CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE
This special section is filled with back to school advice, but more importantly The Daily Item asked 13 school districts to share the answers to two questions. The first question posed to the outgoing 2024 kindergarten classes was “Who is your hero?”, and the second question was “What do you
want to be when you grow up?”. You will not be disappointed in the heartfelt answers they shared.
Early childhood is a critical time for personal development. During this period, many intellectual, physical and emotional changes are taking place in a child’s body at a rapid pace. Parents want to give their children the best opportunities for success in life, and encouraging children to read is one of the ways they can help youngsters develop intellectual and emotional maturity.
Help a child grow as a person
Parents want their children to be successful, healthy and happy. That often means providing the best education they can, encouraging quality friendships and being supportive when a child may need some extra guidance. Although there is no magic formula to guide children toward becoming the best versions of themselves, here are steps that parents and other caregivers can take to promote youngsters’ personal growth.
Help kids find their lanes. Parents may only know what they experienced and the paths they took. It is reasonable for mothers and fathers to want their children to follow in their footsteps, and sometimes parents push their kids into paths that do not fit. Helping kids find their niche requires trial
and error, patience, and even creativity. Eventually children will discover their passions, particularly when encouraged by their parents.
Provide love and support, not criticism. Parents can be their kids’ biggest fans, but not at the cost of doing everything for them or shielding children from disappointment. They also should not be harsh critics. To help shape strong children who can grow and mature, parents have to find a balance between being supportive and watching every move and preventing any obstacle. Adversity can help kids grow.
Share your own stories. Children may be embarrassed by struggles or failures and want
to give up. One of the best ways parents can be supportive is by sharing stories of one’s own struggles and how they overcame them. Perhaps a parent can help a kid who is finding material in school challenging by telling a story about a poor test grade and how he or she needed tutoring but was able to improve performance later on.
Talk about mistakes that ultimately proved learning opportunities. Children may believe they have to be perfect at everything, and that can set them up for failure when they don’t accomplish every goal. Adults can offer an example of a mistake they made that helped them grow, such as getting stuck in foul weather on a hike because they didn’t check the weather, and having to travel
miles in wet shoes. That learning experience may have helped the adults be more mindful of being prepared for outdoor events.
Make time for fun. Success doesn’t always come just from hard work. It also involves knowing when it is time to let
loose and unwind with enjoyable activities. Then again, learning opportunities don’t always need to be chores. Learning through play and exploration also is possible.
Children can grow and develop positive traits with support from their parents.
Mrs. Swineford’s Class of 2024
Cohen Balliet
My hero is my mom. I want to be a masked singer.
Layla Bidelspach
My hero is me. I want to be an artist.
William Clewell
My hero is my dad. I want to be a farmer.
Victoria Concini
My hero is my dad. I want to be a nurse.
Layla Erb
My hero is my mom. I want to be a nail artist.
Jesiell Duran
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Daxx Goss
My hero is my dad. I want to be a worker.
Skylar Haines
My hero is my parents. I want to be a soccer player.
Grace Jones
My hero is my brother. I want to be a horseback riding teacher.
Jay Mertz
My hero is my mom. I want to be a police of cer.
Violet Milheim
My hero is my dad. I want to be a waitress.
Nathaniel Overdorff
My hero is my dad. I want to be a re ghter.
Freya Radel
My hero is my family. I want to be a teacher.
Josie Rupert
My hero is my family. I want to be an rockstar.
Everett Schnure
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor.
Xyla Smith
My hero is my mom. I want to be a nurse.
Ryker Stover
My hero is police of cers. I want to be a police of cer.
Dale Swope
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a soldier.
Landon Zechman
My hero is my sister. I want to be a teacher.
Back To SCHOOL
*Expires August 31,2024.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten this year or continuing their education, there are many things outside of school that can affect their success. Here’s a partial list of health professionals your child could benefit from seeing before school starts.
1.Optometrist. School learning is based largely on sight since most of what’s taught is written. An annual eye exam can detect any problems, regardless of whether the child has vision problems or not. Remember, your child may not be aware their sight is compromised.
2.Audiologist. Not all children need to visit the audiologist for a hearing test. However, it’s highly recommended if your child suffers from recurring ear infections, often loses their balance or has difficulty hearing on one side. It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment if you or any of your family members were born with a hearing impairment.
3.Dentist. Cavities can cause pain that interferes with your child’s concentration, nutrition and academic success. A dental professional can help prevent and treat cavities. They can also teach your child about the importance of brushing their teeth.
4.Psychologist. A child’s psychological health can affect many aspects of their life, including their education. A psychologist can give your child the tools to cope with everyday situations if they seem stressed or anxious about the school year. It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment
for your child if they’re going through a difficult time, such as a bereavement, parental separation or moving.
5.Doctor. Your child’s health and development are extremely important. Visiting the doctor ensures your child’s physical condition won’t interfere with their learning and allows you to take prompt action if it does. You should also verify that their vaccination records are up to date to keep them, their classmates and their teachers safe.
Every child is unique. Therefore, it’s up to you to determine which specialists your child sees before the start of the school year to give them the best chance of success. Feel free to schedule an appointment with one of them if the need arises during the year.
How to prepare kids to go back to school
The end of summer can be a bittersweet time for students. While many students look forward to seeing their friends, few want to say goodbye to the relaxing days of summer.
Parents know that getting their children back in the school day swing of things can be a challenge. The following are some ways to make that transition go smoothly.
Introduce more structure as summer vacation winds down. The chance to unwind in a structure-free setting can benefit students at the onset of summer vacation. Many parents grapple with the notion that their children’s lives are overscheduled, and the Cleveland Clinic notes that limiting organized activities clears up down time for kids to play and relax and spend time with their families. So it’s important that parents afford their children this down time during summer vacation, only gradually introducing more structure as the school year draws closer. In the weeks before the school year is slated to begin, start waking kids up a little earlier and reintroducing bedtimes for younger children who may have been staying up later over the last couple of months. This can be an effective way to begin slowly preparing youngsters for the structure of the school year.
Encourage children to read throughout the summer. A report from the education publishing company Scholastic found that 47 percent of parents are unaware of the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of academic skills that occurs when school is not in session. Scholastic notes that the slide is largely attributed to a lack of reading when school is not in session. By encouraging kids to read during their summer vacations, parents can make sure youngsters’ brains stay sharp and are ready to learn once the school year begins.
Focus on the positive. Even kids who love school may be apprehensive about returning to the classroom. After
all, summer vacation is fun. Parents can confront that apprehension by focusing on the positives of returning to school. Emphasize the chance to see friends every day or participate in a beloved extracurricular activity, like sports, band or a favorite academic club.
Let kids do some of their own back-to-school shopping. The items that constitute back to school supplies may have
changed since parents were in school. But many parents still take their children on back-to-school clothes shopping excursions. Let kids choose their own clothes, as an opportunity to wear clothes they picked themselves might make them excited for the new school year.
Parents can take various steps to make the transition back to school a successful one for their young students.
Encouraging children to be physically active can be an important step in helping them to be healthier later in life. The Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN) says active kids are more likely to become healthy adults. Studies have shown that being physically active and making smart food choices while young can lead to a reduced risk of developing many serious health conditions later in life, which can include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Developing fitness skills early in life is a wise choice. Families can work together to help kids get on paths to better health and to become more active. This may involve putting limits on screen time and encouraging outdoor play and group active activities like sports or dance.
Jose Rivera
My hero is my mom. I want to be a swimmer.
Israel Tebar
My hero is my mom.
I want to be a garbage truck driver.
Rowan Bashore
My hero is daddy. I want to be a re ghter.
Silas Barto
My hero is my pap. I want to be a Nascar driver.
Gabrieliz Serrano-Salgado
My hero is my mom. I want to be a dancer.
5 reasons to shop small versus big box
The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated. Though national chains often garner publicity, local businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention.
What defines a small business as “small” varies significantly, but these businesses are generally privately owned and generate far less revenue than big corporations. General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Here’s a deep look at why small businesses are so vital, and why consumers should direct more of their purchasing power to smaller companies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains.
1. AUTONOMY AND DIVERSITY
The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come at the cost of variety. On the other hand, an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve.
2. LOCAL HIRING STRATEGY
Certain big box retailers will hire local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they
know and keep hiring centralized to the local area and something that keeps more resources and money in the community.
3. ADAPTABILITY AND CHANGE
Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings and updates to corporate policies. Changes also can be customized to the local community at large.
4. INVESTING IN THE TOWN
According to the financial resource Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps more money in the community. Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police, fire and school departments functioning properly.
5. TURNOVER IS GREATER
While no one wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity and competition that keeps prices competitive.
The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently.
How parents can pick the right backpack
Students need many different supplies to help them move to the head of the class. Teachers frequently post lists online before school begins or advise students in the early days of the new year. Therefore, parents may want to wait to go back-to-school shopping until they learn what’s needed. There is one piece of gear, however, that students will definitely need: a backpack.
Backpacks have been helping students transport books and other materials to and from school for decades. Backpacks are not a new invention, and they actually predate school. …tzi, a man whose mummified remains have been traced to the Copper Age, carried an animal fur rucksack during his travels. American Civil War soldiers carried bindles, and Henry Miriam developed one of the first knapsacks for the U.S military in 1877. It wasn’t until the late 1940s that kids started using backpacks for school, as more materials were available to make these bags after World War II. Backpacks are now ubiquitous on school campuses around the world.
Backpacks are available in many different sizes and styles. Not all of them are created equal, and some may be better and safer for students than others. Here are some considerations.
• Look for even, secure stitching that will not come undone easily. Inexpensive backpacks may last a few weeks, but a more durable backpack can last the school year and beyond.
• Pass up backpacks with frayed fabric edges that could unravel, says Consumer Reports.
• Opt for backpacks with zippers that have fabric flaps over them to keep water and other elements out of the backpack, helping prolong its life span.
• Consider a synthetic material, which will be lighter to carry and more resistant to water.
• Choose a backpack with lots of compartments that can spread the weight of gear out across the bag.
• Look for bags that have padded backs and straps. The padding should be ventilated, so the backpack will not get very hot when the child is using it.
• Karena Wu, a physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York, encourages parents to choose backpacks with tapered straps that will conform better to their children’s bodies. A waist strap can help keep the backpack centered on the child’s torso to help disperse the load.
• If the school allows it, a rolling bag is a great way to prevent strain on the back. Verywell Family says children should carry no more than 15 percent of their bodyweight in the backpack. That means a 60-pound child shouldn’t carry more than 9 pounds.
• Select a backpack that is sized accordingly to the child. It may be tempting to buy the largest one around, but that can be cumbersome and the student may overload it.
• Many students now use laptops or tablets for school. It is a good idea to buy a backpack that has a padded pocket for tech devices to protect them during transport.
Although it may not seem trendy to do so, backpacks should always be worn with all straps in place to distribute weight evenly; otherwise, strain may be placed on one shoulder or side of the body. This, in addition to choosing the right backpack, can keep students comfortable and safe.
Dylan
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to be an astronaut.
Noah
My hero is a dad. I want to be an astronaut.
Matthew
My hero is myself. I want to be a NFL football player.
Kellen
My hero is my uncle I want to be an engineer.
Abraham
My hero is my daddy. I want to be The King of Pop.
Isabella
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a doctor.
Leo
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a scuba diver.
Mrs. Dembeck’s Class of 2024
Oliver
My hero is daddy. I want to be a photographer.
Emily
My hero is my dad. I want to be a ballet dancer.
Fae
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a singer.
Roscoe
My hero is dad. I want to be a doctor.
Austyn
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a surgeon – doctor.
Ashritha
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a doctor.
Chizara
My hero is my grammy. I want to be a doctor.
Drew
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a police of cer.
Adrian
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to be a doctor.
Connor
My hero is my mom. I want to be a painter.
Jacob
My hero is my grandpa. I want to be a monster truck driver and a doctor.
Mrs. Trate’s Class of 2024
Asher Aton
My hero is my dad. I want to work at Disney.
Dax Beck
My hero is my mom and dad.
I want to be a boxer.
Aniyah Cross
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Abbie Derr
My hero is my mom, Mrs. Trate, and Mr. Crosby.
I want to be a camp counselor.
Jackson Foster
My hero is my mom, my dad, Mrs. Trate, and Taylor Swift
I want to be an army man.
Jackson Garcia
Avamarie Greenman
My hero is my mom.
I want to be a nurse.
Emma Hott
My hero is Taylor Swift and Mrs. Trate.
I want to be a dentist.
Jaydistan Hunt
My hero is Spiderman. I want to be Mr. Decker (principal)
Carlos Hunter
My hero is my mom. I want to be a construction worker.
Joseph Iezzi
My hero is Randy Orton. I want to be a doctor.
Liam James
My hero is my mom. I want to be a re ghter.
My hero is my dad. I want to work at a car wash.
Champion Lorenzo
My hero is my dad. I want to be a police of cer.
Esniel Nieves-Ramirez
My hero is Mrs. Trate. I want to be a singer.
Hadalynn Shady
My hero is Taylor Swift. I want to make ice cream.
Amelia Singleton
My hero is Taylor Swift. I want to be a fairy.
Taytum Snyder
My hero is my mom. I want to be a baker.
Colten Stahlnecker
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Gia Washington
My hero is Mrs. Trate. I want to be a doctor.
Kortez Wilson
My hero is Mrs. Trate. I want to be a re ghter.
Breelyn Shiko
My hero is God. I want to be a veterinarian.
Hailee Wolfe
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to be a teacher.
Joelle Campbell
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Zander Bealer
My hero is Alan Grant. I want to be a Paleontologist.
Malick Roth
My hero is my mom. I want to be a re ghter.
Clay Daniels
My hero is God. I want to be a farmer like daddy and pappy.
Walter Shepperson
My hero is mommy and daddy.
I want to be a youtuber or re ghter.
Wyatt Tamanini
My hero is daddy. I want to be an Army man.
Watson Shrawdep
My hero is Ironman. I want to be a cop.
Landon Dunkelberger
My hero is my brother Brandon. I want to be a teacher.
Preston Zeigler
My hero is my family. I want to be a mechanic.
Arya Thompson
My hero is mommy and daddy.
I want to be a hair dresser.
Jaylen Reid
My hero is daddy and mommy.
I want to be a policeman, pizza maker, doctor, dentist and reman.
Griffin Bordner
My hero is Dave Strohecker. I want to be a cop.
Willow Reiner
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a teacher.
Graysen Adams
My hero is my pap. I want to be a construction worker.
Destiny Futrell
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a horse trainer.
Isabeau Mowery
My hero is Spiderman. I want to be a teacher.
Xier Deeter
My hero is Jesus. I want to be a coal miner.
Dusty Stiely
My hero is my pap. I want to be a UFC ghter.
Katie Welling
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a barista at Starbucks.
Chandler Tehansky
My hero is Spiderman and Jesus. I want to be a doctor.
David Troutman
My hero is my dad. I want to work on the farm with dad.
The benefits of a new approach to learning for students
The validity of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” was on full display during the COVID-19 outbreak. People quickly had to learn to adapt to a new way of life, including an educational system that was transformed dramatically by social distancing guidelines.
More than 76 million students are enrolled in United States schools, per the latest Census Bureau information. In a matter of days, millions of students who once attended classes in-person were forced to transition to virtual learning instruction. The process showed just how flexible learning systems can be, and how virtual instruction may become more than an emergency protocol in the future.
Schools utilized systems like Google Classroom, Canvas and virtual meeting apps to connect and learn. While in-class lessons provide the socialization and one-on-one interaction that can be vital for students’ academic success, there are many different reasons why virtual instruction can be a key component of learning models as well. When virtual learning is used in conjunction with traditional teaching, students may have a more well-rounded experience. Here are some potential benefits that may unfold as more data is collected.
Pace: Virtual learning affords students the chance to work on lessons at a pace that fits their individual needs. Students can go back and re-read or re-work problems until they’re satisfied they
have learned their lesson. Lessons can be slowed down or sped up depending on proficiency, creating a customized educational experience.
No more weather days. Many school districts include snow or extreme weather days into their calendars, adding on extra days at the end of school year to meet the specified number of educational days. Remote learning can take over in these times and keep school districts from having to pad calendars.
Convenience: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to provide students the best chance to get the amount of sleep they need. Still, most adolescents
currently start school before 8:30 a.m. Remote learning enables students to complete their assignments when it works best for them. This may help them get more sleep, too.
Apps: Learning apps are a new wave of educational tools that have helped buoy virtual instruction. Primary school students or those with individual education plans may benefit the most from reinforced app skills that match their learning pace in fun ways.
Miss Long’s Class of 2024
Gavin Besek
My hero is my mother and father. I want to be a re ghter.
Adelynn Madrak
My hero is Jax from the Amazing Digital Circus.
I want to be a life saver.
Knox Shingara
My hero is mom and dad. I want to be a cop and dirt bike racer for Motorcross.
Bailey Bitting
My hero is daddy. I want to be a make-up artist.
Tensyn Matter
My hero is Ironman. I want to be a farmer.
Rylen Humphrey
My hero is my parents. I want to be an astronaut.
Elliott Sassaman
My hero is police of cers. I want to be a Nascar driver.
Kayden Ditzler
My hero is my dad. I want to be a chef.
Braxton Brill
My hero is dad. I want to be a racecar driver (like my Opa)
Joeigh Bordner
My hero is daddy. I want to be a hair stylist.
Dylan Shadle
My hero is my mom. I want to be a dentist.
Sawyer Keefer
My hero is my brother Landis. I want to be a farmer.
Kenna Knock
My hero is Jesus. I want to be a mommy and an artist.
Everleigh Jacobs
My hero is Harper. I want to be a singer.
Beckett Kelcher
My hero is mom and dad. I want to be a re ghter.
Quinn Edinger
My hero is my pop. I want to be a teacher.
Kylen Harvey
My hero is Spiderman. I want to be a re ghter.
Grayson Kanley
My hero is dad. I want to be a construction worker.
Madison Younger
My hero is daddy. I want to be a singer or artist.
Emirra Vanatta
My hero is Miss Baker
Nathan Ehause
My hero is mommy. I want to be a police of cer.
Jermaine Knight
My hero is mommy. I want to be a man.
Frederick Snyder
My hero is mommy. I want to be a Jordanna Adams worker.
Ava Crawford
My hero is dad. I want to be a doctor.
Lydianis Perez-Oritz
My hero is my brother. I want to be an of ce worker.
Ava Alvirena
Miss Baker’s Class of 2024
Zenovi Charriez
I want to be a cheerleader.
My hero is daddy. I want to be a rockstar.
My hero is mommy. I want to be a zookeeper.
Zara Navarro
My hero is Flash. I want to be a ballerina.
Sierra Mitch
My hero is mom. I want to be a teacher.
Ismael
My hero is my sister and brother. I want to be a police of cer.
River Jordan
My hero is mom. I want to be a Paleontologist.
Savanna Weisenberger
My hero is nana. I want to be a vet.
Camila Amador-Flores
My hero is my cousin. I want to be a doctor.
Zeplyn Danowsky
My hero is Superman & daddy. I want to be a mommy & a princess.
Nicolas Prieto
My hero is mom. I want to be a teacher.
JAMES F. BAUGHER ELEMENTARY, MILTON
Parental involvment is a key factor in students’ performance
Success in school can carry over to successful experiences later in life. That underscores the benefits of developing skills in the classroom. Students learn in their own way, and at times there may need to overcome various obstacles.
The job of education does not fully fall on educators and administrators. Education begins at home. Research has found that kids benefit significantly when parents and other caregivers are strongly involved in a child’s education. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community found that parental involvement in a child’s education is associated with improved academic performance. Specifically, children whose parents are more involved in their educations have higher levels of academic performance than children whose parents were not as involved.
A 2005 study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center of School, Family and Community Partnerships showed that school practices that encourage families to support their students’ math learning at home led to higher percentages of students scoring at or above proficiency on standardized math tests. Additional research indicates the benefits also extend to other subjects and areas of learning, including language comprehension and expressive language skills.
With so much to gain from parental involvement in students’ educations, parents can embrace these strategies to get more involved.
Develop a partnership with the teacher. Open communication with the teacher(s) can help parents stay up-to-date on what is going on in the classroom and learn early on where a student may need extra support. Then parents can offer extra guidance if it is feasible, or look into an experienced tutor.
Be firm but supportive. Too much academic pressure may cause a child to pull back or even test boundaries, and that can lead to students falling behind in school. Parents must find the right level of involvement and guide their kids without sounding like good grades are “make or break” the relationship.
Attend school functions. Parents can go to open houses, back-to-school nights, conferences, and other events held at school to show support and interest in their children’s education. Involved parents also build school-
based networks this way, which can be called upon if their student needs additional support in the future.
Establish a schedule at home. Students can benefit from a schedule, with regular bedtime, homework time and opportunities to relax. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it can take some of the stress out of learning and studying, according to Nemours health.
Parents working in concert with schools and their children can lead to better academic outcomes.
Mrs. Kilgus’ Class of 2024
Everleigh M.
My hero is dad – “He protects me”. I want to be a police of cer
Oaklyn M.
My hero is Mrs. Golder – “She is kind”. I want to be a nurse for kindergarten
Paul M.
My hero is police of cers – “He keeps us safe”. I want to be a teacher.
Nittany B.
My hero is mom – “She does great things”. I want to be a mom.
Lorenzo P.
My hero is Slate – “He is a good friend”. I want to be an artist.
Cobin M.
My hero is my brother, Elijah – “He is nice”. I want to be a football player for the Eagles.
Henley H.
My hero is mom and dad – “When I get scared they help me”. I want to be a teacher.
Slate A.
My hero is my brother – “I go to his room when I get scared”. I want to be a police of cer.
Francis M.
My hero is my grandma – “She helps me”. I want to be a football player for the Eagles.
Anna W.
My hero is Ms. Karen – “She teaches dance moves”. I want to be a ballerina.
Oliver H.
My hero is Jason Anderson –“He is a good rider”. I want to be a dirt bike rider.
Holly C.
Carmen S.
My hero is daddy – “He keeps me safe”. I want to be a gymnastics teacher.
My hero is Mrs. Kilgus – “She helps me to learn”. I want to be a teacher.
Ella S.
My hero is Mrs. Kilgus – “My teacher always helps me”. I want to be a teacher.
Sebastynn M.
My hero is my sister – She rides to school with me”. I want to be a dad.
Jocelin R.
My hero is Brooke – “She is kind”. I want to be a teacher.
Gauge L.
My hero is Mason – “He protects me”. I want to be a teacher.
Alexander Aviles-Robles
My hero is Mr. Persing – my teacher I want to be a McDonald’s worker
Jasper Biddinger
My hero is mom. I want to be a coach.
Izabella Bogus
My hero is dad. I want to be an artist.
Nadia Bond
My hero is my friends. I want to be a teacher.
Tiersa Carter
Gracie Clark
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a teacher.
Paizley Hartman
My hero is Ms. Cooper I want to be a teacher.
Prudence Kefalas
My hero is mommy. I want to be a teacher.
Greycelyn Lewis
My hero is myself. I want to be a teacher.
Kali Medley
Alissa D.
My hero is baby brother – “I love him”. I want to be a singer.
Silvia K.
My hero is mom – “She always helps me”. I want to be a mom.
Benjamin B.
My hero is parents and God – “They help me”. I want to be a baseball player.
Mr. Persing’s Class of 2024
Darrin Merrill
My hero is my teacher. I want to be an astronaut.
Melody Morgret
My hero is my mom. I want to be a hair stylist.
Lorenzo Muscarella
My hero is my brother. I want to be a Lego maker.
Daniel Nieves
My hero is my cousin Jaxon. I want to be a teacher.
Ama Oduro-Appiah
Anthoni Oliveri
My hero is mom and dad. I want to be a nurse.
My hero is daddy. I want to be a stylist.
My hero is the nurse. I want to be a doctor.
My hero is my parents. I want to be a police of cer.
Dalfrednier Rivera Marrero
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a teacher.
Xander Swanger
My hero is my dad. I want to be a doctor.
Lillian Yost
My hero is mom and dad. I want to be a gymnastics teacher.
JAMES F. BAUGHER ELEMENTARY, MILTON
What parents can do to be more involved at school
Parents can make every effort to encourage children to make the most of the school experience, including academics and extracurricular activities. Though students’ level of engagement is ultimately up to them, parental involvement at school can be crucial for students’ success.
According to the National Education Council, when parents get involved in their children’s education, those children are more likely to do better in school and be more positive about the school experience. They also may be well-behaved. Parents wondering what they can do to assist at the school level can consider these possibilities.
Attend school board meetings
Many community school boards are comprised entirely of volunteers who work with superintendents and other personnel to advocate for policies and procedures for students. Decisions typically are up for vote, and parents can run for school board positions or simply attend meetings each month and let their voices be heard about various issues.
Attend open houses and conferences
Parents can make every effort to get to know teachers and other staff. Putting faces to names can help parents develop a connection to teachers and vice versa. Most schools have back to school nights, meet the coaches opportunities, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences. Parents can take part in these events.
Open lines of communication
Parents can ask teachers and other staff how they prefer to communicate. Some teachers want students to take the lead and reach out first, with parents providing support if need be. Adults can be responsive when teachers reach out.
Attend school events
Families can make it a point to support students in all endeavors. Whenever the opportunity to visit the school comes up, whether for a concert, sports game, trivia night, or fundraiser, parents can make an effort to attend.
Volunteer
When parents want to be involved even further, they can head committees at school or volunteer with the
PTA or PTO. They also can help out in the cafeteria, library or in the main office. Parents who have particular skills may volunteer to provide tutoring or mentoring as needed. Furthermore, parents can volunteer in schoolsanctioned extracurriculars, such as Scouts BSA or as sports coaches.
Involvement in school is part of being an informed and supportive parent.
Mrs. Davis’ Class of 2024
Braylon Balum
My hero is my sister Charlotte. I want to be a doctor.
Ares Brady
My hero is my mom. I want to be an FBI agent.
Madison Carr
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor.
Sulyvan Derr
My hero is my gram. I want to be a policeman.
Jenkin Graybill
My hero is my uncle. I want to be a hair dresser.
Scarlett Griffiths
My hero is my mom. I want to be a zookeeper.
Owen Herrold
My hero is a cop. I want to be a police of cer.
Evelyn Hohman
My hero is a cop. I want to be a veterinarian.
Everlee Jordan
My hero is my coach. I want to be a teacher.
Sam Lawton
My hero is my dad. I want to be a veterinarian.
Nova Long
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Charlie Morgan
My hero is a cop. I want to be a ninja.
Radomyr Ovsov
My hero is a police of cer. I want to be a police of cer.
Drezden Walsh
My hero is my friend Josiah. I want to be a police of cer.
Josiah Aristy Thomas
My hero is my dad. I want to be a policeman.
Finley Hockenbrock
My hero is my mom. I want to be a nurse.
Drew Alex
My hero is mom. I want to be a teacher.
Seth Maust
My hero is mommy. I want to be a re ghter.
Emily Bingaman
My hero is mommy. I want to be an artist.
Alex DiBonaventura
My hero is mom. I want to be a police of cer.
Ivy Wertz
Bentley Rodola
My hero is daddy. I want to be a Super Hero.
RJ Bunting
My hero is daddy. I want to be an engineer.
Makynleigh Weaver
My hero is grandma I want to be a waitress at Red Robin.
Aubrey Kalcich
My hero is mommy. I want to be a doctor.
Henry Clements
PRIESTLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SHIKELLAMY
Mrs. Allar’s Class of 2024
My hero is mommy. I want to be a princess.
My hero is mom. I want to be an engineer.
Asa James
My hero is daddy. I want to be a police of cer.
My hero is mom. I want to be a police of cer.
Adilynn Trautman
My hero is a snake. I want to be a doctor for dogs and snakes.
Asher Culp
My hero is my dad. I want to be a football player.
Avery Kashetta
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be an engineer, a bee keeper, and a chef.
Baby Sellers
My hero is my dad. I want to be a re ghter.
Callen Dunham
My hero is my mom. I want to be a police of cer.
Camden DeGroft
My hero is Flash. I want to be a teacher.
Everlyn Shaffer
My hero is God and my dad. I want to be an artist.
George Niles
Mrs. Sprenkle’s Class of 2024
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to be a teacher.
Jackson Kratzer
My hero is my dad. I want to be a guy that helps farmers, like my dad.
Jasia Morris
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Kimber Schell
My hero is my mom. I want to be a nurse.
Karoline Michitsch
My hero is doctors. I want to be a teacher.
Llywelyn Mummert
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a Jedi to make lightsabers.
Natalie Gamba
My hero is my mom. I want to be an artist.
Parker Specht
My hero is doctors. I want to be a zoo keeper.
Quinn Botticher
My hero is my dad. I want to be a vet doctor for dogs.
My
is
I want to be a teacher
Yassin Abady
My hero is my dad. I want to be a police of cer.
Sultan Alzamanan
My hero is re ghters. I want to be a cop.
Karsyn Baker
My hero is my mom. I want to be a re ghter.
Jordan Baqaeen
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Charlie Beaver
My hero is my dad. I want to be a cop.
Rylee Berger
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor.
Beatrice Cromley
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Kye Davis
My hero is Superman. I want to be a cop.
Harper Guillette
My hero is my friend. I want to be a teacher.
Dazana Haupt
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to work at McDonalds.
Evaya Holder
My hero is Mrs. Steiner, Mr. Slater, Mr. Decker. I want to be a nurse.
Chayton Holmes
My hero is Spiderman. I want to be a cop.
Abel Marincas
My hero is God. I want to be a cop.
Saphira Melendez Torres
My hero is Spiderman I want to be a teacher.
Rowan Mook
My hero is my friends. I want to be a nurse.
Mrs. Steiner’s Class of 2024
Paisley Reynolds
My hero is my family. I want to be a princess.
Jacob Rodriguez-Pizarro
My hero is my mom. I want to be a superhero.
Benjamin Smith
My hero is my mom. I want to be Batman.
Wayne Snyder Butala
My hero is my mom. I want to be a cop.
Sophia Stoudt
My hero is my friends. I want to be a cop.
Waylon Walker
My hero is my parents. I want to be a race car driver.
Alice Wallace
My hero is God. I want to be a doctor.
Kara Waughen
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Stella Yang
hero
my mom.
JAMES F. BAUGHER ELEMENTARY, MILTON
How school shopping has changed in the pandemic era
Back-to-school shopping sales have long been indicators that the summer vacation season is coming to a close. Students and their parents may visit area stores or browse online looking for items to make the coming school year a success. Those lists have looked similar for decades, but shopping for school supplies in the pandemic era may prove to be a unique experience.
Though hundreds of millions of adults and adolescents have now been vaccinated against COVID-19, there figures to be some lingering effects of the pandemic during the upcoming school year. That could affect which school supplies families buy in the weeks to come. Here’s a look at some of the latest trends.
A SHIFT FROM PHYSICAL STORES:
According to data from IBM’s U.S. Retail Index, the pandemic has accelerated a shift away from physical stores to digital shopping by about five years. It’s likely that school shoppers will turn to the internet for their supplies, which means local brick and mortar shops should increase their web presence and digital shopping capabilities to reach online shoppers. This includes omnichannel fulfillment, such as buy online and pickup in store (BOPIS) options.
REASSESSMENT OF WHAT’S ESSENTIAL:
The pandemic may have changed which items consumers consider essential. For example, clothing became less significant as a greater number of students were enrolled in virtual learning.
Back-to-school shoppers may purchase less clothing and focus more on tech items, among others.
TRADITIONAL SUPPLIES BECOME LESS NECESSARY:
In 2020, Deloitte forecasted that a shift in preferences and intentions would result in parents buying fewer traditional supplies, such as notebooks and office supplies, as they chose to invest in digital resources to supplement children’s education. That shift likely will continue into this school year.
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL RETAILERS:
Community spirit grew in the early days of the pandemic and continues now. Many people prefer to shop in locally owned stores. Eighty percent of customers
surveyed feel more or as connected to their communities, according to the business industry consultant company Accenture.
CUSTOMERS ARE TRYING NEW BRANDS
AND
PRODUCTS:
Shoppers are trying new products out of curiosity as well as necessity. Back-to-school shopping may include novel brands and other items that may not have been readily purchased in years past.
Back-to-school shopping may continue to look a bit different than in previous years, spawning trends that may ultimately become the new normal.
Paxton Adam
My hero is God. I want to be on the SWAT team to help people.
Ryleigh Aungst
My hero is Mrs. Fiedler. I want to be a teacher for gym class.
Alivia Bowersox
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a pet groomer with scissors and a shaver.
Shepard Hawke
My hero is my dad. I want to be a YouTuber making Minecraft videos.
Boe Hollenbach
My hero is Greta. I want to be a teacher saying “Good Job!” to kids.
Emily Hollenbach
My hero is Paxton. I want to be a yoga teacher doing tree pose.
Everly
My hero is my brother Eli. I want to be a teacher taking the kids to specials.
Axel Hrestak
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a pilot.
Jackson Michael
My hero is Iron Man. I want to be a reman wearing a re suit.
Jameson Gower
My hero is Octomus Prime. I want to be a karate instructor.
Jameson Santos
My hero is my dad. I want to be a librarian scanning the books.
Carter Smiley
My hero is my dad. I want to be a sheriff catching the bad guys.
Mrs. Fiedler’s Class of 2024
Oliver Smith
My hero is Captain America. I want to be a cop.
Kensley
My hero is my family. I want to be a Howell’s worker because it is so much fun!
Raelyn Dillman
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a teacher for third grade.
Brooklyn Wagner
My hero is Mrs. Fiedler. I want to be a cheerleader standing on people’s hands.
Noah Slayman
My hero is my brother Kyle. I want to be a police of cer arresting bad guys.
WARRIOR RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Stahley’s Class of 2024
Evelyn Biddle
My hero is Aunt Sarah I want to be a teacher.
Hannah Easter
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a doctor.
Ceyla Flock
My hero is my mom. I want to be a veterinarian.
Harlie Haines
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Nora Keiser
My hero is Aunt Annette. I want to be a teacher.
Camden Klinger
My hero is my cousin Charlie. I want to be a construction worker.
Kenzie Knight
Willow LeBarron
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor.
Landon Ludewig
My hero is my dad. I want to be a pizza man.
Callie Morey
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Brooklyn Naschke
My hero is the Spice Girls. I want to be a singer.
Oscar Phillips
My hero is my dad. I want to be a Super Hero.
Richard Shick
My hero is my dad. I want to mow grass.
Emmitt Smith
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a teacher.
My hero is my dad. I want to be a police of cer.
Jude Trayes
My hero is my sister. I want to be a construction worker.
Rylee Vincent
My hero is my dad. I want to be a doctor.
Maverick Wertman
My hero is my dad. I want to be a re ghter.
Bradley Wozniak
My hero is police of cers. I want to be a construction worker.
Luke Wright
My hero is my sister. I want to be a zoo keeper.
Emerson Yevics
My hero is my sister, Hannah. I want to be an artist.
4 reasons to learn a musical instrument
Do you or your child have a passion for music? If so, learning to play an instrument could be hugely rewarding. Whether it’s yourself or your kid that you want to enroll in music lessons, there are a number of benefits that can come from doing so. Here are four of them.
1. It’s good for your brain. Playing music has been shown to improve cognitive function in a number of ways. For instance, it improves co-ordination and sharpens memory. It’s also very beneficial to children’s development, as it enhances abstract reasoning skills essential to math, science and problem solving.
2. It can help build confidence. Learning an instrument can be tough at first but practitioners are bound to make noticeable progress if they persevere. Developing one’s musical ability is gratifying and can make those who do so more confident in their ability to learn new skills.
3. It teaches discipline. Learning a musical instrument takes time, effort and perseverance. It teaches people, especially children, the valuable life lesson that they have to apply themselves to achieve their goals. Maintaining a rigorous practice schedule develops self-discipline.
4. It can enrich your social life. As a practitioner becomes more comfortable playing their instrument, they can find others to play with, either casually or for paid gigs. Playing music with others is a great way to forge meaningful connections. You’ll also be able to entertain friends and family members.
Ready to learn how to play a musical instrument? You’re never too old to start! Find an instructor in your area and you’ll pick up the basics in no time.
How kids benefit from being read to
Reading aloud to children is one of the joys of parenting. All children, whether they’re infants, toddlers or school-aged, can benefit from being read to, and parents whose youngsters have grown up often look back on story time as some of their favorite moments as moms and dads.
Reading aloud to children is about more than just establishing a bond between parent and child. According to Reading Rockets, a national public media literacy
initiative, children as young as infants can benefit from being read to. Infants can look at pictures as their parents point to them and say the names of the various objects within them. By drawing attention to the pictures and associating words with them and real-world objects, parents are helping infants learn the importance of language.
Kids of all ages can benefit from being read to, even after they learn to read on their own. The following are a handful of
ways that reading aloud to children can benefit them.
Reading to children dramatically expands their vocabulary. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard roughly 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to. The disparity is even significant when comparing kids who are periodically read
to each day with kids who are read five books per day. Children who are read to daily may hear slightly less than 300,000 words prior to entering kindergarten, while those read five books per day will hear more than 1.4 million words.
Reading to children expands their imaginations. The Northern Virginia Family Services reports that research has shown that children who activate their imaginations through being read to develop higher activity in the area of their brain that’s responsible for cultivating mental images and deciphering and comprehending verbal cues. That heightened activity bolsters youngsters’ imaginations and instills in them a greater fondness for reading.
Reading can help kids learn to focus. Parents of young children no doubt know that such youngsters rarely sit still for any significant length of time. However, when being read to, young children, even those who are initially reluctant to engage in story time, will learn to sit still for the duration of the book. That can help them learn to focus, a benefit that will pay dividends when children begin school.
Reading to children can speak to children’s interests or emotional needs. Reading Rockets notes that children’s favorite stories may speak to their emotional needs and interests. That’s why so many youngsters insist on reading a favorite book over and over again. Though that’s often boring for parents, it can benefit youngsters, who will eventually move on to other books.
Reading to children can benefit them in myriad ways and provide a great way for parents to bond with their youngsters.
Avery Arnold
My hero is my pets: Maisey, Rockie, Oscar & Lucy. I want to be a teacher.
Cassandra Bucanelli
My hero is my sisters: Deanna Bucanelli & Ashley Long I want to be a ballerina.
Joey Buffington
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a logger.
Parker Gilligan
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a teacher’s aide to help kids.
Remi Hynes
My hero is my mommy and daddy. I want to be a ballerina.
Raylynn Jeffries
My hero is my great grandfather, Maynard Schref er who served in the U.S. Air Force. I want to be a gymnastics teacher.
Ally Kisner
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a Super Hero.
Hudson Leitzel
My hero is my mom. I want to be a Paleontologist and a science teacher.
Liam Neely
My hero is my daddy. I want to be a sherman.
Graham Reader
My hero is my dad. I want to be a dirt bike worker.
Mariana Renn
My hero is my dad. I want to be a Pediatrician.
Keegan Schreffler
My hero is Jesus. I want to be a Paleontologist.
Elliott Whyne
My hero is my dad. I want to be an artist.
Mrs. Reed’s Class of 2024
Brooks
My hero is mommy. I want to be an artist.
Caroline
My hero is mommy. I want to be a teacher.
Claire
My hero is my sister Emily. I want to be a vet.
Jackson
My hero is Mrs. Haile I want to be a re ghter.
Jayden
My hero is Ironman. I want to be a re ghter.
Kehyon
Kylie Shaffer
My hero is my teacher because she is kind. I want to be a doctor to help people feel better.
Ashton Stine
Mateo
My hero is Mr. Baney I want to be an artist.
Sadie
My hero is mom. I want to be a beautician.
William
My hero is daddy. I want to be a re ghter.
Willow
My hero is mommy. I want to be a teacher.
Korbin
My hero is Mrs. Haile I want to be a Super Hero.
Celine
My hero is Mrs. Haile I want to be a police of cer.
My hero is daddy. I want to be a doctor.
Quinn Witcoskie
My hero is my daddy. I want to be an artist.
Lawson Yeager
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a secret agent.
My hero is Sonic the Hedgehog. I want to be a Ninja.
PRIESTLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SHIKELLAMY
Mrs. Haile’s Class of 2024
Benjamin My hero is mommy. I want to be a vet.
Helping your child establish effective homework habits early
Ensuring your kid gets into good homework habits from the start is essential for them to do well in school later on. Here are a few simple ways you can help your child become a home work wiz:
• Create a designated homework space free from distractions, allowing your child to focus solely on their tasks.
• Use positive language to help your child view homework as an opportunity to learn and grow instead of a chore.
• Set a consistent homework routine to reinforce discipline and time management skills.
• Encourage your child to break down assignments into manageable chunks and create a study schedule that fosters independence and responsibility.
• Provide praise and positive reinforcement for completing tasks. This supports their efforts and motivates them to continue practicing good study habits.
Establishing effective homework habits fosters a lifelong love for learning!
Sleep schedule: strategies for transitioning from summer
Shifting from a relaxed summer sleep schedule to a structured school routine can be challenging for children and parents. Here are some strategies to make the transition smoother:
ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise can help children fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Encourage outdoor play or physical activities during the day, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
GRADUALLY ADJUST BEDTIME
Adjust your child’s bedtime and wake-up times about a week before school starts, shifting them earlier by 15 to 30 minutes each night until you reach the desired schedule. This gradual transition will help your child’s body adjust to the new routine without feeling too abrupt.
Sticking to the same schedule on weekends is essential to main-tain a consistent sleep pattern!
LIMIT SCREEN TIME BEFORE BED
Encourage your child to power down electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to reduce exposure to blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns. If your child must use electronic de-vices before
bedtime, consider using blue light filters or adjusting the brightness settings to reduce the impact on sleep.
CREATE A CALMING BEDTIME ROUTINE
Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This includes activities like reading, bathing or listening to
soft music. Try to create a relaxing environment in your child’s bedroom by adjusting the lighting and temperature to promote better sleep.
These tips can help your child ease into a new sleep schedule and start the school year feeling well-rested and ready to learn.
Eleanor
My hero is Mrs. Sempko I want to be a rockstar.
Mason
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Maxon
My hero is Brandon Marsh I want to be a Philadelphia Phillie.
Salem
My hero is Superwoman I want to be a vet.
Garrett
My hero is Mrs. Sempko. I want to be a teacher.
Sullivan
My hero is my dad. I want to be a McDonald’s worker
Oliver
My hero is my dad. I want to be a re ghter.
Addison
My hero is Mrs. Sempko. I want to be a doctor.
Emmett
My hero is my dad. I want to be an Army Soldier.
Lynlee
My hero is Mrs. Sempko I want to be a nurse.
Alayna
My hero is my mommy. I want to be a vet.
Giuliano
My her is my dad. I want to be a dad.
Mrs. Sempko’s Class of 2024
Aziyah
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Paisley
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor
Jaxon
My hero is my dad. I want to be a racecar driver.
Jaxson A.
My hero is my mom – “She loves us and takes care of us”. I want to be a wrestler.
Brycen B.
My hero is my dad – “He saves me from bad guys”.
I want to be a police of cer.
Elijah B.
My hero is my dad – “He was in the Army”.
I want to be a rock scientist.
Ellison B.
My hero is my daddy – “He helps me”.
I want to be a police of cer.
Grayson B.
My hero is my daddy – “He takes care of me”.
I want to be a monster truck driver.
Nora B.
My hero is Grandpa Williams – “He keeps me safe at the park”. I want to be a police woman.
Tarl C.
My hero is my mom – “She helps me”. I want to be an artist.
Raeley D.
My hero is my mom – “She helps me”. I want to be an animal rescuer.
Livia F.
My hero is my dad – “He takes care of me”. I want to be a hair dresser.
Charlotte F.
My hero is my dad – “He helps me get things”. I want to be a doctor.
Cason G.
My hero is my mom – “She keeps me safe from bad people”. I want to be a re ghter.
Parker H.
My hero is Gi-Gi Renee – “She helps me with stuff”. I want to be a mechanic.
Fletcher H.
My hero is my mom and dad –“They love me”. I want to be a Walmart shopper.
Avery
My hero is my dad. I want to be a police of cer.
Langston
My hero is my mom. I want to be a police of cer.
WARRIOR RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Marshall’s Class of 2024
Carlee H.
My hero is my mommy – “She protects us from animals”. I want to be a hair stylist.
Aleah O.
My hero is my mommy –“She is kind to me”. I want to be a doctor.
Ryan I.
My hero is my mom – “She keeps me safe”. I want to be a train driver.
Avery L.
My hero is my mom – “She protects me”. I want to be a nurse.
Savanna M.
My hero is my brother, Connor – “He killed the snake I was scared of”. I want to be a ballerina.
Arcadius S.
My hero is my mom and dad – “They protect me”.
I want to be an arcade runner.
Theo W.
My hero is my dad – “He caught me when I fell in the re”. I want to be a chef.
Laurel W.
My hero is my mommy and daddy“They are super kind to me”. I want to be a doctor.
Beau Allen
My hero is my dad. I want to be a dad.
Lawson Baney
My hero is my mom. I want to be a train conductor.
Cayde Beaver
My hero is my dad. I want to be a vet tech.
Zachary Bowman
My hero is my dad. I want to be a builder.
Keighan Buss
My hero is Batman. I want to be a police of cer.
Evelyn Carter
My hero is doctors and police of cers. I want to be a teacher.
Eli Cero
My hero is my dad. I want to be an electrician.
Skylar Confer-Fuller
Miss Uppling’s Class of 2024
Reagan Haines
My hero is my mom. I want to be a veterinarian.
Matti Heddings.
My hero is my mom. I want to be a teacher.
Annalee Koch
My hero is my mom. I want to be a veterinarian.
Adrien Leon
My hero is Miss Uppling. I want to be a cake baker.
Tate Long
My hero is my dad. I want to be a police of cer.
Anastasia Martz
My hero is my dad. I want to be a dentist.
Wyatt McElwee
My hero is my parents. I want to be a principal.
Brantley Moser
My hero is my mama. I want to be a veterinarian.
My hero is my dad. I want to be a mechanic.
Jordan Myers
My hero is Captain America. I want to be a baseball player.
Ryleigh Oberdorf
My hero is my mom. I want to be a doctor.
Otylia Sholder
My hero is my dad because he is so strong. I want to be a server, a baker, a nurse and a doctor.
Trent
My hero is Mrs. Spaide. I want to be a cop.
Lenon
My hero is daddy. I want to be a cop.
David
My hero is Spiderman. I want to be a zoo keeper.
Izabella
My hero is Grandma B. I want to be a massage therapist.
Carter
Hudson
My hero is Grandma B. I want to be a policeman.
Izabella
My hero is mommy. I want to be an artist.
Sutton
My hero is mom. I want to be a teacher.
Emery
My hero is mommy. I want to be an artist.
Stella
My hero is dad. I want to be an astronaut.
My hero is mom. I want to be a teacher.
Logan Stevenson
My hero is my dad. I want to be an Army guy.
Gannon Wright
My hero is pop-pop. I want to be a police of cer or a Fed Ex driver.
Brailyn Zimmerman
My hero is my mom. I want to be a re ghter.
PRIESTLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SHIKELLAMY
Mrs. VanKirk’s Class of 2024
Lucas
My hero is mommy. I want to be a cop.
Kayden
Phenix
My hero is mom. I want to be an ice ceam man.
My hero is mom. I want to be a cop.
Presley
My hero is daddy. I want to be a vet.
Mrs. Bertanzetti’s Class of 2024
Liam Aguilera Pineda
My hero is my dad. I want to be a policeman.
Emily Arnold
I want to be a police of cer.
Parker Brosious
My hero is my mom. I want to be an engineer.
Reynold Chen
My hero is my uncle. I want to be an author.
Brajan Cieslukowski
My hero is Leo Messi I want to be President.
Madeline Craig
My hero is Taylor Swift I want to be Mayor.
Bentley Dubell
My hero is gram. I want to be a train driver.
Turner Fisher
My hero is Uncle Mike. I want to be a teacher.
Callum Frey
My hero is my dad. I want to be an astronaut.
Aubree Kleckner
Adriannah Heisley
My hero is my dad. I want to be a state trooper.
Bristol Kane
My hero is pappy. I want to be a dentist.
My hero is my mom and dad. I want to be a country singer.
Danna Mendez Martinez
My hero is my mom. I want to be a school nurse.
Oliver Miller
My hero is my dad. I want to be a scuba diver.
Ella Mingle
My hero is pappy. I want to be a painter.
Griffin Murray
My hero is Leo Messi. I want to be a bus driver.
Biella O’Donnell
My hero is Taylor Swift. I want to be a doctor.
Evalynn Pavin
I want to be a teacher.
Willow Reynolds
My hero is meme. I want to be a ballerina.
Braxson Shultz
My hero is my mom. I want to be a rock star.
Mason Sousa
My hero is pap. I want to be a soldier.
Nova Straub
My hero is grammy. I want to be a veterinarian.
A refresher course in school bus safety
The dawn of a new school year is a time marked by change and fresh opportunities. For many children, school marks the first time they are away from their parents for an extended period of time. It also may be the first time they ride in a vehicle other than their parents’ cars.
Each school day, 25 million children ride a bus to school in the United States. A school bus is among the safest modes of transport and one of the most regulated vehicles on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Riding a school bus can be a novel experience no matter a student’s age or grade. Kindergarteners may be introduced to the school bus on their first day of school, while older students are no doubt familiar with life inside a school bus. But all students and families can benefit from a refresher course on school bus procedures to ensure this school year begins on safe footing.
BE A SMART PEDESTRIAN.
Riding the school bus is very safe, but injuries can occur walking to and from the bus stop. Watch for cars backing out of driveways and always look both ways multiple times before crossing streets.
REMEMBER SCHOOL BUS LAWS.
Most areas of the country have specific school bus laws that include stopping when red lights are flashing on the school bus. Cars must stop whether they’re behind the school bus, next to it or on the opposite side of the street facing the bus. Stopping allows passengers to enter or exit the bus safely.
STAND AWAY FROM THE CURB.
The National Safety Council advises keeping six feet, or three giant steps, away from the curb while waiting for the bus. Young children should be carefully supervised. Be visible. Always cross in front of the bus, making eye contact with the driver so that he or she knows your intentions before crossing. If you drop something, do not bend down to pick it up. Tell the driver instead.
REMAIN SEATED.
Find a seat promptly and remain seated for the duration of the ride. Do not stand up and proceed down the center aisle until the bus has stopped.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS.
Always speak softly and behave so that you do not distract the driver. School buses are very safe vehicles, but passengers need to do their part to avoid injury.
When is my child ready to walk to school alone?
Children usually aren’t ready to start walking to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. Younger children are more impulsive and less cautious around traffic, and they often don’t fully understand other potential dangers they could come across.
By walking with your children to and from school, you can help them learn the neighborhood, teach them about traffic signs, street signs and directions, and model correct behaviors when crossing streets. It’s also a great opportunity for some chat time with your kids.
Keep these tips in mind when walking with your young child to and from school:
When crossing streets, hold your child’s hand and always observe the traffic safety laws.
Observe all traffic signals and let the school crossing guard help you.
Be sure to look all ways before crossing the street, and continue to watch for vehicles. Remind children drivers may not always see them.
Consider starting a walking
school bus by inviting families in your neighborhood to walk children to school together as a group. Adults may take turns walking with the group, so make sure each child knows the adults in their walking group.
Each child is different. That’s why it’s important to consider their individual developmental and maturity level when deciding if it is safe for them to walk to school without an adult. Some children may not have the skills to focus on safe pedestrian behavior until they are 10 years or older.
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