Welcome
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January 2014
January 2014 | Vol. 7, No. 5 Publisher: Bill Patterson The contents of this free publication are copyrighted by Denton Publishing Company, 2008, a subsidiary of A.H. Belo Corp. (www.ahbelo.com, NYSE symbol: AHC) with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Kid Life is published monthly by Denton Publishing Company, 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201. E-mail: drc@dentonrc.com
On the cover: Ashley Poe, a first grade teacher at E.P. Rayzor Elementary, looks on with excitement while her colleague Nicole Scriven, a speech teacher at the school, snaps a quick photo of students on her phone during the Speeding to Read festivities at Texas Motor Speedway.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hope you have had a great two weeks off! Be sure to read about a class that raised funds to help a family dealing with tough times inside this edition on Page 11. And as you get back into the groove, some helpful hints on Page 11 will make it much easier. Welcome back!
Library events. . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-3 Denton ISD update . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Top of the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Teachers & principal profiles . . . . 9 Lunchbox bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Health column . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Kid Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Sincerely,
Dawn Cobb dcobb@dentonrc.com 940-566-6879 P.O. Box 369 Denton, TX 76201
Dawn Cobb
Shawn Reneau
Editor dcobb@dentonrc.com 940-566-6879
Advertising Manager sreneau@dentonrc.com 940-566-6843
Courtesy photo/ Denton ISD
January library events offered Read to Rover Give your child an opportunity to practice reading one-on-one with a trained, certified therapy dog. Sign up for our Read to Rover program made possible by a partnership with the Therapy Pals of Golden Triangle. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 349-8752 to find out more. For children reading on their own; ages 6-11. Wednesdays 1/8 Emily Fowler Library 4:30 p.m. Saturdays 1/18 North Branch Library 10 a.m. Crafty Kids Create arts and crafts at this open-ended, come-and-go program. We provide the craft materials and all you need is your creativity and imagination! For children of all ages; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1/31 Sparkly and Shiny
Friday North Branch Library 3-5 p.m. Art and Me Read the book and stay to create artwork or enjoy activities inspired by the story. For ages 2-5. 1/16 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats South Branch Library 10:00 a.m. It’s a Girl Thing Book Club Join our Mother-Daughter book club for great discussion and yummy treats. Best for ages 10-14. Please contact Rebecca Ivey at 3498752 or rebecca.ivey@cityofdenton.com for more information. 1/15 The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone Wednesdays South Branch Library 4 p.m. B.O.Y.S.
- Boys Only Yucky
Stories Calling all boys grades 2 – 5! Join the yuckiest book club ever! We’ll read and talk about funny, yucky and gross stories. You won’t have to sit still while we talk because you will be too busy with funny, gross or downright bizarre projects. Each month a new book and exciting activity. 1/16 Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon Thursdays Emily Fowler Library 6:30 p.m. LEGO Builders Club Drop in and get creative by building with the library’s LEGOs. A different theme is picked for each month and kids can build on that theme or build a creation of their own. Ages 6 and up. Fridays 1/3, 1/17 Emily Fowler Library 4 p.m. Lincoln and Log Cabins
Find out more about Abraham Lincoln and the history of log cabins. Build your own edible mini-log cabin. Supplies are limited, so call 349-8752 to register. Ages 8 – 12. Friday 1/10 Emily Fowler Library 4 p.m. The Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad Learn about the quilt codes used by runaway slaves trying to reach freedom in 19th century America. We will read stories about freedom quilts, design our own coded quilt squares, and have the opportunity to examine quilts inspired by the stories. Quilts provided by the Denton Quilt Guild. Best for ages 6-9. Wednesday 1/15 North Branch Library 4 p.m. Lincoln’s Favorites from the Farm Learn about President Lincoln
and enjoy some of his favorite treats. Join us as we make butter and ice cream like Abe did when he was young. Best for grades K-5th. Registration is required, please call 940-349-8752. 1/17 South Branch Library 4 p.m. Twilight Toddler Time Bring your toddler (ages 12-24 months) for this evening Toddler Time that promotes literacy and caregiver bonding. Tuesday 1/14 Emily Fowler Library 6:30 p.m. Penguin Afternoon Do you love Gentoos, Emperors and Macaronis? Join us for penguin stories, crafts and activities. Share your penguin knowledge and maybe learn something new about these birds, too. Best for ages 5-9. Saturday 1/18 North Branch Library 3 p.m.
Library events No Paintbrushes Allowed Bring your preschooler to the library for a sensory art experience using both unusual and everyday items to create open-ended works of art. We will read a book that ties into our item of the month and then create our works of art. Best for ages 3-5. Registration is required. Call 349-8752 to register. 1/21 Watercolor Ice Paintings Tuesdays North Branch Library 11 a.m.
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Come to the library for messy toddler fun! We will provide cloud dough (a mixture of flour and baby oil) for your toddlers to play with and we will clean up the mess they leave behind. Samples of cloud dough can be taken home along with the easy recipe. Best for ages 18-36 months. 1/28 Tuesday North Branch Library 11 a.m.
Superhero Adventure Club Do you love superheroes? We do! Bring your super powers to the library for a story and craft all about superheroes. Learn how you can save the day! For ages 5-8. Thursday 1/23 Emily Fowler Library 4:30 p.m.
It’s a Pigeon Party! Join us for this special Elephant and Piggy, and Pigeon StoryTime celebrating the works of awardwinning author, Mo Willems. Participate in fun activities and hear stories celebrating these wonderful characters. Wednesday 1/29 Emily Fowler Library 11 a.m.
Toddler Sensory Time: Cloud Dough
Family Fun Night Enjoy a fun filled family night.
January 2014
We will have a variety of Wii and board games for you to play. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served. 1/29 South Branch Library 7
p.m. Music Adventure Club Music lovers unite! Enjoy an
afternoon of books, live guitar music, and stay to make your very own toy guitar. For ages 5-8. Thursday 1/30 South Branch Library 3:30 p.m.
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January 2014
Denton ISD Update E.P. Rayzor students among the lead in Speeding to Read contest Melanie Peterson may not be a veteran classroom teacher, but she definitely knows how to keep her class focused on the task at hand. Ms. Peterson’s first-grade class was among the biggest winner’s at the recent Turn 2 assembly for Texas Motor Speedway’s Speeding to Read Competition. Her class finished in the lead of the kindergarten through second-grade division and helped E.P. Rayzor Elementary take second place in the competition’s current standings. “Our class has been extremely motivated throughout this competition,” said Ms. Peterson. “Almost all of my kids are in sports outside of school and are extremely competitive. They know the work that has to be put in in order to achieve their goals. They know that reading is extremely important and that in order to win a competition such as this, they must be working hard and reading all the time – and that is exactly what they have done.” Ms. Peterson’s class read a total of 6,053 books during the Turn 2 portion of the race, helping the entire 11-school field finish with 340,288 books read since the competition kicked off during the first week of school. The students in her class averaged 302.65 books read per student. Ethan Harmon, a first-grader in Rhonda Shark’s class, was third in the overall individual standings of the kinder through secondgrade division. He read 460 books during the Turn 2 period. Fellow classmates Oliver Browning, a first-grader in Renne Clark’s class, and Aiden Copes, a fourth-grader in Teila Darthard’s class, were also recognized by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion James Bueschler at the assembly for being their school’s top individual reader in their division. All of the students received tickets to the weekend’s NASCAR truck series race, trophies and gift bags for their hard work. “Going to Texas Motor Speedway made it so surreal for
Julia Quigley, a fourth grader at E.P. Rayzor Elementary, asks NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion James Buescher a question during the school’s visit to Texas Motor Speedway as part of the racetrack’s Speeding to Read educational program.
Photo courtesy of the Denton school district
them and seeing all the other schools and students competing really opened their eyes to how many kids are really in this competition,” said Ms. Peterson of the students’ experience. “They loved getting to go up on stage and have
been talking about how much they want to read in order to gain that spot again in April.” E.P. Rayzor was second overall by having 87.6 percent of its student body reach their reading goals during the last quarter.
Roanoke Elementary of Northwest ISD earned the top position with a 99.2 percent completion rate. The Speeding to Read Competition was expanded from three to 11 schools in an effort to
STAR STUDENT DANIEL AARON STOLT Name: Daniel Aaron Stolt Nickname: Dano Community/school activities: Running Club School/grade: Sam Houston/4th grade Birthdate/place: March 14/Dallas Family: 1 brother, 2 sisters My favorite school subject is: Math Person I’d most like to meet is: David Tennant What’s in my iPod/CD player right now: AC/DC When I finish school I plan to: be a pilot The best book I ever read was: Air Force One by Robert F. Dorr
The last movie I saw: Star Wars 4: A New Hope The best movie I’ve ever seen is: Star Trek Into Darkness I wish I knew how to: write better I’m so sick of: arguing with my sister My worst habit is: being distracted My favorite restaurant is: Logan’s Roadhouse My hero is: Matt Smith The best summer I ever had was: Summer of 2011 – I went to Finland! If I had $100 I would: Buy a model plane My goal for this year is to: To get my multiplication
encourage more Denton and Tarrant County elementary students to read more frequently. Turn 3 leaders will be recognized by TMS in February with the winning school honored during Turn 4 in April.
Notas sobre su zona escolar Los estudiantes de E.P. Rayzor llevan la delantera en el concurso “Speeding to Read”
Photo courtesy of the Denton school district
Melanie Peterson talvés no sea una maestra con mucha experiencia, pero definitivamente ella sabe cómo mantener a su clase enfocada en el trabajo. La clase de la Sra. Peterson estuvo entre los más grandes ganadores de la reciente asamblea “Turn 2” para la Competencia Speeding to Read (Acelerando para leer) de Texas Motor Speedway. Su clase terminó en la delantera de kindergarten al segundo grado y ayudó a la Primaria E.P. Rayzor a tomar el segundo lugar para la clasificación actual de la competencia. “Nuestra clase ha estado muy motivada durante esta competencia”, dijo Ms. Peterson. “Casi todos mis niños están en deportes fuera de la escuela y son muy competitivos. Ellos saben el trabajo que tienen que poner para lograr sus objetivos. Ellos
saben que la lectura es muy importante y que para ganar una competencia como ésta, deben trabajar duro y leer todo el tiempo - y eso es exactamente lo que ellos han hecho”. La clase de la Srta. Peterson leyó un total de 6,053 libros durante la parte de Turn 2 (2 turno) de la carrera, ayudando a las 11 escuelas a finalizar con 340,288 libros leídos desde que se inició la competencia durante la primera semana de clases. Los estudiantes en su clase leyeron un promedio de 302.65 libros por estudiante. Ethan Harmon, un estudiante de primer grado en la clase de Rhonda Shark, ocupó tercer lugar en la clasificación general individual de la división de kindergarten a segundo grado. El leyó 460 libros durante el período de Turn 2 (2 Turno). Sus compañeros de clase, Oliver
Browning, un estudiante de primer grado en la clase de Renne Clark, y Aiden Copes, estudiante de cuarto grado en la clase de Teila Darthard, también fueron reconocidos por el campeón de la NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, James Bueschler en la asamblea por ser el mayor lector individual de su escuela en su división. Todos los estudiantes recibieron entradas para las carreras de camiones de la serie NASCAR durante el fin de semana, trofeos y bolsas de regalo por su arduo trabajo. “Ir al Texas Motor Speedway fue tan surrealista para ellos y ver todas las otras escuelas y estudiantes compitiendo les abrieron los ojos a la cantidad de niños que realmente están en esta competencia”, expresó Ms. Peterson acerca de la experiencia de los estudiantes. “A ellos les encantaba subir al esce-
nario y han estado hablando sobre lo mucho que quieren leer para ganar ese lugar de nuevo en abril.” E.P. Rayzor obtuvo el segundo lugar en general al tener el 87.6 por ciento de sus estudiantes alcanzando sus metas de lectura durante el último trimestre. La Primaria Roanoke de Northwest ISD obtuvo el primer lugar finalizando con un 99.2 por ciento. La Competencia Speeding to Read (Acelerando para leer) se expandió de tres a 11 escuelas en un esfuerzo para motivar a leer con más frecuencia a más estudiantes de primarias del Condado de Denton y Tarrant. Los líderes del Turn 3 (3er turno) serán reconocidos por TMS en febrero para hacer homenaje a la escuela ganadora durante Turn 4 (4to turno) en abril.
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January 2014
Kid Clubhouse
Artistic Endeavors
Artwork: Students in Monica Criswell’s art classes at Paloma Creek Elementary worked on a variety of projects and artistic styles during the fall semester including the use of water colors by (clockwise from upper left) Angelina Cortes, first grade; the use of chalk by Alena Law, third grade; and the use of construction paper by Taylor Juden, fifth grade.
January 2014 Monday
Sunday
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Birth flower: Carnation
Wednesday
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Friday
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School Holiday
School Holiday
School Holiday
French educator Louis Braille born (1809)
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Visit www.dentonisd.org for more information on Denton Independent School District events and holidays.
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Moon phases taken from www.sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/phase/phase2001cst.html. Learn more about the historical events and information on this calendar by visiting the Encyclopedia Britannica at www.britannica.com.
5 Golden Gate Bridge construction begins (1933)
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Teacher Staf f Development
Beginning of Four th Six Weeks
First Quarter Moon
Daguerre proclaims invention of daguerreotype (1839)
Radar signals bouncing off Moon detected for first time (1946)
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Full Moon
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin born (1706)
U.S. banned sale of presliced bread during WWII (1943)
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Last Quarter Moon
Writer Virginia Wolfe born (1882)
Musician Elvis Presley born (1935)
George Washington marries Martha Dandridge (1759)
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Writer Jack London born (1876)
Industrialist Henry Ford patents plastic automobile construction (1942)
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Writer Edgar Allan Poe born (1809)
Mar tin Luther King Holiday
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Zoologist Dian Fossey born (1932)
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Astronaut Buzz Aldrin born (1930)
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India achieves independence (1950)
Vietnam War ends (1973)
Space shuttle Challenger explodes (1986)
29 First machine for rolling ice cream cones patented (1924)
30 New Moon
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Reviews
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TOP OF THE
January 2014 {BOOKS}
LIST
Peck, Peck, Peck by Lucy Cousins, 2013 Unpaged, ages 2-4 Pecking his way through the door of a house, an intrepid little woodpecker busily raps on a rhyming sequence of indoor objects, from a hat and a mat and a racket and jacket to a teddy bear and a book called Jane Eyre. Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka, 2013 Unpaged, ages 5-9 Alex, whose birthday it is, hijacks a story about Birthday Bunny on his special day and turns it into a battle between a supervillain and his enemies in the forest—who, in the original story, are simply planning a surprise party. Thumpy Feet by Betsy Lewin, 2013 Unpaged, ages 1-3 Here comes Thumpy Feet! He eats, cleans, plays, hunts, and naps. The onomatopoeic text follows a fun-loving, food-loving, self-satisfied cat as he enjoys the simple pleasures of his daily routines. Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein, 2013 291 pages, ages 9-12 Twelve-year-old Kyle gets to stay overnight in the new town library, designed by his hero (the famous gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello), with other students but finds that come morning he must work with friends to solve puzzles in order to escape. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, 2013 380 pages, ages 10-14 Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident.
{MOVIES} Anastasia (1997) Princess Anastasia has been missing ever since the Russian revolution. Now she’s living on the streets, and Vladimir is trying to convince her to claim a reward. Rated G The Magic School Bus the Complete Series (2012) Ride with Ms. Frizzle, teacher extraordinaire, and her enthusiastic, inquisitive students as their Magic School Bus takes them on cliff-hanging field trips inside the human body, back to prehistoric times, far out into space, and everywhere else in between! Not Rated Dinosaur (2000) Dinosaur tells the story of Aladar, an iguanodon who is separated from his own kind and raised by a clan of lemurs. When a meteor shower destroys their home, Aladar and his family follow a herd of dinosaurs heading for the safety of the “nesting grounds.” Together they must stand strong amidst food and water shortages, the threat of Carnotaur attacks, and Aladar’s run-ins with the herd’s stubborn leader, Kron. Rated PG Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991) True story of a young girl who runs away to join the circus and becomes a horse diver. Rated G The Last Unicorn (1982) A lonely unicorn, believing herself to be the last, searches for any others of her kind, while avoiding the malevolent Red Bull, the agent believed to have destroyed the rest of her herd. She finally finds help from a magician named Schmendrick and a knight named Prince Lir. Rated G - Here are the top five picks from Dana Tucker, Youth Services Librarian at the North Branch Library
Head of the Class Beth Lopez is 2013 Jostens McNair Teacher of the Year Beth Lopez has been teaching for 17 years, spending the past six working with students in Denton ISD. Mrs. Lopez was hired in 2006 as a fifth grade teacher at McNair Elementary, where she currently serves a social studies and language arts teacher. She began her teaching career in 1995 with Arlington ISD and has also taught first, third and fifth grades in Northwest ISD and Ponder ISD. Mrs. Lopez is a member of the McNair CHAMPS training team, a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators and a former fifth grade team leader. She’s been recognized for having an outstanding website for students and parents by the district technology staff and is an avid volunteer for the Denton Animal Shelter.
Meet Hawk Elementary assistant principal Ann Buinger Name: Ann Mapes Buinger Nickname: WhenI taught, parents and students called me, Ms. B. My School: I’m the Assistant Principal at Mildred M. Hawk Elementary.
Do you have any pets? Yes; I have a pug named Lulu. She is the head of our household.
My School’s mascot: We’re the Mavericks. Go Mavericks! Where you were born: I was born in Kansas. Mrs. Lopez is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Her teaching philosophy: That every student should feel that they are important and safe in the classroom at all times.
Lakeisha Smith is 2013 Jostens Nelson Teacher of the Year Lakeisha Smith has spent her entire six-year teaching career with Denton ISD. Ms. Smith was hired in 2007 directly after graduating from college to teach first grade at Nelson Elementary. She remains at the school today, currently serving as a third-grade teacher. Ms. Smith is a member of the National Education Association, has developed a behavior development tool for new and current teachers to help with behaviors in the classroom and is a member of the school’s technology staff development team. She is also an active volunteer in her church. Ms. Smith is a graduate of the Texas Woman’s University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 2007, and the University of Texas at Arlington, where she received her master’s degree in 2010.
it jumped up to eat it. The dolphin trainer asked if I would then like to climb a ladder and hold another fish so we could see how high the dolphin would jump. I said, “No!� I was scared of being on a ladder above water, holding a fish with one hand, and having a dolphin leap towards me!
My hobbies are: I enjoy reading, working out, spending time with family and friends, as well as going to concerts and watching movies.
My favorite food is: I like all types of food: Chinese, Italian, and Mexican.
My favorite subject in school was: I enjoyed reading. My dad and mom used to take me to the library every week. It was a tradition that continued into high school.
The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Ethan Frome, and The Great Gatsby. She had an enthusiasm for these books which was contagious. This enthusiasm and her strong relationships with students encouraged growth in both reading and writing.
My favorite teacher was: Mrs. Chancellor was one of my AP English teachers. We read the great American novels in her class:
My most memorable moment as a child was: When I was four, I got called on-stage to feed a dolphin. I held a fish in my hand and
My favorite color is: I like red.
The best movie I’ve ever seen is: I have a lot of favorite movies but one recent favorite is Argo. I like watching how people can make a difference and influence change through creativity, hard work, and tenacity. My favorite thing about my school is: I enjoy watching students take ownership of their learning while growing academically and socially.
Her teaching philosophy: A teacher alone cannot get a student or school to suuceed academically or socially. A campus should be learner-centered, with high expectations and students and staff working together for continuous improvement.
Reading Success for Children, Teens & Adults • Free Assessment • STAAR tutoring in reading & writing • Dramatic Reading Results • One to One Instruction • No Contract
Karen Weidner 940-595-3937 www.aarcponder.com
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January 2014
Lunchbox Bites
Chocolate Brunch French Toast Makes 4 Servings Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 6 min Ingredients 1 cup Chocolate Ready-toDrink Milk 1 cup egg substitute 8 slices white bread 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt raspberries (optional) Whisk together milk and egg substitute in a medium bowl. Lightly spray non-stick cooking spray in large skillet over medium heat and dip bread into milk and egg mixture, coating evenly. Cook bread on each side for about 3 minutes or until cooked through. Top each slice with approximately 2 tablespoons of lowfat vanilla yogurt and add raspberries if desired. Nutritional Facts Calories: 270 Total Fat: 4 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Sodium: 450 mg Calcium: 25% Daily Value Protein: 15 g Carbohydrates: 42 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g - Recipe courtesy of Nesquik and the National Dairy Council
ARE YOU A CHEERLEADER? (Or do you WANT to be one?)
Come Come learn learn the the tumbling tumbling skills skills you you need need to to be be a a great great cheerleader! cheerleader!
Make school attendance a top priority. Schedule appointments to avoid missing classes if possible.
WE CAN HELP YOU GET READY FOR TRY-OUTS!
Celebrating 22 Years of Excellence 1992-2014
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DOWNTOWN DENTON
Private Music Lessons in a uniquely positive environment Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet Trombone Violin Drums
Call Achievers at 940-484-4900 or visit
Contact Information (940) 382-5478 ext. 238 ArtsAcademy@fumc-denton.com
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Community service
Kane’s Paloma Creek class raises money 11 Every year, particularly around the holidays, Andy Kane challenges his students with a community service project. Whether it’s picking up recyclable trash around a neighborhood to help the homeless or collecting canned goods for a local food pantry, Mr. Kane’s classes have always been involved in helping others. Yet what makes the projects his students succeed in even more impressive is the fact that year in and year out his classes are made up primarily of 8- and 9-year-old students. “My goal every year is to make a connection with each one of my students so they can have an easier time learning in the classroom,” said Mr. Kane. “But why stop there? It’s never too early to help a child understand the importance of giving back.” This year, the students in Mr. Kane’s third grade class at Paloma Creek Elementary took on the challenge of helping a child battling leukemia by donating to the Texas Strong Foundation. The organization, which is led by Texas country music artist Gary Kyle, raises money for families in need across the state. The Paloma Creek students raised more than $140 toward the child’s medical care, but not through selling cookie dough or recycling cans. No, the students were given the task of performing selfless tasks to help others in hopes of receiving recognition through a monetary donation. Mr. Kane reached out to his students’ families and colleagues at the school to let them be aware of the challenge placed on his class. Not surprisingly, his students received the financial support they were looking for but also learned important life lessons. “I learned that it’s good to do things without getting things in return,” said Andrew Larsen, a student involved in the project. Mr. Kane said the response from the families and his colleagues was tremendous, helping students become more excited to take part in the project each day. He said his students learned that by helping others, they can also help themselves – and that’s ultimately why he chooses to challenge his students each year to be an active part of their community.
January 2014
Students in Andy Kane’s third grade class recently raised more than $140 to help a child battling leukemia through the Texas Strong Foundation. “What better way to teach selflessness and help others at the same time? I got fired up about this project and had my own children involved,” said Mr. Kane. “We just piggybacked off Gary’s unrelenting kindness to help others in need.” Just a few minutes later, one of his students echoed the same belief. “This project taught me that one kid can make a difference,” Jaxon Spina said. “I should always pay it forward and not take what I have in my life for granted.”
Bouncing back from the holidays in three easy steps Having two weeks off for winter break gives teachers and students a nice break right in the middle of the school year. But getting back in groove once school starts can be tough after several days of late bedtimes and a variety of fun activities with friends and family. Don’t worry your teachers and principals struggle with this too. So to help everyone get back in a solid routine, here are three simple steps to help make the transition back to school an easy one for everyone on camps: GET SOME SLEEP – “Early to bed, early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.” What? Well, basically, your brain needs to recharge every night, much like a cell phone or a video game console. In order to cope well with a demanding school day you’ve got to recharge your own “battery” in your head. The only way your brain can recharge is by sleeping. A student’s brains need about 9-10 hours of sleep every night. By going to bed
early, around 8:30 p.m. at least, you should get enough sleep. EA T SOM E BREA KFA ST – Most of us eat dinner every night around 6:30 or 7 p.m. so, by morning, your stomach has been empty for 12 or more hours. That’s a long time! When you wake up your brain knows one thing for sure - it’s hungry, even though you may not think you are. Breakfast is the most important meal of your day because it gives you the nutrients you need to get going right from the start. A good breakfast is necessary for your brain to work properly too. Breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy or heavy, but it does need to be healthy. Try skipping cookies or sweets for a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. Kids can even prepare their own healthy breakfast by themselves. One example is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a big glass of milk. And if you’re short on time, grab some fruit and a granola bar. You will be amazed how much easier those morning quizzes are when
you eat healthy before school! STA RT YOUR ROUTINE EARLY – Have a set routine every morning and give yourself enough time to execute it. Not having to deal with making decisions, like what shirt to wear with your favorite jeans, or searching for your school work because you don’t remember where you put it will make your day get off to a great start. Set your clothes and shoes out before going to bed. Check your homework and make sure your backpack is ready for another day as soon as you finish it. Most importantly, finish each part of your routine before moving on to the next one. By giving yourself enough time to do each morning task, and completing each one in an organized manner, you won’t feel rushed or frustrated. Having a good day at school may sound like an easy thing to do, but if you don’t prepare in the right ways, you may find your days are anything but good! Follow these three simple steps everyday and
you will give your brain a huge boost, give your body the energy it needs to complete a fun school day and get you back on a winning
routine and finish the school year strong. - Jonita Widmer, Director of Health Services for Denton ISD
HEARING PROBLEMS? If your child has failed their hearing screening at school or is having difficulty listening to or hearing the teacher, Denton Hearing Health Care can be your first point of contact to conduct a diagnostic hearing test and central auditory processing screening. For children with chronic middle ear problems, swimmers ear, or P.E. tubes, we can make colorful custom made earplugs to prevent water from entering the ear canal. These are floatable and can be used when swimming or bathing and may also be used for sound protection as well. Dr. Judith Caudle and Dr. Chris Caudle have served the children in Denton County and the surrounding areas for over 25 years.
940-387-0550
www.dentonhearing.com
2540 Lillian Miller Ste 100 Denton, Texas LZ
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January 2014
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)
&
( )
LZ