Back to School 2018

BACK TO SCHOOL

Take a Look Inside

for important info about the 2018-19 school year, including free and reduced lunches,

the Board of Ed. schedule, upcoming dates to remember, and much more.

August 16, 2018

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

Two

BACK TO SCHOOL

Looking Good And Staying On Budget For Back To School

T

he dawn of a new school year requires restocking school supplies. But for some kids, the most important part of returning to school is making sure they look good walking through the door on the first day of school — and each day thereafter.

The National Retail Federation says the average family with school-aged children expects to spend $630 this year on school supplies. A large percentage of that money will be spent on clothing. Naturally, parents want their children to have clothing they’ll love and feel comfortable wearing, but do not want to break the bank buying wardrobes for their youngsters. But parents can employ various strategies to ensure

kids look good without mom and dad going broke.

• Invest in few essential clothing items. Ask children what they are most interested in buying. One or two trendy shirts or an expensive pair of sneakers can be paired with seasonal pieces. The result is a trendy, affordable look.

• Shop discount retailers. Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls offer many brand-name items at a discount over department store prices.

While these stores customarily stock items that may be a season or two out of date, they can help budget-conscious families nab some key clothing items at affordable prices.

• See if replicas will fit the bill. Girls may be enamored with

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an oversized hair accessory dubbed the JoJo Bow, an accessory popularized by celebrity Joelle Joni “JoJo” Siwa. They’re big and colorful, but the name-brand, authentic hair bows may be beyond some parents’ budgets. However, there are plenty of bows that can achieve the same look at a fraction of the cost of the JoJo Bow. Parents also may find more affordable alternatives to other trendy items.

• Choose a size larger. Children grow very fast, so it may be well worth the investment to purchase trendy items one size larger so kids can get more use out of the item. However, this likely won’t be possible with footwear.

• Share clothes. Savvy bargainhunters can swap gently worn shoes or clothing with other families when kids outgrow items.

• Spread out purchases. To make purchasing easier on the wallet, grab items here and there throughout the year and put them toward

school wardrobe essentials, rather than cramming in shopping right before the school year begins. This approach also helps families shop sales and maintain a variety of pieces that make it easier to transi-

tions kids’ wardrobes throughout the year.

School clothes can make up a large chunk of back-to-school shopping budgets. Smart choices help families save money.

INDEX

Free and Reduced Lunch Info

2, 11

School Year Calendar

5

Important School Dates

6

Board of Education Info and Schedule

7

Guide to Cheshire Schools

8

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

Three

BACK TO SCHOOL

Cheshire Offering Eligible Students Free And Reduced Meals

T

he Cheshire Public Schools have announced the policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reducedprice meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Local school officials have adopted the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for family size and income criteria for determining eligibility.

The following income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, for determining eligibility of participants for free and reduced-price meals and free milk in the Child Nutrition Programs.

The income calculations (see chart) are made based on the following formulas: Monthly income is calculated by dividing the annual income by 12; twice monthly income is computed by dividing annual income by 24; income received every two weeks is calculated by dividing annual income by 26; and weekly income is computed by dividing annual income by 52. All numbers are rounded upward to the next whole dollar.

Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or free milk.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents and may be found on the Cheshire Food and Nutrition Services website. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office at each school, kitchens and local food pantry.

Only one application is required per household and an application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.

The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purposes of determining eligibility and for administration and enforcement of the lunch, breakfast and milk programs. Additionally, all school-aged children in incomeeligible households can receive school meal benefits regardless of a child’s immigration status and the district/school does not release information for immigration-related purposes in the usual course of operating the CNPs. Note that the district may share eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for

their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

This information may also be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

For up to 30 operating days into the new school year, eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same local educational agency (LEA).

When the carry-over period ends, unless the household is notified that their children are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the children must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility.

No application is required if the district directly certifies a child based on a household member re-

FREE MEALS/MILK

Number Annuual Monthly in Gross Gross Family Income Income 1

15,782

7

8

Each Add’l Family Member

43,862

49,478

55,094

+5,616

607 823

304 412

1

22,459

1,872

520

3

38,443

3,204

3,188

1,594

1,471

2,720

38,246

Monthly Gross Income

1,039

32,630

6

Annual Gross Income

1,126

4 5

Number in Family

2,252

1,784

27,014

Weekly Gross Income

658

21,398

3,656

4,124

4,592 +468

892

1,360 1,828

2,062

2,296 +234

ceiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program. All children in these households are eligible for free meal benefits. Households receiving assistance under the SNAP/ TFA programs will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses

REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Every 2 Weeks Gross Income

1,316

2 3

Twice Per Month

1,255 1,687

1,903

628 736 844

952

2,119

1,060

+216

+108

2 4 5 6 7

8

Each Add’l Family Member

30,451 46,435 54,427 62,419 70,411

78,403 +7,992

to decline benefits. If any children were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free meal benefits extended to those children. Households receiving SNAP or TFA benefits for their children should only submit an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by October 16, 2018.

Some children may be directly certified for free or reduced-

Twice Per Month 936

Every 2 Weeks Gross Income

Weekly Gross Income 586

864

432

1,479

740

2,538

1,269

1,172

3,870

1,935

1,786

4,536 5,202 5,868

6,534 +666

1,602 2,268

2,601 2,934 3,267 +333

893

2,094

1,047

2,709

1,355

2,401

3,016 +308

1,201 1,508 +154

price meals based on Medicaid (HUSKY). No application is required if the district directly certifies a child based on Medicaid (HUSKY). All children in these households are eligible for free or reduced-priced meal benefits.

Households receiving assistance under Medicaid (HUSKY) will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be provided free or reduced-price benefits accontinued to page 11

Attention Cheshire Parents

BUS

SCHEDULE

COMING SOON!

LOOK FOR IT ONLINE! Bus routes can be found on the Cheshire Public Schools Powerschool Parent Portal website in late August. Transportation changes are being made daily right up until the day before school starts. Please check the parent portal right before school starts for updates and changes. Directions for the parent portal are available on the Cheshire Public Schools website.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

Four

BACK TO SCHOOL

Help Your Child Adjust Back Into Normal School-Year Routine

S

tudents may need some time to adjust at the beginning of a new school year. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and it might be unfair to expect kids to seamlessly slip back into their more regimented lives as students.

While some early school year sluggishness might be normal, that should wear off pretty quickly. If not, and students appear to be struggling to get motivated for their schoolwork, parents can try various strategies that should help reignite youngsters’ passions for learning.

•Make your home more schoolfriendly. Summer is a relaxing

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Engage Students About Subjects, Projects They Are Working On. time of year when parents have a tendency to relax rules around the house. But come the school year, parents must make sure their homes are as conducive to studying as possible.

Resist the urge to turn the television on each night so students are not distracted from their studies. Keep the home quiet so students are motivated to focus on their studies.

•Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. Various studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. A 2002 study published in the journal Sociology of Education found that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with improved grade point average, increased college attendance and reduced absenteeism.

The link between participation in extracurricular activities and improved academic performance is still in need of study, but such participation may help children acclimate to the structure of the school year more quickly than they might if they do not participate in such activities.

•Encourage curious youngsters.

Kids are curious, and fostering that curiosity can be a great way for parents to get their kids excited about learning. Whether it’s during the school year and part of their curriculum or on summer break, encourage kids to engage in subjects that interest them. As kids learn more about the topics and subjects that interest them, they may develop a passion for learning that they can then take with them to the classroom.

•Express an interest in the subjects children are studying. Another way to motivate students at the dawn of a new school year is to express an interest in the subjects they’re studying. Ask questions about their studies and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions.

Engaging students about the subjects they’re studying can motivate them to explore those subjects more deeply than they otherwise might.

Motivating kids to be excited about their schoolwork at the dawn of a new school year can sometimes be difficult. But parents can employ various strategies that can help their children readjust to life in the classroom and motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

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The 2018/2019 Cheshire School District Calendar CHESHIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2018-2019 School Calendar

2018

6 13 20 27

AUGUST T W Th 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 [30]

F 3 10 17 24 31

M 3 10 17 24

SEPTEMBER T W Th 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 20 19 25 26 27

17 F 9/3 7 9/10 14 9/19 21 Open Houses 28

M 1 8 15 22 29

OCTOBER T W 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 31

Th 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

NOVEMBER T W Th 1 7 8 6 13 14 15 20 21* 22 27 28 29

F 2 9 16 23 30

M

M 5 12 19 26 M 3 10 17 24 31 [ ] *

DECEMBER T W 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

Th 6 13 20 27

2 8/27 8/28 8/29 8/30

Student Contact Days Labor Day Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur

CHS - 9/6; Dodd 9/5 (Gr 7), 9/12 (Gr. 8) Grades K-6 - 9/4, 9/13; 9/17 (Highland Only) Prof. Develop CHS Only - 9/27 (early dismissal)

F 7 14 21* 28

7 14 21 28 M

FEBRUARY T W Th

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

M

Student Contact Days Convocation/Staff Prep. Day Professional Dev. Day Professional Dev. Day First Day of School

M

22 Student Contact Days 10/8 Columbus Day

7 14 21 28

MAY W 1 8 15 22 29

Th 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24 31

22 Student Contact Days 5/27 Memorial Day

M T 3 4 10 [11*] 17 18 24 25

JUNE W 5 12 19 26

Th 6 13 20 27

F 7 14 21 28

7 Student Contact Days 6/11 Last Student Contact Day 6/12 Teacher Work Day

T

6 13 20 27

Snow days will be made up June 12-28 (13 days). Additional snow days needed beyond these 13 days will begin with April 18 and move backward.

Prof. Develop Grades PreK-6 Only - 2/6 (early dismissal) CHS Only - 2/7 (early dismissal) Dodd Only - 2/28 (early dismissal)

F 5 12 19 26

M

Profess. Devel. Day-No School for Students Vacation/Holiday-NoSchool

18 Student Contact Days 2/18 President's Day 2/19 February Break

Th 4 11 18 25

T 2 9 16 23 30

First/Last Day of School for Students Early Dismissal for Students

Report Cards CHS & Dodd - 1/29; Kindergarten - 1/23 Prof. Develop CHS Only - 1/10 (early dismissal) Grades PreK-6 Only - 1/23 (early dismissal) Dodd Only - 1/24 (early dismissal)

APRIL W 3 10 17 24

M 1 8 15 22 29

Th

F 1 8 15 22

21 Student Contact Days 1/1 New Year's Day 1/21 Martin Luther King Day

7 14 21 28

19 11/6 11/21 11/22-11/23

Report Cards Grades 1-6 - 12/10 Prof. Develop Grades PreK-6 Only - 12/5 (early dismissal) CHS Only - 12/6 (early dismissal)

7 14 21 28

F 4 11 18 25

6 13 20 27

5 12 19 26

15 Student Contact Days 12/21 Early Dismissal - All Schools 12/24-12/31 Winter Break

Th 3 10 17 24 31

F 1 8 15 22 29

4 11 18 25

Parent Conf. Dodd - 11/13 (early dismissal) Report Cards CHS - 11/9; Dodd - 11/13 Prof. Develop CHS Only - 11/15 (early dismissal)

6 13 20 27

MARCH T W

Open House Darcey (EIC) - 10/2 Parent Conf. CHS - 10/18 (early dismissal) Dodd - 10/4, 10/16 (early dismissal) Grades PreK-6 - 10/23, 10/25, 10/30 (early dismissal) Prof. Develop Grades PreK-6 Only - 10/3 (early dismissal) CHS Only - 10/10 (early dismissal)

Student Contact Days Professional Development Day-Election Day Early Dismissal - all schools Thanksgiving Break

2019

JANUARY T W 2 1 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

20 Student Contact Days 3/15 Professional Development Day

Report Cards Grades 1-6 - 3/18 Parent Conf. Grades PreK-6 - 3/19, 3/21, 3/26 (early dismissal)

17 Student Contact Days 4/15-4/18 Spring Break 4/19 Good Friday

Report Cards CHS & Dodd - 4/5 Prof. Develop Dodd Only - 4/25 (early dismissal)

Report Cards CHS & Dodd 6/14; Gr. K-6 Last Day of School

27

Five - Day weeks of school.

Approved by the Cheshire Board of Education on January 18, 2018

Delayed And Early Dismissal Schedule

Discover The Hamden Hall Experience

Here are the times for delayed openings and early dismissals for Cheshire Public Schools: Chapman School—Delayed Opening, 10:05 a.m., Early Dismissal, 12:40 p.m.; Doolittle School—Delayed Opening, 10:05 a.m., Ealry Dismissal, 12:40 p.m.; Highland School—Delayed Opening, 10:50 a.m., Early Dismissal, 1:25 p.m.; Norton School—Delayed Opening, 10:50 a.m., Early Dismissal, 1:25 p.m.; Darcey School—Delayed Opening, 10:50 a.m., Early Dismissal, 1:25 p.m.; Humiston School—Delayed Opening, 10 a.m., Early Dismissal, 12:30 p.m.; Dodd Middle School—Delayed Opening, 10:06 a.m., Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m.; Cheshire High School—Delayed Opening, 9:30 a.m., Early Dismissal, 12:10 p.m.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

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Important Upcoming Dates To Remember At Elementary Schools

T

he following are important dates to remember for parents

and students attending Cheshire elementary schools this fall:

Chapman School •Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. — “Back to School Visit”

LEARN, PLAY, AND GROW

Spots are filling quickly, don’t miss the opportunity for your kids to learn, play and grow at The Y this fall.

SPACE AVAILABLE • Highland Before and After School Care • Doolittle Before and After School Care • Norton After School Care • Preschool Full & Part Time

CHESHIRE COMMUNITY YMCA

967 South Main Street Cheshire, CT 06410 203-272-3150

Parents and students are invited to meet teachers and visit classrooms before the start of the school year •Tuesday, Sept. 4, beginning at 6 p.m. — Open House This will be for students and parents of students in Kindergarten through grade 3.

•Thursday, Sept. 13, beginning at 6 p.m. — Open House This will be for students and parents of students in grades 4 through 6.

Doolittle School •Wednesday, Aug. 22, beginning at 6 p.m. — Parent Orientation Night Parents are invited to attend this evening, where Principal Russell Hinckley will outline some of Doolittle’s day-to-day procedures and answer any questions.

•Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Classroom Visits Incoming first-grade students and their families are invited to visit their new classrooms and meet with their teachers. Parents can attend a question-and-answer session in the cafeteria. Students in grades 2 through 6 who are new to Doolittle may visit anytime between 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Highland School •Today, Aug. 16, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — New Family

Orientation •Monday, Aug. 27 through Wednesday, Aug. 29 — Staff Professional Development •Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Kindergarten Orientation Norton School •Tuesday, Aug. 28 — Kindergarten Orientation Students with last names beginning with A through L attend from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Students with last names beginning with M through Z attend 10 to 10:45 a.m.

•Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. — New Family Orientation •Tuesday, Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 13 — Open House •Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Grade 6 Connecticut State Fitness Assessment

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

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BOE, School District Information in the office of the superintendent.

Board of Education Members

August 2018 — June 2019 August 23, 2018

Town Hall

Business

Sept. 8, 2018 Sept. 20, 2018

Town Hall Town Hall

Opening Schools Business

Oct. 4, 2018 Oct. 18, 2018

Town Hall Town Hall

Open Forum Business

Nov. 1, 2018 Nov. 15, 2018

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Feb. 21, 2019

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Dodd Middle School Town Hall

April 4, 2019

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May 2, 2019 May 16, 2019

Cheshire High School Town Hall

June 6, 2019 June 28, 2019**

Dodd Showcase Business Business

Town Hall Humiston

CHS Showcase Business Business Fiscal/Business

Call To Order: 7:30 p.m.

All meeting locations are handicapped accessible.

If necessary, business items will be added to this schedule. **This meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m.

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About the Board of Education

The Board of Education acts as a legislative body determining general policies for the control, operation, and maintenance of the public schools.

The Board consists of seven elected members serving overlapping four-year terms.

The Board operates under a committee system, with nine standing committees in areas ranging from curriculum to finance.

A superintendent of schools is hired to execute board policies.

Board of Education Policies

A manual of all Board of Education policies is available to the public at the Cheshire Public Library, all school principals’ offices, and

Cathy Hellreich (Chair) Kathryn Fabiani (Vice-Chair) Adam Grippo Marlena Soble Tony Perugini Anne Harrigan Neeta Vatti

Board Committee Chairs

Curriculum- Kathryn Fabiani Finance - Marlena Soble Legislative - Cathy Hellreich Liaison - Anne Harrigan Personnel - Tony Perugini Planning - Kathryn Fabiani Policy - Marlena Soble

Information - Kathryn Fabiani Transportation - Tony Perugini

Education Department Information Central Office Administration 29 Main Street (203) 250-2400 Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Solan (203) 250-2420 Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Shawn Parkhurst (203) 250-2431 Director of Management Services Vincent Masciana (203) 250-2429

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

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A Guide To Cheshire’s Public And Private Schools

Doolittle School

Cheshire High School

Dodd Middle School

Humiston School

Address: 735 Cornwall Ave. Telephone: (203) 272-3549 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/doolittle Principal: Russell Hinckley School Hours: 8:05 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

Address: 100 Park Place Telephone: (203) 272-3249 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/dodd Principal: Michael Woods School Hours: 8:07 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Chapman School

Address: 525 South Main St. Telephone: (203) 250-2511 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/chs Principal: Dr. Mary Gadd School Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address: 38 Country Club Rd. Telephone: (203) 272-3591 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/chapman Principal: Diana Burns School Hours: 8:05 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

Darcey School

Address: 30 Spring St. Telephone: (203) 250-2435 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us Principal: Christopher Brown School Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cheshire School District Central Office is located at 29 Main Street. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Those wishing to contact the Central Office for any reason can do so by calling (203) 250-2400.

Address: 1686 Waterbury Rd. Telephone: (203) 272-3343 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/darcey Principal: Ann Donnery School Hours: Kindergarten 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 a.m.; (Note: No PM kindergarten with implementation of full-day schedule.)

Norton School

Address: 414 North Brooksvale Rd. Telephone: (203) 272-7283 Website: www.cheshire.k12. ct.us/norton Principal: Kelly Grillo School Hours: 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

LITTLE CHERUBS CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Highland School

Address: 490 Highland Ave. Telephone: (203) 272-0335 Website: www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/highland Principal: Scott Jeffrey School Hours: 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Address: 171 Main St. Telephone: (203) 272-5860 Website: www.stbridgetschool.org Principal: Jennifer Furlong School Hours: 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

St. Bridget is accredited and provides a Christian-based education for pre-K through 8th grade.

Cheshire Academy

Address: 10 Main St. Telephone: (203) 439-7250 Web: www.cheshireacademy.org Head of Schools: Julie Anderson Founded in 1794, Cheshire

St. Bridget School

Academy is an independent college preparatory school that offers a student-centered education for day and boarding students grades 9-12, and post-graduate. Average class size is 12 and student-to-teacher ratio is 7 to 1. Students came from 34 countries and 22 states during the 2016-17 school year.

*With schools returning to session, The Cheshire Herald will once again be publishing our weekly Schools section of the paper. If you or your child are participating in an interesting school-related activity, if your class is conducting a fascinating project, or if your school is working on some kind of function, call or email John Rook at (203) 2725316 and jrook@cheshireherald. com.

SERVING CHESHIRE SINCE 1920

WHITE BOWMAN

Plumbing / Heating Contractors Industrial Commercial Residential

Now enrolling 3’s Exceptional outdoor space with nature walk Welcoming classroom with beautiful views of the outdoor space littlecherubs@cheshirelutheran.org License #15069 203-272-1150

CT Care 4 Kids Accepted

660 West Main St. Cheshire, CT 06410

266 SANDBANK ROAD • CHESHIRE

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

Nine

BACK TO SCHOOL

Tips On How To Make Physical Exam Process As Painless As Possible

S

chool time requires having all of the necessary supplies, clothing and gear ready for the year. In addition, preparing for a new school year often involves providing updated physical health information to the school administration.

The requirements for health screenings and reporting may vary between school districts.

Some physical examinations need to be conducted annually, while others may only need updating at certain intervals, such as when kids transition from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school.

Updated physical forms also may be required at the start of a sports season.

Health screenings are intended to detect problems that may interfere with learning. Physical exams may indicate issues that can hamper progress or shed light on undiagnosed problems that may require further assessment and necessitate customized learning plans to help students succeed.

Physical exams are also a way to ensure students’ immunizations are up to date.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, physical exams typically are completed by

Know Insurance Guidelines Before Making Appointments. students’ primary care providers.

Some school districts offer free or low-cost health assessments through school providers as well.

Students who will be traveling for school may be required to meet the health requirements of their destination country. For example, medical students admitted to a Canadian university may be required to get a medical exam, according to the Government of Canada.

Visiting the doctor, nurse practitioner or a school-provided medical professional may not make school-aged children too happy. To make the process go smoothly, consider these suggestions.

•Work with physicians who have access to electronic health records. EHRs are secure technology that provides easy access to vaccination records, health history, appointment reminders,

and even prescription information. Some providers even make it possible for patients to directly access their health information through a secure login, helping save time.

•Make appointments during school hours. After-school appointments are peak times for pediatric offices and medical clinics. Sign students out of school early to visit the doctor for medical exams. The staff likely will be less harried, and you can spend more time asking questions and completing forms. Schools may not count the absence if a doctor’s note is provided.

•Don’t forget the forms. Bring the right paperwork so that the staff can fill out what is necessary for the school, camp or sports league.

•Know your insurance guidelines. Physical exams may be part of routine well visits. Insurance companies institute their own policies regarding how frequently physicals can be conducted (usually annually). Be sure to schedule the appointment accordingly.

Physical examinations are on many parents’ back-to-school to-do lists. Certain strategies can make physicals easier for adults and children alike.

Consignment Originals Cheshire Celebrating 1 Year at our New Location!

151 Highland Ave.

St. Peter’s Welcome Home Sunday September 9, 2018 From youngest to eldest, you are all invited!

Please join us.

8:15 am Contemplative Communion 9:15 am Coffee and Fellowship 9:45-10:30 am Children’s Worship and Faith Formation (Children join worship service at 10:30) 10 am Celebration of Holy Eucharist for all ages with choirs and Blessing of School Back Packs 11 am Festive Potluck Brunch 59 Main Street, Cheshire, CT

To Our Entire Community,

Best of luck in the 2018-19 School Year!

Join us August 15 • Name Brands • Designer Labels • Great Selection • Furniture & Decor • Prices you’ll love!

(How is it possible that you are all in high school now???)

Boulder Knoll Montessori School, Cheshire, CT

Thank you for being part of the CO family!

Serving children ages 3-6 and their families.

Now accepting applications for 2019-2020 and beyond.

Open House the 3rd Sunday of September, from 1-3pm Please RSVP to boulderknollmontessori@yahoo.com

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

Ten

BACK TO SCHOOL Tips On Cyber Security, Both At Home And School

T

hanks to advancements in technology, students and educators are increasingly turning to birth, tablets and computers when working on daily assignments and classroom activities. Students rely on the internet for research and keeping in touch with teachers and other students, and work is even assigned and completed via digital platforms.

Despite the upside of technology, cyber crime is a potential pitfall of all that time spent online. The internet provides instant access, and that can put students at risk.

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According to Verizon’s 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report, the education sector ranked sixth in the United States for the total number of reported “security incidents.” Schools are data-rich, meaning they give hackers access to information like identification numbers, birthdates, email addresses, financial data, medical records, and more.

Students must understand cyber security risks when working and sharing data online. The following are some tips students can follow.

• Protect passwords. Students are urged to keep their passwords to themselves. This prevents others from using accounts maliciously or even in seemingly harmless ways that can put you in trouble, such as searching for inappropriate content in school.

Choose complicated passwords that can’t be easily guessed, and opt for two-step authentication whenever offered.

• Use secured WiFi networks.

Free or open WiFi connections are not encrypted, meaning they can be accessed by anyone. Many cyber criminals gain access to information through these channels.

Schools should have encrypted systems in place.

• Limit what you share on the internet. Students are urged to be aware of what they share online.

According to DataManagement, a computing service, information posted to social media is permanent, and deleted items aren’t necessarily gone. Exercise caution on social media. Don’t post unless it is something you would be comfortable sharing in public.

• Watch out for phishing scams.

Phishing usually occurs through fraudulent email messages that mimic the look of reputable solicitations. Scammers rely on these tactics to tempt people to click on links or download attachments that can put malware on a device and steal personal data. Exercise caution with all links and downloads.

• Schedule routine backups.

Data can be lost if a device crashes, so routinely back up personal devices and home computers.

Backups can be stored on external hard drives or with cloud services.

• Exercise caution when filesharing. UC Santa Cruz’s information technology services says viruses and malware can be transmitted by filesharing software, and files offered by others may not be what they say they are.

Only used school-approved filesharing options.

Cyber security is something students should prioritize this school year. The right security measures can protect students, their classmates and their schools.

the cheshire herald, AUGUST 16, 2018

Eleven

BACK TO SCHOOL Information On Free And Reduced Meal Programs Continued ... continued from page 3

cordingly, unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses to decline benefits.

If any children were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free or reducedprice meal benefits extended to those children.

If a child is not directly certified, the household should complete a free and reduced-price meal application form. The application for the SNAP or TFA households require the SNAP or TFA case number and the households may be asked to provide proof of the SNAP or TFA case number. The signature of an adult household member is also required.

Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Please send in an application or contact the determining official for more information.

When known to the district/ school, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is Other Source Categorically Eligible, because the child is categorized as either: Homeless; runaway as defined by law and determined by the district’s or school’s homeless liaison; or enrolled in an eligible Head Start or

pre-Kindergarten class as defined by law. Households with children who are categorically eligible under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs should complete an application and checkoff the relevant box. Questions should be directed to the determining official.

For any child not listed on the eligibility notice, the households should contact the school or determining official about any child also eligible under one of these programs or should submit an income application for the other children.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the determining official or school if it chooses to decline the free meal benefits. If households/ children are not notified by the district/school of their free meal benefits and they receive benefits under Assistance Programs or under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs, the parent/ guardian should contact the determining official or their school.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are categorically eligible for free meals.

A foster parent does not have to complete a free/reduced meal application if they can submit a copy of the legal document or legal court order showing that the

child is a foster child. Additionally, a foster child may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits. Note, however, that a foster child’s free eligibility does not automatically extend to all students in the household.

Application forms for all other households require a statement of total household income, household size and names of all household members. The last four digits of the social security number of an adult household member must be included or a statement that the household member does not have one. The adult household member must also sign the application certifying that the information provided is correct.

Under the provisions of the policy for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, the determining official—Madeleine C. Diker, Food Service Director, 29 Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 (203)250-2459—will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, he or she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal

Want To Get Involved? Join A PTA/PTO

A

re you interested in becoming more directly involved in your child's educational experience this year? If so, you should consider joining a PTA/ PTO. There groups plan activities, raise funds for programs, and provide needed assistance to each public school in Cheshire.

Below are the links to more information for each PTA/PTO in Cheshire: Darcey School: http://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/

darcey/resources-for-parents/pta Chapman School: http://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/ chapman/resources-for-parents/ ptsa Doolittle School: http://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/ doolittle/parents-resources/ptainformationforms Highland School: http://www.highlandschool ptocheshire.com/

2 0 1 8

Norton School: http:// w w w . cheshire. k12.ct.us/ norton/parents-resources/pta Dodd Middle School: http://doddpta.com/ Cheshire High School: https://sites.google.com/a/ cheshire.k12.ct.us/chs/about-us/pto

basis. If he or she wishes to make a formal appeal, a request either orally or in writing, may be made to the hearing official—Jeffrey F. Solan, Superintendent of Schools, Cheshire Public Schools, 29 Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 (203) 250-2420—for a hearing to appeal the decision.

The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure. Each school and the Central Office of the school district has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by an interested party.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes at any time, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for reduced-price meals and free meals, if the family income falls at or below the levels shown in the income guidelines.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the determining official at (203) 250-2459.

ATTENTION: PARENTS of CT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

FREE WORKSHOP REVEALS “How to send your child to the college of their choice without spending your life’s savings or going broke!”

Thursday, September 13th 6:30-8pm Workshop Held at: Cheshire Senior Center, 240 Maple Ave.

For details on the next FREE Workshop in your area, call 866-324-7098 EXT 202

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200 Mansion Rd. * Cheshire (203) 272-5435

An Exceptional Education Experience An Exceptional Education Experience

Thank you for voting us BEST DANCE STUDIO again this year!

Offering classes for 4-year-olds through adults, beginner through professional levels, in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Modern, Jazz, KinderDance and Pre-Ballet

Registration Dates August 28-30, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

328 Industrial Avenue, Cheshire Watch our dancers in action from 4-6 p.m. during Registration!

See us perform at the Cheshire Fall Festival • Sept. 15, 1:30 p.m.

•2,600 s.f. of dance space with free-floating sprung floors •Viewing for all three studios, unlimited parking, shower facility

For information, call 203-699-TUTU (8888)

* Award-Winning programs * All teachers hold Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree * Nature-focused curriculum with outdoor nature center * Half-day, school-day & before/after care

Award-Winning programs * TheCheshireNurserySchool.com * Educated, experienced professional teaching staff * Nature-focused curriculum with outdoor nature center

Twelve

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, AUGUST 16, 2018

BACK TO SCHOOL

The Student-Centered School

JOIN US TO

C

BRAT E L E E

Celebrating Our Legacy, Launching Our Future Founded in 1794, Cheshire Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the country. We will be celebrating the 225-year anniversary of the school throughout the academic year with many exciting programs and events. We look forward to sharing our celebration with the community. Watch for more information at cheshireacademy.org or follow us on social media.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW TOWN SCHOLAR

Kavin Kathir

OPEN FOR GRADE 9 APPLICANTS The winner of this prestigious award receives a full four-year scholarship to attend Cheshire Academy. Three students will also receive partial scholarships.

Visit cheshireacademy.org to learn more.

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS: • International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme • Roxbury Academic Support • Art Major • Campus Life

• Residential Life • Athletics • College Counseling

10 Main Street, Cheshire CT | cheshireacademy.org