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How to make school lunch healthier

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Diet can help or hinder children in the classroom

Finding the right preschool

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

How to help kids transition back to the classroom

Does seating impact behavior and learning?

Determining the right amount of homework

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AD DESIGN MANAGER Jennifer Dyer, Ext. 32 jdyer@edwpub.net

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Stock up on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tech supplies

Tips to help students 14 choose the right major The advantages to joining a 14 parent-teacher organization Tips for making school 15 more affordable Clever ways to circumvent college costs 17 How to determine if 17 returning to school makes financial sense

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Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

How to make school lunch healthier

Diet can help or hinder children in the classroom

hildren who are not regularly consuming a healthy and balanced diet may not be receiving the nutrients sufficient for sustained energy and mental acuity. Junk food and high-sugar snacks can affect the body in a number of ways. A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that children who routinely ate a diet high in junk foods were more likely to be hyperactive than those who did not. Hyperactive children may struggle to concentrate on simple tasks or find it difficult to focus on more complex matters, such as those presented in a classroom.

he benefits of a healthy diet are clear and well documented. In addition to providing the nutrients a growing body needs, consuming a balanced diet helps children maintain a healthy weight. Obesity continues to be a growing problem among school-aged children and can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and many other adverse medical conditions. Children attending school will eat at least one meal away from home each day. A healthy lunch provides sound nutrition to give students energy to do well in school and for the rest of the day. Children who do not eat well at lunch may have difficulty concentrating, while others may feel sluggish or tired. As part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the United States National School Lunch Program was revised to guarantee healthy, nutritionally sound choices, as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for lunch. America’s school menus were altered to be healthier than ever, including more fruits and vegetables while limiting calories. Despite some controversy through the years, including some students saying the smaller portions and food choices aren’t always satisfying, states suffering from high child obesity rates have seen marked improvements. Canada is one of the few leading industrialized countries that does not have a national nutrition strategy to implement healthy school lunches. It’s estimated that only 10 to 15 percent of Canadian children have access to school meals. These meals are not provided by a well-funded national program, but by a patchwork of individual volunteer efforts, some provincial government funding and corporate donations. Whether students purchase lunch from school or bring lunch from home, there are ways to guarantee a more diverse offering and better nutrition. Here are

some guidelines to follow. • Offer nutrient-dense foods. Foods should contribute to the daily recommended amounts of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Provide a selection of foods, such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, that will give children the nutrients they need. Nutrientdense foods also help kids feel fuller, longer. • Limit fat intake. Avoid foods that do not get their fat from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats can lead to obesity and clogged arteries. The American Heart Association recommends kids get no more than 25 to 35 percent of their calories from fat. Fish, nuts and olives are healthy fat sources. • Let kids choose some of their food. Allow kids to pick some of the healthy foods they will be eating. Giving kids a say in their diets will make them more likely to enjoy their lunches and cut back on snack foods. Eating meals regularly will keep energy levels up during school and make kids less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks to fill hunger gaps. • Make small changes that add up. Switching from white bread to whole grain breads, and opting

Giving children a healthy lunch and then packing a sugar-filled, high-calorie drink negates your efforts. Calories from beverages can quickly add up. Water is always the best option for a healthy drink. for low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat dairy products can make a world of difference. Kids may not notice a change in texture or flavor, and many of kids’ favorite foods, such as chicken nuggets, pizza and macaroni and cheese, can be made with healthier ingredients. • Remember, beverages count, too. Giving children a healthy lunch and then packing a sugar-filled, high-calorie drink negates your efforts. Calories from beverages can quickly add up. Water is always the best option for a healthy drink. Low-fat milk and real fruit juice consumed in moderation also make healthy alternatives to sugary beverages. Offering healthy school lunches is an important step to raising healthy kids. New guidelines and

offerings make it easier for kids to get the nutrition they need for their growing bodies.

The Women’s and Children’s Health Network notes that diet can influence children’s study habits. Foods high in sugar can deplete energy levels and compromise a student’s ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. In an Oxford University study published in FASEB Journal in 2009, researchers tested the cognitive effects a high fat and junk food diet had on rats. After nine days, the rats that ate the junk food were put into a maze and tested against rats that ate a more balanced diet. Rats fueled by the junk food struggled to navigate the maze and made more mistakes than the rats that were given a healthy diet. Concentration is not the only problem linked to a poor diet. Children who regularly eat junk food have a higher risk for obesity and other conditions. According to the Prevention Institute, junk food shoulders some of the blame for rising rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke, and children who regularly consume junk food have higher rates of chronic illness. Children who are routinely sick and have to stay home from school may miss important lessons and fall

behind in their studies. Children’s obesity that is linked to poor food choices may have higher levels of depression and poor self-esteem. These psychological conditions can have their own profound effects on learning ability and concentration. Disinterest in school or in being around peers may set in. Nutritionists at The Mayo Clinic say that eating high amounts of junk food may result in depression.

The effects of junk food and other dietary choices can easily be changed by altering a child’s eating habits. Children who eat foods made from complex nutrients often experience a renewed ability to concentrate and focus. Diets high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables will release a stead supply of energy through bodily metabolism, and this will help prevent the blood sugar peaks and crashes associated with foods high in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in walnuts, oily, cold-water fish, olive oil, and flax seed, can keep children feeling full and improve their mental acuity. All brands of baby formula currently sold in the United States are now fortified with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of DHA and ARA. Some studies in infants suggest that including these fatty acids in infant formulas may have positive effects on visual function and neural development over the short term. It can be easy to blame declining school progress on insufficient study habits or poor connection with a teacher. However, a child’s diet can help or hinder his or her academic performance as well.

July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

Finding the right preschool

Is your child ready

for kindergarten?

arents know that choosing a preschool for their children is a decision not to be taken lightly. Preschools are often a child’s first extensive experience away from home, and the right school can help kids make that transition more smoothly. When looking for a preschool for their kids, parents may want to employ the following tips. • Make preschool a priority. Procrastinating with regard to finding a preschool carries considerable risk. Many of the best preschools have only a limited number of spots available, and there may even be a waiting list for those spots. So it behooves parents to begin their search for a preschool as early as possible. Doing so affords parents the time to visit various facilities, speak with staff members and maybe even observe a typical day at the school. Leaving things until the last minute takes away that flexibility, and parents may be forced to choose a facility with which they are largely unfamiliar. • Ask around. Fellow parents make for great resources as parents look for a preschool for their children. Ask parents of current preschool children or even older

kids who attended preschool to share their impressions of a given facility and share their insights as to a facility’s operations and its pros and cons. • Take kids along on visits. Though parents typically have a checklist of things they want to find in a preschool facility, it pays to remember that the kids will ultimately be the ones spending time at the school. So take youngsters along when visiting facilities, paying particular attention to how kids react to each facility and how well staff members engage your youngster in the day’s activities. Many kids take time to adjust to preschool, but you can still learn a lot about a facility by observing how your child interacts with staff and how well the facility meshes with your child’s personality. • Don’t mistake cost with quality. The cost of preschool can range from affordable to exorbitant. But the costliest school is not necessarily the best facility, nor the best fit for your child. While an expensive preschool may be well worth the investment, parents should still consider all of their options before making any commitments.

ge 5 is a big year in a child’s life. In many school districts, children enroll in kindergarten shortly after their fifth birthdays. But age alone does not dictate if a child is ready to transition from a preschool environment to kindergarten, and parents may need to work with educators to determine if their children are ready to take the first big step of their academic careers. Many developmental and education experts believe that numerous factors, in addition to age, determine school readiness, including physical, social and cognitive development. Many parents want their kids to begin kindergarten at the same time as other kids their age, but enrolling youngsters before they’re ready could have repercussions for years to come. Students who begin kindergarten before they’re ready may fall behind, resulting in frustration that turns them off from school. With such significant stakes, parents may want to answer a few questions and look for these generalized kindergarten readiness clues before enrolling their youngsters in school. • Does my child have solid oral-language skills? Language is more than drilling letters and sight words into a child’s head through repetition. Language allows kids to share in new experiences and lessons that will expand their vocabularies. The more kids experience, the more their curiosity grows. This opens up opportunities for discussion about a variety of topics and introduces words and concepts that may be new and exciting to children. Research indicates one of the best predictors of eventual reading success is a well-developed oral vocabulary in kindergarten. Children will retain words if they hear them enough and if they’re used in context and conversation. • Can my child listen to and follow instructions? Kindergarten students will be introduced to many foreign things, and some kinds may be in a school environment for the very first time.

Teachers will be issuing instructions and seeking cooperation from the class. To keep up with peers and lessons, kindergarteners will need to be able to remain quiet for extended periods of time, listen to instructions and then properly act on them. • Is my son or daughter excited about learning? Some children cannot wait to go to kindergarten, especially those who are excited at the prospect of going to the same school as their older siblings. Enthusiasm about school and an eagerness to learn and discover new things are indicative of kindergarten readiness. A child does not need to have mastery over every skill just yet, but taking the initiative to try and ask questions is a good start to successful learning. • Does my child want to be independent? The phrases “I’ll do it myself” or “I’ll try” can be music to a kindergarten teacher’s ears. Parents may be in a rush and find it easier to dress kids or get them snacks. But doing everything for kids puts them at a disadvantage. Independent streaks can help kids adjust to school. Kindergarteners may have to go to the bathroom and wash up independently. They also may have to fasten buttons, open up lunches and hang up coats. Children who cannot handle such tasks may struggle to adjust to a school environment. • Can my child recognize basic letters and numbers? Children entering kindergarten should know most letters by sight and be able to count to 10. Preparing for kindergarten can be fun and does not require flash cards or homework. Encourage kids to count objects in the world around them or do some preliminary reading by recognizing letters on signs at stores or places in the neighborhood. Kindergarten readiness is determined by a variety of factors, including age, school assessment, enthusiasm about learning, and signs of independence.

Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

How to help kids transition back to the classroom unwind and make the most of the freedom that summer vacation provides. But as summer starts to wind down, parents can begin to reintroduce some structure into their kids’ lives to make the transition back to school go more smoothly. Plan morning activities so kids can readjust to waking up early each day. In addition, serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time you typically serve it during the school year so kids’ bodies can begin to readjust as well.

As a new school year draws nearer, parents can employ several strategies to help their kids readjust to the rigors of the classroom.

he dawn of a new school year is an exciting time. Kids may not want to say goodbye to days spent lounging by the pool, but such disappointment is often tempered by the prospect of returning to school with friends. For parents, getting kids ready for a new school year is about more than updating their wardrobe or organizing carpools with

fellow parents. Reacclimating kids to the routine of school after a relaxing summer is a significant undertaking, and the following are a handful of ways for parents to get a head start as the school year draws closer. • Establish a routine over the last few weeks of summer. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and that lack of structure can help kids

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• Take kids along when shopping for school supplies. If you plan to buy your child a new computer or other supplies for the upcoming school year, take him or her along on your shopping trips. Kids who get to choose their supplies might be more excited about returning to school than those youngsters who are given what they need without offering their input. BMany students are given summer reading lists to keep their minds sharp over the summer and prepare them for upcoming coursework. Parents should monitor kids’ progress on such reading lists and even discuss the books with their kids when possible. Read the books along with them if you think it will help engage them. If kids were not assigned summer reading lists

at the end of the school year, assign your own books, rewarding kids when they finish a new book. Kids who read throughout the summer may be more likely to start the school year off on the right foot than those who don’t crack a book all summer. • Encourage kids to sign up for extracurricular activities. Many school-aged athletes get a head start on the new school year by trying out for sports teams. Such tryouts often commence a week or two before a school year is scheduled to begin, and this can help kids ease their way back into the school year. But even nonathletes can begin pursuing extracurricular activities before the first school bell of the year rings. Theater programs may begin auditions or encourage interested youngsters to attend orientation meetings before the dawn of the school year, and such sessions can be a great and pressure-free way for kids to ready themselves for a new school year. The arrival of a new school year can be both exciting and daunting. But parents can help their youngsters readjust to school in various ways after a relaxing

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Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

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Does seating impact behavior and learning?

College found classroom seating arrangement can affect the level of interaction between teacher and student, which may impact test scores and learning potential. In general, as students sit further away from the “action zone,” an area of the classroom that comprises the center and the front rows, participation declines and absenteeism increases. Various older studies referenced in the Hanover College material illustrated that the distance between a student’s seat and the teacher affected test scores.

he first day of school brings many changes. Students must acclimate themselves to a new routine and curriculum, while teachers must acquaint themselves with an entirely new crop of students. The first few weeks of school are a time to ease into the coursework and get to know everyone’s strengths, weaknesses and personality traits. On the first day of school, students may be seated in alphabetical order, but over time seating assignments may change as the teacher quickly learns who is friends with whom, which students tend to be disruptive, which may need extra motivation, and which may need to hone their concentration skills. Many teachers find that seating charts make it easier to manage a classroom and facilitate the learning process. But a seating assignment that makes things easier on a teacher does not always benefit the student. A 2007 study by Holly Heindselman, Rhemie Mentac and Kristina Wesler at Hanover

Researchers at Montana State University found seating charts to be very effective in terms of the comfort, confidence and effectiveness of the teacher. But researchers discovered that teachers were more likely to feel unhappy and uncomfortable in classrooms in which students chose their own seats. But the right seating arrangement can benefit students. Students who were not performing well in the classroom performed better

on the Montana Criterion-Reference Test after they were carefully seated by teachers. The results showed that there was a huge attainment increase for those students with lower abilities. In addition, the arranged seating did not have an adverse effect on the high ability students. But some students prefer to sit where they feel most comfortable. Comfort may play a role in classroom performance and assisting with students’ ability to maintain their focus. But students who choose their own seats to be close to chatty friends or stare out the window are doing themselves a disservice. Teachers need to weigh the pros and cons of seating charts to determine which method produces the best results in terms of student performance and behavior. Educators may have to experiment with a few different arrangements before finding a system that works.

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Determining the right amount of homework

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Ultimately, homework is a way for teachers to measure how well their students grasp lessons and concepts. Parents of struggling students can always ask for additional work to help kids better understand their coursework.

What is the right amount of homework?

tudents spend roughly six hours in the classroom each day while their parents could put in eight hours at the office. When a family returns home in the evening, homework is probably the last thing they want to worry about. Still, homework is part of many families’ daily routine, and chances are it is not going anywhere soon — no matter how much kids complain. There’s no denying homework can be a chore, but how much homework is assigned could make a difference in a student’s overall academic performance. Parents, students and educators have long debated the homework issue, and that debate has included discussions on determining the right amount of homework and if homework has any actual benefits on student performance.

Is homework beneficial? There are various points of view regarding the benefits of homework. The prevalent philosophy in education for decades has been that students learn better when lessons are reinforced through homework. Yet new findings indicate that homework may benefit certain age groups and grade levels more than others. According to Harris Cooper, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Missouri, the benefits of doing homework seem to depend on the student’s grade level. After reviewing more than 100 studies on the effectiveness of homework, Cooper found high school students who do homework outperform those who do not on standardized tests, and those who do homework earn better grades. Homework is only half as effective for middle school students, while at the elementary school level, homework has no apparent measurable effect on achievement. Still, some educators are reluctant to stop assigning homework. Some teachers assign homework, but only after fine tuning

Homework assignments are on the rise, and that increase may be fueled by certain factors. Intense pressure on educators to meet national testing standards likely influences the number of worksheets and assignments teachers send home each night. If students do not get work finished in the classroom, they usually must complete it at home. In addition, the idea that excessive homework is synonymous with a rigorous education is common among some parents, who may feel that extra schoolwork will get their children into top colleges and universities. According to Bruce Ravage, the executive director of Park City Prep in Bridgeport, Conn., homework is only given in his school to reinforce and review what students learned in the classroom. He says the charter school has been emphasizing the quality of homework assignments over the quantity. The National Education Association suggests 10 minutes of homework per night for first-graders is sufficient. This amount of homework should increase by 10 minutes per grade level, so second graders would be assigned 20 minutes per night, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. However, the NEA said there should be a cap on homework so that it does not exceed two hours per night.

Parental assistance Parents should be available to provide guidance and help with homework when necessary. But parents also should be careful not to do the homework for their children, which only undermines the purpose of the assignments. If homework appears burdensome or a consistent source of struggle for students, parents should speak with their children’s teachers to discuss both the amount and type of homework given. The homework debate figures to continue with each new crop of students entering school. Educators and family can continue to work together to help students make the most of their educations.

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July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

Stock up on students’

tech supplies

hopping for back-to-school supplies was once limited to picking up a few folders, spiral-bound notebooks and assorted writing implements. But today’s students need much more, including a variety of technological gadgets, to keep up with their classmates. Technology is now an integral part of many classrooms, where Internet-ready devices such as tablets, computers and smartboards are part of daily lessons. Although some educators believe overuse of such devices in the classroom can have a negative impact on students and make it more difficult to capture and hold students’ attention, many feel that technology integrated into the curriculum improves students’ learning processes and outcomes, noting that interactive media and use of technology are conducive to project-based learning.

have not yet upgraded to digital Internet services are well behind the times. Many cable and fiber optic television providers now offer television, Internet and phone bundles for reasonable fees. Compared to the dial-up services and initial coaxial Internet of yesteryear, today’s Internet speeds are light years ahead. Students who need to stream movies or other content or upload and download large picture or text files often find high-speed Internet invaluable.

Many students already know how to browse the Internet, create blogs or manipulate photos. But they may not know how to make use of digital resources with regard to their education. Students cannot learn such lessons unless they are equipped with the tools to facilitate digital learning. Parents who want their youngsters to embrace technology as part of their education may want to consider the following devices. • Internet-ready devices: Internet-ready devices include desktop computers, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and even smartphones. Assignments may require that students use the Internet, and many of today’s teachers create their own websites where they list assignments or post links to supplemental materials. Students may have to confer with teachers via email or share materials with classmates.

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• Digital planners: Many devices come with calendars and planner functions built in, and those that don’t can often be upgraded by simply downloading an app that performs such functions. A calendar is a handy tool for students who need to keep current on assignments and tests, extracurricular activities and other important dates to remember. Students may want to lean toward a calendar app that is integrated across many platforms. This way calendar events can be synched and viewed on phones, laptops and tablets.

• Word-processing applications: Whether students are writing a 20-page term paper or have to type up a short summary for a homework assignment, eventually they will need access to word-processing software that includes basic typing, editing and desktop publishing functions. Many computer software bundles come with a word processor pre-installed. If not, software is available for purchase or parents can download free shareware. Examples of word-processing software include Microsoft Word, Wordperfect, TextMaker, Corel Write, and Google Docs. • High-speed Internet: Households that

• Phones: Smartphones are akin to mini computers capable of more functions than one can imagine. Kids can use their phones to get a head start on homework assignments or to email teachers if they forget an assignment at school. In addition, students who have their own smartphones can easily contact their parents in case of emergencies, and parents can rest easy knowing their kids are always just a phone call or text message away. Depending on the courses they take, students may need additional gadgets, such as graphing calculators, scanners and printers. Parents can speak their kids’ teachers to determine which devices will support lessons students are learning in the classroom.

Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

Tips to help students choose the right major

s recent college graduates can no doubt attest, the job market for young people can be difficult to navigate. Many recent graduates are still struggling to find full-time employment, and some might be wondering if they chose the right major. Though choosing a major is about more than just finding a job, the financial burden of earning a college degree can’t be ignored. According to the Project on Student Debt, 71 percent of college seniors who graduated in 2012 had student loan debt, with an average of $29,400 per borrower. In fact, between 2008 and 2012, the average student loan debt at graduation increased an average of 6 percent each year. So while the right major should incorporate a student’s interests, skills and strengths, it’s also important to find a major that can help students earn a living after they walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. The following are a handful of tips college students can employ to ensure they choose the right major. • Don’t jump into it. Some students might want to pick a major before they ever step foot on campus. While that strategy might work for some, it should only be employed by those students who are wholly certain a major is for them. Some students choose a major early on because they feel they may get a head start at navigating their way through a job market that recently endured exceptionally high levels of unemployment. But the pressure of finding a job should not be what drives students when choosing a major. Unless you’re entirely certain that a particular course of study is for you, give yourself some leeway and wait to choose a major. The first year or two of college is a great time to expand your academic horizons so use that time to your advantage.

• Don’t procrastinate. While rushing into a major is a mistake, it’s also foolish to procrastinate with regard to choosing a course of study. According to The College Board’s annual survey of colleges, the average tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year colleges for the 2013-14 school year was $30,094, while public four-year in-state tuition and fees averaged slightly less than $9,000 for the same year. So no matter which type of college or university a student enrolls in, he or she will be making a significant financial commitment. Waiting too long to choose a course of study may find you paying for courses you ultimately won’t need, increasing your already expensive tuition along the way. • Use the resources at your disposal. Students undecided about a college major should make use of their schools’ career development departments to help them get on the right path. Many such departments provide assessment tools to help students find a major that synthesizes their interests and skills with a field of study. In addition, the personnel within career development departments have dealt with hundreds, if not thousands, of previous students who found themselves in similar situations, and that experience can prove invaluable to students who might feel lost with regard to choosing majors. • Know the requirements if you have a specific career in mind. While many majors are not difficult to navigate, some fields of study have strict guidelines that students should be aware of almost immediately. For example, students hoping to attend medical school after graduation need to determine which courses they absolutely must take in order to qualify for medical school. In addition, students with such specific plans in mind often must choose their majors as early as possible so they can plan their curriculum in accordance with the standards they will need to meet to be considered for postgraduate work. Choosing a major is a decision college students should not take lightly. But students who are unsure of what they want to study should approach the process of choosing a major with patience and an eye on finding a course of study that matches their interests with their skills.

The advantages to joining a parent-teacher

organization

arental involvement plays a key role in a child’s academic and social development. Mothers and fathers who take an active interest in their children’s education and extracurricular activities may notice their children are more willing to put their best efforts forward. Research from scholars at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory found that students with involved parents, no matter their income or background, are at an advantage over their counterparts whose parents are not actively involved in their educations. They tend to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills and adapt better to school, and are more likely to graduate and go on to post-secondary education. There are many ways for parents to get involved at their kids’ schools. In addition to distributing routine progress reports and hosting open-school nights, many schools have some form of parent-teacher group. It may be an informal group of parental volunteers or a more structured parent-teacher association. PTAs exist all over the world and represent the voices of millions of parents and teachers. Moms and dads looking to contribute to the school often find joining the PTA is a great way to get involved, and membership has a number of benefits. • Be the first to know. Involvement with a parent organization at school enables you to get accurate, firsthand information about upcoming events and plans for the school. Very often news is shared first with PTA members and parents who attend regular meetings. • Serve as role models. Active involvement with your child’s school demonstrates to your child and others that you

place an emphasis on the importance of education. • Impart change. The PTA can be a way to voice opinions, enact new programs and offer feedback about particular programs or lesson plans. • Meet new people. A new school year is not just a time for students to make new friends. Parents often find their closest friends are parents with similar interests and ideals. Joining the PTA can put you in touch with others who enjoy volunteering and getting involved with the school. • Get to know the educators. In addition to meeting other parents and creating a school-based network, getting involved with the PTA is great opportunity to develop a rapport with teachers, aides and even the principal. Being a familiar face inside of school walls can be advantageous to you and your child. • Earn discounts and offers. Schools that are part of a national PTA network may receive discounts and benefits from providers and sponsors. Members may be eligible for discounts on magazine subscriptions, books, insurance, and much more. • Help raise funds. One of the primary goals of a PTA is to raise funds for special programs for the school. Parents who get involved can use their professional expertise to make fundraising even more successful. Research has shown that parental involvement has a significant impact on kids in the classroom. Joining the PTA or becoming involved in other ways provides parents with the opportunity to make friends, serve as role models to their kids and facilitate change.

July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

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affordable

Clever ways to circumvent college costs

ew expenses worry parents as much as the rising cost of education. Whether a child has just entered a preschool program or is about to enroll in college, the cost of that education figures to be considerable.

ollege tuition and fees are perpetually on the rise, so it’s no great surprise that today’s students are graduating with more college debt than ever before.

School expenses vary depending on the school, but parents who enroll their children in private schools can expect to pay several hundred dollars per month for their youngsters’ education. When those kids are ready to head off to college, those expenses will rise considerably.

Though some students might feel helpless with regard to avoiding student loan debt, there are some clever ways for youngsters to pay for college and stay out of debt.

Tips for making school more

Although public education is less expensive, it is not without expenditures. Supplies and fees associated with extracurricular programs may stretch parents’ budgets even further. Parents commonly look for ways to mitigate education costs, and the following are a few ways to do just that.

Need- and merit-based aid Education costs can be staggering, but the sticker price is not necessarily what families will have to pay out of pocket. Many students receive financial aid, which may come in the form of grants, scholarships or low-interest loans. Students who want to be considered for financial aid will have to apply and provide information about the family’s finances. Scholarships are typically awarded for academic achievement and are not exclusive to those people with limited financial means. Schools may offer scholarships directly, or students may need to apply through private organizations. Certain groups may sponsor education grants that help students who meet certain criteria finance their educations. Financial aid may even be available to younger students. Many private high schools and K-12 academies have their own assistance programs, and it never hurts to speak to administrators about payment options and if there are any available programs to make tuition more affordable.

Work ahead High school students may be eligible for advanced placement, or AP, courses that count for college credit. That means being able to take college-level classes in high school without having to pay college-level costs. AP courses may be more challenging, but students who qualify for AP courses can save time and money. Students transferring into college after military training or directly from the workforce may be able to earn college credits for such experience. The more credits a student earns through such opportunities the less that student has to pay to earn his or her degree.

Budget in advance It’s never too early for parents to begin saving for their children’s educations. Ask friends and family members to contribute to college funds when giving holiday or birthday gifts instead of providing toys or other material items. Establish tax-deferred or tax-free educational savings accounts that will accrue through the years and make schooling costs more affordable. For example, 529 plans in the United States allow relatives to set aside money to help children or grandchildren save for college. Parents should consult with financial planners to determine

the best ways to create educational savings accounts. Financial experts will understand tax loopholes and programs that make it easier for parents to save money for their kids’ educations.

Get a job Many school employees are entitled to discounts or even free tuition for their children. Working for a local high school, college or university can alleviate the concerns parents have about paying for their kids’ educations. And teachers are not the only professions in demand. Schools need administrative staff, IT professionals, recruiters, and marketing personnel.

Sibling discounts Schools often offer discounts to parents who enroll multiple students in a school at the same time. Consider having children attend together to qualify for these discounts. In addition, determine if a parent or grandparent’s alma mater offers tuition discounts to future family members who attend the same school.

Apply online Some institutions waive application fees if paperwork is filed online. Costs can quickly add up, and avoiding application fees is another way to trim educa-

tion costs.

• Work with a service organization. Many universities are affiliated with nonprofit organizations, and students who work for affiliated organizations may be eligible for scholarships provided by the organization and/or the university. Wages for workers who take advantage of such programs tend to be very low, but those students who serve full stints could earn scholarships worth several thousand dollars. Students can explore such opportunities by speaking with their universities to determine if the schools are affiliated with any service organizations. If not, students with a desire to give back can find charities that reward their workers with college scholarships. • Sign up for studies. College students often lament their lack of spending money. That’s especially true today, when many students put their earnings from summer jobs or internships toward their tuition. But opportunities for relatively easy money abound on college campuses, where researchers need subjects for studies. Signing up to be a subject for a study can be an easy and lucrative way to earn money that can be used to pay tuition or everyday expenses that often go overlooked when planning a budget. University job boards or department bulletin boards often advertise needs for study participants, so college kids strapped for cash should

monitor such boards in an effort to earn some extra income. • Start a business. Though college kids might not have the time to start building the next Fortune 500 company, starting a small business can be a great way for students to earn money and set their own schedules. A tutoring business that caters to local high school students or even fellow college kids can be a great way for college students to make practical use of their education. Just a few hours of tutoring each week can be enough to help college students mitigate the costs of campus life, and if the business grows big enough, students might even be able to put a dent in their tuition fees. • Live at home. While living at home is an option available only to those students who attend in-state universities within spitting distance of Mom and Dad, it’s an increasingly reasonable decision for students worried about accruing excessive student loan debt. While room-and-board fees vary widely, U.S. News reported that the average charges for on-campus living during the 2013-14 school year were $9,689. Over the course of four years, students will spend nearly $40,000 just to live on campus, and many students will pay those costs via student loans. Students whose primary goal is to avoid substantial postgraduate debt may find that living at home, while not necessarily ideal, is the most effective way to do just that.

Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

hen the financial crisis of 2008 first arrived, many people found themselves in the unemployment line. For some, unemployment proved a brief bump in the road, while others endured several years of unemployment before landing on their feet. Some men and women who lost their jobs as a result of the economic downturn have still not found gainful employment. Many individuals who find themselves out of work or unsatisfied by their current professions consider going back to school to pursue an advanced degree or to begin studies in an entirely new field. An advanced degree can help men and women further their careers, while changing careers is often facilitated by a degree in a different course of study. But the decision to return to school involves more than a person’s career goals, especially if that person has a family or other significant financial obligations. The cost of a college education is considerable, but men and women can take steps prior to enrolling to determine if returning to school makes financial sense for them. • Determine your eligibility for aid. Adults thinking of going back to school may be eligible for financial aid. Older students returning to school won’t have to worry about their parents’ income disqualifying them from financial aid, and they may even be more eligible for need-based aid when returning to school than they were when they initially enrolled as young students. Older independent students may also be allowed to borrow

• Discuss financial aid with the university you plan to attend. Unlike high school students who apply to multiple colleges, adults going back to school typically value proximity when looking for a college or university in which to enroll. So it’s easy for adults to visit their local college or university’s financial aid office in person to discuss opportunities for grants or scholarships. Financial aid officers can point you in the right direction if you decide to fill out loan applications or help you find any scholarships that might be available to adult students. Financial aid departments can be invaluable resources to students of all ages, and gaining a greater understanding of the grants and scholarships available to you can help you determine if returning to school makes financial sense for you and your family. • Determine how quickly you can repay student loans. Few students can afford to attend college without borrowing money. While younger students have a lifetime to repay student loans, older students don’t have that luxury. As a result, older students must determine when they can realistically expect to pay off their loans before they borrow any money. If loans can be repaid long before retirement, then a return to school might make financial sense. But men and women who crunch the numbers and realize they will be forced to make loan payments during their retirement years might want to reconsider. A good rule of thumb for adults considering a return to school is to borrow less the closer you are to retirement. Many adults decide to return to school years after they established themselves in the professional arena. But as much as such decisions can reignite a forgotten passion or lead men and women down an exciting new path, returning to school must also make financial sense.

ALEX AND ANI

more than younger students who are considered dependent. Rules regarding eligibility for financial aid varies depending on where a person lives, but those in the United States can visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information, while Canadians can learn about financial aid at www. canlearn.ca.

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How to determine if returning to school makes financial sense

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Where are your kids spending? Think of the Commerce Bank mySpending Card™ as a GPS that tracks where and how your kids are spending their money (and their time).

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Money Management for Teens

Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

By: Teresa Mabrey, Commerce Bank, Edwardsville Banking Center

A teenager walks into a department store and sees two similar pairs of jeans, one selling for $30, the other for $130. “What’s the difference between these two pairs of jeans?” the teen asks. “No real difference,” the clerk replies. “Some people like to pay $30 for their jeans. Other people like designer jeans and are willing to pay $130.” There is a lesson here: how we spend our money often says more about our own values than the value of the products we buy. It’s one of many lessons teens need to learn if they are to become responsible money managers as adults. And the best way for teens to be taught these lessons is through experience.

Parents can help by: 1. Opening a savings account for them. You can help your children develop lifelong savings habits by encouraging regular trips to the bank to deposit a portion of their birthday money, babysitting earnings or other income. It’s important for teens to see the balance in their account grow over time, which can spur them to save even more. 2. Adding a checking account –“with training wheels.” As teens progress through high school, it’s smart to let them gradually take more control of their money. If your bank allows it, a checking account linked to your account is a good way to allow teens to “dip their toes” into day-to-day money management. Seeing how quickly their hard-earned dollars exit their account may also help quell the urge to splurge on a video game or a designer purse. 3. Teaching them to budget. Teens feel better about saving if they have something specific to save for – whether it’s college or a

“new” used car. Once they have a goal, you can help them develop a budget, showing how much they’ll need to save each month to reach their goal. 4. Showing them how credit works. Before handing over a credit card to your teen, you need to make sure they know how and when to use it. Teens need to be taught the financial implications of carrying a balance on their credit card – and what happens if they make only the minimum payment each month. By keeping credit limits low, you can help your teen avoid severe financial trouble, while letting them see for themselves how hard it can be to dig out of debt, or to pay overdraft fees. Most of all, remember that smart money management isn’t learned overnight. But it’s a skill that will last a lifetime. And it may be the best gift you ever give your child.

How to save money on school uniforms

ome of the goals of school uniforms is to unify students and reduce the distractions they face in the classroom. Uniforms also make it easier to identify students of a particular school or grade level, which can add to the sense of security parents feel when sending their youngsters off to school each morning. Supporters of school uniforms also tout their cost savings. Rather than having to purchase numerous pieces of clothing for the school year, uniforms allow parents to pick up a few staples that stay constant throughout the school year. But school uniforms are not free, although there are ways for savvy moms and dads to save money when purchasing uniforms for their kids.

Be an active parent As with any other school-related decision, uniform brand selection may be governed by school officials and parent volunteers. Uniforms that are commissioned from a particular company may be more expensive than uniforms that are widely available in many retail chains. Involved parents can help shape many important

decisions at their kids’ schools, including which uniforms students wear. Petition for lower-price uniform providers or uniforms that can be bought at area stores. The students still will look cohesive, and families can save money in the process.

Shop sales Keeping costs down on clothing means watching for sales. Uniforms may not go on sale as often as more popular clothing, but that doesn’t mean sales are nonexistent. Stores may discount unforms during slow times, such as October, when school is already in session and items must be moved to make room for the following school year. They also may run specials on seasonal items, such as long-sleeved shirts at the end of the winter. Consider buying in bulk when sales are announced to offset uniform costs for the rest of the year.

Accept hand-me-downs Become friendly with other parents and students who attend the same school. Older students who have outgrown their uniforms can pass them down to younger students. This can save parents significant amounts of money on new uniforms.

July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

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Core Elite All Star Cheerleading Information (ages 5 – 18 yrs old)

All Star Cheer leading is gaining popularity every day. It is very valuable preparing young athletes interested in trying out for Junior High, High School or College Cheerleading. We compete at a minimum of 5 competitions in the season. Practices start August 18th with the first competition in December or January. Minis (ages 5 – 8 yrs old) Practice Schedule: Tues & Thurs from 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Jrs (ages 9 – 14 yrs old) Practice Schedule: Tues & Thurs from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Tuition Cost: $100 per month Price includes two cheerleading practices a week plus an additional hour for tumbling class (For a total of 16 hours a month – averages $6.25 per hour!)v

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Theintelligencer.com • July 24, 2014

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lutheran and Classical School of Excellence Now Enrolling Pre-K to Grade 8 St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL has established her school to proclaim the Gospel, teach the Holy Scriptures, and provide excellence in Lutheran and Classical education, developing faith, wisdom, eloquence, and virture for all generations. St. Paul Lutheran School

• teaches her students the Word of God and Luther’s Small Catechism.

• builds up the homes and families of students and members of the congregation to serve God and His church.

• provides a mathematics and science curriculum that teaches the order and design of God’s creation.

• provides a language curriculum that prepares students to be master communicators and clear thinkers.

• provides a fine arts and music currculum that instills the ability to discern beauty and virture and nurture God-given talents.

• provides daily and purposeful physical activity to discipline the body and mind. 5 day/wk Pre-K/Kindergarten Readiness Program offered at St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center in Hamel, IL Before and after-school care, as well as, daycare is available.

For more information or to arrange for a personal tour, call the St. Paul School office

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T P A N I UL A S

July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

How to help distracted students to technology. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD can make it difficult for kids to maintain focus in the classroom, and that focus may be enhanced or further compromised by technology that’s capable of serving many different functions. Kids who use the technology to their advantage may find it improves their ability to grasp lessons, but some kids may be distracted by devices or even other items in the classroom that make it difficult for them to absorb lessons. Parents concerned about their kids’ ability to cope with distractions in the classroom and at home can take the following steps in an effort to help youngsters improve their academic performance.

oday’s students have more gadgets at their disposal than ever before. As technology like tablets and smartphones have become more prevalent in the lives of adults, such devices also have become more commonplace in the classroom. Some kids thrive when teachers utilize technology to enhance lesson plans, while others may be distracted by access

• Speak to your child’s teacher about seating assignments. Students who find it difficult to focus in the classroom may benefit from new seating assignments. Windows or high-traffic areas of the classroom, such as doorways, can compromise a student’s ability to focus. In addition, the back of the classroom is not the ideal spot for youngsters who find it difficult to focus on the teacher, as teachers may not notice

kids in the back of the class as readily as they might with students sitting in the front of the room. • Encourage participation. Many teachers recognize the value of active participation in the classroom, but kids who are struggling to focus may shy away from participating because they are worried about embarrassing themselves in front of their classmates. Parents and teachers can work with students to encourage them to participate, reassuring them that they don’t need to be experts on a given subject to contribute to lessons. Even if students’ participation is limited to asking questions rather than answering them, encouraging kids to raise their hands and participate in class may help them focus more on the lessons being discussed. • Minimize distractions at home. Kids who have no trouble focusing in the classroom may find it’s a whole different ballgame when they arrive home to study or do their homework. Mom and Dad no doubt have their own gadgets around the house, and such devices as well as television may be too difficult for youngsters to ignore. At home, parents can create a safe haven from distraction by designating a room or area of the house for schoolwork.

Such areas should be clear of distractions like television, telephones, video game consoles, and other gadgets that can compromise a student’s focus. Make such areas off limits to cellular phones and block social media websites from computers in such rooms so kids aren’t tempted to spend study time chatting with friends online. If a child’s study area is not in a separate room of the house, parents should avoid turning on the television until kids have finished their studies for the night. • Consider playing games designed to improve attention and focus. Games designed to improve attention can be a fun way for parents to help their youngsters conquer their concentration issues. For example, the creators behind Lumosity. com collaborated with researchers from universities around the world in an effort to design games to improve visual attention in people of various ages and backgrounds. Few kids are not enamored with games, and games to improve focus and attention may help kids without making them feel as though they are back in a classroom. Parents can speak with their child’s teacher to determine which games might be best suited for their youngsters.

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July 24, 2014 • theintelligencer.com

How to help students who need speech therapy that may require therapy to address. The good news is that children often make tremendous strides once they are enrolled in speech therapy. Although determining if a child needs speech therapy can sometimes be confusing and take some effort and testing, parents who receive such a diagnosis about their youngster will need to focus on some skills that can alleviate speech concerns.

Articulation

arents who are active in their children’s education often find that such an approach is a great way to recognize any potential problems before they have too significant an impact on a student’s educational experience. For example, interaction with educators may shed light on a student’s developmental readiness. Parents often first learn of their children’s strengths and shortcomings when children are exposed to classroom settings and compared to their fellow students. It is here where teachers may first recognize obstacles that could hinder students as they pursue their education. Parents of preschool and kindergarteners may be made aware of speech issues

Many children require speech therapy because of a speech delay or an issue with articulating. This relates to the clarity of speech sounds and overall speech. A child’s speech begins with initial sounds as they mimic the adults around them, which will then form words and phrases. It’s common for young children who have difficulty with certain speech sounds to substitute easier sounds for certain letters or sound blends. But if inconsistent speech articulation or improper sound usage extends beyond a certain age, this may require treatment.

Fluency and resonance Some children receive speech therapy due to disorders like stuttering or prolonging sounds and syllables. When the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppag-

es or repetition, this can be distracting to both the child and those around him or her. Some children have problems with the pitch, volume or quality of their voice. These problems can distract listeners from what’s being said and make it difficult to communicate.

Apraxia According to the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association, childhood apraxia of speech, or CAS, is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables and words. The brain has difficulty moving the mouth for speech. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but the brain does not send the correct message to move the muscles accordingly. Children with CAS are typically assessed earlier than school age.

Seeking therapy Parents who suspect their child has a speech-language concern should first consult with a pediatrician and talk to their child’s teacher. If the speech problem is not causing any learning difficulty or making it hard for teachers and fellow students to understand the child, intervention may not be necessary. However, if the child is embarrassed or getting frustrated with those who do not understand him or her, it may be in the student’s best interest to be

assessed. Speech-language pathologists are trained in speech therapy and are most qualified to make assessments of a child’s speech abilities. This person will provide a thorough articulation assessment and conduct a medical history inquiry to determine if there is a need for treatment. A good speech pathologist will conduct an evaluation in a way that is comfortable for the child. Toys and games may be part of the assessment. Sometimes parents are allowed to remain in the room. Physical skills, vocabulary and grammar also will be checked. Once the source of the problem has been identified, a therapist can develop a treatment plan to fix some of the problems. Homework exercises can help parents continue lessons between therapy sessions. Many parents opt to work with a speech-language pathologist one-on-one. These services may be covered through a health insurance plan. School districts may offer low- or no-cost speech therapy for students who need speech assistance. These may be conducted in solo sessions or as part of a group. Parents should inquire about speech testing at their child’s school and if any services are offered.

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Recognizing the signs of dyslexia Reading different types of texts, including newspapers, comics and books, can help children with dyslexia overcome some of their symptoms.

hildren begin learning to read early in their education. Very often some children seem to excel at reading and writing, while others may struggle. The obstacles kids struggle with may disappear as they age and grow more accustomed to reading, but no such relief comes for kids struggling with dyslexia.

The Mayo Clinic defines dyslexia as a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading. It is a common condition and does not mean a child has subpar vision or intelligence. Dyslexia often goes undiagnosed, and many kids reach adulthood before realizing they are dyslexic. According to Dyslexia Health, 70 to 80 percent of people with poor reading skills are likely to be dyslexic, and dyslexia is the most common cause of difficulties with reading, spelling and writing.

complex language skills. Without help, children with dyslexia can easily grow discouraged with their studies. However, with therapy, many kids can learn to work around their dyslexia.

Causes of dyslexia Dyslexia has been linked to improper genetic development in the brain. It tends to run in families and affects the parts of the brain responsible for language development. There are no surefire ways to predict if a person will have dyslexia. However, in families with high rates of the condition, there is a greater risk.

Dyslexia affects people in various ways. While some may experience only minor symptoms, others may have greater difficulties, including problems with grammar, recognizing left from right and trouble with

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Symptoms Very often it is difficult to recognize dyslexia before a child enters school. There may be some early clues, but these are not always definitive. Potential clues include learning to talk late, having difficulty learning new words and exhibiting difficulty rhyming words. School-aged children may have trouble with sequences, following commands in order, reading at the recommended level, processing and understanding, and/or seeing or writing letters or words in reverse. As children with dyslexia age, they may have difficulty summarizing stories, managing time or learning a foreign language.

Treatment

lessons, individuals with dyslexia may need multi-sensory lessons that combine sight, touch and sounds when introducing new concepts. Screen readers and audio books can also help children learn how to read more effectively. In the classroom, children may need more time to complete assignments. Teachers should be made aware of a dyslexia diagnosis so they can work with students and parents to develop a learning system that works. Practicing reading different types of texts also can help. Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects many children and adults. But therapy and emotional support can help people with dyslexia overcome their disabilities.

There are no medications to correct the underlying brain abnormality that doctors feel causes dyslexia, but there are various treatment methods. Practice and repetition are some of the hallmarks of dyslexia therapy. Rather than standard

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