12 minute read
ONE AMAZING KID
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amazing kid
While most kids took advantage of additional screen time when quarantining in 2020, Annie Engholm used her extra time at home to craft. She turned her hobby into a lucrative Etsy shop and has given away all her profits. “I wanted to get rid of COVID, and I was feeling like everyone else wanted to do that as well,” says Annie, a 10-yearold fourth grader at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. “I thought of the store to raise the money to do it.” She launched Annie’s Ever After Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/AnniesEverAfter Shop) in March 2020, and has since raised more than $500, which she has donated to Baton Rouge General. “My goal is to give a thousand bucks to them,” she says. Annie sells jewelry, keychains and an original creation called click clack clams, “two clams that are painted and decorated by pretty tape and googly eyes and you can click them together.” Her parents, Ginny and Scott Engholm, pay for all of the supplies and shipping out of pocket, so everything customers pay is donated. Every Sunday, Annie rides horses, and her favorite school subject is science. Artistically, she loves to sing, and she looks forward to being able to sing in school again. “Annie has such a big heart,” Ginny says. “She sees something and wants to make it better and is always thinking of ways she can do that and make the world a better place.”
CAREER TECH PROGRAMS OFFERED IN ASCENSION
High school students across Ascension have been choosing their classes for the 2021-22 school year, and many are selecting from the more than 100 career and technical education courses offered by the school system. In addition to the traditional college prep high school courses, these career tech classes provide students with real-world learning for real-world success. Both college-bound and career-focused students receive specialized training in fields including computer science, medical services, and business management. Career training programs are offered at all four high schools, the APPLe Digital Academy and Career Center in Sorrento and the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
First graders in Damyionne Brown’s class at Louisiana Key Academy have been learning about Earth’s water cycle. By following Freddie the Fish’s story, they discovered how pollution impacts rivers and other bodies of water on the planet. After hearing Freddie’s story, the students used cotton balls to represent other animals in the river ecosystem and dipped them in polluted water. The experiment allowed them to see and feel how pollution harms wildlife, and brainstorm ways to improve the situation. The academy is a school for students with dyslexia, which means they have difficulty with reading quickly and accurately. Those difficulties don’t dampen the students’ great thirst for knowledge and vocabulary learned in their science work. Seven seniors at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge have been selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program: Abhay Basireddy, Elaine Gboloo, Alex Nelson, Marshall Pentes, Connor Porthouse, Charlie Roth, and Robert Xing. The national program recognizes and honors some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors, and one male and one female student will represent each state at a summer event with the president. “We are excited by the continued success of our students in receiving recognition to the Presidential Scholars Program,” says Justin Fenske, Episcopal college counseling director. “Very few students in the state are recognized annually and we are thrilled to have so many named this year.”
HANDS-ON WATER CYCLE LEARNING AT LKA FREE ACT TESTS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS
Taking the ACT is a right of passage for high school students. Since 2013, Louisiana has provided the test for free for juniors. Investing $2 million in pandemic relief funds this spring, the Louisiana Department of Education is providing free ACT testing for sophomores and seniors as well. Eligible students can receive a voucher for the April 17, June 12 or July 17 test administrations. “This use of pandemic relief funds removes financial barriers and opens doors for our students,” says Dr. Cade Brumley, state superintendent of education. “This additional testing opportunity could be life-changing for some students. An improved ACT score can make college more affordable and expand a student’s post secondary options.” ■ louisianabelieves.com
LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP
Earlier this year, East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System named its new superintendent of schools, Dr. Sito Narcisse. As part of his first 100 day plan for EBR Schools, Dr. Narcisse is developing a Parent Advisory Council, which will include one parent or guardian from each school. “We want to hear from as many people as possible about what we can be doing better, what we’re doing well, and where they might need more resources to support their child’s learning in the home,” Dr. Narcisse says. “In order to be a district focused on every student, in every classroom, every day, we need to hear from those closest to the children, and I am excited to learn more from the families we serve.” ■ ebrschools.org
Sacred Heart of Jesus eighth grader Alex Stewart has been selected as a winner of the St. Joseph’s Academy 1868 award. The oldest high school in Baton Rouge, the Academy was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1868. One of only 10 students chosen, Alex will receive $1,868 toward her freshman year tuition. Selections are based on a 250-word essay the students’ write about a special gift they are passionate about and a recommendation letter submitted on their behalf. The award celebrates the exceptional achievements in an area of particular interest to each student, including but not limited to arts; service; community involvement; science, math, engineering and math disciplines; leadership; or extracurricular activities.
It’s Potty Time
HOW TO GET THE JOB DONE
BY BROOKE SMITH
HAS potty training ever felt or sounded so draining that you consider keeping your child in diapers forever? Persuading a toddler to use the potty is no small task. Some get scared, some get frustrated, and others are just not interested. If you want to minimize the stress and step closer towards success, take these tips into consideration.
RUSHING TO THE FLUSH WILL ONLY LEAVE YOU BOTH CRUSHED
Do not rush the process or start potty training too early. Just because your first child or your sibling’s child trained quickly, it does not mean your little one will be the same way. Each child develops at his or her own rate. Marcia Cox, LCSW, advises parents to not be discouraged if a child does not show interest until 2 1/2-3 years of age. She shares that male children are typically older when they are interested. “When to begin potty training depends upon the stage of maturity and the level of awareness that the child exhibits about the process of elimination. If the child is attending a childcare facility that sets aside a certain amount of time for visiting the potty, his/her awareness may be sooner than if in an environment of being the only child,” says Cox. Waiting for signs is also important. Simone O’Connor, LCSW, states, “Parents should wait until their child shows signs of potty training readiness.” Here are signs to look for: -They are interested in learning to use the potty and wanting to be more independent. -They can follow simple instructions and like to copy your behavior. -They can understand and verbalize
“I’ve done potty training both ways, a Pull-Up and straight to underwear. Pull-Ups took almost a year with my daughter. My boys went straight to underwear. Three days later, one boy was 90 percent trained and the other took a couple weeks extra with nighttime accidents. Tip: buy two to three extra fitted sheets and mattress protectors. Layer them on the bed for an easy swap in the middle of the night. I also recommend the book Potty Training in 3 Days.”
– Amy F.
words about using the potty. They might say, “My diaper is dirty,” or “I need to go pee-pee.” For instance, Gabrielle Settoon, a mother of two, says, “I knew my oldest daughter was ready when she started telling me she had a dirty diaper and didn’t want to sit in it.” -They can make the connection between having the urge to pee or poop. -They can pull down their own diapers or Pull-Ups.
DEFEAT THE FEAR OF THE SEAT
Children often perceive toilets as being monsters who will swallow them whole. Letting them use a potty seat or potty chair helps alleviate this fear, and since your child would have to sit on the actual toilet when she uses a potty seat, she will adapt to the toilet more quickly. Although there is more cleaning involved when your child uses a potty chair, potty chairs are more convenient than potty seats. Children can quickly sit on their potty chair when they need to go, as opposed to having to grab a step stool so they can reach a toilet seat. Potty chairs are portable, and you can place them anywhere, even in the car. You could always line it with coffee filters for a quick cleanup, too. Pick out the potty chair or potty seat together. It will get your child more excited about starting training. The goal is to make the potty as welcoming as possible.
TIME TO POTTY
Once your child is familiar with her potty chair, demonstrate what happens on the potty. You can use one of her dolls or toys. You can even ask your child to show you how the doll/toy goes to potty to reinforce the lesson. Once she is sitting on the potty chair by herself without being prompted, get her to sit there with her underwear or Pull-Up off for a few minutes. If your child needs to feel more secure, try to sit her backwards. Even if she does not end up going, get her used to the habit of wiping and handwashing.
CONSISTENCY LEADS TO INDEPENDENCY
Keeping your child’s bathroom routine as consistent as possible will make the training go smoother. Diapers do not need consistency: when they are dirty, you change them. Here are a few methods to help your child gain more independence:
The Timer Method: This method focuses on the repetition that will help your child learn to associate the sensation of having to pee with sitting on the potty. Give your child fluids and set a timer for every 30 minutes over the course of two or three days. When the timer ticks, take her to the potty.
The Naked Method: Kids love being naked, so why not let your little one run around the house naked (from the waist down) for a few days? Try it over a long weekend. The principle of this method is that your child will naturally want to hold it in until she is sitting on a potty because nothing is touching her bottom.
Three Day Potty Training Method:
Instead of asking your child if she needs to go potty, you instruct her to. There is no forcing her to sit on the potty or visit the potty in regular intervals. You are putting her directly in underwear and throwing away all the diapers. Stay-athome-mom of three boys, Lora Jensen, created this method. She advises parents to let the child throw all the diapers away as a way of removing the child’s “way out” or “crutch.”
PULL-UPS: CRUTCH OR NOT?
Many parents develop mixed feelings about using Pull-Ups. Although Pull-Ups might diminish motivation and might be costly, they could be a good option to use in the beginning. Pull-Ups do not only give your child a “big kid” feel, they also prevent messes, especially at night. Cox explains, “Pull ups can be helpful for all children to not feel embarrassed when they are not consistent with potty training. It is a process and has nothing to do with intelligence. The main focus is on the emotional and social maturity of the child. Some children may need to continue the use of Pull-Ups at nighttime for a while because of bladder issues or because the child is a heavy sleeper.” Even if a child becomes potty trained during waking hours, the nighttime urges are harder to quash. Washing bed sheets constantly can become more annoying than buying more Pull-Ups. So, take advantage of the convenience while you can.
IMPRESS THEM WITH THEIR OWN SUCCESS
Without a doubt, you and your little trainee possess different goals: your goal is to get her out of diapers whereas her goal is to get rewards. A jar of jellybeans or M&Ms goes a long way. Lauren Brickman, a mother of two, shares that it was chocolate that motivated her son to thrive. She says, “We gave our son one M&M after every time he went pee-pee and two M&Ms after every time he went poo-poo, eventually, he realized he would get rewarded if he went.” Meagan Dykes, mother of a three-year-old, states her daughter gets stickers/suckers for using the potty and a new toy for when she is consistent with it. Beware of manipulation though. Your child can pretend to go to get the goods. Only reward when she actually goes. Many children respond better when they see their progression, too. A sticker chart that tracks how well they are doing offers the inspiration they need to push themselves.
BE AS EXPRESSIVE AS AN EMOJI
Your children value your opinion more than you think. Smile and celebrate when they use the loo. Frown when their underwear fills up with poo. If you are disappointed in them, they work to amend the situation. Express your disappointment, but keep your temper in check. Added pressure will not help them learn any faster. You do not want to scare them into constipation either. If your child is refusing to go on the potty, ask her why. The problem could be quite simple to fix. Give your child an audience she can relate to: stuffed animals, dolls, or the family dog if your encouragement is not enough to entice her to go. Make up silly songs and read books about using the potty. If you have a boy, allow him to aim at something like a Fruit Loop, a Cheerio, or a Goldfish Cracker. If there are more tears than pee-pee, consider putting potty training on hold for a few days or weeks. It should not matter how long it takes because your child will always succeed. ■
