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Serving the Lackawanna & Luzerne Valley AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 4 NUMBER 4 Voted First Place Special Section/Niche Publication

By Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Special

Back to

School edition

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World Breastfeeding Week celebrated at Moses Taylor

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 Vol. 4, No. 3

The Valley’s Child is published every other month by Times Shamrock

CONTENTS Your Pregnancy.......................................................4 Your Your Pregnancy...........................................................4-6 Pregnancy.................................................... 4 Seen from left are Kathy McCormick, RN, lactation consultant; Diane Grodack, labor and birth nurse manager; Sarah Glenn, director of lactation; Gina Gatto-Harris, lactation consultant.

Moses Taylor Hospital recognized World Breastfeeding Week by featuring a breastfeeding awareness fair on Aug. 7. The theme of the fair was Breastfeeding at Work Awareness, which focuses on a lactating mother's rights under Pennsylvania legislation.

The state law requires a workplace to provide accommodations for a breastfeeding mother so that she may maintain a feeding routine. A lactation station was on display which allowed visitors to see the simple, yet comfortable, setting that is needed to accommodate a breastfeeding mother. Vendors, basket raffles and breastfeeding literature were available, as was a play area and face painting for children. All proceeds from the fair, as well as a Symphony Breast Pump, were donated to the Catherine McAuley Center.

25th Anniversary Gala for the Cure

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What you need to know about pregnancy and measles.

There is help for morning sickness Pets and babies can mix.

Infants & ...............................................4-5 Infants &Toddlers Toddlers .......................................................

Infants & Toddlers ..........................................

4-108 Remember the three Ts: Infant speech development hinges on it.

go to preschool?

AllShould aboutmy earchild infections.

Head Start at 50

The Grade Grade School Years....................................7, 14 The School Years ............................. 10-17, 21

Be a taskmaster: Chores are good for your kids.

Grade School Years................................

11-16 Is The your child gifted?

Science enrichment reurns to the Scranton Cultural Center.

Summer need not break the bank A lesson on lunches.

You YourTeen.................................................

Teen ...........................................................17 24 You & & Your Teen....................................................10

Spate of for studies on .teen mental health.

Is it time ‘thebetter talk’ . . . about college cost versus value?

Report calls for career guidance.

Be sure your teen explores all career options.

Students: Understand your loan commitment!

Crafts for Kids .............................................. 14-15

Crafts for Kids..........................................................

18-19 Crafts for .................................................12-13 Whimsical craftsKids for lazy, hazy days of summer Make Mom something she’ll treasure forever.

Whimsical back-to-school projects.

The Empty Empty Nest..................................................

19 The Nest ............................................................

27 Little children, little problems

The Empty Nest.....................................................15

A Why townan tooempty far. box ranks among the best Mother’s Day gifts ever.

The Joy Joy of The ofGrandparenting.................................

Grandparenting ..................................19 27

Grandkids — maybe too smart!

The Joyareofsmart Grandparenting....................................15

They grow up so fast!

In praise of the kiddie rides.

EDITOR: Elizabeth Zygmunt 570-207-9001, ext. 5415 CONTRIBUTORS: Jennifer Butler Dave DeCosmo Francene Pisano Dudziec Phil Yacuboski Jones X.x3005 3005 ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Jerry Jeff Boam:

Judy Gregg: x. 5425 Josette 3027 Anna Rzeszewski Nicosia: x. x.

5208

Jerry Mitchell: x. 5234 CNG MANAGING EDITOR: Tom Graham: x. 3492

CNG SALES MANAGER: Alice Manley: x. 9285 MAILING ADDRESS: 149 PENN AVE., SCRANTON, PA. 18503 PHONE: ( 570) 207-9001 EDITORIAL: VALLEYSCHILD@TIMESSHAMROCK.COM or (570) 207-9001 x. 5415 ADVERTISING: ( 570) 348-9185 WEB: VALLEYSCHILD.COM Your news about The Valley’s Child is welcome! E-mail valleyschild@timesshamrock.com. Editorial and photo submissions will not be returned. The opinions of the independent columnists in The Valley’s Child do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial staff.

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Your pregnancy

With proper preparation, pets and babies can mix AP Photo/Tamara Leifer

By Jennifer Butler If you are both a parent-to-be and a pet owner, you are probably excited and apprehensive. The excitement, of course, comes from thinking of your new baby.

The apprehension stems from wondering how a beloved pet may react.

Rather than spending your final weeks before parenthood worrying, take command of the situation now. If your dog is well-behaved, chances are he will love the baby and associate the new child with his owners. If he is not as well-behaved as you would wish, begin well in advance to train him so he’s ready for the new baby.

A dog should be trained to sit, to come when he is called and to walk on a leash by a stroller.

Good training is a very important part of making the relationship a healthy one, according to Dr. Tiffany Kay, VMD. “If you train him to be OK when people tread on his territory, then the newest addition

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of a new family member should be easy.

Remember: No matter how many times you tell a baby or toddler it’s a no-no to touch Rover’s bowl, babies are just too curious to avoid it. Train your dog ahead time that if someone touches his bowl it’s OK, reward him with a treat,” said Dr. Kay. Make your doggy feel safe, adds Dr. Kay, “Pets need a place to call their own.

A crate or just an area away from commotion is good. Your dog needs a break once in awhile too and it’s great if he can go there himself at times.”

Train your dog to be accustomed to being petted all over — including tail, paws and ears. Babies and toddlers love those! A week before the new arrival is due home, try to refrain from directing too much attention the dog’s way. “Continue his walks and his treats for good behavior, but engage in less long bouts of petting and attention. We don’t want the dog to associate the newest addition with a large

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Make these tasks a priority before your newborn arrives

Schedule a checkup.

A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your dog or cat is in good health and up-to-date on all vaccinations.

Play pretend.

Start getting your dog or cat used to the idea of an infant in the house. “Hold a lifelike doll so your pet adjusts to seeing you with a baby,” suggests Mary Remer, a certified personal dog trainer.

Make changes now.

If you won’t want your pet sleeping in your bed or jumping on the furniture anymore, establish these boundaries ASAP. Set up the gear.

Put your baby’s things in place—the swing, portable crib, bassinet—a few weeks in advance. Let your pet become accustomed to the new items and the different sounds they make. Before you bring baby home from the hospital, bring home the blanket for your dog to sniff.

Offer some space.

Find a spot (such as the laundry room) that will serve as the “pet area” and begin having the animal spend time there. Fill the space with favorite toys, a water bowl, some treats, and a place to rest (like a doggy bed or a cat tree).

Think about a trainer.

If your dog is acting out before your baby arrives, consider enrolling him in obedience classes.

If you have a cat: Bring the noise. A cat’s hearing is very sensitive, so get your pet used to a baby’s cries and laughter. You can download “Baby Sounds for Pets” and play a few minutes at a time ($7; iTunes).

Beware of crib climbing. Only allow your cat inside the nursery when you’re there to supervise—and always keep it out when the baby is sleeping. Anything that moves or is colorful (such as a mobile) is attractive to a cat. A newborn can’t move her head at first, so it would be difficult for her to breathe if your cat cuddles up close to her face, says Justine Lee, D.V.M., a veterinary specialist and author of It’s a

decline of attention,” said Dr. Kay. Introduce baby to the dog of the house slowly, advises Dr. Kay. A blanket with the baby’s scent when he is born will help your dog get used to it. Then bring baby home and sit near your dog; reward him when he does not whine or move to reach out to the newborn. In this way, he will get used to the new addition and know that nothing bad will happen to him just because the new baby is

Cat’s World... You Just Live In It. Move the box. Once your baby starts crawling, you’ll want to keep the kitty litter far from her reach. But since cats are creatures of habit, it’s best to reposition the box slowly, in two- or three-foot increments.

If you have a dog Leash up. We know it’ll look kind of silly, but consider taking your pooch on walks with the stroller before your baby arrives.

Play nice. Most dogs love to roughhouse, so you should avoid wrestling or playing tug-of-war.

Instill a no-begging policy. Parents often worry that their dog will jump up near the baby. The easiest way to avoid this is to train your dog to stop begging for scraps.

Commands professional trainers insist kid-friendly dogs should master: “Stay” This is an essential command. First, put the dog on a short leash near its bed. If it’s pulling on the leash, wait for the tugging to stop. The moment the leash relaxes, praise the dog and reward it with a treat.

Repeat the process about every five seconds. When you know the dog will do it every time, you can try practicing without a leash.

“Leave it” Try this command when your baby’s toys are on the floor, says Megan Blake, host of PBS’s Animal Attractions TV. Just put the dog on a long leash and throw something in front of it. When it looks at the object, say, “Leave it.” If the dog goes for it, pull gently on the leash and repeat the command. Offer up plenty of praise and a treat for a job well done.

“ENOUGH!” Dogs can get overzealous when licking a child. Keep this in check with the “kiss cue” command. Start by putting a dab of peanut butter on your hand and allowing the dog to lick for a count of three. After three licks, say, “Enough!” and take your hand away.

“As you practice, the dog will stop once you say ‘enough,’ and you can reward it with a treat,” says Remer.

Source: www.parents.com/parenting/pets/babies/introducing-pet-to-baby/. Originally published in the May 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

around,” explained Dr. Kay. All experts agree that no matter how much you trust your pet, never leave them alone with a small child or infant. Even one second may be too long — take baby with you or baby gate your pet away from your baby. Dogs can become agitated by the sounds and movements of a baby.

Some dogs have been know to try to Please see PETS on next page

Your pregnancy

Blood marker may help identify women at highest risk for postpartum depression Medical News Today reported July 28: The joy of a new baby can often be met with the onset of postpartum depression for mothers, but new research published reveals a blood marker that could identify those most at risk.

Postpartum depression can affect one in seven mothers in the U.S., according to a 2013 study. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects some women after they have given birth.

According to the American Psychological Association, around 9-16 percent of American women who have given birth will experience PPD, while the risk of PPD may rise to 41 percent for women who had the condition in a previous pregnancy.

Symptoms of PPD mirror that of depression, but mothers will also develop negative feeling toward one's own baby, which can include: ■ Feeling numb and disconnected

from your baby ■ Irrational fears about your baby and his/her wellbeing ■ A constant worry that you will somehow harm the baby ■ A feeling of guilt that you cannot take care of your baby.

Researchers in the past have identified the hormone oxytocin to be critical in the development of a healthy birth, maternal bonding, lower stress levels and mood regulation. Oxytocin is made in the brain and is sometimes known as the "love hormone" due to its effects.

A study earlier this year revealed how the hormone increases the process of social information in mice, prompting mothers to respond to their pups distress calls.

Mothers who suffer from PPD have been associated with having a lower level of oxytocin. Like depression, PPD can be difficult to diagnose if the sufferer is hid-

PETS — continued from previous page

move a baby by carrying the baby in their mouths the way a mother dog might do with her puppies. Other dogs have hurt babies because the baby moves and sounds like prey. Also avoid face-to-face interaction and even avoid floor play when your dog is around. It only takes a few seconds for something bad to happen, and it is your job as the parent and pet owner to keep the situation under control at all times so nothing bad does happen.

If you have a cat, be aware that colorful, moving objects (think crib mobiles) are attractive to a cat — never let a cat into the nursery unsupervised. Also, move the litter box to a place a curious child can’t access before bringing baby home — giving your cat a chance to get acclimated to a new location.

Now that your doggy is all settled and accepting of your new baby, what’s left to worry about? How about your baby contracting allergies as a result of being exposed to your pets? Put the worries to rest.

Recent research has shown that newborns who are exposed to pets at an early age have a lower allergy and asthma rate than those who come home to a super-clean environment, according to Ellen Linde FNP-BC at Tomazic Family Practice.

“Exposure to pet allergens in the first year will actually benefit your child,rather than harm them. However, after the first year the protective effects tend to disappear,” she added.

Further research has shown that children who grow up on farms have lower asthma and allergy rates than other children. “This has been attributed to them being exposed to the microorganisms found in farm soil where animals of all sorts are present. Children who grow up in superclean environments may develop hypersensitive immune systems that make them prone to allergies,” she concluded.

For more information on allergens and infants go to www.hopkinsmedicine.org or www.niaid.nih.gov.

ing one's symptoms, but a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Genetics has found a new marker in the blood to help identify those most at risk.

A relationship between the genetic and epigenetic markers in oxytocin Senior author, Prof. Jessica Connelly, from the University of Virginia, worked together with teams from several institutions in the U.S. and England to examine 545 mothers, of whom 269 had cases of PPD and 276 did not. Researchers hypothesized the oxytocin receptor to play a role, given the importance of the hormone in developing maternal behavior.

They identified a relationship between the genetic and epigenetic markers in oxytocin, which increases the risk of postpartum depression.

Prof. Connelly says the findings will aid in the treatment of PPD. She explains: "We can greatly improve the outcome of this disorder with the identification of markers, biological or otherwise, that can identify women who may be at risk for its development."

Prof. Connelly also hopes the research will aid women who have never experienced depression before, as they are also at risk.

The authors of the study emphasized the results are only the first step in developing further knowledge of PPD, and the findings should now be replicated to other population-based samples. First author Aleeca Bell, of the University of Illinois, says: "Our data needs to be replicated, but it is our hope that the oxytocin receptor marker we have identified will be useful to clinicians in identifying women at risk."

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Your pregnancy

Moses Taylor first in nation for perinatal care

Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital (MTH) has become the first hospital in the United States to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Perinatal Care. Perinatal care refers to

the care of mother and child before, during and shortly after birth.

The awarding of this certification follows a thorough evaluation of the hospital’s Perinatal Care Program by The Joint

Commission to determine if the facility meets the rigorous performance standards in delivering quality, safe care.

This certification means the Moses Taylor staff has made an extra effort to

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One of the birthing suites at MTH that received the gold seal for perinatal care.

Times-Tribune file photo

review and improve the key areas in its perinatal program that can affect the quality and safety of patient care.

Justin Davis, CEO of Moses Taylor Hospital, credits the dedication of the entire hospital staff for earning this historic designation.

Frank Kolucki, M.D., chairman of obstetrics at Moses Taylor, also stressed the importance of teamwork that led to the certification.

Key requirements for the seal are: ■ A safe environment for the care of mother and infant; ■ Integrated, coordinated patientcentered care that starts with prenatal and continues through postpartum care; ■ Early identification of high-risk pregnancies and births; ■ Management of mothers’ and newborns’ risks at a level corresponding to the program’s capabilities; ■ Available patient education and information about perinatal care services ■ Educating the mother about the nature of a diagnosis and treatment; ■ Protecting a woman’s rights as a patient, including privacy rights; ■ Plans for emergency situations.

The Joint Commission accredits more than 21,000 organizations worldwide and focuses on continually improving health care by setting the highest standards for health care quality throughout the world.

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7

Infants & toddlers

Ear infections: A painful part of childhood

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from your child’s ear.

■ Trouble hearing quiet sounds. Fluid buildup in the middle ear can block sound.

■ Difficulty with balance. The ear helps with equilibrium, so you may notice that your child seems a bit unsteady.

How common are ear infections?

Ear infections are the second most commonly diagnosed illness in children in the United States (after the common cold). About half of babies have at least one ear infection by the time they turn 1 year old, and most have had at least one ear infection by their third birthday.

Source: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

By Jennifer Butler An ear infection, medically known as otitis media, is the most common cause of childhood earaches. Infection in the middle ear — the space behind the eardrum where tiny bones pick up vibrations and pass them along to the inner ear — very often accompanies common colds, the flu or other types of respiratory infections.

This is because the middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract by a tiny channel known as the eustachian tube. Germs that are growing in the nose or sinus cavities can climb up a child’s shorter, less vertical eustachian tube and enter the middle ear to start growing.

Dr. Cecilia Helwig, M.D., a pediatric ear, nose and throat physician at Geisinger Health System, advises parents to make a child with an ear infection more comfortable by giving them the recommended dosage of Tylenol or Advil — not aspirin —to help lessen pain and fever.

“You should also encourage your child to drink a lot of liquids, especially if he or she is running a fever. Propping his head with a pillow will help lower the pressure in the ears, and applying a warm compress against the outside of your child’s ear may make them more comfortable as well,” said Dr. Helwig.

If a child doesn’t respond to a 48-hour initial treatment course with Tylenol or Advil, consult your doctor. Your pediatrician will be able to recommend a treatment plan that may include administering antibiotics for more severe ear infections.

However, if symptoms persist, especially if you think your child’s eardrum has burst, or fluid, blood or pus is draining from the ear, you should call your doctor immediately. Also, if there is an object stuck in your child’s ear or if your child has sudden hearing loss, severe pain and/ or dizziness, call your doctor. Additionally, it’s important to call if your child has a high fever and a stiff neck or if there is

redness, swelling or pain around the area of your child’s ear, especially if there is no accompanying muscle movement on that side of the face.

Untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious complications, including mastoiditis (a rare inflammation of a bone adjacent to the ear), hearing loss, perforation of the eardrum, meningitis and facial nerve paralysis.

If your child has recurring ear infections, you and your doctor should discuss the best plan of action for a child.

“Ear tubes can help alleviate chronic ear infections because they clear the fluid from the middle ear and restore healing, while preventing the future build-up of that fluid. They can also decrease the feeling of pressure in the ears, reducing pain,” said Dr. Helwig. “No physician — or parent — wants a child to be seen frequently for ear infection — a treatment plan will yield a more permanent solution.”

Dr. Helwig points out that while every case is different, regular ear infections should be addressed by your physician.

“If left untreated, chronic ear infections

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could lead to serious consequences, including temporary to permanent hearing loss,” she added.

If a child has allergies, Dr. Helwig points out that while many factors contribute to ear infections, allergens are among those that do. “Fortunately, children with both allergies and chronic ear infections can be treated in a variety of ways including oral antihistamines and allergy shots,” she added.

Is it an ear infection?

Pain is often the first noticeable symptom. Your child may tell you that his ear hurts. If he can’t talk yet, but seems cranky or is tugging at his ear, an ear infection is a definite possibility.

A recent cold or sinus infection is another clue. He may or may not have a fever.

You may also notice the following symptoms: ■ Reduced appetite. An ear infection makes it painful for your child to chew and swallow.

■ Difficulty sleeping. Lying down can make an ear infection more painful.

■ Diarrhea or vomiting. The bug that causes the ear infection can also affect the gastrointestinal tract.

■ A yellow or whitish fluid draining from the ear. This doesn’t happen to most children, but it’s a sure sign of infection. It also signals that a small hole has developed in the eardrum. (Don’t worry – this will heal once the infection is treated.)

■ Unpleasant smell. You may detect a foul odor coming

What causes ear infections?

An ear infection can be caused by bacteria or a virus. It happens when fluid builds up in the area behind your child’s eardrum and then becomes infected.

Normally, any fluid that enters this area leaves pretty quickly through the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. But if the eustachian tube is blocked – as often happens during colds, sinus infections, even allergies – the fluid gets trapped in the middle ear.

Germs like to grow in dark, warm, wet places, so a fluid-filled middle ear is the perfect breeding ground. As the infection gets worse, the inflammation in and behind the eardrum also tends to worsen, making the condition more painful.

Fever may develop as your child’s body attempts to fight the infection. The medical term for this condition – a painfully inflamed middle ear, an accumulation of fluid, a red eardrum, and sometimes a fever – is acute otitis media (AOM).

Using a pacifier may increase the risk of middle ear infections in babies and young children. In one study, the incidence of ear infections was 33 percent lower in babies who didn’t use pacifiers.

Babies and children are particularly susceptible to ear infections because they have short (about 1/2 inch), horizontal eustachian tubes. As children grow to adulthood, their tubes triple in length and become more vertical, so fluid can drain more easily.

How can I prevent future ear infections?

Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the respiratory infections that often precede and accompany them are. The best way to reduce the spread of germs is to wash your hands (and your child’s hands) often – and always after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

You can also: ■ Keep your child’s vaccinations current.

The pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to help reduce the number of ear infections. If your child has suffered repeated ear infections, especially after bouts of the flu, you may also want to consider an annual flu shot for your child.

■ Keep your child away from all tobacco smoke.

Researchers have concluded that kids whose parents smoke are more likely to get ear infections and have hearing problems. Kids living with a smoker have a 37 percent higher risk of middle ear infections and hearing problems and a 62 percent higher risk if the mom is the household smoker.

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The grade school years

Think your child is gifted? Here’s how to know for sure If your child wants answers to questions above ‘why’ or wants more information or to explore something deeper, you may have a gifted child.

By Phil Yacuboski The word “gifted” is often bandied about a Saturday soccer practice or at dance class. But be forewarned: While your child may be smart, he or she may not be gifted.

“There’s a certain metric involved,” said Kim Mecca, a certified school counselor who works with Dr. Tiffany Griffiths in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

“You’re looking for specific performance, along with specific skill sets that are above the mean by two standard deviations,” she said. “Depending on where you are, giftedness is often determined differently.”

Mecca said schools in the northeast often determine a child’s giftedness by their intelligence quotient (IQ). An IQ of above 130 is considered gifted.

“However, schools in other parts of the country have begun to recognize there are other areas of giftedness for which they’d like to program — such as musical, artistic and athletic talents,” she said.

In its 2012-2013 State of the States in Gifted Education report, the National Association for Gifted Children estimates 68,000 of Pennsylvania’s more than 1.7 million public school children are gifted. That figure works out to about 3.85 percent.

Mecca said when parents or teachers see very good readers, they typically lean towards thinking that child might be gifted. However, she said, that’s not the only thing watch. Higher level questions and being able to acquire and retain inforPlease see GIFTED on next page

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MENTALLY GIFTED IS DEFINED AS outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. (22 Pa. Code §16.1) IQ 130 or higher The term “mentally gifted” includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher, when multiple criteria as set forth in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone.

The determination shall include an assessment by a certified school psychologist. (22 Pa. Code §16.21(d)) A person with an IQ score lower than 130 may be admitted to gifted programs when other educational criteria in the profile of the person strongly indicate gifted ability (22 Pa. Code §16.21(d)) Independent Evaluations Parents, at their own expense, may obtain an independent evaluation by a certified school psychologist. The school district is required to consider this information when making decisions regarding student identification.

(22 Pa. Code §16.61 (e) (3)).

Dual Exceptionalities If a student is both gifted and eligible for special education, the procedures in Chapter 14 shall take precedence.

For these students identified with dual exceptionalities, the needs established under gifted status must be fully addressed in the procedures required in Chapter 14. (22 Pa. Code §16.7(b)) For students who are gifted and eligible for special education, it is not necessary for school districts to conduct separate screening and evaluations, develop separate IEPs, or use separate procedural safeguard processes to provide for a student’s needs as both a gifted and eligible student. (22 Pa. Code §16.7(c)) Achievement A year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects as measured by SOURCE OF CHART: A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Education in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education, the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Pennsylvania PTA

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nationally normed and validated achievement tests is able to accurately reflect gifted performance. Subject results shall yield academic instruction levels in all academic subject areas. (22 Pa. Code §16.21(e)(1))

The grade school years

Viewmont Mall hosts two back-to-school events Viewmont Mall helps teachers “Kickstart” their class

a satellite internet capacity, wireless internet access, computers, digital media, interactive smartboards, microscopes and all the equipment needed to conduct complete science labs, reading lessons, and many other classroom activities. Tours will be provided from noon to 4 p.m. outside the Food Court.

The Moonwalk Guy will provide interactive inflatable activities, such as a Castle Bounce, Full Court Press Basketball, Jurassic Combo, and an Obstacle Course.

Viewmont Mall to host annual pep Young children will enjoy storytelling with rally event on Sept. 12 the Northeastern Pennsylvania Reading Association staff reading stories at the In celebration of the start of a new Tree Court from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Czulada school year, Viewmont Mall is hosting a Chiropractic will provide backpack checks Back to School Pep Rally on Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Mall officials and spine alignment checks.

There are still opportunities for local say the event will offer an exciting and festive atmosphere with activities, retailer businesses and organizations to participate demos, sampling, fashions, and more, and in the Pep Rally. Information is available by visiting the mall website and completwill be held throughout the mall’s coming a form at shopviewmontmall.com/ mon area.

Featured at the Pep Rally will be Com- promos/participation_form federal laws that governs programming for monwealth Connections Academy, which For more information, contact Holly students,” she said, “and gifted kids get extra instruction based on their giftedness.” will provide tours of its mobile classroom: Jones, Viewmont Mall senior group mara full-sized 38-foot vehicle equipped with keting director at 570-346-7655.

Some programs are designed to base giftedness on achievement. “If your child The Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. has a very high IQ, but is not reading Times-Tribune file photo very well now you may be dealing with a learning disability,” she said, “but if the child has a very high IQ and reading is commensurate with that and reading in the gifted range, then schools might program the child for a higher reading level.

Schools should provide gifted students with activities that engage their reading at a different level not typically found in the classroom.”

She said that involves a different set of reasoning skills or applying that ability to other areas. Mecca said the focus usually centers on advanced reasoning. “It’s not just busy work,” she said. “It’s applying it in a manner that is beyond average.”

Viewmont Mall is now working to connect qualifying projects with potential donors through targeted, sponsored In an effort to help support local Facebook posts and other digital and teachers and their schools during the social media channels. The mall’s owner, busy back-to-school shopping season, the PREIT, will also distribute more than Viewmont Mall has launched “Kickstart $75,000 of DonorsChoose.org gift cards Your Class,” a crowd-funding campaign throughout its entire portfolio of malls to built in conjunction with online charity be used for the funding of select projects.

DonorsChoose.org.

“Kickstart Your Class is our way of In July, Viewmont Mall launched thanking our loyal shoppers and showing KickstartYourClass.com, an innovative the community how much we value our microsite that allows teachers to post Do- students, teachers and their schools,” says norsChoose.org classroom project requests Viewmont Mall senior group marketing online so that donors can easily find and director, Holly Jones. “In working with fund local school projects of their choosDonorsChoose.org to crowdfund these ing. The mall reached out to local teach- projects, we are demonstrating the true ers to introduce them to this fund-raising power of community.” initiative by hosting an “Educators’ Night Local teachers have voiced their apOut” event with special in-store promopreciation for the Kickstart Your Class tions, prizes, refreshments and more. program in helping them create better For the next step in the process, the educational environments in public GIFTED — continued from previous page

mation quickly are also signs.

“It’s not just about being a good reader.

It’s really about processing information quickly and being able to reason at a level of above average. Not only is it knowing your math facts, but applying them in situations that are beyond a flashcard and doing it quickly,” she said.

She said in many situations, parents will notice signs of giftedness before a child gets to school, but she advises parents to proceed with caution.

“It’s important to be able to measure that against another peer,” she said. “Parents can see that by how much information a child is seeking. If your child wants answers to questions above ‘why’ or wants more information or something deeper, you may have a situation where he or she is gifted.”

If your child is gifted, look for a different curriculum in the school. “There are

schools. Many have needs for basic classroom supplies, while others are looking to enhance their classroom with unique learning opportunities.

DonorsChoose.org engages the public in public schools by giving people a simple, accountable and personal way to address educational inequity. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at DonorsChoose.org or PREIT’s microsite, www.KickstartYourClass.com

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11

$

9 9 2 , 16

For a limited time Inground pool installed this year.

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The grade school years

A Lesson in Lunches:

Wholesome eats to prepare for your little learner

50% of American parents prepare lunch for their kids on a regular basis

Parents have plenty of things to think about when back to school rolls around, but thanks to Rock the Lunch Box, lunch packing doesn’t have to be one of them!

Using this helpful online tool, we rounded up a list of delicious, better-for-you lunch offerings that kids will love and parents can feel good about packing. RocktheLunchBox.com is also a great online resource for exploring and sharing lunch ideas, printing coupons and discovering ways to get kids excited about real food.

Some Rock the Lunch Box suggestions: Rudi’s Organic Bakery Honey Sweet Whole Wheat Bread With its baked goods prepared in small batches using simple and real ingredients, Rudi’s Organic Bakery has been baking on the bright side since 1976. Free of all artificial ingredients, pesticides and GMOs, Rudi’s Organic offers better-for-you bread and baked goods that deliver perfect taste and texture. Sweetened with organic honey, our Honey Sweet Whole Wheat Bread adds just the right amount of deliciousness to any sandwich.

Applegate Naturals Roasted Turkey Breast Applegate Naturals Roasted Turkey Breast is a staple food for many, and for good reason. Low in fat and high in protein, it’s also free of chemical nitrites and made from

View this minion-themed lunch (with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, topped with some cheese and fruit leather. Cheese crackers, salad, a banana and a Twinkie made to look like a minion) and other ideas at RocktheLunchBox.com.

antibiotic-free turkey. Best of all, it’s delicious and gets along famously with other meats and cheeses.

Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies Baked with organic wheat flour and real aged cheddar, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies are a tasty and wholesome addition to any lunchbox.

Ideal for toddler-sized hands, they also deliver a crispy crunch and real cheese flavor that appeal to eaters of all ages. Pack as a snack, side or crunchy soup topping. Or

Source: Survey sponsored by ALDI, cond ucted

try other delicious flavors like Whole Wheat, White Cheddar or Extra Cheesy.

Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies are also available in single serve pouches

by One Poll.

to make lunch packing a breeze.

Honest Kids Berry Berry Good Lemonade Honest Kids Berry Berry Good Lemonade is so delicious it will knock your socks off. Seriously. You might have to get new ones. Sweetened only with fruit juice and the tasty flavors of cranberry and lemon, Berry Berry Good Lemonade is sure to quench your thirst and treat your taste buds.

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13

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Safet

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Kathy Pope’s Hair Fas ions

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The grade school years

Don’t forget the eye exam:

Good vision helps children excel in school With children heading back to school soon, parents’ to-do lists keep getting longer — shopping for clothes, shoes and supplies, going to the doctor for yearly physicals or checkups, and making appointments at the dentist, among other things. What is easily forgotten or put off is a yearly eye exam.

According to a survey conducted by KRC Research on behalf of Think About Your Eyes, about 60 percent of parents do not consider eye exams as a necessary part of children’s health checkup schedule.

However, skipping these exams means children run the risk of being unprepared for school with an undiagnosed vision problem or eye disease.

In fact, 84 percent of parents in the same survey admitted they wait for a child to complain of a vision issue before taking them in for an eye exam. Children, however, especially those who have had vision problems for an extended amount of time, aren’t always able to recognize the problem themselves.

Although some schools perform yearly vision screenings, it is important for parents to know that these tests only gauge a child’s ability to see at a distance.

A full vision screening from an eye care professional is needed to evaluate how well a child’s eyes function and how well they focus on items closer to the face.

With increased up-close reading, such as that required when using a computer, this information is becoming more critical.

The American Optometric Association estimates that as much as 80 percent of what children learn — reading, writing, computer work and day-to-day observation — happens through sight, so it’s more important now than ever to have children tested by an optometrist. The association also says that by age six (before they start school), children should receive at least three eye exams.

If you find that your child does need

16

Families are working to stretch their back-to-school shopping budgets further this year, according to a recent survey by the National Retail Foundation. But saving money isn’t just about how much you spend on supplies; it’s also about making school supplies and The American Optometric Association estimates equipment last as long as that as much as 80 percent of what children possible. Here are some learn happens through sight. — Getty Images tips for protecting your students’ school gear to glasses, the experts at Essilor offer these help stretch your budget tips for selecting the right eyeglass lenses: — and their gear: ■ Bright reflections and glare can cause 1. Talk with children irritation, eye strain, discomfort and damage about handling tech to your child’s eyes. In addition to the right devices. prescription, it is important to purchase Kids will be kids, and lenses that protect against these visual sometimes that means distractions. Lenses such as Crizal Kids UV they’ll be tough on lenses offer protection from glare caused by their stuff.

Unfortunatesunlight, whiteboards, fluorescent lights, ly, their school-mandated computer screens and video games. tech devices — such as ■ Skin isn’t the only part of the body calculators, tablets and laptops — can’t that needs protection from the sun’s always take the beating. To reduce the harsh UV rays. Choose lenses that shield risk of accidental breakage, talk to kids the eye from UV exposure, in addition to about proper handling and storage of their taking other preventive measures against devices and the potential risks for breakage sun exposure. when drops, spills and hard impacts occur.

■ Just like anything else you buy for 2. Lighten the backpack load. your child, glasses need to stand up to the Between books and laptops, students test of time. Sturdy frames are important, tend to pack a lot of heavy items in their but the lenses inside your child’s frames backpacks during the course of a school are vulnerable and need protection as year.

As the load increases, backpack well. Lenses that are scratch and impact zippers may break, and seams may tear resistant will help ensure a clear line of from the daily stress.

Reduce the wear and sight. Some lenses for children, such as tear by ensuring your kids don’t over-pack Crizal Kids UV No-Glare lenses, also help their bags.

Not only will this reduce strain repel water and smudges, making it easier on their backpacks, it will lighten the load to weather everyday wear and tear. on students’ backs as well.

With the variety of options available, 3. Consider a protection plan. you can easily find the right lenses for your Research shows that some school eschild’s vision needs.

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5 ways to save money on school gear

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sentials — such as backpacks and laptop batteries — break or stop functioning within the first one to two years of use. To help keep costs down, many retailers offer reputable protection plans, such as SIMPLR, which can help repair or replace the equipment for free or a fraction of what you’d normally pay on your own.

4. Sharing isn’t always caring.

Even if your child handles his calculator or laptop with care, his friends might not. Establish guidelines with your kids at the start of the school year about what items can be shared with others at school and which cannot.

For those things that can be shared, consider encouraging your child to establish ground rules when sharing with friends.

Guidelines could include when the item should be returned, tasks for which the item will be used and an understanding that items will be handled with care.

5. Don’t forget about bikes.

Kids who ride their bikes to school can be just as hard on their bikes as they are on their school supplies. A tune-up at the start of the school year can keep the bike running smoothly and help catch wear and tear, such as damaged spokes or worn tires and brake pads.

For more information on protection plans for your child’s school supplies and tech devices, visit simplrplan.com.

The160th

Fair barns include over 1,400 animals and growing!

Largest Agricultural Fair in PA, one of the Largest on the East Coast

BLOOMSBURG FAIR 2015 September 26 through October 3, 2015

Gigantic Fireworks Celebration

Freestyle Motocross

Skillet with for King and Country

Forte

Chase Rice w/Cassadee Pope

An Evening with Randy Houser

ZZ Top

Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles

Josh Turner w/Sara Evans

2015 Toyota Grandstand Entertainment Friday, 9/25 - 8:15 pm Freestyle Motocross Grandstand - $15 Saturday, 9/26 - 1:00 pm JM Productions Double Figure 8 Race w/ Rollover Grandstand - $15 Saturday, 9/26 - 7:00 pm Full Pull Tractor and Truck Pulling Grandstand - $20 • Bleachers - $15

Sunday, 9/27 - 7:30 pm Skillet with for King and Country Track - $35 • Grandstand - $25 Monday, 9/28 - 7:30 pm Forte Track - $25 • Grandstand - $20 Tuesday, 9/29 - 7:30 pm Chase Rice with Cassadee Pope Track - $35 • Grandstand - $30 Wednesday, 9/30 - 7:30 pm An Evening with Randy Houser Track - $35 • Grandstand - $30

Thursday, 10/1 - 7:30 pm ZZ Top Track - $53 • Grandstand - $48 Friday, 10/2 - 7:30 pm Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles Track - $35 • Grandstand - $30 Saturday, 10/3 - Noon JM Productions Demo Derby Grandstand - $15 Saturday, 10/3 - 7:30 pm Josh Turner with Sara Evans Track - $45 • Grandstand - $41

Wednesday Sept. 30th @ 9:30 pm after the show.

Celebrating 160 Years of the Bloomsburg Fair!

Order Tickets by Phone or Online: 570-387-4145 | www.bloomsburgfair.com THE VALLEY'S CHILD TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADY17] | 08/12/15

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Valley crafts

By Francene Pisano Dudziec Mom/proprietor of Monogram Muse, Clarks Summit

Fun Foam Water-Bottle Carrier This fun foam water-bottle carrier is a great craft for kids who are starting sports this school year or who like to take a fall hikes or bike rides. This carrier includes a shoulder strap so that it can be carried easily, even while on a bicycle. Making a water bottle holder is a fun way to encourage you to drink more water and get out for some exercise!

Materials 1 large sheet craft foam Yarn Tape Pen Scissors Pony beads Hole punch

THIS CARRIER includes a shoulder strap so that it can be carried easily, even while on a bicycle.

FUN FOAM WATER-BOTTLE CARRIER is a great craft for kids who are starting sports this school year or who like to take a fall hikes or bike rides.

1. Because water bottles can differ in size, begin by rolling the water bottle up in the craft foam. Wrap enough foam around the bottle to cover the bottle and overlap by about an inch. Mark with a pen.

2. Next, to measure the height, with your water bottle rolled up in the craft foam, leave the top section of the bottle exposed. Draw a mark at the top of the bottle. Cut out your rectangle, using the markings as your guide.

4. Roll the foam sheet until the punched end

3. Punch holes along the longer rectangular side approximately one-half inch from the side and one inch apart.

18

overlaps the other end. Using a pen mark a dot through the holes onto the other side of the sheet. Open the foam sheet and punch holes on the ink marks. Punch holes along the bottom edge the same distance, approximately one-half inch from the side and one inch apart.

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5. Tie a piece of tape around the end of the yarn to help with stringing it through the holes. Hold the sides of the foam sheet together and start sewing the yarn through the holes. Sew all the way up. Tie a knot on both ends when completely sewn closed.

6. Loosely sew the yarn in and out of the bottom holes until a web is formed by the yarn.

Valley crafts

By Francene Pisano Dudziec Mom/proprietor of Monogram Muse, Clarks Summit

Pet Cactus Garden Grow a ‘Pet Cactus’ garden. Kids can create a few fun, no-kill ‘plants’ for your house with these Styrofoam cacti.

Materials Craft glue Small flower pot Small Styrofoam ball Googly eyes Green paint and brush Pebbles (enough to fill pot) Toothpicks Scissors Pencil Small colored pom poms

A ‘Pet Cactus’ garden is cute and never needs watering!

1. Paint the Styrofoam ball green. Allow to dry.

2. Add pebbles to fill the pot. After the paint has dried, place the green ‘styroball’ into the a flower pot on the pebbles.

Kids can create a few fun, no-kill ‘plants’ for your house with these Styrofoam cacti.

3. Add spikes. Break toothpicks in half and press the pointed ends into the ‘styroball’ until it is covered with ‘needles.’ If it’s difficult to insert the toothpicks into the Styrofoam, insert a sharpened pencil first to create a hole. You can trim the toothpicks with scissors to shape the needles.

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37 th Season ANNOUNCES FALL REGISTRATION Pre-Ballet •Tap Classical Ballet • Jazz Ages 5 to Adult

Gina M. Aldrich

Artistic Director Professionally Certified and Entering 37th Season Directing in Moosic

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Classes begin on Monday September 14th

MYC School Of Dance 606 Main St., Moosic, PA 18507

20

570.963.7454 mycschoolofdance.org

THE VALLEY'S CHILD

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The grade school years

Keep kids safe with simple tips . . . and an app

PennDOT offers school bus safety tips

Kids around the country are getting ready to go back to school and their safety is a top priority for parents. In addition to buying school supplies, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time for families to download AlertID, a free safety app that includes simple tips to get the school year off to a great and safe start.

Review these simple tips with your kids before they head to school: ■ On the Way to School: Map out a safe route to walk to school or to the bus stop. If possible, avoid crossing busy roads and intersections. Teach your children to pay attention to their surroundings and not use their mobile device when crossing the street. Do a trial run with your kids so that you can discuss areas to avoid along the way, such as vacant lots, construction areas, and parks where there aren’t many people. Encourage kids to walk with a sibling or friend, and wait at bus stops with other children.

■After School: Talk to your children about their day.

Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, if they were bullied, or if anyone may have made them feel uncomfortable.

Look for warning signs of bullying, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing. Also, keep an eye on your children’s internet use. Talk to your children about what they do online – what sites they visit, who they email, and who they chat with. Encourage them to speak up if something online makes them uncomfortable, or if they witness forms of cyber bullying such as threats or harassment.

AlertID is available online as well as on your smartphone and helps protect families by providing the information you need to keep your kids safe. Specifically, members are able to view an interactive map displaying crimes and sex offenders currently in their selected neighborhoods.

Visit www.AlertID.com.

School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.

Review the following safety tips to help ensure our children arrive to and from school safely each day: ■ Get to the school bus stop five minutes early, so you won’t have to run across the road to catch the bus.

■ When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five “giant” steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus.

■ Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop.

■ Never push when getting on or off of the school bus.

■ Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so that the school bus driver can see you.

■ Be aware — cross with care! Wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out onto the road.

■ When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.

■ Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver.

■ If your school bus crosses railroad tracks, be calm and quiet so that your driver can listen for a train. Always obey your school bus driver’s instructions, so that he or she can make safe decisions.

■ Never play with the emergency exits. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

■ When getting off of the school bus,

Get the entire PennDOT School Bus Activity booklet, geared toward elementary students, at www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/schoolbus_manual/SBActivityBooklet.pdf

make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so that they don’t get caught on the handrail or the door.

drop something outside of the bus, never go back for it. The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus.

■ Never cross the street behind the school bus.

■ Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger.

■ If you leave something on the bus or

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21

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You & your teen

Report calls for better career guidance in schools

By Phil Yacuboski Students should have better career guidance throughout their elementary, middle and high school years, according to a new study released by The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development.

“We’ve been researching how K-12 education is really our region’s future economic development strategy,” said Teri Ooms, executive director, The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. “The type of workforce we produce is going to be critical to what our economy looks like and it’s important to raise awareness on how to encourage kids to get involved in lifelong learning and some sort of post-secondary education.”

Ooms said whether that involvement includes a certificate program or technical school, it’s important to continue education after high school.

However, she said two things need to happen. “Kids need to be college-ready and career-ready,” she said. “And there’s a lot of discussion about what that means and there are gaps in vocational programs or technical schools. A lot of it is because kids themselves don’t know what they want to do and they are then led down certain paths by parents, guidance counselors, teachers that may not be right for them,” Ooms said.

Ooms said comprehensive career readiness programs can start as early as kindergarten and happens in three stages — career awareness, exploration and immersion. Ooms said a number of states have already done comprehensive career readiness programs with success.

“We think that by not adding any more mandates and any more things to do, a plan could also include career de-

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Times-Tribune file photo

There shall be a written plan on file, approved by the local board of school directors, for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, sequential program of guidance services for kindergarten through grade 12. The plan must include procedures to provide for guidance services to Area Vocational-Technical Schools (AVTSs). Upon request, the plan shall be submitted to the Secretary of Education.

velopment and allowing students to have those plans and have teachers incorporate career development techniques in the current curriculum so that it doesn’t require any more changes,” she said.

Pennsylvania has what is called a “339 Mandate,” meaning each school district must have on-hand a plan to provide a comprehensive guidance plan to focus on careers. Ooms said about half of the districts throughout the commonwealth don’t follow the plan.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” she said.

“If we want positive outcomes — and our economy will depend on it — it’s imperative,” she said. “It has to be done,” she said, adding that pressure needs to be put upon the Pennsylvania Department of Education to enforce the rules.

She said there’s also a move to get rid of the senior project for high school students.

Ooms said that would be a mistake, because it gives kids practical experience that can translate into important career skills.

“The earlier that they can see practical applications to what they are learning, the more retention and comprehension they have,” she said. The senior project, she said, could become more career-related to strengthen soft skills and career-readiness.

“Our report shows there must be better reporting and accountability of the (339) mandate,” said Lucyann Vierling, chair, Wayne-Pike Workforce Alliance, a com-

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Chapter 339 mandates a comprehensive and integrated pre-K-12 guidance plan:

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339.31-32: Required counseling program service areas: ■ Guidance in selecting career and technical education courses and programs that meet students needs and interests. School counseling “services must ensure that counselors do not direct or urge any students to enroll in a particular career or program, or measure or predict a student’s prospects for success in any career or program based upon the student’s race, color, national origin, sex or disabilities.”

■ Individual and group counseling programs and activities for all career technical education students that provide assistance in making educational plans that include both academic and technical preparation in addition to post-secondary education and training.

■ Career and educational information for students, parents and teachers that helps develop clear, realistic career goals and plans.

■ Transition and orientation programs between and among different grade levels and schools, as well as academic and career technical education programs.

■ Placement and transition services from school to the world of work.

■ Consultation and collaboration with teachers, administrators and other school staff.

■ Development of programs and activities to involve parents.

■ Collaboration with community agencies.

Source: Pennsylvania School Counselors Association.

Published in 2006, Governor Rendell’s Commission of College and Career Success report consists of 12 recommendations that have come to define the vision of college and career readiness in Pennsylvania: 1. Require all Pennsylvania high school students to demonstrate proficiency on Pennsylvania’s academic standards to graduate.

2. Require all school districts to record PSSA scores and Graduation Competency Assessments on all

munity education counsel, who worked on the Institute’s project.

She said she’s worked with a number of school districts in both Wayne and Pike Counties to implement the 339 Mandate.

The Institute’s research project is composed of volunteers from all levels of

student transcripts.

3. Accept the definitions of college and career ready in mathematics, English and science developed by the Commission for use in the review of standards, development of assessments and development of curriculum.

4. Expand the definition of college and career ready content areas to include social studies and develop model curricula and Graduation Competency Assessments in this area, in addition to the standards, curriculum and evaluations that support math, science and language arts.

5. Develop pre-K-12 model curricula, including inquirybased pedagogy, through which students can achieve academic standards and proceed on track to demonstrate proficiency on PSSA and Graduation Competency Assessments.

6. Develop and implement a pre-k-16 student information system designed to collect information on student performance.

7. Identify early those students in danger of falling behind in their achievement of academic standards.

8. Take all necessary action and expend adequate resources to re-define the role of guidance counselors and student service coordinators as school-wide facilitators of student advising to ensure that all high school students are well advised in school concerning post-graduation expectations and how to transition successfully into both college and career.

9. Establish new regional alliances of business, high schools and higher education institutions, where necessary, and more fully utilize existing alliances to address specific challenges in preparing students to be college and career ready.

10. Increase and enhance the number of educational options available to high school students to achieve high standards with particular attention to career and technical education.

11. Facilitate the coordination of existing — and the development of new — programs designed to encourage economically and educationally disadvantaged students to attend, be retained and complete their post-secondary education programs.

12. Build systematic approaches to re-engage and re-enroll former drop-outs in high-quality programming that yields a high school diploma and leads to college and career success.

Source: Pennsylvania School Counselors Association.

education, the business community, legislators and nonprofit organizations. Each year, the group analyzes issues facing the community and the workforce in northeastern Pennsylvania. Significant underwriters of the report are Luzerne County and the Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation.

College bound

Understanding loan commitments is essential for students

By Gail Powers Today, a college student can be a traditional recent high school graduate, an adult learner, or a retiree. Their circumstances make them all unique, but they will likely have at least one thing in common: educational debt.

Let’s face it, most students cannot even think about getting an education without some level of debt, and with ever-rising tuition rates, that debt has become daunting. Since June 2007, student loan debt has doubled to $1 trillion in the U.S. (Footnote 1) Loans for education come in many forms, and oftentimes they are misunderstood. In many cases traditional college students take on massive debt without understanding the loan terms or how to manage the debt once they graduate. This can be disastrous to their financial future.

Educating our children on this subject may not be the first issue that comes to mind as a parent, but it is essential.

We need to ensure that they understand the contents of the loan documents — especially the interest rates and repayment terms — and how that may affect their future budgets and deflate their future earnings.

Understanding the repercussions of not paying is equally important. If someone defaults on their student loans, tax refunds may be offset, wages could be garnished, and options such as deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness that are available when one is in payment difficulties will no longer be available.

Also, students should know that if they are ever in financial hardship that is extreme, and they find themselves in the unfortunate situation of personal bankruptcy, student loans are generally not dischargeable through bankruptcy.

All of this information needs to be

communicated to our students so they understand the gravity of the responsibility of managing their student loans.

When it comes to taking out student Powers loans, the first and obvious choice is the Federal Stafford student loan. These loans require no credit check and carry an average interest rate of 4.66 percent (2014-2015).

(Footnote 2) Stafford loans also have annual limits on borrowing amounts attached to them based on the year of study the student is enrolled in.

Parents can supplement their child’s loans by taking out their own loan through the Federal PLUS program. Some

students/parents may choose to look into a home equity line of credit to finance their education. However, always use caution when considering using one’s home as collateral for education.

If a student cannot secure additional financing on their own outside of the Stafford program and they require a loan with a cosigner, that cosigner needs to be aware that this is the same responsibility as signing for someone on any other type of debt.

If the first borrower defaults, the cosigner will be responsible for the loan.

Sometimes people ask if they should withdraw money from an IRA to fund their own or their child’s education. Assuming the taxpayer is younger than 59 ½, the withdrawal for qualified educational expenses would allow for exemption from the 10 percent penalty, but the withdrawal itself would be subject to tax. Whether

this is a good idea or not depends on whether one wants to work longer to fund their retirement. Nontraditional students or those going for an advanced degree, may also be able to consider home equity loans to help cover college costs.

There is much to consider when financing education expenses. The most important thing to remember is to educate yourself and your children so that the borrower is prepared to handle the responsibilities associated with a student loan commitment.

Gail Powers, CPA, CGMA, is a sole proprietor in Hop Bottom.

FOOTNOTES: 1 www.stlouisfed.org/Publications/Inside-The-Vault/ Spring-2013/Student-Loan-Delinquencies-Surge, Emily Dai 2 http://www.hsh.com/finance/home-equity/home-equity-loan-to-pay-for-college.html Lynette Khalfani-Cox

Community leaders plan ‘Back to School Bonanza’ for area children Aug. 24 Representatives from The University of Scranton met with community partners to plan its “Back to School Bonanza,” a free fair for area children and their families set for Sunday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square.

Geared to children from 3 to 12 years of age, the event will include face-painting, music, crafts, refreshments, prizes and other familyoriented activities and educational games.

Seen front row, from left: Justin MacGregor, community relations, Scranton School District; Dave Valvano, chief of staff, state Rep. Frank Farina; state Rep. Marty Flynn; Lackawanna County Commissioner Edward Staback; Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley; and Keri Thorpe, orientation team leader, the University of Scranton. Second row: Christopher DiMattio, La Festa Italiana president; Patricia O’Rourke Cummings, coordinator of clubs, organizations and

student government, the University of Scranton; Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of community and government relations, the University of Scranton; and Ryan Burdick; community relations intern, the University of Scranton. For

additional information, contact 570941-4419 or community@scranton.edu.

No reservations are required to attend.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and in case of heavy rain this event will be cancelled.

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The Empty Nest A town too far

By Elizabeth Zygmunt How far is too far for your grown child to relocate? I’ve been thinking about that quite a bit lately.

I’ve been pondering the issue because my daughter is looking for a job and she’s been casting a pretty wide net. Up until the waning days of July, I was OK with some of the places to which she was sending her resume. I was OK, I now know, because a big move remained in the theoretical realm. Then she got a call from a potential employer located near Buffalo, New York.

Although I was a bit dismayed about the weather in Buffalo, nothing else about the potential job bothered me. My daughter asked me to go with her on the overnight trip to New York so she would have someone to talk to on the four-hour journey west across the southern tier of New York state.

It was during that long drive that vague, unhappy feelings began to assert themselves. I was fine until we found ourselves somewhere beyond Binghamton with her GPS telling us we still had three plus hours to go. As mile after mile in the middle of nowhere on I-86 ticked by, my gloom deepened. By the time we rolled into the town that was our destination, my cheer was very much fake and forced.

The next day, when she was gone on an interview that stretched for almost four hours, I had plenty of time to examine the reasons for my funk. At first I thought it was how remote the location was and how bad the winter weather promised to be. The small town was a mini version of Scranton and seeing its empty storefronts jolted me into realizing how desensitized I must have become to our own signs of economic struggle. Despite the downtrodden look of the town, there was a really lovely nature trail that went on for some miles, which gave me plenty to do as I waited for her to call me.

That day, with several hours to just think about things, I’d come to the conclusion that I objected to the weather and the general distressed look of the setting.

During the walk, I tried to imagine how things would be if my daughter moved to this town. I quickly made the mental decision that it would have to be a temporary move, something she would do for just 18 months or so until she gained experience and was able to look for a job closer to what I began to think of as “civilization.”

That was on a Thursday. By the time I woke up on Saturday, I had gone from being a bit blue to having a full-blown meltdown. As I sat crying into my coffee that morning, it dawned on me that I’d had this feeling before. I remembered it from when I was 15 and away from home for a five-week summer enrichment program. Even though it wasn’t me who’d be relocating, I was homesick!

The realization seemed bizarre. After all, my daughter presently lives about two hours away, as does my son. What difference can there possibly be between two hours away and four hours away . . . away is away, right? Apparently to my emotional self, wrong! Right now, both of my kids are away, but at a distance easily traveled on the spur of a moment. We can go to see them without much planning and whenever the spirit moves us. My husband has driven to Philadelphia to see my son on a weeknight just to see a basketball game, after which he turns around and comes home. That’s a bit much for me, but he’s proof that it’s doable.

Four hours away is a distance that you have to plan in advance to cover. It eliminates the possibility of a spontaneous visit. It would have put my daughter at a distance beyond what I now consider a comfortable radius.

Much to everyone’s relief, she did not get the western New York job — but I’m distressed to learn I have a “radius of comfort.” My son will be looking at residency programs in the fall. He’s mentioned places that would require air travel.

I thought I was going to be OK with that and would even find it exciting. Now I know better!

Today’s grandparent

They grow fast, but grandparents get second chances

school football team. And, he’s got a girlfriend. That’s about all the evidence you need that he’s growing up.

Two others are now teens, which are probably the most challenging of the growing up years — especially since they’re young ladies. Our second grandson will be entering that teen stage next year.

Our youngest granddaughter will be turning 5 next month. There’s still Anthony David DeCosmo finally made his debut! plenty of “play on the floor time” left with her. And

By Dave DeCosmo she still hasn’t come to like all those Remember when your kids were born? scary amusement rides that now separate Chances are, somebody told you “Enjoy this grandpa from the rest of the grand kids when we head to one of our outings them while you can. They grow up too at the park. fast.” And they did.

So, at this stage, a lot of our basic grand Then the grand kids come along and parenting has been done. And that’s really you’re the one reminding the new parents great.

Because now we find it’s all been . . “they grow up too fast.” . basic training!

We’ve really enjoyed watching our That’s because grandson No. 3(grandgrandchildren while they’ve been growing child No. 6) has just been delivered. Anup. And we’ve been really lucky to have thony David DeCosmo finally made his all of them living close by so we could be debut a week behind schedule on Aug. 2. a part of their lives.

Yep, we’re starting all over again.

They’ve played at our house, eaten at And we plan to share as much of our house, had sleep overs with us, and our time and lives with him as possible gone on picnics and vacations with us. because as we all know..... “They grow up And they all know Grandpa’s and Grantoo fast.” nie’s door is always open for them.

Hope all of his and your News is good.

And they are growing up.

Dave DeCosmo is a familiar television Our first turned 17 this year. personality and an awesome grandfather.

He’s driving now. He’s on his high Lacawac Sanctuary reminds parents of community programs available: Summer Nature Series for Tots, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Aug. 22, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

This series focuses on connecting to nature using our senses and taking a closer look at critters in the wild. Geared towards children ages 2 to 4 and an adult. Register by phone 570-689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org Live Birds of Prey, Saturday, Aug. 22. 5 p.m.

The Delaware Valley Raptor Center presents its live birds presentation at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center. Seating is first-come, first-served. Adults $10; children $3; children under age 2 are free.

No registration required.

Wild Edibles Walk, Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. - noon Nathaniel Whitmore will lead a walk around the Sanctuary in search of edible species growing wild. Mushrooms, plant roots, seeds and leaves that can be eaten, if you pick and prepare correctly. Wear comfortable footwear and bring your own water bottle. $10 per person (members $5). Register by phone 570-689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org

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