Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Shaine Casas Gears Up for Olympic Debut
ShaineCasas, McAllen’s own swimming sensation, is on the brink of a milestone in his athletic career as he prepares for his debut at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Competing in the 200-meter men’s individual medley, Casas is set to take the plunge on Thursday, August 1, representing the United States with pride.
Since his days at Texas A&M, Casas has envisioned this moment. His hopes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were dashed when he finished third in the qualifiers, narrowly missing the top-two finish needed to advance. Despite this setback, Casas remained undeterred. Over the past four years, he has emerged as a formidable swimmer on the global stage. With 14 world championship medals, three national titles, and numerous NCAA accolades, Casas has solidified his place among the elite. His accolades include being named SEC Swimmer of the Year, SwimSwam Swimmer of the Year, and College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association Division I Swimmer of the Year. Casas’ journey to Paris has been marked by intense preparation, both physically and mentally. He’s more focused than ever, hav-
ing worked tirelessly to eliminate distractions and hone his skills. Reflecting on his journey, Casas shared, “The obstacles and everything I’ve been through have given me confidence as an athlete and a person. It’s great to win, but sometimes losing teaches you more than winning.”
This more mature and measured approach is a stark contrast to his mindset four years ago. Casas acknowledges the growth he has experienced, saying, “I feel like I’m in the best spot mentally, physically, and socially. Four years ago, I was new to it and naïve about how things really go. I’ve definitely grown up and learned.”
The competition in Paris will be fierce, with 25 swimmers vying for a spot in the semifinals. The 16 fastest times from the heats will advance. Casas will swim in Heat No. 4, lane five, with the heats beginning at 4:40 a.m. Central Time (11:40 a.m. Paris time). The semifinals are set for 2:35 p.m. Central Time (9:35 p.m. Paris time), and the medal round will take place on Friday at 1:43 p.m. Central Time (8:43 p.m. Paris time).
Casas enters the competition with a time of 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, placing
him third among his competitors. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62), and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. The Olympic record, held by Michael Phelps, stands at 1:54.23, while Ryan Lochte holds the world record at 1:54.00.
The moment Casas secured his spot on Team USA was unforgettable. After touching the wall, he wiped away the pool water—and perhaps a few tears—before embracing his teammate Carson Foster. He paused to savor the achievement.
“I’m going to make that damn team,” Casas had declared before the qualifying meet in Indianapolis. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “I wish I could go back and have a conversation with myself — I might slap myself because I wouldn’t want to hear it. But things happen. There are pivotal moments that teach you a lot and shape who you are.”
With his experiences shaping him into the person and athlete he is today, Casas heads to Paris with confidence and determination, ready to achieve greatness and bring home a medal for his country, state, and hometown.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) women’s outdoor track & field team will begin competing in the Southland Conference (SLC) this upcoming season, and they’ll be adding to a league that is already deeply competitive.
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Kick Off the School Year with IMAS’ Back to School Bash!
McAllen, TX – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is excited to announce its Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
OPINION
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
Venezuela’s dictator faces unexpected hurdles to rig Sunday’s elections
Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro may find it harder than expected to steal the July 28 elections. Although he has done it before, new developments could mess up his plans to rig the vote.
In recent days, a surprise statement from Brazil’s leftist leader Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, and the Brazilian president’s decision to send a high-level delegation to observe the voting, has put new pressure on Maduro to respect the election results.
Lula, who has in the past abstained from criticizing the Venezuelan dictatorship, said Monday that Maduro “needs to respect the democratic process.” He added that, “when you lose, you go home and get ready to run in another election.”
Brazil and several other Latin American countries are worried that a new wave of civil unrest in Venezuela could drive millions more of Venezuelans to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years.
The Brazilian delegation’s presence in Caracas on election day will be very
important to help prevent a likely Maduro plan to rig the vote count, several opposition leaders told me.
Maduro would pay a very high political cost if the Brazilian government — which he cannot accuse of being a U.S.-lackey — concluded that he stole the election, Maduro critics say.
“Lula’s statement is hugely important, because Brazil is Latin America’s leader, and because Lula is the democratically-elected leader who has the most influence on Maduro,” former Bolivian President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who plans to travel to Caracas with a group of former presidents to observe the elections, told me. He added,
Lula’s statement may be just the most recent of a string of surprise setbacks for Maduro, who had hoped to win his reelection for a third term by manipulating the electoral process. Among other things, he banned top opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from running, denied voting registrations to 4.5 million Venezuelans living abroad, virtually excluded opposition candidates from appearing on TV networks, and intimidated opposition activists.
Still, none of that seems to have worked. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who is backed by Machado, is leading in the polls by more than 20 points, according to recent separate surveys by the Datanálisis, Delphos, Consultores 21 and ORC polling firms.
Gonzalez Urrutia told me in a recent interview that, everything else having failed, Maduro may try to manipulate the vote count on election night. But that will be hard to do because the opposition will have poll watchers across the country. “My understanding is that we will have witnesses in 100% of the voting places,” he told me.
Maduro may try to rig the vote by announcing shortly before the scheduled closing of the polls at 6 p.m. that there are long lines of people waiting to cast their ballots in several places, and extending the voting time for several hours, opposition leaders told me.
In the past, the Maduro regime used those night hours to stuff ballot boxes in remote areas with fake votes from people who are dead or living overseas.
To prevent that from happening, the opposition plans to have at least two observers with smart phones in every voting place, who will take pictures of the voting tallies and send them to data centers located in Caracas, Madrid and Washington. The phones will be able to send the pictures via VPN in case the regime shuts down internet services.
“The opposition has a very well-organized electoral observation system,” Quiroga told me. “Many people forget that Machado is an engineer who started out as an electoral data monitoring expert.”
Of course, if he sees himself losing, Maduro may yet concoct an excuse to suspend the elections, or ban Gonzalez Urrutia shortly before the vote. But, as Gonzalez Urrutia told me, “that would amount to an admission of defeat” by Maduro.
Granted, Maduro reelected himself fraudulently in 2018, and may try to do it again. But the opposition has learned its lessons. Maduro may face the dilemma of admitting a defeat, or manipulating the results so shamelessly that even some of his biggest allies in the region won’t be able to defend his charade.
STC, Mission EDC celebrate partnership, inaugurate new STC site
South Texas College has expanded into Mission, Texas with a new site at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) thanks to an on-going partnership with the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
The partnership and expansion were recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting attended by Mission EDC leadership, STC administration, local elected officials and regional industry partners.
“Solid partnerships are key, and the city of Mission is a vital partner in education. This ribbon cutting is a symbol of the collaboration that is expanding opportunities into Mission for our community and workforce,” said Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “As we enter a new era at the Mission CEED building, we look forward to continue providing training that will upskill, reskill and train residents for in-demand jobs that will be a steppingstone for life-changing success.”
The STC office at the CEED building is a response to the needs of regional industry and will make training opportunities more accessible for nearby communities to reskill and upskill its workforce.
Courses and trainings offered at the CEED, facilitated by STC’s Department of Continuing Education and Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA), are open to the public or can be customized to meet the needs of local industry and businesses that are interested in providing their employees with personal skills development, business development and emerging technology classes, such as customer service, organizational ethics and artificial intelligence.
One local general contracting and construction company, Noble Texas Builders, with locations in La Feria, San Antonio and
Houston, has taken advantage of the trainings offered by STC, and for several of its employees like Diana Gonzalez, Noble Risk Management manager, the trainings have meant progression and promotion.
“I came into Noble as a project manager and since completing STC’s Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship program, I have seen growth, personally and professionally, and I have seen many others from Noble experience the same thing,” she said. “We encourage all our employees to take advantage and now, with a training site in Mission, STC trainings will be more accessible than ever for us and many others.”
Teclo Garcia, Mission EDC chief executive officer, said this partnership is a great opportunity for the city of Mission to attract new employers and increase the skill level of the region. He is grateful to STC for this partnership and for all it does for the community and its residents.
“While our partnership with STC is not new, we’ve collaborated on scholarships for many years, awarding millions of dollars in scholarships for Mission residents, it is important that we continue to move this partnership forward. We are grateful to STC,” he said. “So, being able to open our doors to the college means we get to offer our community what it needs it terms of training and education. This partnership will help us fulfill our three pillars: create jobs, find opportunities for investment and enhance the workforce.”
Courses offered at the CEED are offered at a minimal fee and will be taught by STC faculty members who are experts in the subject matter. Most courses run from one to 16 days and at the end of each course, a certificate of completion is awarded.
18th Annual “Fishing for Hope” Tournament
ITeam Mario’s summer camp marks decade of impact First Endoscopic Gallbladder Drainage Procedure in the RGV
f you like fishing and helping others, then DHR Health invites you to join them at their 18th Annual “Fishing for Hope” Tournament. The event will take place at Jim’s Pier on South Padre Island on August 24, 2024. All proceeds raised at the event go to benefit uninsured patients at the Hope Family Health Center, a non-profit organization that see over 5,000 patients a year. To date, DHR Health has helped raise over $4 M for the center since its coordination of this hallmark event.
By Amanda Alaniz
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– For the past 10 years, Team Mario has hosted its Fun Fridays Summer Camp at UTRGV.
Camps for Team Mario, an organization dedicated to helping families and children affected by the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are filled with activities modified for children with autism.
This year’s camp was held throughout June on the Edinburg Campus, with each day dedicated to a different theme, from Legos to music to superheroes.
On the final day of the camp, the theme was “Superhero Luau,” featuring a variety games, handcrafts and a pizza party.
Lisa Beccera, Team Mario program director, has been with the organization since the initial camp, which came to fruition at legacy institution University of Texas Pan American 10 years ago as a social skills camp for children with autism. The camp is in collaboration with the UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration, along with the support of Dr. John Lowdermilk, department chair and professor with the Department Human Development and School Services.
“When I think back on these 10 years, I’m just amazed. I hope we continue for 10 more years, so we can provide new experiences to new individuals,” she said.
This year’s milestone summer camp saw many first-time campers who had never experienced a summer program before, Beccera said.
Beccera said the overall goal of the camp
is to give families an environment in which their child can feel included, accepted and supported, and where they can thrive. And they welcome volunteers, known as “buddies,” to help support the children while at camp.
One of the newest buddies is UTRGV senior Mechanical Engineering major Samantha Zúñiga. This summer camp was the first time she had volunteered with the organization, and she already has plans to continue helping.
She has a younger brother with autism, she said, so she has some insight into what the children need, and she is thankful for the chance to be part of their learning experiences.
“My brother is nonverbal. It does take a lot for him to build trust to feel comfortable with a person to do activities,” she said. “So being support for these other kids, knowing they have familiar faces to come to – whether it’s the other campers or volunteers –we’re able to give them that summer camp feel. It’s really fulfilling.”
At the end of the day, Fun Fridays is all about the campers, about giving them memorable experiences. Some of the campers return from year to year to have fun with their friends and take part in the fun-filled activities.
Karim, a graduating eighth-grader from Todd Middle School in Donna and a returning camper, said he enjoys every part of the camp.
“My favorite part is hanging out with my friends, talking, and talking to other people and having fun,” he said.
Beccera said it means a lot to her to see the campers come back, as well as to get new children to enroll. She doesn’t forget any of the campers who are part of Team Mario, and feels a sense of pride in seeing them grow.
“Our belief in the parents’ son or daughter translates into them believing in their son or daughter. And that has the capacity to change lives,” she said. “Just one person believing in this individual. My hope is, it’s a ripple effect and their lives will be better. I know my life is better because of it.”
“This is one of the largest fishing tournaments on the Texas coast and we invite all to join us for a day of fun and community spirit at our annual event. Your participation helps raise essential funds to support families in need, providing them with crucial assistance and resources,” said Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President for DHR Health.
The Hope Family Health Center is a non-profit family healthcare facility with locations in McAllen and Weslaco, dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of uninsured families living in the Rio Grande Valley. The center provides various primary medical, counseling, integrated behavioral health, peer support, case management, and wellness programs. All services are provided free of charge through the generous efforts of the center’s volunteer physicians and medical staff. All prospective patients seen at HOPE must provide proof of household income among other required documentation.
Every year, DHR Health employees dedicate themselves to establishing various fundraisers at to benefit the Hope Family Health Center. They do this by hosting t-shirt and bake sales, and jewelry fundraisers. DHR Health employees have raised thousands to help the Hope Family Health Center. To date, DHR Health employees have helped raise close to $2 M of the monies.
For those interested in joining DHR Health’s fundraising efforts, there is still time to become a valued event sponsor. Several sponsorship tiers are available for a company or organization—platinum, gold, silver, or bronze. Each tier offers distinct benefits, including angler registration tickets to tournament social events, company logo recognition in the local newspaper, a company banner displayed at Jim’s Pier, and ongoing company name announcements during event activities. Another way businesses can help support the event is by donating items that will be part of the event’s legendary stars auction.
To become an event sponsor or for more information about the 18th Annual DHR Health Fishing for Hope Tournament, please call Minerva Echols or a team member at the DHR Health Events Department at (956) 362-3140.
DHR Health Advanced Endoscopy Institute is proud to announce the introduction of Endoscopic Gallbladder Drainage to the Rio Grande Valley.
The first procedure of its kind was successfully performed on a female patient of advanced age at DHR Health. Utilizing endoscopic ultrasound guidance, Dr. Juan Sanchez identified and accessed the gallbladder through the stomach, successfully placing a metal stent to alleviate inflammation and pain.
Dr. Sanchez said this minimally invasive technique provides a critical alternative for treating Acute Cholecystitis when the gallbladder becomes inflamed or swollen, particularly for patients who are non-operative candidates. The patient is doing great following post-operative appointments with Dr. Sanchez. This procedure marks a significant advancement in DHR Health’s commitment to offering cutting-edge, patient-centered care.
A native of the RGV, Dr. Sanchez serves as a gastroenterologist and an advanced endoscopy specialist at DHR Health. For an endoscopy consultation or to schedule an appointment call (956) 362-8840.
WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
RIO
GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) women’s outdoor track & field team will begin competing in the Southland Conference (SLC) this upcoming season, and they’ll be adding to a league that is already deeply competitive.
The 2024 season marked the third consecutive time a different team has won the SLC Outdoor Championship – and the third season in a row a program lifted its first trophy. Northwestern State won a nailbiter this spring, outscoring McNeese 182.5 to 181. The tight finish represented how talented the conference was last season as six Southland records were broken.
Lamar and McNeese won their first outdoor team titles in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Prior to the new champions, Stephen F. Austin won back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2021, growing their total to a conference-best 10 trophies before heading to a different conference. SFA returned to the SLC on July 1 as UTRGV moved to the conference, bringing the total number of outdoor programs to 12. The Vaqueros will look to become just the fifth active SLC
member to win the outdoor championship.
SFA also leads the conference in individual titles with 72, but Northwestern State has claimed seven winners in the last two seasons, closing the gap with 70 total titles. Lamar holds a conference-best 11 event championships in the last two seasons.
The Southland has notched 65 NCAA All-American honors since 1986. The conference had two Second Team All-Americans in 2022, and SFA tabbed two Second Team honors in 20233 while competing in the Western Athletic Conference. Northwestern State leads active programs with seven All-Americans.
Current SLC representatives have sent 10 individuals and one relay to the NCAA Outdoor Championships since 2022. In 2024, Northwestern State’s 4x400-meter relay team qualified for the national meet. The Southland sent two qualifiers in 2023 and three in 2022, along with three from SFA.
The conference was also represented at the 2024 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials as Lamar’s Chloe Rodriguez competed in the women’s 400-meter hurdles.
Big Congrats to the Edinburg STX
Broncs 14U Softball Team
The Edinburg STX Broncs 14U Softball team has made their hometown proud once again by clinching the title at the 2024 FASA World Series in Branson, MO. This incredible achievement marks their consecutive win, establishing them as back-to-back champions!
The team’s dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship were evident throughout the series, and their victory is a testament to
their relentless pursuit of excellence. Their triumph not only highlights their skill on the field but also brings immense pride to the Edinburg community.
Way to go, Broncs! Your achievement is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Congratulations on representing Edinburg with such distinction and bringing home the title!
MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) men’s outdoor track & field unit is eager to start competing in the Southland Conference (SLC) and adding to the league’s rich history in the sport.
The Southland has accumulated 199 NCAA All-American honors and 15 NCAA Championships in men’s outdoor track & field over the years. In the last three seasons, current SLC representatives* have sent 14 individuals and two relay teams to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. During that span, SLC schools have tabbed four First Team All-American and three Second Team All-American honors. (*Stephen F. Austin sent five individuals and one relay to the championship meet from 2022-24 while a member of the Western Athletic Conference).
Northwestern State holds the most NCAA All-American honors of any active Southland program with 25. National standouts from the conference include Shadrack Songok from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who won the men’s 10,000-meter run in 2007 and 2008. Most recently, SFA’s Branson Ellis won the pole vault national championship in 2021. Notably, the SLC boasts six pole vault championships, including three from former member Arkansas State’s Earl Bell, who dominated the event from 1974-76.
While the conference is deeply competitive from top to bottom, it has been the Incarnate Word Cardinals to hoist the outdoor team trophy three seasons in a row. UIW’s 2023 title secured the “Triple Crown” for the Cardinals, meaning their men’s teams won titles in cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field in the same year. It was the fifth men’s Triple Crown and 12th overall
in Southland history and the first since the mid-1980’s.
UIW’s three outdoor titles is tied for third-most among active SLC members with Northwestern State. Both programs are behind Lamar’s 10 titles and SFA’s five, including the 2021 title before their conference move. The only other current conference competitor to claim the team trophy is Southeastern.
Lamar also leads the conference with 136 individual titles. McNeese has claimed a conference-leading seven individual championships in the last two seasons, moving into second among active programs with 82 total. There has been good disparity among the SLC programs at the last two outdoor meets, with newcomer Texas A&M-Commerce, Southeastern and UIW all taking six titles, making for close scores in the team standings. UIW’s 2024 outdoor championship was decided by just six points as the Cardinals scored 167, followed by Northwestern State in second with 161 and McNeese in third with 116.
Southland men’s track & field athletes have also established a presence on the professional level. Six conference schools had representatives at the 2024 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials who once competed in the Southland – Kyle Sieracki from UIW in decathlon, Kenson Tate from Lamar in long jump, Donavon Banks from McNeese in javelin, Zachaeus Beard from NSU and J.T. Smith from Commerce in the 100-meter dash, and SFA’s Jeremiah Curry in the 200-meter dash.
Commerce alum Joseph Brown, who competed for the Lions prior to their move up to Div. I, made the Olympic Team in discus.
Kick Off the School Year with IMAS’ Back to School Bash!
McAllen, TX – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is excited to announce its Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum will host a day filled with hands-on art and science activities, Starlab Planetarium presentations, community tables, food vendors and opportunities to receive school supplies while items last.
This year’s Bash is made possible through the generous support of McAllen Public Utility, H-E-B Helping Here, and Wonderful Citrus. Their contributions ensure that admission to the event is free for everyone and allow the museum to provide even more school supplies to children in attendance.
“IMAS is thrilled to have the support of McAllen Public Utility, H-E-B Helping Here, Wonderful Citrus, and all the participating community organizations that contribute to the success of the Back to School Bash,” stated Roni Cortez, IMAS Director of Education. “We encourage families and students in grades K-12 to take advantage of this complimentary event at the museum and explore our exhibits and interactive labs! Join us for the school supplies and enjoy a variety of activities, including Back to School Bingo with fidget prizes, Planetarium presentations, outdoor games, and
interactive sessions in our MPU Biozone Lab and Ann Moore Art Studio.”
Visitors will be able to explore museum areas including Water Journey, MPU BioZone, Science On a Sphere (SOS) exhibit theater, H-E-B Seed to Table play exhibit, and the museum’s sculpture garden. In addition, current exhibits on view include Ella by Nour Kuri which opens on August 17, Cross Connections showcasing winners of an international juried exhibition and design competition in partnership with UTRGV, and Microscape, a Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. exhibit of art quilts capturing tiny wonders at the microscopic level.
Join community partners such as Corning, DHR Health, Fragile Planet, Luna Dental, McAllen Public Utility, McAllen Recycling Center, Raising Canes, Texas Children in Nature Network, Valley Symphony Orchestra, Whataburger, and Wonderful Citrus in celebrating the new school year with a day of discovery and fun.
Satisfy your cravings with delicious offerings from Candyland STX, Café 11, and Il Forno Pizza Truck, available throughout the event.
Mark your calendars and come join the fun at the IMAS Back to School Bash on August 17. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
For more information, visit theimasonline.org or contact IMAS at 956-681-2800.
Driscoll’s 31st Annual Pediatric Conference
Driscoll Children’s Hospital 31st Annual Pediatric Conference attracted attendees from South Texas and beyond to the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. It was Driscoll’s most-attended pediatric conference yet.
Healthcare professionals visited the two-day event to elevate their knowledge. They received a tour of Driscoll Children’s Hospital and enjoyed an informative program on current clinical challenges within specific pediatric subspecialties— including hearing from Driscoll’s very own resident physicians as they shared their case studies and answered questions.
Topics of education at the conference included the opioid crisis in Texas, rabies prevention, bullous disorders of infancy and childhood, urticaria, pediatric obesity, and more.
Attendees enjoyed food and drinks, Driscoll-branded gear, and a stunning view of the bay from the third floor of the Omni.
“This was an exciting opportunity for pediatricians, sub-specialty physicians and other healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Sonia Mathew, Medical Director of Driscoll’s Continuing Medical Education Program.
“We look forward to growing the program and seeing familiar faces again next year!”
Best of Luck to Our Incredible Edinburg Athletes
We are excited to announce that our outstanding Edinburg athletes are heading to Laredo for the Pony Bronco League World Series! This is a remarkable opportunity for our 12U McAllen baseball team, which features many talented boys from Edinburg, and they have been on a fantastic winning streak.
In a show of community support, the McAllen Boys & Girls Club hosted a heartfelt send-off event today. Our Mayor, along with parks crews and numerous community mem-
bers, gathered to wish the team the very best as they prepare to represent the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) on this grand stage.
The dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship of these young athletes have brought immense pride to our community. We believe in their potential and know they will make us proud. Let’s rally behind our team and cheer them on as they compete in the World Series!
Go, team!
Healthy Habits for Your Child’s Routine
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, these timely tips will help your child kick off the academic year on the right foot.
Get Them in a Routine Early
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth start to school is to establish a routine well before that first bell rings. Start adjusting their sleep schedule at least a week before school starts. Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps regulate your body’s clock. This will make those early mornings less jarring.
Prioritize Nutrition
Your child’s brain and body need proper fuel to function optimally. Make sure they eat balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins. A healthy breakfast is especially important; it kick starts their metabolism and provides the energy they need to stay focused throughout the morning. Pack healthy snacks, like nuts, yogurt or fruit, to keep their energy levels stable.
Encourage an Active Lifestyle
Physical activity is vital for both physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. This level of activity helps reduce stress, improve mood and boost cognitive function, making it easier to concentrate and retain information.
Manage Stress
Going back to school can be stressful, with new classes, teachers, and potentially new friends to navigate. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness or yoga. Help them stay organized with a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments and extracurricular activities, reducing that dreaded last-minute rush.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining
energy levels and concentration. If allowed, send them off with a reusable water bottle and help them make a habit of sipping water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and difficulty focusing, so ensure they’re getting enough fluids.
Establish Good Sleep Habits
Adequate sleep is crucial for academic success and overall health. Teens should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. They should avoid caffeine and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to their body that it’s time to wind down.
Limit Screen Time
While technology is an integral part of modern education, excessive screen time can interfere with sleep and increase stress levels. Set boundaries for screen time, especially before bed. Consider using blue light filters on devices to reduce eye strain and minimize the impact on their sleep cycle.
Foster Positive Relationships
A supportive social network is essential for emotional well-being. Encourage your child to connect with friends and classmates, participate in school activities, and seek support from teachers and counselors if needed. Positive relationships can make the school experience more enjoyable and provide a strong support system during
challenging times.
Instill Good Hygiene Habits
Practicing good hygiene is essential to help your child avoid illness. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing personal items like water bottles or utensils.
Returning to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can help your child have a healthy, productive and enjoyable school year. Remember, taking care of your physical and mental health is a key part of academic success.
CROSSWORDS IN UNIFORM
ACROSS
Toys that are loud
Quite a spell
Not quite white
Rat follower
Thoughtful person
Privy to ...in a board game
Fishy furnishing
Statement showing surprise
Castilian hero
Sign of disuse
NBA locale
Bug repellent
Young coyote
Elaborately adorned
Most helpful
Marquee name ...in a sitcom
With a key Bingo call
56-Across, for one
Driver’s club
Ensigns, for instance
No walk in the park
Accusatory phrase
Flat hat
Lock opener
Slender howler
ACROSS
1. Toys that are loud
5. Quite a spell
9. Not quite white
13. Rat follower
...on a ‘60s album cover
Drizzle acronym Nellie Bly contemporary
56. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 23. 25. 26. 27. 29. 31. 32. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 42. 44. 45. 46. 47. 50. 51. 53. 55. 56. 57. 58.
Standing at home
14. Thoughtful person
Conversation conclusion
Loads
15. Privy to
16. in a board game
Held up, perhaps Top suits
A, as in history books
Gas still sold in Saskatchewan DOWN
Very full
Dinghy designation By order of Water fall
19. Fishy furnishing
Arizona’s state neckwear
20. Statement showing surprise
Secure, as a ship
21. Castilian hero
Last Stuart queen
Aussie rancher trainee
22. Sign of disuse
LBJ Library locale
Green land
24. NBA locale
Priam portrayer in Troy
Hostile intent
28. Bug repellent
What many get a charge out of Dish (out)
29. Young coyote
Response to sweet talk
Arabian port
Call of the Wild backdrop
Shade source
Funny money
Small portions
Intuitively Fish-fowl link
Eyeglasses sidepiece
30. Elaborately adorned
South American corn cakes
32. Most helpful
Timer adjustments
33. Marquee name
More than one-track
Papal topper
34. in a sitcom
Modern sweetie
39. With a key
Groups like CARE __ facto
40. Bingo call
Brief time
41. 56-Across, for one
Most remote point Drift (off) __ speak (in a way)
Hiring!
Ancestor to all French diarist
43. Driver's club
44. Ensigns, for instance
48. No walk in the park
49. Accusatory phrase
51. Flat hat
52. Lock opener
54. Slender howler
56. on a '60s album cover
59. Drizzle acronym
60. Nellie Bly contemporary
61. Held up, perhaps
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dynamic team at El Periodico U.S.A leading newspaper serving the Cameron,
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Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon regions. We are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about sales and eager to contribute to our continued success.
Responsabilities
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• Identify and pursue sales opportunities within the designated regions
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Meet and exceed sales targets and objectives
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• Provide excellent customer service and support throughout the sales process
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies
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• Proven track record of success in sales, preferably in the media industry
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to travel within the designated regions
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• Competitive pay and commission structure
Aussie rancher trainee
