September Kid Life 2011 by Denton Media Company

Welcome

September 2011

Welcome back! We’ve missed you this summer and we’re glad to be back and ready to start our Kid Life junior staff writers and photographers. If you are interested in joining us, be sure to tell your teacher as we will be collecting names this month. Your stories and photos will be featured in 0 each month!

September 2011 | Vol. 5, No. 1 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:

Sincerely,

Stephens Elementary Principal Chris Rangel and assistant principal Matt Preston help pre-school student Samantha Zackowski choose between a variety of cookies during a hot dog social sponsored by the school staff and PTA before the first day of school.

Dawn Cobb dcobb@dentonrc.com 940-566-6879 P.O. Box 369 Denton, TX 76201

TABLE OF CONTENTS Kid Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Denton ISD Update . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Back-2-School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Library events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Top of the List . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teachers & principal profiles . . . . 11 Lunchbox Bites. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Dawn Cobb

Shawn Reneau

Editor dcobb@dentonrc.com 940-566-6879

Advertising Manager sreneau@dentonrc.com 940-566-6843

Courtesy photo/ Denton ISD

Please recycle this Kid Life magazine Be a part of the nation’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales event!™

Fri-Sun, September 9-11

DENTON CIVIC CTR Fri & Sat 9am-6pm • Sun 10am-2pm

# Ages 5 and Up # Beginning-Intermediate Levels

• Shop & save 50%-90% on kid/infant clothes, toys, & gear galore! Teachers & New Parents/Grands register to shop before public! • Sell your items as a Consignor & earn 65%...or 70% if you volunteer! •Volunteer & get to shop early for best selection! All can volunteer!

1 FREE LESSON

shop. sell. save. smart! ™

No commitment required for free lesson!

940-765-4363

www.aprilspianostudio.net

FREE $3 ADMISSION Fri. with this Ad! H5

jbfsale.com Benefits, in part, our neighbors at Loreto House & America Reads!

Snapshots

September 2011

Photo by Al Key/DRC

Felicity Gerber gets one last goodbye from mom, Monica, on the first day of kindergarten at Blanton Elementary School.

Brynli Carder gives Blanton Elementary School Principal Karen Satterwhite a hug on the first day of school.

Photo courtesy of the Denton school district Photo courtesy of the Denton school district

Emory Binkley, a first grader at Savannah Elementary, tries to find his way out of an inflatable tunnel at the 380 Back-2-School Kickoff.

Martha Alfaro gets a little help from her daughter Serenity, a fifth grader, while filling out registration forms at Cross Oaks Elementary.

September 2011

Denton ISD Update It’s not too late to get a good start on the school year The 2011-12 school year is underway and the school counselors and school psychologists for Denton ISD have some great tips to help students have a successful year. Francis Chen, licensed specialist for school psychology for Hodge and Wilson Elementary schools, recommends parents to take extra time during the first few weeks of school to help their children get acclimated to the new school year. “Make sure that your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast, and get off to a positive start for school,” he said. Stephanie Short, school counselor at Stephens Elementary agreed, saying getting off to a good start is key for every student’s success, regardless of age. The biggest – and hardest – transition to a new school year is usually on kindergarten students and their parents. “The little ones usually cry the first day or two, but the moms do too,” said Mrs. Short. “We had rooms where I work with these little ones on getting comfortable with being at school, so it was a given we’d do the same for the parents.” Stephens staff members also went out of their way to help new students get ready for the school year by offering a counseling booth at registration and letting parents get answers to common school questions. The staffed offered offcampus registration one evening at a local apartment complex reaching out to dual-income families who struggle to get to campus during school hours. During Open House, the Stephens staff offered a hot dog social to let new and current families interact together. The school introduced clubs and student groups to new students during the first few weeks of school to help encourage student involvement from the start. “I think that was awesome... the fact that you can meet the teachers, principals and staff, buy tshirts, get information about the PTA and meet other families going through the same things as us - all

Pre-school student Jacey Rose shares a bag of chips with her dad Rusty during a hot dog social introducing new families to current families at Olive Stephens Elementary.

Photos courtesy of the Denton school district at the same time - makes it a really good idea,” said Rachael Rose, a parent with two first-time students. Mrs. Short said student involvement as important to getting students acclimated to their campus. She said Denton ISD elementary campuses typically do this by creating a common theme that students, teachers and staff can rally around. Stephens has adopted “Bulldogs Rock” as its theme for the school year and the staff plans to keep students involved with various activities and prize drawings that incor-

porate citizenship and learning. “The themes are usually something fun and the kids enjoy taking part, plus it helps build morale and unity from everyone on campus,” said Mrs. Short. Aside from what campuses are doing to ensure students are adjusting well to the new school year, here are other tips Mr. Chen outlined from Back-To-School Transitions: Tips for Parents” by Ted Feinberg, Ed.D., NCSP and Katherine C. Cowan: Make sure that the student

knows what to do when they come home, who to go to if parents / relatives are not around. Parents should go through all the school books and become familiar with them. Parents should review all school material sent home in the folders and make notes of important calendar dates, etc. Start communicating with the teacher(s) and get to know the other staff, who work in the school setting. Don’t forget Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference week,

Oct. 3 through Oct. 7. It’s important to emphasize that the student knows parents care about what’s happening at school. Parents should not over react over a bad experience; contact the teacher or school counselor if there are any concerns or questions. Arrange play dates with some of the student’s classroom friends if possible Plan to volunteer in the classroom or schedule time off to help with special events at the school.

Study tips offered for parents, children The staff of Denton Independent School District encourages parents to be involved in their child or children’s learning process by helping them study at home. The following study tips are recommended for parents to help their students succeed at school. Provide a good learning environment at home. Provide a quiet place for your child to study. Restrict TV viewing and computer usage. Meet your child’s teacher through personal conferences, telephone calls or e-mail. Denton ISD has e-mail for all teachers. Check the district’s website: www.dentonisd.org Attend your child’s school activities, like Open House, PTA meetings. Find out if there

are special activities you can do with your child at home. The Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 3 through Oct. 7. If your child seems to be struggling, ask the teacher about tutoring programs, mentors or other assistance. Remember, the school staff wants your child to succeed. Reading: Get a library card; read and discuss a variety of material with and to your child every day. Get books and magazines they will enjoy; discuss stories together. (This enhances reading skills and reading comprehension.) Ask questions: Ask questions after reading a story that encourage your child to compare, contrast and evaluate. For example, read a

story about frogs and ask: What are some of the differences between a frog and a cat? A frog and a fly? A frog and a snake? For Texas History, ask how Texas became an independent country? Vocabulary: Ask the meaning of a new word or explain the meaning of a new word to your child. Math: Relate math concepts to everyday life. For example – talk about building things with blocks and count, add, multiply them together; use math skills while shopping together, when traveling discuss distances, miles per hour and other math problems, etc. Writing: Children need to write, write, write. Encourage them to have a journal.

Notas sobre su zona escolar No es tarde para crear un buen año escolar Con el comienzo del año escolar 2011-12 los consejeros de la escuela así como los psicólogos del Distrito Escolar de Denton tienen algunos consejos para ayudar a los alumnos tener un año escolar lleno de logros. Francis Chen, especialista licenciada de psicología elemental en la Primarias Hodge y Wilson recomienda que los padres se tomen un tiempo extra durante las primeras semanas de escuela para ayudar a sus hijos a ensenarse a un nuevo año de estudio. “Asegúrese que su hijo/a tenga suficiente tiempo para levantarse, desayunar y comenzar el día de escuela con una actitud positiva,” Chen dijo. Stephanie Short, consejera de la Primaria Stephens afirmo el comentario e indico que el principio del día para el éxito de todos los alumnos, a pesar de la edad. La transición más grande y la más difícil durante un nuevo año escolar es la de los alumnos del jardín de infantes y de sus padres. “Los pequeños normalmente lloran durante su primeros dos días, y sus mamás también,” dijo la Sra. Short. “He tenido que trabajar con los pequeños y sus padres para acostúmbralos con la idea de estar en la escuela.” Para ayudar a los alumnos nuevos, el personal de la Primaria Stephens ofreció una cabina de consejos con información durante el tiempo de inscripción y ayudó a los padres a contestar sus preguntas frecuentes. El personal también ofreció un horario de inscripción fuera de la escuela durante una noche dentro de un complejo de apartamentos local – contactando a grupos de familias donde dos padres trabajan y que por lo normal no pueden inscribir a sus hijos durante el horario escolar. Durante la sesión de información o Open House como se le dice al evento en ingles, el personal de la Primaria Stephens ofreció hot dogs y ayudo a las familias que se conocieran. Para que se involucren desde un principio, los representantes de la escuela ofrecieron

Alumna Jacey Rose comparte una bolsa de papitas fritas con su papá, Rusty, durante una reunión social para familias de la Primaria Olive Stephens.

Photo courtesy of the Denton school district

información a los alumnos nuevos sobre los clubes y grupos estudiantiles. “Pienso que eso fue impresionante... el hecho que se puede conocer a los maestros, los directores y el personal de la escuela, comprar camisetas, conseguir información sobre la Asociación de Padres y Maestros (PTA) y conocer a otras familias que atraviesan las mismas cosas como nosotros - todo al mismo tiempo - lo hace una idea magnifica,” dijo que Rachael Rose, una madres de dos alumnos principiantes. La Sra. Short dijo que la participación estudiantil es importante y es la razón principal que los alumnos se acostumbran a su plantel del estudio. Ella dijo que los representantes de los distritos esco-

lares crean un programa el cual los alumnos, maestros y el personal pueda participar. La Primaria Stephens adopto el lema “Bulldogs Rock” o “Los Buldogs Son Estupendos” para este año escolar y el personal planea mantener a los alumnos interesados en varias actividades y dar premios que incorporen temas de ciudadanía y aprendizaje. “Los lemas son divertidos y los alumnos disfrutan participar en ellos, además ayuda a crear moral y unidad con todos en el plantel,” dijo la Sra. Short. Aparte de lo que planteles hacen para asegurar que los alumnos se ajusten al nuevo año escolar, el Sr. Chen resumió algunos consejos del libro Back-To-School Transitions:

Tips for Parents por los autores Ted Feinberg, Ed.D., NCSP y Katherine C. Cowan: Asegúrese que el alumno sepa qué hacer cuando regrese a casa, con quién irse si sus padres/parientes no están a su alrededor. Padres deben revisar todos los libros de la escuela y familiarizarse con ellos. Los padres deben revisar todo el material que es enviados a la casa dentro de las carpetas de sus hijos y hacer notas sobre las fechas importantes en sus calendarios, etc. Comience a comunicarse con los maestros y conozca a otro miembro del personal, los que trabajan dentro de la escuela como un administrador por ejemplo. Recuerde que la Conferencia de

Padres y Maestros será la semana del 3 de octubre hasta el 7 de octubre. Es importante acentuar que los alumnos sepan que sus padres tienen interés en lo que sucede en la escuela. Los padres no deben reaccionar negativamente al enterarse que sus hijos tuvieron una mala experiencia; si tiene preguntas o preocupaciones, por favor llame al consejero o al maestro. Arregle días de juegos con otros niños del salón de clase de su hijo/a si es posible. Planifique ofrecerse como voluntario en el salón de clase de su hijo/a o trate de tener un tiempo libre para ayudar con acontecimientos especiales de la escuela.

Los hábitos positivos del estudio ayudan a los estudiantes tener éxito escolar El personal del Distrito Escolar de Denton alienta a los padres que participen en la educación de sus hijos. Este proceso empieza en sus hogares. Se recomienda que los padres tomen los siguientes pasos para ayudar a sus hijos durante este año escolar. Proporcione un ambiente de aprendizaje en la casa. Busque un lugar callado para su hijo/a pueda estudiar. Restrinja ver de televisión

y el uso de computadora. Conozca al maestro/a de su hijo/a por las conferencias personales, las llamadas telefónicas o mándele un correo electrónico. El Distrito Escolar de Denton mantiene el correo electrónico de todos los maestros. Visite el sitio web del distrito: www.dentonisd.org. Asista a las actividades de la escuela, Open House y a las juntas de las Asociación de Padres y Maestros.

Averigüe si hay actividades especiales que usted puede hacer con su hijo/a en casa. Si su hijo/a parece estar luchando con sus estudios, pregúntele al maestro sobre clases privadas, programas de mentores u otra ayuda. Recuerde, el personal de la escuela desea que su hijo/a tenga éxito. La lectura: Consiga una tarjeta de la biblioteca local.

September 2011

Kid Clubhouse

School Registration

(Clockwise from top) Al Green shares a little fun time with his daughter Macy while registering her at Providence Elementary. Catherine Damian and Paloma Sanchez are thirdgraders at Pecan Creek Elementary. Fourth grader Sonny Drake looks on intently as her mom Jennifer puts the final touches on registration at Savannah Elementary. Edna Ndagala concentrates on her pre-kindergarten packet while her son, Brendon, looks around at Paloma Creek Elementary.

September 2011 Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Birth flower: Aster Visit www.dentonisd.org for more information on Denton Independent School District events and holidays.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Germany invades Poland (1939)

Tennis player Jimmy Connors born (1952)

Architect Louis Sullivan born (1856)

Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s King Richard I (the LionHeart) born (1157)

Elvis Presley makes his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show (1956)

Physicist Arthur Holly Compton born (1892)

Papua New Guinea achieves independence (1975)

Camp David Accords completed (1978)

Protesters meet in London to try and keep foxhunting legal (2002)

Otto von Bismarck is appointed prime minister of Prussia (1862

Black Friday (1869)

Racehorse Greyhound establishes a trotting record for one mile in 1:55 1/4 (1938)

End of the First Six Weeks

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.

Last Titan III rocket launches (1989)

No school Labor Day Holiday

Augusto Pinochet overthrows President Allende and Chilean government (1973)

Treaty of Understanding and Cooperation signed (1934)

Comet Ikeya-Seki discovered (1965)

Battle of Chickamauga Creek begins (1863)

Sonny Liston becomes world heavyweight boxing champion (1962)

The Beatles release Abbey Road (1969

The Tonight Show premieres (1954)

14 Social reformer Margaret Sanger born (1879)

Back to school

September 2011

Third annual Back-2-School Kickoff a success for 380 area schools The 2011 Denton ISD 380 Back-2-School Kickoff was a rollicking success, bringing together families from various neighborhoods along U.S. Highway 380 for a night of food and fun at Navo Middle School. Hosted by the five furthest schools – Cross Oaks, Paloma Creek, Providence, Savannah elementary schools and Navo – on the district’s east side, the event annually draws a solid blend of local business sponsors, Denton ISD personnel, county non-profit organizations and families. This year’s event was attended by approximately 2,000 people who enjoyed taking part in many of the activities. “I had a lot of fun listening to

music, doing the hula hoop and eating a snow cone,” said Loralai Ritchie, a fifth-grade student at Providence Elementary. The Kickoff featured food from a variety of area restaurants, several family friendly activities and door prizes provided by local businesses and bounce houses and carnival-style games provided by Hero’s The Party Experience. Denton ISD departments like transportation and human resources provided information on temporary and part-time employment, while others like technology, EXPO and bilingual/ESL showcased the various programs offered to help students. In addition, the Ryan and Denton High School cheerleaders,

junior ROTC programs and football booster clubs helped spread a lot of school spirit by serving food, making snow cones, painting children’s faces and watching students in bounce houses. Navo cheerleaders and student council members showed off their hospitality by taking care of all the event volunteers’ needs. “I think it’s an excellent opportunity for families on the Hwy 380 corridor to gather and have fun prior to the start of another school year. It’s great to have a community where you know you can depend on the people and businesses around you,” said Savannah principal Michael McWilliams, who manned his school’s table at the event.

Ryan High cheerleader Tori Reyes serves up snow cones, including this one to Paloma Creek fourth grader Tytarus Grais at the 380 Back2-School Kickoff.

Audition for The Nutcracker by

The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas

Savannah students Brody and Olivia Burton join Navo PTA member Jenni Mabry and her son Spencer at the 380 Back-2-School Kickoff in listening to Aubrey paramedic Michael Brower talk about how they use the ambulance to help people.

11:00-12:30 Girls Minimum of Two Years Pointe & Boys 13 & up 12:30-1:00 Girls 5-6 Years Old 1:00:-1:30 Girls 7-9 Years Old 1:30-2:00 Girls 10 & up Two Years or less Pointe 2:00-2:30 Boys 5-12 Years Old Please arrive 15 minutes before your audition time.

Location The Denton Ballet Academy 637 Londonderry Lane Denton, TX 76205

Loralai Ritchie,a fifth-grade student at Providence Elementary, gets tips on how to do the hula hoop from Ryan High cheerleader Taylor Beattie at the 380 Back-2-School Kickoff.

Go 210 of online the Danceat Building Register

Sept. 10th 940-891-0830

Texas Woman University Campus, on Bell Avenue

www.festivalballet.net H5

Library events

Library events scheduled for September 9 Kids Learn 2 Knit Learn how to knit in this fun hands-on workshop taught by an expert. Space is limited, so call 349-8752 to register. Ages 10 & up. 09/10/11 & 09/17/11 Emily Fowler Library 3:00 – 5:00 pm Twilight Toddler Time Bring your toddler (ages 12-24 months) for this evening Toddler Time that promotes literacy & caregiver bonding. 09/13/11 Emily Fowler Library 6:30 pm Pajama StoryTime Wear your pajamas & bring your favorite stuffed friend to the library. We will read stories, sing songs, & see some of our puppet friends, too. For ages 1-5. 9/14/11 North Branch Library 7:00 pm LEGO Builders Club Drop in & get creative by building with the library’s LEGOs. A different theme is picked for each month & kids can build on that theme or build a creation of their own. Ages 6 & up. 09/16/11 Emily Fowler Library 4:00 pm Mad Science: Fire & Ice Have fun learning about science during a high-energy, interactive show by Mad Science of Dallas. See indoor fireworks, a dry ice storm, disappearing fire, & much more! Ages 6 & up. 09/23/11 South Branch Library 4:00 pm Fall StoryTime Celebrate the beginning of autumn with stories, songs, puppets & crafts. Ages 1-5. 09/24/11 North Branch Library 10:00 am Homeschool Lunch Bunch Meet new friends & eat lunch while listening to & discussing great books! Bring a sack lunch & we’ll provide apple juice. For the fall session, we will read selections from the 2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee List.

This program is for children in 3rd6th grade. 9/16/11 North Branch Library 12:00 pm It’s a Girl Thing! A book club for girls & their moms, grandmas, or other women friends. Join us for refreshments & book discussion. For ages 8 - 12. 09/21/11 The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis South Branch Library 4:00 pm Twisted Stitchers Knitting Book Club Bring your knitting needles for an afternoon of knitting & fun. Listen to teen audiobooks while knitting projects for charity & personal use. All needle crafters are welcome. Ages 12-18. 09/06/11 Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery Emily Fowler Library 4:30 pm Teen Advisory Board Help plan & run library programs. Discuss books, movies & music. Write reviews, make book trailers, earn community service hours for school & more! For more information call 349-8752. For teens grades 6 -12. 09/13/11 North Branch Library 6:30-8:00 pm Game Day Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Guitar Hero, & many other Wii & Play Station 2 games are dying to be played every Wednesday after school. Please come help these games feel needed & loved. For tweens & teens 5th-12th grade. While school is in session only. North Branch Library Wednesdays 3:455:00 pm Animanga Watch anime? Read manga? Draw fan art? Come to the North Branch Library every third Wednesday of the month to share your love of all things anime/manga. Snacks provided. For teens in 6 -12th grade. 09/21/11 North Branch Library

6:30-8:00 pm Comic/Manga Boot Camp Ever wanted to make comic books &/or manga? The best way is by doing. Join fellow creators & comickers & have a great time making sequential art. Publisher Dusk Comics & other creators will guide you in the creation of an original comic. You’ll get to be a penciller or writer, letterer or inker & as a group you’ll make a comic by the end of this 6 hour boot camp. Call 349-8752 to register. For tweens, teens & adults. 09/24/11 North Branch Library 12-6:00 pm Teen Read Week: “Picture This” Art Gallery Celebrate Teen Read Week by displaying your photographic talent at your local branch library. Guidelines can be found at www.dentonlibrary.com. We will accept photos October 1st - 14th at any branch location. The “Picture This” Art Gallery will be up during October 18th-21th during Teen Read Week. Ages 11 -18. Thinking with Chess Learn & practice chess with Dr. Alexey Root, former U.S. Women’s Chess Champion & author of Children & Chess: A Guide for Educators. For children ages 5-14. To register, call 349-8752. Fridays 09/16/11 – 10/21/11 North Branch Library 2:00-3:30 pm

literacy & social interaction through stories, songs, & toddlerappropriate activities. For toddlers 12-36 months & their caregivers. Tuesdays South Branch Library 10:30 am Wednesdays Emily Fowler Library 9:30 am StoryTime Join us for interactive preschool classes that use stories, songs, & puppets to build early literacy skills & prepare children to learn to read. For children ages 1-5 & their caregivers. Wednesdays Emily Fowler Library 11:00 am Thursdays South Branch

Library 10:00 & 11:00 am Fridays North Branch Library 11:00 am Saturdays South Branch Library 10:00 am Afternoon Adventure Club Go on amazing journeys each week through stories. Get your very own passport stamped for each exciting adventure. Listen to a story, then create a craft or conduct an experiment in this handson workshop for kids K-3rd grade. Tuesdays North Branch Library 4:30 pm Thursdays South Branch Library 3:30 pm Thursdays Emily Fowler Library 4:00 pm

Make school attendance a top priority. Schedule appointments to avoid missing classes if possible.

St. Paul Christian Learning Center Serving the community for 30+ years

703 N. Elm 6:30 AM To 6:00 PM Teacher-Child Ratio: 10-1, 2’s 5:1

Weekly Programs beginning September 6: Mother Goose Time Bring your baby to these infant classes that promote infant & caregiver bonding through stories, songs, & activities. For infants birth to 18 months & their caregivers. Tuesdays South Branch Library 9:30 am Fridays North Branch Library 9:30 am Toddler Time Participate with your toddler in these special classes that promote

Breakfast, hot lunch, morning and afternoon snack

Ages 2 to 5 PRE-K “Wee Learn, Abeka & Manipulative Math Curricula” MUSIC AND SPANISH WEEKLY CHAPEL AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP AT EVERS, GINNINGS, HODGE, L.A. NELSON, SAM HOUSTON, NEWTON-RAYZOR, MCNAIR, BORMAN & WOODROW WILSON $50 A WEEK PICK UP FOR DISD EARLY DISMISSAL. DROP IN FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS $20.00 Web Site splcdenton.org

Call 387-6651 H5

September 2011

Reviews Start school right with a good night’s sleep

TOP OF THE

September 2011 {BOOKS}

LIST

A Truck Goes Rattley-bumpa by Jonathan London, 2005 Unpaged, ages 2-5 Trucks can be big or small, red or blue. Trucks can make exciting noises. Trucks can haul and dig and stop and go. There are just so many things that trucks can do. But can they help to build a house? With teamwork anything is possible! Here is the perfect picture book for preschoolers who are fascinated with trucks of all kinds. I Drive a Semitruck by Sarah Bridges, 2005 24 pages, ages 5-8 Describes the features of a semitruck and relates the typical duties of a truck driver. See the open road as the semitruck hauls its load down the highway. Ride along, and learn some fun facts about driving a big rig. What Pet to Get? by Emma Dodd, 2008 Unpaged, ages 3-5 Jack's mother agrees that he may have a pet, but when he suggests everything from an elephant to a tyrranosaurus rex, she must explain why each would be less than ideal. Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick, 2005 273 pages, ages 12 and up When his younger brother is diagnosed with leukemia, thirteen-yearold Steven tries to deal with his complicated emotions, his school life, and his desire to support his family. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, 2009 310 pages, ages 14 and up When the fence that surrounds her village and protects its residents from the Forest of Hands and Teeth is breached, danger strikes the only home Mary has ever known and forces her to decide between saving everything she loves or pursuing the life she has always dreamed of having.

Summer is over and school is back in session, but are your children back in their normal, everyday routines before bedtime? If that answer is “not yet” or a definite “no” then you could be in for a long back-to-school struggle. Medical experts suggest schoolage children sleep 8 to 10 hours per night to get the necessary rest and brain development their little bodies need. This isn’t a problem during the summer when children stay up late playing and having fun, but sleep in to recover from all that craziness the night before. During school, however, this doesn’t happen often with an eighthour school day plus homework, dance classes, music lessons and various sports practices joining the fray. Setting a regular nighttime routine helps combat this problem and promotes better sleeping patterns. Dr. John Herman, who treats children with sleep disorders at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, has been quoted as saying that children today are getting less sleep than ever. He cites a number of factors for this current dilemma including constant electric lighting, overuse of technological gadgets and too much homework. Dr. Herman said that establishing a regular nighttime routine before bed helps combat these problems. Children who get the necessary amount of sleep tend to

perform better academically and are at less risk to gain weight. Here are a few tips to get children to bed earlier: I Set a routine and stick to it – Whether it’s homework, then dinner, then bath, then brushing their teeth, then story time before bed or something else, go with something that works for you and your child and keep it going. I Limit sugar and caffeine – Medical research has shown that sugar and caffeine can serve as stimulants, so limit their intake to early in the afternoon. I Turn off the TV and computer – A recent government study found school-age children had trouble sleeping when watching TV after 7 p.m. The lighting and stimulation, which also are found in computer monitors or smart phones, didn’t help the children relax or unwind before bed. I Get their room comfy – If rooms are too bright or dark, too hot or cold or their pajamas too tight or loose, children may have a harder time falling asleep. A good night’s sleep is the best defense against starting the day off on the wrong foot, so try to get that routine started and help take the stress off everyone in the family during the school year. And even though school has already started, it’s not too late! - Jonita Widmer, Director of Health Services for Denton ISD

{MOVIES} How to Train Your Dragon (2010) Hiccup is a Viking teenager who aspires to hunt dragons, but doesn't exactly fit in with his tribe's longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. His world gets turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Rated PG Earth (2009) A remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet - polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales. An astonishing and heartwarming film filled with adventure, suspense, and humor as it captures rare footage of nature's wildest and most elusive animals. Rated G - Stacey Irish-Keffer, Youth Services Librarian at Emily Fowler Central Library

Low-Cost Counseling for Adults • Adolescents • Couples • Families Play Therapy for Children 1400 W. Highland Street Stovall Hall Room 128 Denton, Texas

940-565-2970 http://www.coe.unt.edu/chdc The CHDC is an educational facility where lowcost, confidential counseling services are offered by master’s and doctoral level student counselors under the supervision of College of Education, Counseling Program Faculty. H5

Lunchbox Bites

Head of the Class

Jonny Ramsey is 2011 Ginnings Teacher of the Year Jonny Ramsey is one of the most experienced music teachers in all of Denton ISD, having worked with students of all ages for more than 41 years. Mrs. Ramsey began her career as an elementary and middle school music teacher in Wise County, Virgina in 1970. During the next 26 years she balanced her teaching between college students and elementary students in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Texas. In 1987 she landed a job at Northwest ISD as an elementary music teacher where she remained until 1996 when she accepted a similar position at Ginnings Elementary.

Mrs. Ramsey is the President of the Board of Trustees for the Delta Omicron music fraternity’s foundation, is a life member of the National Association for the

Education of Young Children, has served on various committees for the Texas Music Educators Association and is a former adjunct music professor at Texas Christian University. She is a graduate of CarsonNewman College in Tennessee, where she received a bachelor’s degree in music, and a graduate of the University of Iowa, where she received her master’s and PhD in music education. Her teaching philosophy: It is a teacher’s responsibility to pass knowledge and culture to the next generation so it’s never lost and motivates students to discover their talents and skills so they do the same.

Head of the Class Rebecca Williams is 2011 Wilson Elementary Teacher of the Year Rebecca Williams is one of the longest tenured teachers in Denton ISD, having spent all 21 of her years working in education at Wilson Elementary. Mrs. Williams began her teaching career as a sixth grade science teacher at Wilson in 1990 and dropped down to a fifth grade science teacher when the district switched from a junior high to middle school system in 1997. Mrs. Williams serves as a mentor to student teachers from Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas, is the coordinator for Wilson’s Family

Science and Math nights, is chair of the school’s science committee, is part of the campus leadership team and Wilson’s educational

improvement council. She recently served on the advisory panel that developed a new master’s degree program for elementary science teachers at Texas Woman’s University. Mrs. Williams is a graduate of TWU with two bachelor’s degrees, one in dance and one in philosophy, and a master’s in science education. Her teaching philosophy: To be effective as a teacher is to recognize the moments when students are able to receive and be ready with something meaningful to give them.

Cinnamon Swirl Yogurt French Toast Makes 4 Servings Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 10 min

September 2011

Ingredients French Toast 2 whole medium eggs 4 egg whites 1 cup fat free milk 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 8 pieces cinnamon swirl bread Topping 16 ounces fat free plain yogurt 5 tablespoons maple syrup 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh fruit (i.e. grapes, strawberries, oranges, blueberries, peaches) Combine the topping ingredients, except for fruit, in small mixing bowl. Refrigerate. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture and coat thoroughly. Place in skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side.

To serve, cut warm French toast on the diagonal. Arrange on plate. Top with fruit, then the yogurt mixture. Quick Tip: To reduce prep time, use frozen French toast. Note, nutritional information may change. Nutritional Facts Calories: 400 Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 90mg Sodium: 440mg Calcium: 35% Daily Value Protein: 21g Carbohydrates: 67g

- Recipe courtesy of 3-A-Day, the National Dairy Council

Family Orthodontics Adults & Children

Clay Pickering, DDS, MS American Association of Orthodontists

Principal Profile

Meet L.A. Nelson principal Cecilia Holt My School’s mascot: Lion Where you were born: Archer City, Texas My favorite food is: Mexican My favorite color is: Blue My favorite subject in school was: Reading My most memorable moment as a child was: Riding horses in the Archer County Rodeo with my

best friend. Do you have any pets? Yes, one dog and two cats My hobbies are: Running and gardening The best movie I’ve ever seen is: The Help My favorite thing about my school is: The collaboration amongst staff and faculty.

• Complimentary Initial Exam • Most insurances accepted • Flexible financing available • Sibling discounts • CareCredit accepted 1308 Crescent Street Suite B • Denton, TX 76201 Phone 940-382-8122

Please visit www.cporthodontics.com H5

Puzzle answers, games, opinion polls and much more at:

www.kidscoop.com

Donating a few pennies may not seem heroic, but when children around the world each donated a few pennies following the 9/11 attacks, thousands of dollars were raised to help the Fire Department of New York City purchase a new fire truck.

September 2011 n the morning of September 11, 2001, four airplanes were hijacked. Two were crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and one crashed into a field in Shanksville, rural Pennsylvania. This year marks the 10th anniversary of that day when we remember, and honor, the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who lost their lives.

Use the code to find out the total amount raised.

Find out more about the memorials to honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy go to www.kidscoop.com/kids

The memorial in New York features two waterfalls cascading into two square reflecting pools set on the footprint of the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.

The Pentagon Memorial is an everlasting tribute to the 184 souls who perished there on 9/11/01.

The Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania honors the brave passengers and crew.

Every day, little acts of kindness make a big difference in someone’s life. When people in a community help each other it makes the community a better place to live. Helping is fun, too! We all need some help at times. Look at the pictures to see who could use some help. Draw a line from each place where there’s a need, to the child who will help.

Your newspaper is a good place to look for ways to help your city. Look through the newspaper or its website and find at least five organizations that help people in your area. Call one of the groups and list ways they help people.

COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER REMEMBER KINDNESS TRIBUTE SADNESS HEROIC POOLS HONOR MARKS SOULS TIMES HELP TALK LOST

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. S P R S H E R O I C E E L S K R A M O E P T R E B M E M E R T U S N H S M T T R E B E D P U S I O N M I M N N O P N E A B R I I L S O U L S E T T K C H K L A T R Y S S E N D A S E

Look through your newspaper or on its website for information about a person who helps people in your community. Write a letter to the editor thanking this person for being a local hero.

Write a news story about a heroic act by someone in your family. Remember to include who, what, where, when, why and how in your report. HZ