper safety precautions based on students’ comfort levels and health needs
On an emotional level, the unpredictability of lockdowns, quarantines and exposure to germs—especially during the early part of the pandemic—left students feeling anxious and uncertain. “Some students may still struggle with interacting face-to-face without masks while others will feel comfortable doing that,” Saunders said. “I just think there’s a certain anxiety level and frustration that has affected students, and we have to take that into consideration this year.” To that end, Saunders’ district will be instituting a RULER program that will help students with the social and emotional component of the back-to-school transition. The acronym stands for Recognizing emotions in self and others; Understanding the causes and
consequences of emotions; Labeling emotions accurately; Expressing emotions appropriately; and Regulating emotions effectively. “This RULER program will help kids with the social/emotional piece. It equips adults too; if they see a student with difficulty, this helps them learn how to start a difficult conversation,” Saunders said. As for any other advice he would give returning students and their parents, Saunders said “reach out.” “It’s OK to reach out for help when you need it,” Saunders said. “In these uncertain times, take advantage of all the opportunities and helpful resources that the schools have to offer your student.” Casey Bertram, the superintendent for Bozeman Public Schools, agreed. While the majority of students in Bertram’s district returned to full-time, in-person learning during the 2021-2022 schoolyear, the academic and social/emotional impacts of the pandemic on students was significant, he said. Fortunately, students will have a wealth of attention and support this fall. “We’re excited to welcome students back, and we have dedicated teams of educators ready to meet them where they are at and support them to maximize their learning this schoolyear,” Bertram said. Bertram is encouraging students to prepare for the 2022-2023 schoolyear in three important ways: by reading, connecting and playing. “I’d tell them to carve out a few hours each week and engage in a good book. Whether it is reading for pleasure or reading to learn something new, it is important to flex those reading muscles throughout the year,” Bertram said. “I also encourage our students to set aside social media and electronics, and spend time in conversation and authentic relationship
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 5
building in preparation for school.” Additionally, students should get outside and go on adventures—from swimming, hiking, walking and golfing to running through the sprinkler—before the summer ends. “Physical activity is great for mental health and will serve students well as they transition back to long days in the classroom,” Bertram said. Isolation, and staying indoors, has definitely taken its toll on students’ mental health throughout the pandemic—and Bertram is consistently championing ways of combating that issue. Bertram also sees students recovering from that isolation the more they reintegrate into the social world of school. “While we are seeing post-pandemic impacts on student achievement and social/emotional/ behavioral aspects, we also clearly see that our students are resilient and flexible,” Bertram said. “We also see that the vast majority of students and families, when given the choice, prioritize five days of in-person instruction as the desired
educational model. This reinforces to our educational team the importance of relationship and connection in the teaching and learning process.” And though this may be the preferred education model, that doesn’t mean it won’t present obstacles along in the way. When it does, it’s time to regroup and reconnect. “I want students to know that it is OK to not be OK. It is OK to ask for help when you are struggling academically or with mental health,” Bertram said. “I want students to know they are not alone and encourage them to reach out to the trusted adults in their lives—at home or at school—and advocate for their needs. We are better together and it is dangerous to suffer in silence.” During the previous schoolyear, Bertram noticed a “need to reset what it means to be a successful student,” he said. “We circled back to reteaching school behaviors that are supportive of student success: effort, growth mindset, attendance, work
completion, follow through, etc.,” Bertram said. “That work will continue during the 2022-2023 schoolyear as we embrace the new normal.” Godfrey Saunders, superintendent Belgrade School District, 406-924-2492, gsaunders@bsd44.org Casey Bertram, superintendent Bozeman Public Schools, 406-522-6028, casey.bertram@bsd7.org.
For People of All Ages
Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs Visit www.bozeman.net/recreation for information
6 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
READY, SET, READ!
Prepping Kids For Literacy Written By Abby Weingarten
Holistically Literacy may have been a little lagging during the pandemic, as kids switched from turning pages to watching screens. But young students are getting back in touch with their bookworm sides for the 2022-2023 schoolyear, and local library experts are leading the charge. Ellie Newell, the youth services department head at Bozeman Public Library, said building a “literacy toolkit” is a key component to
ensuring student success when it comes to reading this fall—in and out of the classroom. “We know that face-to-face time between small children and adults is essential for building kids’ early literacy toolkit,” Newell said. “For some families, the pandemic meant more time together building young brains. For other families, the pandemic brought incredible childcare and financial challenges and a lack of access to educational resources.” So, how did those disparate shifts affect youth
literacy in the long run? “We won’t know the full impact of this catastrophe’s impact on children’s literacy for years,” Newell said, “but that it will likely widen the achievement gap between privileged and disadvantaged children.” Luckily, the public school system offers a plethora of free resources for all children, and the public library system complements those offerings.
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 7
“In our school system, teachers are seeing literacy challenges up close in a way that we don’t at the public library—repeatedly working with individual readers as they build literacy skills over time,” Newell said. When students are not in school, however, they can turn to the libraries for everything from research assistance to exciting extracurricular activities. The latter, which are typically centered around literacy, help students
experience the fun of reading and learning. “The most important way for kids to prepare for school is to play. When children play, they tell stories, they explore physics and the natural world, and they practice language and emotions within the safety of play,” Newell said. “Immersing yourself in stories—whether you’re reading a book, being read to by a loved one, or telling stories yourself—is the best way to become a strong reader.”
And library leaders like Newell are always ready to nurture young readers—guiding them to the books that will enrich and transform their lives. “The best book for any reader is the book they love to read,” Newell said. “If you have yet to find a book that swallows you whole and utterly enchants you, ask your friends, teachers and librarians for suggestions.”
Learn at your Library all year long! Fun new activities for kids and teens each month. September:
Ages 5-11: Write and illustrate a postcard for Scooter, the Montana Science Center's axolotl—a gilled amphibian. Teens: Get crafty at our Bad Movie/Maker Night.
bozemanlibrary.org/events/kids
Affordable. Convenient. Enriching.
406.587.2194
8 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
3 ways educators can use NEWSPAPERS IN THE CLASSROOM
Metro Creative Connection
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on communities across the globe. No individual, household or industry was unaffected by the pandemic, and the ripple effects of the virus may be felt for years to come. Though many effects of the pandemic have been devastating, one unforeseen and potentially positive consequence of the spread of COVID-19 was a growing recognition of the invaluable role played by local newspapers. Responses to the virus and strategies regarding how to combat it varied greatly, and local newspapers were a go-to resource for citizens who wanted to learn about rules and regulations in their towns. For example, in England the Bishop’s Stortford Independent, a local weekly paper in Hertfordshire, experienced a significant monthly web audience growth during the pandemic. Prior to the global outbreak in January 2020, the paper’s monthly web audience was 260,000. By October, that number had spiked to 360,000, reflecting a growing need for local news outlets as readers across the globe sought to learn about the pandemic within their own communities and how local officials were responding to the threat posed by COVID-19. If the pandemic illustrated the vital role local newspapers can play, it’s important that readers recognize that role won’t be any less valuable when COVID-19 is in the world’s rearview mirror. Educators can help the next generation of readers recognize the importance of local newspapers by taking various steps to incorporate newspapers into their lessons. 1. Employ newspapers when teaching current events. Everyone was directly affected by the COVID-19 virus, making the story of the pandemic one of the most unique in modern history. Though children are often sheltered from global news stories about conflicts or economic crises, no such sheltering was possible during
the pandemic, as kids were forced to learn from home and confront life with little or no access to extracurricular activities. Educators can show how local newspapers reported on the pandemic when teaching current events, using that example as the foundation for teaching current events in the future. 2. Utilize the newspapers when teaching ESL. Students who do not speak English at home or as their primary language can benefit greatly from their local newspapers. It might be easy to learn how to say certain words in English, but reading them in a newspaper gives ESL students a chance to see the words they’ve learned in context. And because local newspapers feature sections on everything from news to sports to entertainment, ESL students are sure to find a few articles that appeal to their existing interests.
3. Use newspapers to encourage a love of reading. Just like ESL students are bound to find something that interests them in the local newspapers, their English-speaking classmates are sure to find a recap of their favorite team’s most recent game or a review of the latest superhero movie or a local news story about their town to pique their interest. Students may not realize it, but they’re learning when reading such stories by developing their vocabularies, fine tuning their comprehension skills and catching up on current events. The valuable role played by local newspapers was on display during the pandemic. That role won’t be any less valuable in a post-pandemic world, and it’s a lesson teachers can apply in their classrooms.
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 9
HOW TO HELP STUDENTS IMPROVE
their focus on their studies
eek e e rw
F l o Tw ria T
Metro Creative Connection
Teachers strive to create supportive and challenging classroom environments for their students. Such settings can bring out the best in students and help them overcome obstacles, including an inability to focus. The struggles students can have with focusing on their studies was apparent during the pandemic. A 2020 survey of more than 400 college students found that 64 percent were concerned about their ability to maintain their focus and discipline in remote instructional environments. Though educators, students and parents are hopeful that remote learning will soon be a thing of the past, no one is certain about what lies ahead in regard to the 2022-23 school year. Ideally, students will be back in school time full-time five days per week by the start of the new academic year. However, there’s no guarantee that will be the case, and students may need help focusing on their studies. · Emphasize one activity at a time. Various studies have shown that multitasking adversely affects performance and makes it hard to concentrate. A recent study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that performing two or three activities simultaneously puts significantly more demand on the brain than simply doing those tasks one after another. All students, and especially those who are struggling with focus, should be encouraged to take on one task at a time. · Take breaks. The Cleveland Clinic notes that various studies have found that periodic breaks improve mood, boost performance and increase a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention. Many students are well acquainted with lengthy cramming sessions on the eve of a big exam, which can feel like a rite of passage for high schoolers and college students. Parents and educators can emphasize the importance of taking breaks during such sessions and how periodic rest can help improve performance. · Take a piecemeal approach to big tasks. The Child Mind Institute notes that breaking big tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces can help kids effectively tackle more challenging tasks. The piecemeal approach can make big tasks seem less daunting, and the success kids have at each smaller task can provide some needed momentum as they draw closer to solving the problem. Many students struggle to focus on their studies. Some simple strategies can help students overcome such challenges and fulfill their academic potential.
SCH SCHOOL’S OUT (PIR) CAMPS
K
eep learning—even when school’s out! This year, school OSS is partnering with the MOSS useum of the R Rockies and Museum osscut M Mountain Sports Crosscut ports Center ffor a variety of super fun day-camp -camp options. Our cool themes include: ature • Tiny Natur limy Nature • Sticky, Slim Creepiest • Nature’ss Cr • Science Super Superheroes • Fins, Feathers, F s, Fur Fur, and Fangs Break Camp • Montana’ss Big 5 Spring Br ost Pioneer Pioneers • Permafrost
NEW EAR! THIS Y DAY IR P L FAL IPS R T D FIEL CUT S S O TO CR S 3-5! E D RA FOR G
WWW. O UTDOOR WWW R S CIENCE.ORG
406-582-0526
SC H O LA RS H IP S AVA IL A BL E!
GRADES: K - 5 TIME: 9:00am - 5:00pm LOCATION: MOSS, MOR, Crosscut COST: $80 per day for MOSS members; ers; $85 ffor non-members Check out our Livingston PIR camps!
For details, and to register, visit www.outdoorscience.org/pir-camps
J
TUESDAY SCIENCE
oin MOSS on Tuesday afternoons SeptemberNovember and March-May to explore local science in a fun new way! • Nature Art • Airborne Engineers • Wild Survival • Snow Party • Out of Hibernation • Baby Animals
GRADES: K - 5 TIME: 3:30pm - 5:30pm LOCATION: MOSS COST: $100 per session for MOSS members; $105 for non-members www.outdoorscience.org/tuesday-science
10 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
2022-2023
SCHOOL CALENDARS
BOZEMAN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AUG. 29 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 5 SEPT. 26 OCT. 20-21 NOV. 10-11 NOV 23-25 DEC. 19-30 JAN. 16 JAN. 18-20 JAN. 23-24 FEB. 20 MARCH 13-17 APRIL 13 APRIL 14 MAY 26 MAY 29 JUNE 3 JUNE 8
First day of school grades 1-12 First day of kindergarten NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL – Winter Break NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day, PIR Day High School Final Exams NO SCHOOL (9-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day NO SCHOOL – Spring Break NO SCHOOL (6-8) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (6-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day High School Graduation Last Day of School
THREE FORKS SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPT. 6 First day of school SEPT. 5 NO SCHOOL – Labor Day SEPT. 23 NO SCHOOL – Valley or District – PIR Day OCT. 20-21 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Fall Break OCT. 28 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day NOV 24-25 NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break NOV. 18 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day DEC. 16 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day DEC. 22- JAN. 2 NO SCHOOL – Winter Break JAN. 27 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day FEB. 17 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day MARCH 24 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day APRIL 7-10 NO SCHOOL – Spring Break APRIL 21 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day MAY 19 NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Teacher Work Day MAY 29 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day JUNE 4 High School Graduation JUNE 8 Last Day of School
BELGRADE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 11
MANHATTAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
AUG. 25
First day of school
AUG. 24
First day of school
SEPT. 5
NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
SEPT. 5
NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
OCT. 20-21
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
OCT. 3
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
NOV. 23
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
OCT. 20-21
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
NOV 23-25
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
NOV 23-25
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
DEC. 19-30
NO SCHOOL – Winter Break
JAN. 16
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day, PIR Day
JAN. 16
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day
JAN. 27
NO SCHOOL (K-12)
JAN. 20
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
FEB. 20
NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day
FEB. 20
NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day
MARCH 16-17
NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
APRIL 7
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Good Friday
APRIL 10
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – Easter Break
MAY 29
NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
MARCH 13-17 NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
DEC. 22-JAN. 2 NO SCHOOL – Winter Break
MAY 29
NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
JUNE 3
High School Graduation
MAY 28
High School Graduation
JUNE 9
Last Day of School
JUNE 1
Last Day of School
MONFORTON SCHOOL DISTRICT AUG. 29 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 5 SEPT. 26 OCT. 20-21 NOV. 10-11 NOV 23-25 DEC. 19-30 JAN. 16 JAN. 18-20 JAN. 23-24 FEB. 20 MARCH 13-17 APRIL 13 APRIL 14 MAY 26 MAY 29 JUNE 3 JUNE 8
First day of school First day of kindergarten NO SCHOOL – Labor Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL – Winter Break NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day, PIR Day High School Final Exams NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day NO SCHOOL – Spring Break NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day High School Graduation Last Day of School
GALLATIN GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT AUG. 29
First day of school
SEPT. 5
NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
OCT. 21-22
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
NOV. 10
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
NOV 21-25
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
DEC. 19-30
NO SCHOOL – Winter Break
JAN. 2
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
JAN. 16
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – MLK Jr. Day
FEB. 20
NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day
MARCH 13-17 NO SCHOOL – Spring Break APRIL 13
NO SCHOOL (K-12) – PIR Day
MAY 29
NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
JUNE 8
Last Day of School
12 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Advice from a Local Family Chiropractor Written By Abby Weingarten
Holistically Germs, exposure and all things COVID-19 are still at the forefront of families’ minds during the transition back to school. So, it’s essential that, no matter what the circumstance in the classrooms, little immune systems stay strong this schoolyear. Dr. Ali Schweitzer, the founder of Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness in Bozeman, is a pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic specialist who regularly treats children. As a mother of two, she knows the importance of encouraging immune-strengthening practices in school settings. “School is about to be in full swing, and with
that comes all the colds, boogers, flus and who knows what else,” Dr. Schweitzer said. “It’s always funny to me how, by the end of summer, I’m ready for my kids to get back into a routine, for things to slow down a bit—and then, when they come home with that first sign of a cold, I think back to how nice the summer was when they were outside, playing in the dirt and healthy.” As the schoolyear kicks off, kids begin to head indoors, develop closer contact with their peers, and become exposed to far more germs than they did during the summer months. But that doesn’t mean colds and flus have to run rampant. “There are plenty of things we can do to help strengthen our children’s immune systems now—
at the start of the school season—so when they do come home with the sniffles, they are back to feeling better in no time,” Dr. Schweitzer said. So, what does Dr. Schweitzer recommend? She has five tips for parents and guardians to keep their back-to-schoolers on the right track: 1. Make sure your child is getting plenty of sleep. When they sleep, their bodies are recovering from all the day-to-day stresses. If they are deprived of sleep, their bodies are missing out on important healing times. 2. Keep those kids hydrated. As they head back to school, they may forget their water bottles. If they become dehydrated, fatigue can set in. A fatigued body is a weaker body, and those bacteria and viruses love to attack the weak.
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 13
BAND
3. Have your kid take a daily vitamin. In our house, my kids not only take a multivitamin, but we also take extra vitamin C, fish oil, extra vitamin D and elderberry syrup. 4. Get those kids outside. I know, at the end of a long school day, it’s easy to let our kids veg out in front of a screen. But having them play outside will not only give them extra vitamin D, the fresh air will also help with their mental fatigue and ensure that they sleep better. 5. Get your whole family adjusted! Keeping everyone’s spines aligned allows the nervous system to function at its optimal level—and when it does this, little bodies will fight off germs so much better. “So, bring on the schoolyear and remember that getting sick is OK; in fact, it’s good,” Dr. Schweitzer said. “When we are exposed to viruses and bacteria, it strengthens our immune system. But, if we have a strong immune system already, we don’t get sick as often and we bounce back much quicker when we do get sick.”
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14 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
KIDSLINK PLANS
for Afterschool Enrichment Written By Abby Weingarten
The impact of kidsLINK—an afterschool program for children in the Bozeman and Belgrade public school districts—is deeply felt among local students. And the initiative is continuing to expand this schoolyear. Run by the Greater Gallatin United Way, kidsLINK provides homework help, healthy snacks and outdoor activities for students in a relaxed environment. With a ratio of one staff
member for every 12 to 15 kids, the program is tailored to the student; staff members even communicate directly with teachers at the students’ schools to make sure their individual needs are met. “In the previous schoolyear, kidsLINK started with eight open sites and closed the year with 20 sites across Gallatin County,” said Ben Frentsos, the kidsLINK program director for the Greater Gallatin United Way. “Through unique partnerships and funding opportunities, we plan
on having all the elementary schools within the Bozeman and Belgrade school districts—as well as rural schools—up and running with active afterschool programs.”
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 15
Frentsos and his team are currently working with diverse partners that provide enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering, art, math, mindfulness, nutrition and fine art. “We’re motivated by the interests and needs of the kidsLINK community, and we strive to make it a place where kids are engaged and having fun after school,” Frentsos said. Much of the kidsLINK programming is built around supporting the social and emotional needs of children. This translates into activities that connect the kids with one another—and with the adults who run the afterschool programs—in meaningful ways. Many of the afterschool staff members work in the schools during the daytime, and there is a unique connection that emerges when kids and afterschool professionals connect throughout the day, Frentsos said. “Our programs can be very dynamic, offering a range of activities designed to capture kids’ interests,” Frentsos said. “If we can ignite that spark within a child for learning, after school becomes a place where they want to be, which
can carry over into the daytime classroom and vice versa. It’s an incredible thing to be a part of.” As for helping formerly remote learners readjust to in-person school settings and afterschool programs this fall, kidsLINK is on target. The program is following the COVID-19 precautions that the school district recommends, and keeping an eye on the specific needs of the students. “Returning to the school setting can be challenging on many fronts. Families in this past schoolyear made big adjustments in their daily lives, after the height of the pandemic, and built new normal routines,” Frentsos said. “But kidsLINK creates new opportunities for play, learning and connection. We’re striving to be a place where kids have sufficient time and space to connect socially with one another in the afterschool structure.” Parents interested in registering their children for kidsLINK can visit greatergallatinunitedway. org. Scholarships are also available.
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Visit BozemanHealth.org to find your provider or call 406-414-5150 to schedule your appointment.
16 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
Packing the Perfect
BACK-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHBOX Written By Abby Weingarten
Ditching the junk food snacks and getting back on the healthy track this schoolyear is a priority for students and parents. Meghan Womack, a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist with Meghan Womack Nutrition in Bozeman, has families covered for the fall—as they rebound from summer- and pandemic-influenced eating habits. Packing an optimum school lunchbox—with balanced snacks and ingredients—is easier said than done, but now is the time to prep. “Summertime can disrupt normal routines and schedules when it comes to food. Then you add a pandemic on top of that, where more kids are learning from home and parents are stretched really thin,” said Womack, who holds bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in nutrition sciences from the University of New Mexico. “It’s likely that students have had more access to snack foods throughout the day as a way to meet their energy needs in the summer, and they have been less focused on having solid breakfasts and lunches.” When kids return to school, new schedules and routines—and the lack of constant access to food in the home refrigerator—affects the mood. “It’s not possible to snack all day at school, and this can be a habit that disrupts normal hunger and fullness cues in the body, leading to eating less at meal times,” Womack said. “Planning meals, making time for breakfast and packing lunches can be skills that have been lost along the way of getting through the pandemic.” So, how can parents get back into the swing of things and help their children follow suit?
“Parents should focus more on establishing a predictable routine with meals and snacks for their kids rather than getting them to suddenly start eating different foods that are thought to be healthier,” Womack said. “All humans—kids and adults alike—need to eat about every two to four hours to maintain energy and mental focus. Building a solid breakfast, morning snack, solid lunch and afternoon snack (maybe during the afterschool time) is a good place to start.” A snack should ideally be an intentional pairing of foods containing carbohydrates and protein, such as an apple and a cheese stick, peanut butter toast, or a yogurt cup with granola. A healthy lunch should include a main entrée-like food, at least two side items and a beverage. There should be obvious sources of carbohydrates (grains, fruits or dairy), protein
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 17
Pediatric Care
Back-to-School Health Checklist
A new school year means a fresh start. We're dedicated to helping you navigate your child’s health this school year. To help guide them, we've created a back-to-school checklist for taking care of mental and physical health needs of school-aged kids as the year begins. We're here to help keep your child healthy ✓ Stock up on supplies. so they can focus on learning and flourishing: ✓ Ease back into sleep routines. Same day appointments for sick kids ✓ Create a quiet workspace. Monday through Friday ✓ Watch the backpack weight. Flu shots for all children six months and older ✓ Calm back-to-school jitters. Sports Physicals ✓ Keep meals healthy and interesting. Virtual Visits ✓ Wash your hands.
For more information or to makean appointment, call (406) 522-KIDS (5437) Mon - Fri: 8 am - 6 pm 1819 S 22nd Ave., Ste. 100
billingsclinicbozeman.com
(meats, cheeses, yogurt, nuts, seeds and nut butters), and fats (cheese, avocado, condiments, dipping sauces and nuts). “Carbs and fats will give energy, and the protein will allow that energy to last for a long time. Fats are also important for providing a sense of fullness and satisfaction with the meal,” Womack said. “Resist the urge to pack a bunch of vegetables in an effort to provide your kid with healthy foods. Vegetables are definitely good for us but they only enhance what should already be a meal with adequate calories, carbs, protein and fat. A salad as a lunch is likely to leave your child feeling hungry and less satisfied, driving them to seek out snack foods and possibly overeat.” And this balanced strategy is as healthy for the body as it is for the brain. “To put it simply, in order to avoid low energy, poor focus and a bad mood during a long school day, kids need to eat a solid lunch. Going longer than four hours without eating causes the blood sugar to drop, which leads to feeling tired and unfocused,” Womack said. “It’s very tough to focus on learning with a growling stomach. Nobody likes to be hangry! Having a lunch that is balanced allows for kids to get an energy boost, and for their brains to refuel for the rest of the school day.”
Courtney Handlin, DO
Sheila Idzerda, MD
Claire Kenamore, MD
18 | BACK TO SCHOOL • 2022
MONTANA MONTANAVACCINE VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ATTENDANC Requirements for child care attendance By 3 Months
By 5 Months
By 7 Months
By 16 Months
By 19 Months
By 6 Years
By 12 Years
DTaP 1 dose
DTaP 2 doses
DTaP 3 doses
DTaP 3 doses
DTaP 4 doses
DTaP 4 doses3
Tdap 1 dose4
Hepatitis B 1 dose
Hepatitis B 2 doses
Hepatitis B 2 doses
Hepatitis B 2 doses
Hepatitis B 3 doses
Hepatitis B 3 doses
Hepatitis B 3 doses
NE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE ATTENDANCE Hib Hib Hib Hib 1
1
Hib 3 or 4 doses1
1 dose
2 doses
2 or 3 doses
3 or 4 doses
Polio 1 dose
Polio 2 doses
Polio 2 doses
Polio 2 doses
Polio 3 doses
PCV 1 dose
PCV 2 doses
PCV 3 doses
PCV 4 doses2
PCV 4 doses2
By 16 Months
By 19 Months
By 6 Years
MMR 5 By1 12 Years dose
DTaP 3 doses
DTaP 4 doses
DTaP 4 doses3
Varicella Tdap 1 dose54
Not Required after 5 years of age Polio 3 doses3
Polio 3 doses3
Not Required after 5 years of age
MMR MMR MMR 5 5 1 1 dose 2 doses doses5 Varies depending on vaccine type used and age2started.
SeeVaricella the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice Varicella Varicella 5 5 (ACIP) Catch-up Schedule. 1 dose 2 doses 2 doses5
2
Varies depending on age started. See the ACIP Catch-up
3
One dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday.
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Schedule. 2 doses 3 doses 3 doses 3 doses 1 Varies depending on vaccine type used and age started. See the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) Catch-up Schedule.
Hib Hibthe ACIP Catch-up Schedule. Varies depending on age started. See When following the ACIP schedule, children will have at Not Required after 5 years of age 1 1 3 th 3 or 4 doses 3 or 4 doses least 5 doses of DTaP andand 4 doses ofofpolio One dose must be given on or after the 4 birthday. When following the ACIP schedule, children will have at least 5 doses of DTaP 4 doses poliovaccine. vaccine.
2
4 5
4 Polio Polio A child 7Polio years or older who has not completed the DTaP requirement must receivePolio additional doses of Tdap or Td 7vaccine to become current per the ACIP Schedule. A child years or older who has not completed the
2 doses 3 doses First dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday.
3 doses3
3 doses3
Note: A four-day apply, as appropriate, per the ACIP recommendations PCV grace period may PCV
Not Required after 5 years of age
4 doses2
4 doses2
MMR 5 1 dose
MMR 1 dose5
MMR 2 doses5
MMR 2 doses5
Varicella 1 dose5
Varicella 1 dose5
Varicella 2 doses5
Varicella 2 doses5
DTaP requirement must receive additional doses of Tdap or Td vaccine to become current per the ACIP Schedule. 5
September 2 First dose must be given on or after theRevised 1’1 birthday.
of MT: 37.95 Note: A four-day grace periodAdministrative may apply, asRule appropriate, per the ACIP recommendations Revised September 2018 Administrative Rule of MT: 37.95.140
How much should a
2022 • BACK TO SCHOOL | 19
BACKPACK WEIGH? Metro Creative Connection
Backpacks are handy tools that carry an array of gear. Students rely on them to hold books, while hikers and campers utilize backpacks to carry items such as food and beverages that keep them safe on trails. Even office workers may turn to backpacks to carry laptops or other tools of the trade. Backpacks are handy resources, but overstuffed backpacks may cause injury. Backpacks should only carry weight that people can handle, and there are guidelines that can help people safely utilize backpacks. The weight of a backpack depends on the age of the person using it. Generally speaking, adults should not exceed 20 percent of total body mass
when loading backpacks. That means a healthy person weighing 200 pounds should not carry more than 40 pounds in his or her backpack. In regard to children, researchers indicate that a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10 percent of what the student weighs. Those findings are based on a Spanish study involving 49 primary school-aged children. Therefore, if a child weighs 70 pounds, he or she should only carry up to 7 pounds in the backpack. Individuals also should follow a few other backpack recommendations to alleviate injuries. It’s not a good idea to wear a backpack hanging from only one shoulder. A backpack should be worn on both shoulders, and ideally with a lumbar strap. This will help to prevent muscular
pains by providing well-rounded support. A backpack with wide, padded straps can minimize pressure on the shoulders, back and collarbone. Backpacks made of lightweight material will not add much additional weight to what’s being carried. Another tip is for children and adults to pack the heaviest item carried in the backpack closest to the center of the back to minimize strain.
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Good Health starts with Primary Care
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