Back to School 2011

Sunday, Sunday, July July 17, 2011 2011

2011

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Protecting your kids from cyber bullying (ARA) - The days of the schoolyard bully who set out to take your lunch money or shove you in a locker seem like a dream to kids today. Today's kids face bullies who utilize technology to take schoolyard antagonism to a whole new and oftentimes dangerous level.

Cyber bullying is the use of technology and information by a minor to torment, threaten, harass, embarrass and otherwise humiliate another child. The Internet, social networking sites, cell phones and other digital and interactive technologies are used to take the bully's message to a greater audience than ever before, giving them more power to leave their victims humiliated on a global scale.

"It is much easier to bully online than in person," says Dr. Mirjam Quinn, assistant professor of clinical psychology at Argosy University, Chicago. "It is easier to reach a large audience online, there is less, if any, adult supervision governing online behavior and the Internet provides a - sometimes false sense of anonymity that may lead individuals to behave more aggressively than they would in real life. It is also easier to dehumanize a victim online, since the bully doesn't see, thus can ignore, the victim's immediate

emotional reaction."

"Victims who experience cyber bullying reveal that they were afraid or embarrassed to go to school. In addition, research has revealed a link between cyber bullying and low self-esteem, family problems, academic problems, school violence and delinquent behavior.

Cyber-bullied youth also report having suicidal thoughts, and there have been a number of examples in the United States where youth who were victimized ended up taking their own lives," says Eric Kurt, academic director of the Web Design & Interactive Media program at The Art Institute of Indianapolis.

How do your protect your kids? Set appropriate boundaries and monitor their activity.

"The Internet really isn't as anonymous as it seems - it is very much real life," says Quinn.

"Your parenting rules in real life can and should very much inform the decisions you make about parenting rules regarding cell phone and Internet use."

"It is important that you have access to the technology your child uses the most," says Kurt. If your child has a cell phone, you should communicate that you can and will monitor the text messages that are received and sent. "It's not a matter of pri-

vacy invasion, but of being a parent active in the life of your child," says Kurt.

"Parents should look at and set privacy settings on the sites their children are using.

They should also have a list of user accounts that a child has created on the Web, along with the passwords," says Kurt.

Both Kurt and Quinn encourage parents to talk to their kids about appropriate behavior online. Teach them to never post something on the Internet or send a text message that they wouldn't say to a parent or family member. "Once you send a message or an image out into the world via the Internet or text message, you have no control over where it goes and who will receive it," says Kurt. "Assume

that anything posted can, and often will, be made public. If you don't post anything disrespectful, irresponsible or vulgar, then you don't have to worry about who is viewing it."

"If bullying ever crosses the line into intimidation or sexual harassment, or affects your child's ability to feel safe when she is around the bully, then the other child's parents, the school, community leaders and (depending on the severity of the situation) the police should be contacted immediately. Your child may initially become angry with you for 'overreacting,' but you are doing the right thing by showing him that you will take care of him and keep him safe no matter what," says Quinn.

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How to help kids find the right extracurricular activity Today's kids are busier than ever before. Be it the increasingly competitive nature of scholastic life or the increase of twoincome households where kids need something to do other than come directly home after school, children today are much busier than their school-aged counterparts of yesteryear.

While it can be fun and beneficial for kids to participate in extracurricular activities, finding the right fit isn't as easy as it sounds. When helping kids find an extracurricular activity, it's best to consider a host of factors. Especially keep in mind that not all kids are the same with respect to interests. And what was enjoyed by their parents won't necessarily be enjoyed by them.

Getting Started The best place to start is to speak to kids about their interests. Just because Dad loved playing football doesn't mean Junior is destined to be a gridiron great. Kids have their own interests, and those interests can be cultivated with the right extracurricular activity. For example, a creative child might enjoy an after-school art class a couple of times per week.

Parents should also consider extracurriculars that can help kids grow as people. For instance, a child who's shy in

have to exclude a program from consideration, but it's better to know about them in advance than have them come as a surprise.

public but loves hamming it up at home might embrace an afterschool theater program.

Once options have been discussed with kids, take in a session or two before committing to anything. The shy youngster might visit the local theater program and enjoy it thoroughly, or he or she might decide against it. Either way, a visit will give kids and parents a sense of what the program is like and whether or not it's the right fit.

When visiting, observe the nature of the program. Is it an encouraging, vibrant environment? Do the adults and kids involved appear to be having fun?

Get the 411 Parents want their kids to be as

safe after school as they are during it. When looking for an extracurricular activity, inquire about the staff-to-child ratio and about the staff's professional background. Any staff-to-child ratio that is greater than 12:1 likely indicates a program that is understaffed, which could mean kids won't get the attention they need. Also, ask for the staff's references and work history in the field of child care. If certification is necessary or recommended, make sure the staff meets all requirements.

Parents should also inquire about program costs. Though many programs are upfront about fees, some have hidden fees that can add up. Such fees can be for uniforms, equipment, class trips, etc. Extra fees don't

Consider a Child's Grade Level A child's age and grade level should also be considered when choosing an extracurricular activity. Consult teachers about finding an age-appropriate extracurricular activity. For example, less competitive activities that emphasize fun might be more appropriate for kids in kindergarten and the first grade. For second graders, activities not offered at school, like learning to play an instrument, can help cultivate a child's interest in a noncompetitive environment. As kids reach third grade and beyond, consider more rules-based activities, including team sports, as kids at that age are more capable of understanding rules and handling losing than younger kids. As children get older and move on to middle school, look for activities that reinforce learning and help develop a young person's character, including their ability to interact with others.

When looking for an extracurricular activity for kids, parents should consider a host of factors, including the child's interests and age.

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Encouraging Healthy Habits In Teen Girls (NAPS)—Good news: Teen girls are embracing being active, and athletics is the leading activity they participate in at school. Today, 65 percent of high school girls participate in a school sport. The top 10 are track and field, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country, swimming, cheerleading and dance team.

Survey Results A recent survey conducted by Varsity Brands found that a majority of female teens say playing on a sport/spirit team makes them happier (78 percent), builds their overall confidence (73 percent) and helps relieve stress (69 percent). Participating in athletics helps teen girls make new friends (86 percent) and gives them a built-in support system (65 percent).

The survey also found that cheerleaders are more likely than general teens (57 percent vs. 46 percent) to hold a leadership position in/out of school, to be less shy (26 percent vs. 19 percent), and to be more comfortable speaking in public (64 percent vs. 54 percent) and 81 percent have

grade point averages of 3.5 or higher.

Other Advantages “In addition to helping them keep fit, participation in athletics gives teen girls a variety of interpersonal benefits and teaches them to enjoy healthy competition,” said Nicole Lauchaire, vice president, Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity Brands, the leading resource for cheerleading camps, competitions and apparel. “Team athletics like cheerleading give teens a social outlet, confidence boost and stress relief.”

Many good reasons exist for teen girls to participate on a cheer team: • They become part of a team of school leaders.

• As some of the most visible members of the student body, cheerleaders can have a positive influence on others.

• Girls learn new skills and stay in shape through a mix of conditioning, skills training, dance and cardio.

• Cheerleading builds lifelong character traits such as confidence, leadership, positive energy and motivational skills.

The Parents’ Part Parents can take active roles in selecting the right cheer program for their kids. Here are some questions to ask: • Is the coach certified through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) and has the school conducted the appropriate background checks?

• Does the coach adhere to AACCA practice and performance guidelines?

• Does the coach properly balance practice time between athletic training and spirit leadership instruction?

• Does the squad have an emergency plan in place?

Learn More For more information on cheerleading benefits and results from the Varsity Teen Girl Survey, visit www.varsity.com.

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Educating The Whole Child (NAPS)—Every person, from classroom teachers to lawmakers, has a responsibility to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. An effort to support this idea is being led by ASCD, formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

The effort, called ASCD’s Whole Child Initiative, promotes an education system where: • Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.

• Each student learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.

• Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.

• Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.

• Each graduate has been challenged academically and is prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment.

ASCD is calling on educators, policymakers, business leaders, families and community members to work together to institute a “whole child” approach to education.

ASCD is considered a global leader in providing programs, products and services for educators that they can use to improve student achievement.

According to Dr. Gene

Carter, executive director of the organization and former school superintendent, today’s educational system needs to prepare each young person to work in careers that have not yet been invented; to think both critically and creatively; and to evaluate massive amounts of information, solve complex problems and communicate well.

The organization believes that research, practice and common sense confirm that a “whole child” approach to education will develop and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

In addition to informing education practices, ASCD’s Whole Child Initiative encourages parents and school staff to work together to ensure that each child in each classroom is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.

Its website offers a Grade Your School survey, action alerts, newsletters and podcasts to provide parents the tools they need to encourage the “whole child” approach in their local schools. To learn more, visit www.ascd.org/ wholechild.

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8 ways to save on school expenses Every year parents spend significant amounts of money on school expenses. While there's not much parents can do about tuition, there are ways to save on additional expenses, including clothing.

Restocking a student's wardrobe can be costly, but savvy Moms and Dads can lessen the blow in a variety of ways.

Although students may not yet be ready to head back to class, both parents and children may not be looking forward to school shopping for a number of reasons. * Expenses: Statistics posted on Chiff.com indicate that $7.2 billion were spent on school clothing in 2009 for American students. In Canada, statistics show that nearly $450 million were spent on boy's and girl's clothing and accessories in 2008. Shopping for school items can be a big expense, one that's especially tough to handle after paying for a summer vacation or financing kids' stays at camp. * Time: Crowded stores can make shopping stressful, especially when kids (and adults) would rather be spending time elsewhere. * Intimidation: Facing a store full of stocked racks and shelves can

make even the most avid shopper feel a little anxious. Parents face decisions about choosing clothing that is both acceptable to the school and trendy enough for their kids. This can put added pressure on shoppers. * Cranky kids: While some children may relish the idea of picking out a new wardrobe, others may become disgruntled by heading to the store having to try on different things and spend time away from friends.

Whether school shopping is fun or feared, it's a necessity for parents and kids alike. Here are eight tips to make the process a bit easier and help parents save money as well.

1. Assess what is already on hand. Shopping doesn't have to mean creating an entirely new wardrobe from scratch. It often means supplementing existing clothing with new pieces that can make things look fresh. Unless a child has entirely outgrown pants and shirts from last year, chances are there will be a number of pieces that are still usable and appropriate. Take a See Expenses, page 9

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Georgia Southwestern State University Georgia Southwestern State University provides a wide variety of undergraduate and master’s degree programs attracting students from all over Georgia. More than 3,000 residential and commuter students are enrolled, and the student body averages 24 years of age.

Southwestern offers 40 bachelor’s degree programs in arts and sciences, business administration, computing and mathematics, education, and nursing. Graduate degree program are available in business, education, English, and computer science, plus GSW offers a specialist program in education and pre-professional programs in law, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and various allied health-care professions.

The RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses with busy schedules. This innovative program offers flexible options, full or part-time, and classes can be taken anytime, anywhere – completely online.

Thanks to a special dualdegree program in engineering with the Georgia Institute of Technology, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in science or mathematics from GSW and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Georgia Tech. The University also offers cooperative programs with nearly every two-year college within the University System of Georgia, culminating in a baccalaureate degree from Georgia Southwestern.

The landscape of Southwestern’s 270 acres has transformed over the last six years with roughly $70 million in construction taking place. Three new residence halls have been constructed, and more is approaching as GSW has begun construction on a state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Complex. Phase I (Nursing Building) is scheduled for completion in early 2012.

The university-owned Griffin Bell Golf Links and Conference Center facilitates an exciting new program in

Professional Golf Management Program (PGM).

This program is in its second year.

Both President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter are Southwestern alums, as is the late former U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving was founded at GSW in 1987.

Fresh off a Peach Belt Conference Western Division title in basketball, Southwestern has a long history of success in athletics. The Hurricanes won 16 conference championships through the 90s and 00s.

Intercollegiate sports include baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s golf,

men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, and men’s and women’s tennis.

Students also participate in such extracurricular activities as intramural sports, cultural events in music, theater, clubs and organizations, including honor societies, fraternities and sororities.

For more information about Georgia Southwestern State University, visit www.gsw.edu.

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Maintaining a gym locker Students often find middle school or high school is their first foray into a structured physical education class that requires changing into a gym uniform or workout clothing. With this comes the responsibility of outfitting and maintaining another locker on campus.

A gym locker is different from a regular hallway locker in that it is often smaller and less frequently used. While some students may have gym every day of the week, others might have it two or three times a week. Even if it is visited daily, it's only during the one gym period.

Gym lockers can be breeding grounds for some unsavory things, including bacteria, fungi and odor. That's because they store clothing that is

often damp from perspiration in tight quarters. It also may be easy for lice or bed bugs to spread through the close contact of gym lockers.

Students can ensure their belongings are safe and secure by following a few safety and hygiene practices. * Find out the wardrobe policy. Some schools require an issued uniform.

Many others indicate the use of Tshirts, shorts of a specific length and sweatpants. There also may be requirements on footwear. Stock up on these items so you'll have a few changes of clothes as necessary. * If a combination lock has not been issued to you, purchase one to keep items safe. While potential thieves may not be interested in dirty socks or gym

shorts, they may be interested in the digital devices, watches, clothing, and other items stored in gym lockers while you're participating in gym class. * Keep toiletries, such as antiperspirant, powder, sanitary pads, soap, shampoo (if there are showers), and a pair of water-resistant sandals handy. * Because many microscopic organisms breed with warmth and moisture, something that is often in abundance in locker rooms, investing in some antibacterial spray, a descicant product that absorbs moisture and an air freshener can keep your locker more sanitary. * Depending on how dirty gym clothes become, you'll want to bring them home at least once a week for laundering. Take dirty socks home daily because they can fester inside of the locker. * A large zipper-top bag or a recycled grocery bag is a good way to tote home dirty gym clothing inside of your backpack. * Be aware that the locker room floor may be teeming with bacteria, so avoid changing with bare feet on the ground.

The locker room can dredge up feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment

when changing in front of fellow students. Once you have all of your supplies set, keep in mind some locker room etiquette. * Respect personal space and take turns so that you have adequate room for changing comfortably. * Keep your eyes to yourself. Be sure your eyes are at eye level with others.

Nothing elicits feelings of anger or embarrassment faster that a student catching another student checking out a naked or nearly naked body. Few people feel comfortable in such situations, so respect privacy. * Change clothes in stages. Take off a shirt and replace it with another. The same can be said for shorts and pants.

Avoid prancing around in undergarments. * Be quick about changing. Don't dally in the locker room. This way if someone wants a little more privacy, most of the students will have cleared out.

Keep in mind that these formative years are times when your body and the bodies of other students are changing at a great pace. Locker rooms tend to make even the most self-secure person a little modest.

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day or two to go through kids' wardrobes and set aside items Continued from page 6 that can be used for school. Make a list of new items to purchase.

2. Establish a budget. Set a limit as to how much will be spent on each child and don't stray over that limit. Around $150 to $200 may be adequate to pick up a few basics. Taking out cash from the bank and spending only what is in hand may make shoppers less likely to overspend or turn to credit cards for purchases.

3. Stock up on the basics. New undergarments and socks will be needed. Aim for about 10 to 12 pairs of each. This also may be a good time to purchase pre-adolescent girls a training bra or sports bra to provide some support.

4. Buy new shoes. Shoes are one element of a wardrobe that may need to be entirely new. Active children tend to wear out shoes quickly. One pair of sneakers and one pair of dressier shoes, like oxfords, or ballet flats for girls, may be adequate.

5. Shop sales. If the weather is warm, it's possible to save money on clearance Tshirts and shorts that stores are putting on sale to make room for next season's items.

Don't fill a student's wardrobe with heavy sweatshirts or sweaters at this juncture.

Layering options are good because students can adjust accordingly to feel comfortable.

6. Intermingle designer with discount. Not every item in a child's wardrobe

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has to be trendy. Layering items, such as T-shirts, can often be picked up for a discount in stores like Target or Walmart or Old Navy. Outer items, like jeans or some shirts, can be picked up from the trendier stores. Shop their sales and see if they offer coupons by signing up to loyalty Web sites.

7. Go early in the day. Although it may be a challenge get the kids up and dressed to visit stores when they're in vacation mode, arriving early means thinner crowds and refreshed children. Kids who are tired or hungry can be prone to meltdowns. Pack snacks and drinks to be on the safe side. Some stores offer early bird special sales, which can make shopping once the doors open even more advantageous.

8. Do some online shopping, too. Once the children have gone to bed for the evening, do some uninterrupted online shopping.

Comparison shop and figure out if buying online is a good deal after factoring in shipping costs.

School shopping signals the end of vacation time. Make the most of the opportunity to save and reduce stress when shopping.

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Navigating the student loan maze: Five questions you must ask

(ARA) - College costs aren't limited to just tuition. You need to consider room and board, books, meals, transportation and more. After you've applied for scholarships, grants and federal loans, it's not uncommon to need additional funding for a complete college education.

This is where a private student loan can help. If you're exploring what private loan is right for you, here are some important questions to ask so you can make the right decision for today and your financial future.

What is the interest rate?

You must decide if you want a fixedrate loan or a variable-rate loan. A fixed-rate loan will typically have a higher interest rate, but the rate will not fluctuate over the life of the loan, so you're protected from large interest rate swings.

For example, U.S. Bank offers two types of student loans. The fixedrate student loan option offers an interest rate of 7.99 percent (7.80 to 8.46 percent APR) for approved applicants. This provides security because the interest rate will never change. The variable loan rate option has no fees and can range anywhere from a 3.45 percent to a 10.95 percent interest rate (3.39 to 10.22 percent APR)., This rate and APR may increase after consummation and can change over the life of the loan. All applications are subject to normal credit approval.

It's important to weigh your options to determine what is right for you.

Is co-signing beneficial?

Because eligibility, interest rates and reserve fees for private loans are based on your credit, a co-signer may help you get the loan you need at the rates you want. This is particularly true for younger students who may not have an established credit history. A co-signer may be a parent, guardian or close relative who has an established credit history and stable income. It's important for any co-signer to understand that if the student borrower cannot pay the loan for any reason, the co-signer is then responsible for

any remaining loan obligations.

What can you afford to borrow?

It can be difficult to predict the future, but one way to help determine what amount you should borrow is to estimate your future earnings. It's wise to be conservative in your estimates. For help determining average earnings for specific careers, visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics website. A good general rule to follow is your monthly student loan payment should not be more than 8 percent of your monthly salary. Remember that if you borrow too much and have late or missed payments, this will be reflected on your credit history (and any co-signer's credit history).

What are the repayment terms?

Every loan has different terms and it's important to understand all the details before you sign the paperwork. Some things to consider include how long you have to pay back the entire loan, is there a grace period between graduation and when payments start, and is there a discount for any autopayment plans? If you don't completely understand the terms, make sure to ask lots of questions.

Any time you take out a college loan, only take out as much money as you need for education-related expenses. Start by learning your options when you apply at www.usbank.com/student-loans; an application takes five minutes or less. Once you find the right loan for you, you'll be able to get the degree you want and set yourself up for financial success in the future.

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Pros and cons to learning in a digital age The world has quickly become digital, and the younger generations are leading the pack with technology that just may make some other items obsolete. As pre-teens and teenagers routinely turn to digital devices for entertainment and schoolwork, the face of education may change as well.

In the past students toted notebooks (the paper kind), pencils, pens, and folders to school. Today, students carry digital devices like computer tablets, notebooks (the electronic kind), smart phones, and other digital devices to the classroom. Furthermore, texting and instant messaging have replaced traditional modes of casual conversation.

Another item that may go the way of the dinosaur is the printed book. Students can now carry an entire library worth of reading material on a slim e-reader device or on the many other evolving tablet-type machines.

There may be a day when one no longer browses the aisles of the school library for a book, but only downloads the text instantly when needed. Some textbooks are already offered in digital format, and some school systems and teachers may opt for the convenience of digital devices.

Little data exists as to just how many schools have policies allowing the use

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of cell phones and other digital devices in class. In the United States, a 2009 U.S. Department of Education survey indicates only 4 percent of public-school teachers say a handheld device is available in the classroom every day. But things can change in a short period of time.

Digital Advantages There are many advantages to going digital. Typing tends to go faster for adept keyboard users, which many youngsters have become since they've essentially grown up with computers in the household. This makes note-taking easier. When notes and assignments are saved to a computer, there's less likelihood of them getting lost, especially if important files are routinely backed up. Data saved on a computer can easily be manipulated into a number of different formats, potentially making it easier to study. Bodies of text can be transformed into charts or pie graphs with many word processing programs. Students can cut and paste important quotes or examples into essays and the like, saving time on homework.

In terms of streamlining backpacks, digital readers and other devices eliminate heavy books and Sunday, Sunday, July July 17, 2011 2011

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notebooks. This can be seen as a big plus to students who have grown accustomed to carrying around 20+ pounds on their backs from a very young age.

As many teachers turn to online resources, such as e-mailing and posting assignments on a personal Web site, students almost have to keep up with the times with some sort of tool that has Internet access.

Digital Disadvantages On the other side of the equation, going digital does have some disadvantages. The decline of penmanship is one of them. In a digital era, people are less likely to write letters by hand or keep up with penmanship in other ways. Some children don't know what cursive handwriting is and may never learn how to sign their names in "script," which was a common lesson for other generations.

While digital communication does promote social interactions on some levels, there are some who argue that spending too much time staring at a screen and keyboard compromises the

social aspect of going to school and learning in a classroom. Today's youth are less likely to "talk," choosing to "LOL"and "TTYL" through texting.

Having a wealth of information available on the Internet opens up students to many disreputable sources of content. Some common online encyclopedias are written and edited by regular people who may not have the accurate details of events. Also, having content that is easily cut and pasted opens up the temptation for plagiarism and blurs the lines of how to attribute information to a source correctly.

Digital devices may be great learning tools, but they also offer a number of distractions to students.

When a student is supposed to be taking notes on a laptop in the classroom, he or she might be downloading music, updating social networking sites, streaming video, or checking celebrity gossip.

Classrooms are evolving and so are students. Learning is very different from the way older generations may have learned. Whether the presence of digitial technology helps or hinders remains open for debate.

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Troy University in Albany There are many different universities, and many of them have unique advantages. Troy University suggests that instead of asking yourself, “What’s the best university,” try asking, “What’s the best university for me?” If you are like most potential students, you will highlight three key criteria: marketability, accessibility and academic quality.

For over a century, Troy University, recently named to The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” ranking and U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges,” has offered busy working professionals just like you the opportunity to earn their degrees.

Employers consistently regard TROY students as prepared for the job market and, as a result, a degree from TROY increases your marketability.

TROY offers local on-site and online graduate and online undergraduate degree programs provided in a format designed for working adults with family and professional obligations. TROY makes education convenient and flexible.

When it comes to academic quality, TROY is unparalleled. At TROY, highly qualified, full-time and adjunct faculty members with professional and real-world experiences deliver innovative and cuttingedge instruction. TROY offers a variety of graduate degree programs online through eTROY, which are described in detail at troy.edu. Some of those programs include Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in International Relations, Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science

in Post Secondary Education. TROY’s online undergraduate program also offers degrees in business, management, criminal justice, political science, psychology, social science and sport and fitness management. Locally, TROY offers the Master of Science in Management and Master of Science in Post Secondary Education— each with various concentrations, as well as bachelor’s and associate degree programs.

There are many good universities.

To maximize the investment in your education, TROY recommends that you choose the best university for you. The answer is simple—the answer is TROY. For more information, visit our website at www.troy.edu Find out why Troy University is the best university for you.

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