2011 Back to School

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

AUGUST 6, 2011

The voice of Interior Alaska since 1903

2011-2012

Look inside for important back-to-school information.

Archival image used by permission. Charles E. Bunnell Collection (acc. #58-1026-2246N) in the Archives, Alaska and Polar Regions Dept., University of Alaska Fairbanks

Where Faith & Academics Meet Immaculate Conception Grade School • Monroe Catholic Junior/Senior High School To learn about our schools, call to schedule a tour at 456-4574. Our doors are open to all.

NAAS Accreditation

UAF Partnership

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Catholic Schools of Fairbanks

Faith Academics Community Tradition Service

2

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

One year later, superintendent reflects on Fairbanks

By REBA LEAN rlean@newsminer.com

understanding the system and the culture. This is a journey.

In some aspects, we’ve met Superintendent Pete Lewis that and in some, we can arrived in Fairbanks a year always get better.” ago from Washington state.

Some of the superintenSince then, he has faced a dent’s major priorities are to tough budget, listened to indiimprove school attendance vidual families’ concerns and and to close the achievement experienced his first real ice gap. storm.

The district’s Research and His first year in Alaska was Accountability Department a learning experience, Lewis released an achievement gap explained at a July interview. report in early 2011 that iden“It’s been an opportunity tified attendance rates as one for me to come in and look reason achievement gaps were at the organization and learn increasing. The superintenabout the different programs dent said that they would use John Wagner/News-Miner the report as a starting point and what we’re doing and adjust the systems and struc- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Superinten- to evaluate teaching practices ture that we have,” he said. dent Pete Lewis is seen in his office during his first day on in the future.

After seven years at the He also hopes to visit the job in 2010.

Clarkston School District, classrooms to interact with year to familiarize himself a relationship and a knowlwith an enrollment of about teachers and build more comwith the school board, admin- edge and understanding of one-fifth the size of the Fairmunity and business partneristration and different schools. what the board wants,” he banks North Star Borough’s, ships.

“There is a goal to develop said. “It is about learning and Lewis hoped to use his first This year, he made a point

to visit all 35 schools in the district and met with Parent Teacher Associations to discuss school boundary changes.

“You want people to be in an environment where they’re comfortable talking,” he said “You want to break down barriers.”

During his first year, the district implemented social networking policies for instructional purposes, deployed a experimental filtration system for fine particulates at Woodriver Elementary School and identified several major maintenance projects.

“There’s always things we wished we could have done better,” he said. “I learned a lot and I’m just very pleased to be in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.”

Contact staff writer Reba Lean at 459-7523.

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See the Sunday, August 7 insert in the News-Miner

Enrolling NOW – Fairbanks BEST

District Tested, Mom Approved!

Homeschool Program

Online Learning Program

K-12 Home School Families choose their own curriculum and can take advantage of the resources of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

Students in grades 6-12 enroll in a minimum of four courses through Advanced Academics, a fully accredited, online learning program with highly qualified and certified teachers and 24/7 technical support.

For more information, call 452-2000, ext. 201 • http://best.k12northstar.org

Come Us at Visit the Fair!

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Students in both programs: 3ᅚ are eligible to participate in athletics, music programs, and other extra-curricular activities at their attendance area schools according to district/state guidelines.

3ᅚ may enroll in up to two classes at local district schools.

3ᅚ are assigned a certified educational specialist who is knowledge of various curricula, courses, resources, and learning styles as well at B.E.S.T. policies and FNSBSD requirements.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

What you need to know about the Fairbanks school district Taken from the Fairbanks North charter, magnet and specialStar Borough School District web- ized schools. site

tation.

For questions on transportation zones, please call the district Transportation Office at 452-2000, x351.

schools will my children attend?

All schools in the district Elementary students are on the road system. living on Fort Wainwright Q: Tell me about the attend either Ticasuk Brown FNSB School District.

Q. How do I know what in North Pole or Arctic Light The district operates 33 school to attend?

Q. If I live on Eielson, on Trainor Gate. schools for approximately Transportation zones are which schools will my Seventh- and eighthgrad15,000 students throughout established for each school, children attend? ers attend Tanana Middle the Fairbanks North Star which determines bus routes Kindergarteners through School while 9-12 graders Borough, including schools and attendance areas. thirdgraders attend Anderattend Lathrop High School. on two military installations, Students within a transson Elementary, and thirdAll those schools, with the Fort Wainwright Army Post portation zone have preferthrough sixth-graders attend exception of Arctic Light, and Eielson Air Force Base. ence for enrollment at the Crawford Elementary. also have a large civilian stuSchools range in size from school in that zone. Students Secondary students attend dent population. a small rural elementary may attend a school outside Ben Eielson Junior/Senior school of fewer than 100 stu- their tranportation zone if High.

Q. Can our family live dents to comprehensive high space is available, and if they off base or post and still schools with 1,200-1,300 provide their own transporQ. If I live on Fort attend school on Fort students, as well as various Wainwright, which Wainwright or Eielson?

Welcomes all new and

Creative Movement

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6–7:30 p.m.

for boys and girls age 4–9

New student enrollment accepted during office hours M–F.

17385093 8-6-11 BTS

8 year comprehensive syllabus Pointe, men’s class, pas de deux

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER

Pilates

Now taking applications for part time Preschool & Kindergarten for the 2011-2012 school year.

Fully equipped studio &ertiÀed instructors

A Preschool & Kindergarten Education Center for ages 3-6 • Creative Curriculum • Licensed • Extended Day and Part-Time Available • Daily Movement Exploration at Gymnastics Inc. • Weekly Gymnastics Class at Gymnastics Inc. • Certified Teacher per Classroom • Arts and Crafts • Computers

Mat classes and private lessons available Feel good, look good, and be healthy!

plus Contemporary and

Flamenco

ZZZ TheNorthStarBallet orJ ‡

For more information call

Register early at the Tanana Valley Fair, or in person August 19 & 20, 10 am to 6 pm 18385467-8-6-11BTS

near Van Horn Road

Ballet

for children and adults

PRESCHOOL & Kindergarten Registration

3411 Lathrop St.

Photos: H. Merriman & Š Peak Pilates

Introduces your child to movement and music in an imaginative and supportive atmosphere

School supply lists are available ahead of time at our school web site http://plc.k12northstar.org

Gymnastics Inc. 456-2263

Please see DISTRICT, Page 4

Fall classes for ages 4 to adult start August 22

returning students to the

PTA Back-to-School Ice Cream Social

700 Auburn Drive • 479-4234 • Office Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Q. Do all students get bused to school?

Bus transportation is provided for students living more than 1 1/2 miles from school. Under certain hazardous conditions, the school board may decide to provide

The North Star Ballet School

Pearl Creek Elementary

We look forward to seeing everyone on the first day of school, Thursday, August 18. Students in 1st through 6th grade attend school from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Please check the schedule for your Kindergarten or Pre-K students.

Yes. If you plan to live off base or post, please contact your principal to learn more about out-of-attendance area requests.

Students must provide their own transportation and there must be space available in the desired class.

ColleJe 5oaG on the Tanana 9alley FairJroXnGs

Excellence in dance education since 1980

4

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

A copy of the child’s birth certificate is required for all pupils entering kindergarten and for first graders who Continued from Page 3 haven’t been enrolled in the district before. bus transportation within All new students must shorter distances. submit proof of immunizaKindergarten students are provided one-way bus trans- tion before being admitted.

Please bring a copy of portation. the student’s transcript or report card to help with class Q. How do I enroll my placement. Also, proof of students in school? residency (utility bill such as New students need to enroll at the school they will phone, water, electric, etc.) is required at the time of regisbe attending. tration.

When schools are closed for the summer, new stuQ. How old must dents may pick up school packets for open enrollment students be to attend in our Student Records office school?

State law requires every in the Administrative Center child between 7 and 16 years (452-2000, ext 212). of age to attend school.

Check your schools webAny child who will be 5 site to find out when your years old on or before Sept.1 school is scheduling open is eligible to attend kinderenrollment (usually one garten. week prior to first day of Children must be 6 years class).

DISTRICT

old on or before Sept. 1 to attend first grade.

during back-to-school events. Band and orchestra programs begin at fourth grade.

Q. Is it difficult to Many schools also offer Q. What immunizations transfer into Fairbanks before- and after-school proare needed? public schools from elsegrams, breakfast programs • DtaP (Diphtheria, Teta- where? and tutoring. nus, Pertussis) The district is accusEvery school has coun• Polio tomed to students transferselors and school nurses on • MMR (Measles, Mumps, ring in and out and makes staff. The average primary Rubella) every effort to ensure a class has 23.5 students , • Hepatitis A and B smooth transition. while intermediate classes Schools that serve the average 25.5 students per Q. When does school military community are class. start? especially adept at welcomSchool generally starts ing new students and have Q. Tell me about midthe third week in August special programs in place to dle schools in Fairbanks. and ends the third week in help.

Currently, the district has May. four middle schools for 7-8th The first semester ends Q. Tell me about elegrade and one junior high before the two-week winter mentary schools in Fair(Ben Eielson on Eielson). break and there is a one banks.

In addition, several of our week break in March.

The district has 20 elecharter and magnet schools mentary schools including serve grades K-8. These Q. Is there a list of sup- those on Fort Wainwright schools offer a full academic plies my student should and Eielson. program including health bring?

They offer a comprehenand physical education, plus School supply lists are sive academic program that electives such as art, world often in the individual school includes general music, Please see DISTRiCT, Page 5 homepages, and distributed physical education and art.

BU ILD CO N FID EN CE!

Midnight Sun Swim Team

Becau se w ith C onfidence,N othing is Im possible!

6 w eeksofCla ssesplu sstu den tu n iform This introdu ctory offer w ill introdu ce you to one ofthe finest m artialarts schools in the state. *O ffer good thru Septem ber 30,2011

Bu ilds:Self E steem ,D iscipline,L eadership A bilities, A nd a Positive M entalAttitu de

In the Fairban ksC om m u n ity sin ce 1985

452-2305

D an Z an Ru ,Jiu -Jitsu (H aw aiian Style) N OW !

LE B A L Su nday 8 am • T hu rsday 8 pm A VA I

Full Service Bowling Center

Bring your child to TRYOUT during practice on Tuesday, August 23 from 5-6:30 p.m. Then stay for the INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING AND LIGHT SNACK at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome!

For more information on tryouts, please look at our website: www.midnightsunswimteam.org

Leagues begin Sept. 10!

Arctic Bowl Youth Bowling Leagues

Raven ence pond Cor r es hool Sc

Registration Saturday, Aug. 27 from Noon to 5 p.m.

A Quality K–12 State Funded

Registration fee $30

Home School Program

On-Lane Coaching! All skill levels welcome!

Join as an individual or a team. Earn patches, pins, awards.

952 Tenth Avenue Call Annette or Renee at 456-7719

Leagues for

• • • •

Bowl on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 3 game set

Certified teacher support A variety of computer options Wide variety of curriculum choices User friendly online record keeping tools

374-9401 • Enroll online at www.RavenSchool.com

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s For age ol o pre-sch 1!

2 e g to a

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high school/college middle school pre-school/grade school

NEW THIS YEAR! Monday Night Youth/Adult League Come in & sign up or call for more details

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fairbankstaekw ondo.net

A t Fairbanks Taekw on-D o,you are not ju st another stu dent.

You w illrealize you r fu ll potentialbecau se you w illbe treated as an individu al.You ,too,can develop the “YesICan A ttitu de!”

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$ 95* Interested in swimming?

5

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

DISTRICT Continued from Page 4

languages, and music.

The average class size is 25 students per teacher. See the individual school sites for more information.

Q. Tell me about high schools in Fairbanks.

The district’s two largest 9-12 grade high schools (Lathrop and West Valley) have 1,300 and 1,200 students respectively; North Pole High School has almost

900 students; and Ben Eielson Junior/Senior High has more than 340 high school students.

Several optional programs also serve high school students, including Hutchison High School, a state-of-theart career and technical school focusing on five career clusters, and North Star Charter School, consisting of a North Pole Career Academy and a Career Education Center.

High schools offer a wide range of classes, including many electives, honors courses and advanced place-

REGISTRATION

600 Trainor Gate Rd.

Q. Can my student participate in sports right away?

Students must have a sports physical (available from your health provider) before participating in a

Q. What will my high school student need to graduate?

Students need 22 credits to graduate and must pass the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam.

at North Star Ballet

Attendance required entire time period.

Tanana Middle School

Q. What sports and activities are available?

The district offers a full array of sports and activities for students, including athletics, arts, special interest and academic clubs.

practice and students must participate in 10 practices before playing a game.

Football and some other sports start before school starts in Fairbanks because of our short outdoor season.

It is vital students wanting to participate in these sports have a physical and watch the paper for start dates.

Boys 3rd & 4th Grade (Minors).......9:00 a.m.

Girls 3rd & 4th Grade (Minors)......10:00 a.m.

5th & 6th Grade (Majors). . . . . .11:00 a.m.

7th & 8th Grade (Jr.).....................Noon

introduces your child to movement and music in an imaginative and creative atmosphere

www.TheNorthStarBallet.org

email: IYB@gci.net 17385088 8-6-11 BTS

REFS NEEDED, CONTACT IYB • EMAIL: IYB@GCI.NET

Please see DISTRICT, Page 6

Classes facilitate problem solving, concentration and focus as children develop strength, flexibility and coordination in a fun and cooperative atmosphere

Interior Youth Basketball 457-4IYB, (457-4492) or You must attend skill assessments to play! $60 Players Fee Late registration fee $20

Q. What is the HSGQE? The High School Graduation Qualifying Exam is a required state exam comprised of three sections: reading, writing, and math.

Students have multiple opportunities to take the test starting in their sophomore year.

Students can apply for a

Ages 4–9 Fall Classes start August 22

For more information, contact:

Senior (Boys & Girls, 9th – 12th Grade) Tryouts & Registration Wed., Sept. 7, at Tanana Boys: 7:30 p.m. • Girls: 8:30 p.m.

High school students should talk with their counselor as soon as possible to make sure they’re on track to graduate.

Creative Movement & Dance

& SKILL ASSESSMENTS

Saturday, Aug. 20

ment classes. The average class size in high school is 26.5 students per class.

Register early at the Tanana Valley Fair In-person registration August 19 & 20, 10 am to 6 pm 1800 College Road on the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds

451-8800

More information at

www.alaskacreativedance.com

Effie Kokrine Early College Charter School A school of choice where student centered education is a priority for grades 7-12

Member Hwa-Rang Taekwondo federation www.htftaekwondo.com Call for Class Schedules www.northpolemartialarts.com

• Small class sizes • Access to college courses • After School Tutoring, Upward Bound, JOM, ANE, Tutoring and Saturday School • Hands on activities and an emphasis on Individual Learning Styles • FFA EKCS cla • Robotics Thurs.,sAses start u

488-2821

Apply online at http://ekc.k12northstar.org/

Phil Jones, 5th Degree Black Belt, International Certified Instructor

See us at the Tanana Valley State Fair • August 5-13 in the Borealis Building

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Mi. 9.5 Badger Road in North Pole

16384722-8-6-11BTS

Call North Pole Martial Arts at

g 11

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Continued from Page 5

waiver to the HSGQE under three very specific conditions: late arrival, rare and unusual circumstances, and passing a comparable exam in another state.

Talk with your school counselor for more information.

Q. How do Fairbanks schools compare to other schools in the state or nation?

In 2005, the average Fairbanks student placed in the 63rd percentile on national standardized tests.

Students in Fairbanks continue to outperform other Alaska students on state and national tests at all grade levels and in all subjects.

The average Fairbanks student has significantly higher composite SAT and

BACK TO SCHOOL 2011 Indoor Skate Park and Youth Center 907-452-2621 • 1890 MARIKA RD New Schedule starts Aug. 15 TIME

M

T

W

TH

F

3-5

SK8

SK8

SK8

SK8

SK8

5-7

SK8

BMX

SK8

BMX

SK8

7-9

Devo’s till 8

BMX

SK8

BMX

SK8

1080 WITH SHANE ON 3RD FRIDAY OCT-MAR

Sat. hours start Sept. 10 2-5 SK8

5-8 BMX

8-11 SK8

FREE MEALS SERVED @ 5PM M-F FOR YOUTH 18 AND UNDER. USDA is an equal opportunity provider .

Annual Membership Drive 8/1-9/30 $50 Memberships required for all park users.

Sign up for 2011 Membership by Sept 30 for $40.

Q. Which schools are best?

Each school in the district is unique and has its own strengths. In general, families are fiercely loyal to the schools in their neighborhood.

Q. What is taught?

What is the curriculum?

Each curriculum area is updated according to a sixyear review and revision cycle.

teachers at the elementary and middle school levels.

A wide range of Advanced Placement classes are offered at high schools for all students.

Although not every class is offered at every school, approximately 25 Advanced Placement courses are offered throughout the district.

Q. What kind of special education services are available?

The Special Education Department provides assessment and direct services to students with 15 different exceptionalities, and secondary services such as transportation, translators, occupational and physical therapy, counseling, etc.

Q. What are students expected to learn at each grade level and how do we know they’re learning it?

Grade level expectations and performance standards are set by the state of Alaska Q. Does it get cold in and students are tested Fairbanks? according to standards-based Fairbanks is semi-arid. assessments.

Winters are cold but dry The skies are generally Q. What services are blue and the snow is dry and provided for gifted stufluffy. dents?

Students learn to dress in The district’s Extended layers and have fun outdoors Learning Program provides year-round.

Recess is only cancelled when the temperature reaches 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

Kids adjust quickly, as long as they bundle up.

Q. Is Fairbanks a diverse community?

Yes. Students in the district come from 50 different language backgrounds. Several federal programs help student adjust to our district, including English Language Learners tutoring.

The district’s ethnicity report is posted on the webpage.

Q. How can I get involved in the schools?

Family members are welcome in Fairbanks schools.

All schools welcome volunteers to help in the classroom, tutor students, share their culture and careers, chaperone trips and share in various ways in the school life of our students.

Service members can earn credit when they volunteer in the school.

Contact your local school for more information.

GYMNASTICS INC. 3411 Lathrop St., Suite A Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Phone (907) 456-2263 914 College Rd• 452-5678

Offering Classes

www.mohollanddance.com

JAZZ • TAP • BALLET • PRESCHOOL Classes start September 6th and end December 10th Register soon to ensure class placement For information/registration, call or pick up form at studio We also sell Dancewear/shoes and excercise wear

FALL 2011 SCHEDULE TUESDAY 11:00-11:45 Ages 3-5 Preschool

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1:30-2:15 Ages 3-5 Preschool

SATURDAY 9:00-9:45 Ages 3-5 Preschool

4:00-5:00 3:30-4:30 Ages 5-8 Ages 5-8 Ballet/Tap 1&2 Ballet/Tap 1&2

3:30-4:30 Ages 9-12 Ballet

9:45-10:45 Ages 5-8 Ballet/Tap 1&2

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$7/1 or $10/2, $50/10 Punchcard

ACT scores than state and national averages.

for Children Ages 2 and up

4:30-5:30 Ages 6-8 Intro Jazz

5:00-6:00 Ages 9-12 Jazz/Tap 1&2

4:30-5:30 Teen Jazz A

4:30-5:30 Ages 9-12 Jazz/Tap 1&2

10:45-11:45 Ages 6-8 Intro Jazz

Gymnastics – A Foundation For All Sports!!

5:30-6:30 Adult Tap 3A

6:00-7:00 Teen and Adult Ballet

5:30-6:30 Teen and Adult Tap 2

5:30-6:30 Hip Hop

11:45-12:30 Ages 3-5 Preschool

6:30-7:30 Adult Jazz 3A

7:00-8:00 Adult Ballet 3&4

6:30-7:30 Teen Jazz B

Call for more information and Current Scheduling Info.

7:30-8:30 Adult Tap 4

7:30-8:30 Adult Jazz 3B

8:30-9:30 Adult Jazz 4

8:30-9:30 Adult Tap 3B

12:30-1:30 Ages 9-12 Jazz/Tap 1&2

1:30-2:30 Ages 9 & up Ballet 2:30-3:30 Ages 9 & Up Jazz/Tap 3&4

456-2263

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DISTRICT

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Bullying comes in all forms, so keep a watchful eye

By TAWNY MAYA MCCRAY Creators News Service If your kids’ grades are slipping, their moods have changed dramatically and they suddenly want to be driven to or picked up from school instead of taking the bus, be cautious.

These are some signs that your child may be the victim

of a school bully.

Other signs include a diminished appetite, problems sleeping and coming home with torn clothing.

“Everyday over 160,000 kids do not go to school because of bullying,” said Jim Jordan, president of reportbullying.com, which creates anti-bullying programs and assemblies for

schools throughout the United States and Canada.

Bullying has always been prevalent in schools, but in recent years it has become a serious problem that needs to be taken care of early on.

O’Neal Walker, a clinical psychologist with the Center for Mental Health Services in Maryland, said 30 percent of children are bullied these

days. If the problem is not dealt with swiftly, these kids will grow up to be adults who “feed into two systems — our hospital-based residential care systems or our prison systems. “ To deal with a bully, Walker suggested kids report it to a school official or parent and not try to ignore it or get into a fight with the

perpetrator.

He added that a lot of bullying also takes place between school and home.

If it occurs, the victim should stop in or by a nearby store in the community and use a cell or pay phone to call their parents or 911.

Jordan offered a different Please see BULLY, Page 8

Open the door... ...to a whole new experience!

Northern Lights Academy

Tuesday–Saturday 11–6

374-5991 www.enchantedforesttoysak.com

Home of the Knights

13384740-8-6-11BTS

In the 3535 College Road Mall Next to Gulliver’s Books

North Pole Middle School

Janice Trumbull janicenla@gmail.com • 322-2325 www.northernlightsacademy.org

Open Registration for Students August 9, 10 and 11 • 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Jump Start Mini Camp For all NEW STUDENTS to the building.

Invites went home in the mail, please RSVP. Lunch is provided.

Wednesday, August 10 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Schedule and locker pick up Tuesday, August 16 • 11:30-3:00 p.m.

Students First Day of School Thursday, August 18 See you bright & early, classes begin at 8:00 a.m.

Open House Thursday, August 30 • 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Now in our

“Aurora”

Women’s vocal ensemble for those who love to sing, now accepting new members.

Conductors Marvilla Davis and Melissa Downes 479-2914 388-0543 marvi@mosquitonet.com ncc2@gci.net

12th Season

Auditions begin Monday, August 8th by appointment A Community Youth Choir, open to males and females of all cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. All unchanged treble voices age 8 to 18 are welcome to audition.

Melissa Downes, Director Janice Trumbull, Accompanist For information and to schedule an audition:

www.northlandchoir.org or Call 388-0543

Fairbanks Travel Club Hands on Science in Florida Grades 5-8 Open to all Students March 2012 Space Science, Physics, Marine Biology Now scheduling interviews Janice Trumbull Janice@gmail.com 322-2325

18385468-8-6-11BTS

17382375 8-6-11BTS

An equal employment & educational opportunity institution.

Love to Sing?

1-8

SPACE IS LIMITED

The staff of NPMS welcomes new and returning students to a new school year.

Please keep in mind these important dates:

306 E. 8th Avenue • North Pole • 488-2271

Grades

Northern Lights Academy is a private school offering a rigorous academic program for students in grades 1-8.

We will be utilizing a one room schoolhouse/multiage philosophy to cover the required curriculum.

Now accepting applications for 2011-12

WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS

Check our Web site: http://npm.k12northstar.org/ To receive our daily bulletin, please send your e-mail address to: kimery.healey@k12northstar.org

Fairbanks’ own one room schoolhouse

8

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

bullies is that it’s bad behavior that’s getting great results. By educating the Continued from Page 7 bystanders, you get to the point where the bullies no approach. He said it’s the bystanders who have to take longer get that gratification from the students being action and report the incident to a person in authority, complacent or cheering them on for what they’re doing. whether it’s a teacher, the “This bad behavior ends principal or a parent. up getting bad results “What we try to do is edubecause bystanders are cate the bystanders because that’s 98 percent of the kids speaking up.”

He said schools need to inside the schools,” Jordan stop focusing on the bulsaid. lies and the victims because “The problem with the “that’s reactive, and the only way you become proactive is when you educate the bystanders. And victims are bystanders as well because they see other people getting bullied.”

BULLY

With the emergence of the Internet and cell phones over the past few decades, bullying is no longer limited to the schoolyard.

“Cyberbullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, mobile phones, pagers and defamatory websites to bully or otherwise harass an individual or group through personal attacks or other means, and it may constitute a computer crime,” said Rob Nickel, a Cyber Safety Expert who speaks at various schools throughout Canada and the U.S. and has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show.

Nickel said cyberbullying

DANCE THEATRE FAIRBANKS

656 7th Avenue • 452-1113 • dancetheatrefairbanks.com Fall semester star ts September 1 st • 10% Militar y Discount

Saturday, August 27, 11am – 4pm Wednesday, August 31, 4pm – 8pm

M iddle S chool

Now offering Yoga, Hip Hop for kids age 5-8, and Adult ballet MON 4:30-6:00 Ballet Level V/VI 5:00-6:00 Lyrical Level I 6:00-7:00 Pointe Advanced

Friday, August 5

6:00-7:30 Ballet Level III/IV

Noon–4 p.m. & 5–7 p.m.

7:00-8:30 Ballet Level I/II 7:00-8:00 Lyrical Level II

Monday, August 8 9–11 a.m. & 1–3:30 p.m.

Bring birth certificate & current shot record

7:30-8:30 Pointe Intermediate MON 4:30-6:00 Jr. Ballet Level III 6:00-7:00 Jr Lyrical

Monday, August 15 4–6:00 p.m. e: Dat e h e t Sav

MON 4:30-5:30 Tap/Jazz Age 5-6 5:30-6:30 Tap/Jazz Age 7-8

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someone or a group and decide to go online where they do not have to face the person and say things they would never say to another persons face.”

Jordan pointed out that a lot of bullies get their examples from watching how their parents act.

“Kids watch how their parents treat other people in their community and how they talk to people and that’s what they bring back to the school,” Jordan said.

“Kids learn from their parents. (The expression) ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ that is probably the best analogy I have ever heard in my entire life and that is so true.

“When we all can go out our front door and show respect for people and show our character education and our integrity, we can build a safe community.”

Open House

R YA N

Open House Thursday August 25

is easy to do because a person can go online anytime and post information for the world to see. It may be worse than typical school bullies because it can reach much further.

“Children used to have a safe place to go from bullying — they could go home from school,” Nickel said.

“But with technology and the ability to communicate throughout the world, children are being bullied 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. “ Nickel said it is one of the most important issues in this era, since children are going through so much pain that they are taking their own lives.

“I believe it happens because people can be pretty tough and cruel on the other end of a computer,” Nickel said.

“They may be angry with

9

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Taken from the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District website

Q. How is the Indian Education Program funded?

Completed ED 506 forms help generate funds so we can provide supplemental services to Native children.

The ED 506 form is a federal form that certifies student eligibility for the Title VII, Indian Education Program.

If you, your child or his/her grandparent are an enrolled member of an American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Group, then your child may be eligible to be enrolled in Title VII, Indian Education Program.

A program plan will be developed each year and submitted for funding.

For the future, the program will operate under a six-year plan submitted in 2009.

Q. Am I eligible?

Are you or your child, or his/her grandparent, an enrolled member of an American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Group? If so, your child may be eligible to be enrolled in the title VII Indian Education Program.

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Q. The purpose of Title VII, Indian Education, is to support schools as they provide opportunities for Native students to meet and exceed the state academic standards.

For eligibility purposes an Indian is defined as any individual who is:\ 1. a member (as defined by the Indian tribe or band) of an Indian tribe or band, including those Indian tribe or bands terminated since 1940, and those recognized by the state in which the tribe or band reside; or 2. a descendent in the first person or second degree (parent or grandparent) as described in (1); or Q. What services does 3. considered by the Secthe Indian Education retary of the Interior to be Program provide? an Indian for any purpose; • Academic tutoring or • Graduation Success/ 4. an Eskimo or Aleut or Attendance Liaison other Alaska Native; or • Cultural enrichment 5. a member of an orgaactivities and gatherings nized Indian group that received a grant under Services envisioned for the Indian Education Act the future: of 1988 as it was in effect • Native language studies: Oct.19, 1994.

Koyukon, Gwitchen • Counseling If you feel you meet these • Career and post second- requirements, please contact ary training exploration the ANE Department for assistance.

Some Things Never Change.

Questions for Alaska Natives

10

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Former principal offers advice for teens on school with good study habits. I’m really concerned.

What should I do? — Brenda, Garden Grove, Calif.

BRENDA: Your counselor could use a bit of constructive counseling.

The nursing profession DR. WALLACE: I’m in the welcomes solid B stu11th grade and would like to dents with good study habits. become a nurse.

Be assured that there I talked with my school are many colleges and counselor to see about getuniversities that will welting into college, but she told me that my IQ was only come students like you.

Living in Southern 101 and I should plan to do California provides you something else. with the opportunity to I am a solid B student

By Dr. ROBERT WALLACE Creators News Service

Don’t let counselor dissuade you from dream job

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you can tell me why teachers always compare brothers and sisters and think they should be equal. — Nameless, Sacramento, Calif.

NAMELESS: It’s just human nature to expect a lot from the children or siblings of those who have a particular talent.

DR. WALLACE: I’m 16 Mickey Mantle was a hall and the youngest child. I’ve got two older sisters attend- of fame baseball player.

When his twin sons ing college. signed their first profesBoth of them are on the sional baseball contract, border of brilliancy.

They were straight-A stu- many expected them to be as skilled as their dents who were really wellfamous father. liked by their teachers. I’m It didn’t work out that no idiot, but I don’t border way. on brilliancy.

There is nothing wrong My teachers, many of with teachers expecting them taught my sisters, younger siblings to match don’t understand why I’m what older brothers and a normal B student. These sisters have achieved. teachers have accused me However, if this doesn’t of being lazy, having an “I occur, the teachers don’t care” attitude and should discuss the reason being defiant. why and then deal with These accusations just reality. aren’t true.

A teacher’s prime goal I care about my studies, do my homework and get the should be to accept all students the way they best grades possible. are and take them as far I know there’s not much as their abilities allow. you can do, but since you’re Some of your teachers a former educator, maybe apparently don’t see you as an individual — with a brilliance that happens to be different from that of your sisters.

It might be a good idea for you and your parents to have a conference with your counselor to discuss your concerns.

leges refuse to rely solely on IQ scores because they are sometimes considered to be unreliable.

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The Career Education Center is now scheduling interviews for the 2011-2012 school year. CEC allows students flexible schedules to finish high school with a Fairbanks North Star Borough School District diploma.

Joining after-school activities, clubs is important

Entry requirements include:

DR. WALLACE: I’m 16 and live with my parents and 11-year-old sister.

My dad is an attorney and my mother is a registered nurse.

Both work late and usually don’t get home until after 6 p.m.

My sister gets home at 3:15 p.m., and I’ve got to be there and watch over her until my parents get home.

This means I can’t par-

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attend a superb local community college, which will be more than happy to accept you as a student. Do well and your grades and credits will transfer to any college in the nation.

And that includes Harvard, Yale, Stanford and Knox.

If you decide that you don’t want to continue working for your bachelor’s degree but still want to work in the medical field, a counselor at the community college will provide you with an appropriate curriculum available at the school you will be attending.

Keep up the good academic work — in a few years you will be called “Nurse Brenda.”

I was a principal in the Garden Grove School District.

The counselors I worked with were effective professionals. I don’t know how the unprofessional counselor fell through the “cracks.”

Many schools and col-

Please see ADVICE, Page 11

11

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

New state law gives money for more vocational learning

By REBA LEAN rlean@newsminer.com

ments and community businesses to assess the needs in job markets.

Superintendent Pete Lewis said that the state’s intent by creating the law was a matter of “Can we change fast enough to meet the needs of the jobs that are necessary?”

The superintendent said that the district would try to grow opportunities for kids who go to school and work at the same time.

Creating new programs comes with the issue of making sure the master schedule is not overly affected. Administrators won’t want to create holes in the schedule where established classes used to sit.

The first new courses may arrive as early as the second semester of the school year, but may take longer to create. The superintendent definitely expects new programs next school year.

Money for vocational education is making its way into public schools this year from the state. The money comes from Senate Bill 84, signed

by Gov. Sean Parnell in late July, an addition to the state’s education funding formula, specific to high school vocational education.

Statewide, schools will be receiving $11.7 million to use for vocational education.

Fairbanks schools will receive $1.2 million.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District will be using the funds to create some new opportunities for students in the coming years. For starters, there will be upgrades to welding, shop course and culinary art program equipment.

The district will be meeting with the school board to Contact staff writer Reba Lean address curriculum require- at 459-7523.

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ADVICE: School coping Continued from Page 10

ticipate in any after-school activities, such as pep club or Spanish club.

I feel like I’m missing out on an important part of my education.

I love my sister, but I don’t like playing baby sitter every day at the expense of after-school fun.

I complain, but my parents don’t listen. They say I’m being selfish. Do you think so? — Nameless, Ontario, Calif.

NAMELESS: We’re all called on at times to make a sacrifice for the good of our family, but I don’t think that’s the issue here.

You’re being asked to give up a whole dimension of your life in order

to provide after-school care for your sister.

Your parents should be able to afford to hire a trusted adult to watch your sister until they get home.

This would allow you to round out your education (and simply enjoy being a teenager) with after-school activities.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column.

Email him at rwallace@galesburg.net.

To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.

• Contribute to the Plan through your and your child’s PFD • Use at any eligible college or university in the country Start saving now! Open an account over the phone today.

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12

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Education expert answers parents’ questions

By SYLVIA RIMM Creators News Service

be the best hard-working students by middle school, and those older students who excel in earlier grades may be the underachievers and troublemakers by middle school. Neither is Q. I have a 3-year-old daughalways the case, and a careter, and I’m a first-grade teachful evaluation before you er. I often see kids that are struggling as younger students make the decision will truly help. or older students that excel If your daughter has within their grade. the above-average readiHer birthday is August 1. ness and good social skills The school start deadline here that you’ve observed, folis September 15. I’m debating low the entrance guideabout when she should start line, although she’ll be school. She’s social, outgoing somewhat young in the and academically has met or exceeded the milestones for her class. If you hold her back a year, she may be bored age group at this time. and become accustomed to Her sister is 16 months learning so easily that later behind her ... so they will be challenge in school will feel either a year or two apart in worrisome. On the other school, based on this decision. hand, if her abilities and Any advice?

A. The difficulty of mak- readiness are only borderline, according to testing, ing the decision about waiting a year may be a entrance to kindergarten is that whether it’s the best better answer. In general, girls mature earlier than decision can’t always be boys, so being young in the judged in kindergarten or class is less of a disadvanfirst grade. Those young tage. You do need further children who struggle in first grade may turn out to information before making

Younger children may struggle, excel

but underachieving because he DOES do the work quickly and correctly so that he can get into trouble! Do you have any suggestions for changing his “consequence” plan in order to Q. I’m a teacher in a school change the behavior? for intellectually gifted chilA. Your middle school dren. One middle school boy student acts like he has too is of particular concern to me. much time on his hands, He’s bright (160 IQ), tremennot enough challenge, dously creative, and one-onone, a delight to be around. He and not enough positive audience. Independent or would have excellent grades small group projects like except that his behavior is demonstrating science problematic. The child spends experiments, writing and his life in trouble, constantly securing a spot in detention for performing plays, editing a class newsletter, misbehavior and being talked to in a stern manner. He laughs participating in forensics, debate, Future Problem at inappropriate times, loves Solving, Odyssey of the to be the class clown, and says Mind, Quiz Bowl, joining inappropriate things for shock students in a higher grade value. We know that taking for subjects where he away his audience helps, but we certainly cannot isolate him excels, coaching younger children in academic or constantly. sports areas or shadowing His parents, lovely people, mentors in areas of interboth professionals, are mortiest are just a few potential fied. I believe that the current approaches to helping this “discipline” program that we young man see himself as subject him to is completely more than a class clown. off base. We haven’t changed his behavior in three years. He Isolating a child briefly in a time-out when he gets doesn’t fit the profile of bright

that difficult decision.

Boy needs challenge and more audience

into trouble can be helpful temporarily, but giving him avenues for expressing his creativity in positive ways will have a more permanent impact on his real needs for creative expression.

For free newsletters about keys to parenting your gifted child, or about overempowerment leading to underachievement, send a large selfaddressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 32, Watertown, WI, 53094, or read other parenting articles at www.sylviarimm.com.

Dr. Sylvia B. Rimm is the director of the Family Achievement Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, a clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the author of many books on parenting.

More information on raising kids is available at www.sylviarimm.com.

Please send questions to: Sylvia B. Rimm on Raising Kids, P.O. Box 32, Watertown, WI 53094 or srimm@ sylviarimm.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com.

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13

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Boundary changes impact schools

By REBA LEAN rlean@newsminer.com

Contact staff writer Reba Lean at 459-7523.

FNSBSD Special Education Surrogates Needed FNSBSD Special Education is in need of volunteers/ advocates representing children placed in foster care.

The volunteers are educational representative during the child’s need for Special Education services.

Training is required at no cost to the volunteer.

For more information, call Roxanne Janiro, Special Education Department at 452-2000 ext: 534.

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This year, hundreds of students are switching schools due to several school boundary changes.

Overcrowding in the classrooms of North Pole elementary schools has led the school district to shift populations toward Fairbanks.

There are 580 students affected by the new boundaries, moving to another school to compensate for the overcrowding.

While the overall school enrollment has stayed pretty flat for the past few years, schools in North Pole have experienced growing numbers of students — so many that the district is beginning plans for a new school in the area.

The new boundaries are an attempt to buy the district a little time.

“We think we got a little bit of space for a few years,” said Superintendent Pete Lewis.

Original boundary lines were drawn in April, 2010, but were changed after the administration listened to public input.

Many were concerned that their students would be placed in different feeder systems by moving to different elementary schools.

Affected by the changes are Badger Road, Joy, Ladd, Nordale, North Pole, Ticasuk Brown and University Park elementary schools.

An interactive map on the school district’s website can show the differences between the current and new boundaries.

It is available at http:// www.k12northstar.org/attendance.

14

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011 Eric Engman/News-Miner

North Pole High School students flow through the halls in between classes on the first day of school last year in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

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15

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

FA I R B A N K S D A I LY N E W S - M I N E R , S AT U R D AY, A U G . 6 , 2 0 11

TEACHERS The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner’s Newspaper in Education Program presents the following opportunities for the ’11–’12 school year:

s e c i v r e S .

E .

N.I classroom in e s u r o f ers ads and • Newspap (watch for p o h s k r es).

Wo tes and tim a d • Teacher r fo l o o your sch son plans, s e mailings to L ls ia r the m mate ow to use h • Curriculu n o s a e and id . activities, r classroom u o y in r e News-Min s resentation p r m o o r s s News-Mine • Cla e h t f o s r m tou • Classroo vailable. plant are a

, n o i t a m or f n i l : a r o n t o i a t n i i d ord o C For ad .

E . .I N r u o y contact

JOE

R E N WAG

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m o c . r e n i m s w e

citing res x e s Thi featu red m a r g tailo pro m u l cu curri des a to gr garten r kinde h 12 and g throu ates with in culm ts n stude panying n accom n electio h o t /Nor polls hem. e h Alaska t ts to ongside t es learn n e r ili pa al their d voting lping fam rocess p n e day a oting is h mocratic g voting V de n Kids how our ing lifelo n. l e t il abou and inst ge childr s l-a work in schoo s habit

Spelling Bee The Daily News-Miner and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District are pleased to sponsor the Interior Alaska Spelling Bee. Letters will be sent to school spelling bee coordinators in October.

16

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Student Registrations Following is a list of back-to-school student registration dates and times planned at district schools. Contact your school for more information or to confirm dates/times.

SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Anderson Anne Wien Arctic Light Badger Road Barnette Magnet Crawford Denali Hunter Joy Ladd Nordale North Pole Pearl Creek Ticasuk Brown Two Rivers University Park Weller Woodriver

DATE Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9 Aug. 8-9

TIME 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS Ben Eielson........................................................

Aug. 8-9 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hutchison ........................................................

July 28-29, Aug. 1 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Lathrop High .....................................................

Aug. 5,8,9,10 8 a.m.-noon & 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Aug. 11 8 -11:30 a.m. & 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 15-16 8 -11 a.m. & 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

North Pole High ................................................

Aug. 5,8,10 8:30-11 a.m. & noon-2 p.m.

Aug. 9 12:30-3:30 p.m. & 5 - 7 p.m.

North Pole Middle ............................................

Aug. 9,10,11 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Randy Smith Middle...........................................

Aug. 5,9 9 a.m.-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.

Aug. 8 1-5 p.m.

Ryan Middle ......................................................

Aug. 5 Noon-7 p.m.

Aug. 8 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tanana Middle..................................................

Aug. 9,10,11 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

West Valley High ...............................................

Aug. 8,9,10 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Call 479-4221, ext. 9111 for an appointment

Elementary Schools: 1. Anderson 2. Ann Wien 3. Arctic Light 4. Badger Road 5. Crawford 6. Denali 7. Hunter 8. Joy 9. Ladd 10. Nordale 11. North Pole Elementary 12. Pearl Creek 13. Salcha 14. Ticasuk Brown 15. Two Rivers 16. University Park 17. Weller 18. Woodriver

✠Phone numbers to clip and save âœ

The FNSBSD offices are located at 520 Fifth Ave. Phone number: 452-2000.

Extensions: Superintendent School board Assistant superintendents Student records Transportation Food service

401 400 411 361 351 331

Special education 441 Curriculum 421 Guided Independent study 201 Community relations 403 After-school prog. 271

High Schools: 1H Ben Eielson 2H Lathrop 3H North Pole High 4H West Valley Charter/Magnet Schools: C/M1 Barnette C/M2 Chinook Charter C/M3 Effie Kokrine C/M4 Hutchison C/M5 Star of the North (NPA) C/M5 Star of the North (CEC)

Middle Schools: 1M North Pole Middle 2M Randy Smith 3M Ryan 4M Tanana

FNSBSD Key contacts: Anderson Elementary Shari Merrick, principal smerrick@northstar.k12.ak.us 372-2167 Anne Wien Elementary Leslie Campbell, principal lcampbell@northstar.k12.ak.us 451-7500 Arctic Light Elementary Mary Cofer, principal mcofer@northstar.k12.ak.us 356-2038 Badger Road Elementary Dan File, principal dfile@northstar.k12.ak.us 488-0134 Barnette Magnet School Mary Carlson, principal mcarlson@northstar.k12.ak.us 456-6072 Ben Eielson Jr./Sr High Mario Gatto, principal mgatto@northstar.k12.ak.us 372-3110

Hutchison High School Jeanette Hayden, principal mary.kovis-watson@northstar.k12.ak. jhayden@northstar.k12.ak.us 479-2261 us 479-4061 Career Education Center Mary Kovis-Watson, head teacher

Chinook Charter School Paul Fontes, head teacher pfontes@northstar. k12.ak.us 452-5020 Crawford Elementary Clarice Louden-Mingo, principal clarice.mingo@northstar.k12.ak.us 372-3306 Denali Elementary Tim Doran, principal timothy.doran@northstar.k12.ak.us 452-2456 Effie Kokrine Charter School Linda Evans, principal levans@northstar.k12.ak.us 474-0958 Hunter Elementary Jeff Mann, principal jeffrey.mann@northstar.k12.ak.us 456-5775 \

Joy Elementary David Foshee, principal dave.foshee@northstar.k12.ak.us 456-5469 Ladd Elementary Robert J. Stitt Jr., principal robert.stitt@k12northstar.org 451-1700 Lathrop High Karen Gaborik, principal kgaborik@northstar.k12.ak.us 456-7794 Nordale Elementary Brian Powell, principal matthew.powell@northstar.k12.ak.us

452-2696 North Pole Academy Bao Do, head teacher bao.do@northstar.k12.ak.us 490-9025

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47

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

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orth Pole Elementary sita Bryant-Wilburn, principal sita.wilburn@northstar.k12.ak.us 8-2286 orth Pole Middle ch Smith, principal mith@northstar.k12.ak.us 8-2271

Randy Smith Middle Sandra Kowalski, principal skowalski@northstar.k12.ak.us 458-7600

orth Pole High dget Lewis, principal ewis@northstar.k12.ak.us 8-3761

arl Creek Elementary te LaPlaunt, principal therine.laplaunt@northstar.k12. .us 9-4234

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Tanana Middle Greg Platt, principal gplatt@northstar.k12.ak.us 452-8145

Watershed Charter School K-8 John Carlson, head teacher jcarlson@northstar.k12.ak.us 374-9350

Ticasuk Brown Elementary Michael Angaiak, principal mangaiak@northstar.k12.ak.us 488-3200

Weller Elementary Lynn Weckesser, interim principal lweckesser@northstar.k12.ak.us 457-1629

Salcha Elementary Annie Keep-Barnes, principal annie.keepbarnes@northstar.k12.a k.us 488-3267

Two Rivers Elementary Dana Evans, principal devens@northstar.k12.ak.us 488-6616

West Valley High Shaun Kraska, principal skraska@northstar.k12.ak.us 479-4221

Star of the North Secondary See Career Education Center and North Pole Academy

University Park Elementary Kyra Aizstrauts, principal kaizstrauts@northstar.k12.ak.us 479-6963

Woodriver Elementary Grant Guy, principal gguy@northstar.k12.ak.us 479-4211

Ryan Middle Heather Stewart, principal hstewart@northstar.k12.ak.us 452-4751

DeeDee Hammond/News-Miner

18

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Education questions for Fairbanks parents Taken from the Fairbanks North child’s classroom teacher or Star Borough School District web- the extended learning spesite

Q: What is the Extended Learning Program?

The Extended Learning Program for gifted and talented students serves those students who are good at solving problems, learn quickly and think and learn in more complex ways than most students.

To be eligible for these extra services, a student must show a need for going beyond the regular classroom instruction.

Students are required to score at or above the 95th percentile on a cognitive test of their thinking and reasoning skills, and at or above the 95th percentile on an achievement test (Alaska Standardized Assessment Test or the Woodcock Johnson III).

Q: How do I request testing?

If you feel your child might be eligible for services and you want your child to be tested, please let your

testing, then those scores will be used to determine the achievement level for your child.

If your child did not participate in the Alaska Standardized Assessments, then the specialist in your child’s building will give the Woodcock Johnson III to determine the level of achievement for your child.

Learning Program.

• In grade 3, the school cialist in your child’s builddistrict screens all students ing know. for the Extended Learning If your child is home or Program. private schooled, then please This screening takes place contact the extended learnduring district specified ing specialist in the building weeks. your child would attend if The first screening is he or she attended public in the first quarter of the school. school year. For students Your child may also be who are not present during referred to the program by the first screening week, his or her classroom teacher.

Q: When can my child a second opportunity will In that event, no testing be tested? occur for one week in the or placement will be done • Students in grades 4-6 last quarter of the school without your written concan be tested throughout the year. sent. school year as needed.

Last year, the testing The specialist can only took place in September and Q: Who does the testtest after receiving permisApril. ing? sion from a parent for testParents will receive the The specialist in your ing. In grades 3, 7 and 8, results of testing in the mail, child’s building will adminthere are two testing weeks or during parent teacher ister the Cognitive Abilities per school year. Last year, conferences if testing falls Test to determine the cogni- those occurred in September the week prior to confertive scores for eligibility. and April. ences.

If your child is home or • In grades K-2, stuThe specialist in your private schooled, then the dents are not tested for the child’s building is available specialist in the public school Extended Learning Program. to answer any questions you where your child would In grades 1 and 2, your child might have about the test. attend if he or she were may be invited to participate If your child is home or priattending public school will in an enrichment class. vate schooled and you want do the testing.

You would be asked to your child screened, you are If your child participated sign a paper stating your responsible for contacting in the school district’s Alaschild may be pulled from the the specialist and for providka Standardized Assessment regular education classroom ing transportation to and for these services and that from testing. this does not mean formal • In grades 4-6, students placement into the Extended are tested throughout the

ATTENTION, PARENTS AND STUDENTS:

IMPORTANT BACK TO SCHOOL DATES! • Registration August 5, 8 –10 8 a.m. –12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

August 11 8 a.m.–11:30 a.m. & 2:30–4:30 p.m.

August 15 –17 8 a.m. –11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

• August 16 Freshman Ignition: 8:30 a.m.– 3 p.m.

10th–12th grade orientation: 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

PTSA Back to School Barbecue: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

• August 18 First day of classes • August 22 New Parent Info Session: 6:00–6:30 p.m.

Open House: 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Full day spaces still available for the 2011-2012 school year!

Call 451-8485 for more information or visit our website www.fairbanksmontessori.org

18385476 8-6-11

17382340-8-6-11BTS

Together, let's make this the best school year ever!

Quality Pre-school Education for Children 3-5 years old since 1966!

school year as they are referred. Testing takes place soon after the parent returns a signed form giving the specialist permission to test.

You will be notified of the results as soon as possible after testing takes place.

• Testing in middle school will take place during a district-specified week in the first quarter of the school year, and again during a district specified week in the last quarter of the school year.

Last year, the dates were in September and April. The school will send out notification to parents prior to each testing week. If you want your child tested for the program, please notify the specialist in your child’s building, or in the building your child would attend if he or she were attending public school.

If your child is home or private schooled, you are responsible for contacting the specialist and for providing transportation to and from testing.

Your child will not be tested without written consent from you.

Please see EDUCATION, Page 19

19

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

EDUCATION Continued from Page 18

relative weaknesses. In many schools there are after-school programs in which your child can participate.

There are usually clubs

that can also help your child to develop his or her interests.

If your child’s scores are sufficiently high and if there

is room in the program, your child may be invited to come to the extended learning class on a semester- bysemester basis.

If this happens you would have to sign a letter stating that your child has your Please see EDUCATION, Page 20

• High school students are not tested for the Extended Learning Program.

Q: Which tests are used to test to determine eligibility?

All students who are in the Extended Learning program need to have a measure of their cognitive ability and their school achievement.

In third grade, the cognitive measure can come from the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices that is given to all third grade students in the district.

For students in higher grades, the Cognitive Abilities Test is used to determine the cognitive abilities of the student. This test can also be used in the third grade if the Raven suggests that the student needs another cognitive measure that is more verbally oriented.

For the school achievement portion of the testing, we use the Alaska Standardized Assessment scores if they are less than a year old.

If they are greater than a year old, or if another measure of achievement is warranted, then we administer the Woodcock Johnson III. Often when a student transfers to our district, the student does not have achievement testing that is current, or that matches what our district uses.

In that case, we would administer the Woodcock Johnson III to determine achievement levels. Some students are highly creative and may be given a Torrance Test of Creative Abilities.

We can also accept an IQ score from the WISC III or the Stanford-Binet.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is pleased to announce its participation in the National School Lunch Program.

Meals will be available to enrolled participants without regard to race, age, color, sex, disability, or national origin at the following sites: Anderson Elementary, Anne Wien Elementary, Arctic Light Elementary, Badger Road Elementary, Barnette Magnet, Ben Eielson Jr/Sr High, BRIDGE (lunch only), Crawford Elementary, Denali Elementary, Effie Kokrine Charter, Hunter Elementary, Hutchison High, Joy Elementary, Ladd Elementary, Lathrop High, Nordale Elementary, North Pole Academy (lunch only), North Pole Elementary, North Pole High, North Pole Middle, Pearl Creek Elementary, Randy Smith Middle, Ryan Middle, Salcha Elementary, SMART, Tanana Middle, Ticasuk Brown Elementary, Two Rivers School, University Park Elementary, Weller Elementary, West Valley High, Woodriver Elementary. Meals meet nutritional standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The sites will participate in the National School Lunch Program, After School Snack, and the School Breakfast Program.

Households with incomes less than or equal to the following guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. These guidelines are effective July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. If your children are currently approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Famiilies (TANF), or Native Family Assistance Program (NFAP), they are automatically eligible for free school meals by completing an application that includes their assistance number from one of those programs. Students who are identified as migrant, homeless or runaway are automatically eligible and do not need to fill out an application but do need to contact the district’s homeless liaison or migrant coordinator to ensure benefits. Foster children receive free meal benefits regardless of the income of the household with which they reside. Note: Medicaid and Denali Kid Care case numbers do not qualify for eligibility.

FREE MEALS

REDUCED PRICED MEA ALS

Yearly

Monthly

1

17,680

1,474

340

25,160

2,097

484

2

23,894

1,992

460

34,003

2,834

654

3

30,108

2,509

579

42,846

3,571

824

4

36,322

3,027

699

51,689

4,308

995

5

42,536

3,545

818

60,532

5,045

1,165

6

48,750

4,063

938

69,375

5,782

1,335

7

54,964

4,581

1,057

78,218

6,519

1,505

8 For each additional person

61,178

5,099

1,177

87,061

7,256

1,675

6,214

518

120

8,843

737

171

Family Size

Weekly

Yearly

Monthly

Weekly

For more information, to submit online, or to get an application form for free or reduced-price school meals, contact: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Nutrition Services, 1305 Charles Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701; (907) 451-1004 ext.16601 or visit www.k12northstar.org.

Applications cannot be approved unless they contain complete information. Information provided on an application may be verified at any time. Households may apply for school meal benefits at any time during the school year if circumstances change. Children whose parents or guardians become unemployed may be eligible for school meal benefits based on their household income during the period of unemployment. A household whose application for school meal benefits is denied will be provided an opportunity to appeal the decision.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

17384479-8-6-11BTs

Q: What happens if my child is not eligible?

If your child has gone through testing and is not eligible, it may be that your child is correctly placed in the regular education classroom.

You will have an idea of your child’s strengths and

School Year 2011-2012 Free and Reduced Price Meals

20

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Q: If my child is found eligible, when does he or she have to test again?

If your child is determined Continued from Page 19 to be eligible for the Extendpermission to attend, and ed Learning Program in this that you understand that the district, then your child will invitation does not mean for- not need further testing. mal placement, and that it This holds true even if is on a semesterby- semester you temporarily leave the basis. district, or if your child is not attending public school

EDUCATION

for any length of time.

If your child does not require services for any reason, your child is still eligible for services when s/he chooses.

Q: What if I move to another school?

• If your child is eligible for services in the Extended Learning Program and you

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 520 Fifth Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 (907) 452-2000 www.k12northstar.org

2011-2012 CALENDAR Teacher Work Days/Professional Development..............August 11-17 First Day for Students.......................................................August 18 Labor Day Holiday..................................................................September 5 Professional Development (early out)...............................September 23 Professional Development (no school for students).........September 26 HSGQE Retakes.........................................................................October 4-6 End of First Quarter (early out)................................................October 14 Parent/Teacher Conf. (no school for students)..................October 27-28 Professional Development (early out)................................November 11 Thanksgiving Holiday.....................................................November 24-25 Last 3 Days of Semester (early out)................................December 19-21 End of First Semester (early out).........................................December 21 Winter Break........................................................December 22-January 4 Teacher Work Day (no school for students).................................January 5 Professional Development (no school for students).................January 6 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.................................................January 16 Professional Development (early out).....................................February 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for students). . .February 20-21 End of Third Quarter (early out).....................................................March 9 Spring Break.............................................................................March 12-16 Testing - All.....................................................................................April 3-6 Professional Development (early out)...........................................April 20 Last 3 Days Of Semester (early out)............................................May 15-17 Last Day for Students.............................................................May 17 Professional Development.............................................................May 18 Teacher Work Day.............................................................................May 21

move to another school within the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, your child is still eligible for services in the Extended Learning Program at the new school.

• The state of Alaska has not standardized programs for gifted students in how they are run or in how students are identified.

As a result, if you move outside the district, your child may be placed in a program based upon test results from the Fairbanks Northstar Borough School District, or she or he might have to retest.

Let the new district know of your child’s placement, and they will let you know what services they have available and how to access them.

• Not every state has a program for their gifted students.

Many states do, however, have excellent programs.

In states where there is a program for gifted students, each has its own criteria for entrance into the program.

Your child may have to

Dedicated to providing educational opportunities at Creamer’s Refuge

452-5162

be tested again in order to receive services in another state.

Q: My child is in a gifted program in another district. How do I make sure he or she will receive services here?

For those of you who are new to our district, we will need to see the testing that was used to determine eligibility into a program for gifted students in another district or another state.

Some testing is the same as ours or is at least similar enough for us to accept.

If the testing is more than a year old, or if the tests are not similar to the tests our district uses, your child will need to be retested for eligibility into our district’s Extended Learning Program.

Q: Are Advanced Placement classes only available to students in the Extended Learning Program?

No. If your child is interested in taking Advanced Placement classes, please see your child’s counselor.

A membership form is available at www.creamersfield.org. Your membership fees help support educational programs and events on the refuge, additionally you’ll receive the “Field Notes” newsletter as well as a 10% discount in the farmhouse gift shop.

Winter hours: Sat. noon - 4pm Summer hours: Daily 9:30 - 5pm

1300 College Rd.

2012 Graduation Schedule Effie Kokrine Charter School...................Friday, May 11 Star of the North Secondary..................Friday, May 11 (tentative) West Valley High School.......................Monday, May 14 B.E.S.T. (Correspondence)....................Monday, May 14 Hutchison High School.........................Tuesday, May 15 North Pole High School........................Tuesday, May 15 Ben Eielson High School................Wednesday, May 16 Lathrop High School.......................Wednesday, May 16

Students who are new to the district or changing schools must register at the school they will be attending.

Back to School!

11384712 8-6-11 BTS

17385051 8-6-11 BTS

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or veteran status.

21

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Knowing the safe routes back to school

By PAT COTTER For the News-Miner With kids headed back to school, it’s time to start watching for children walking and bicycling to school.

There are a number of “Watch and Walk” (walk and bike to school) events planned throughout the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District this fall that may increase the number of children walking and biking to school.

It’s a great way to increase your kids’ activity level, save a little at the pump, and improve the air quality and congestion at your kids’ school.

The Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS) is working with the National Center for Safe Routes to School to promote walking and biking to school in the Fairbanks area.

The Safe Routes to School mission is to enable and

within 1 mile of their school, in 1969, 87 percent walked or biked to school, compared to 63 percent in 2001.

According to the Alaska Safe Routes to School Guidebook, “Thirty years ago, more than 66 percent of all children in America walked to school. Today, the number of American children who walk or bike to school has dramatically fallen to a mere 13 percent. Why are the majority of students riding a bus or being transported by car?

“Student safety concerns and America’s increased dependence upon vehicle transportation have led to the significant decline of student walkers and bikers. Recent research indicates that 20?25 percent of morning traffic is a result of parents driving their children to school. The increased traffic has added to existing congestion problems and has created an unsafe walking and biking environment for students.”

The Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS) is working with the National Center for Safe Routes to School to promote walking and biking to school in the Fairbanks area. encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school; to encourage kids to be more active, increase safety for kids, and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution around schools.

FMATS enlisted PDC Engineers to evaluate the infrastructure within a half mile of each of the 18 schools within the FMATS area to identify existing facilities and deficiencies and create maps for the 18 schools.

Schools also have other materials to help educate students and for parents to use in deciding about the best way to safely walk or bike to school.

In the last thirty years, the number of children that walk or bike to school has dramatically decreased.

Nationally, less than 15 percent of students walked or bicycled to school in 2001, compared to more than 40 percent in 1969.

For students that live

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Many children could achieve or even surpass the recommendation simply by walking, biking or using other active ways to travel to and from school.

The SRTS program also reduces the amount of traffic around schools. When more students walk or bicycle to school, traffic volume and congestion decrease during school drop off and pick up times, making the trip much more pedestrian-friendly.

For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/ or www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/saferoutes/ and talk to your children’s schools about opportunities to learn more about walking or biking to school.

Pat Cotter is a planner for PDC Engineers and is PDC’s project manager for the FMATS Safe Routes to Schools Contract.

W Randy Smith Middle School E L First Day of School C Thurs., August 18, 2011 O 9:30 a.m.

M E Fall Registration

Friday, August 5 • 9:00 –11:00 a.m. & 1:00 –3:00 p.m.

Monday, August 8 • 1:00 –5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9 • 9:00 –11:00 a.m. & 1:00 –3:00 p.m.

$25 off prescription lenses for students only through 8/30

Eye Exams Available At Clear Vision Optometry 452-2131 452-2024 imageopticalalaska.com

New Students Orientation Tues., August 16, 2011 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Our Students Reach For the Stars!

Open House Tuesday, August 30, 2011 6:00–8:00 p.m.

School Pictures Thursday, September 29, 2011 AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION

S C H O O L

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22

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Cheating has changed but the reasons haven’t as high as 80 percent. Those alarming numbers tell us that it’s not just a few bad Life in the classroom apples that are too lazy to do changes along with the their own work, or that it’s times. Students of all ages something that only happens now show up to school with in public schools. In 2008, cell phones, as text mesa scandal shocked Harvardsaging has replaced passing Westlake, a top-tier private notes for the best way to school in Los Angeles, when relay juicy gossip, and comsix students were expelled puters are as common as for stealing two midterm chalkboards. exams.

However, all of the latIt’s a problem that est technology has not been requires attention from effective in preventing one everyone involved in the of the biggest threats to aca- education process, includdemic achievement: cheating. ing administrators, teachers, In fact, it’s probably gotten parents and the students worse. themselves.

Surveys on cheating that Gary Niels is the head allow students to answer of school at Winchester anonymously indicate that Thurston School, a private at least 50 percent have school in Pittsburgh, and engaged in some type of the author of an acclaimed cheating. Some surveys go paper on cheating, “Academic

By TOM ROEBUCK Creators News Service

Back-to-School Dates & ent Reminders d u t S ew n

Your public libraries offer: • Free programs for children and teens, and class/group tours • Free library cards for Borough residents • Online Homework Help • Free Internet access • Small group study rooms at Noel Wien Library • Computers, typewriters, printers, copiers, and scanner • 24/7 access to the public library’s catalog, homework resources, online periodicals, and web page (http://fnsblibrary.org/), including placing holds, checking your account, and renewing items, all from home • Books, ebooks, audio books, DVDs/VHS, computer and video games, and magazines

N istratio y Resgday, Wednesda

sday & Thur 10 & 11 . t 9, Augus m.– 4:00 p.m .

9:30 a

Tue

Tues

6 to 8 p.m. follow a Parents will ion of rs ve d ne te or sh t’s day. en ud st r thei

Schedul e & LocPkick Up Assignm er ent Frida Augus y Mon t 5–7 p.m12 .

Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Libraries Noel Wien Library, 1215 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-1020 Main number (907) 459-1052 Youth Services Department

da August y 5–7 p.m15 .

North Pole Branch Library 601 Snowman Lane, North Pole, AK 99705 (907) 488-6101 Outreach Services: Bookmobile, (907) 459-1031 See Bookmobile Schedule on the web page calendar of events

Visit us at: http://fnsblibrary.org/

17385027 8-6-11BTS

17382310-8-6-11-BTS

600 Trainor Gate Road • 452-8145

came out on the other end saying that certainly moral factors were involved in kids’ decisions. But, in fact, the highest correlation of cheating occurred with classroom academic environment behaviors, usually of the teacher.”

Niels found several factors that increased the likelihood that cheating would occur.

Among them were fact-based classes, where students simply regurgitate information; courses where kids don’t understand the relevance of the curriculum; classes that have fewer evaluation instruments, like a trimester course with one pressurepacked exam; and teachers who don’t relate well with students.

“If the teacher is impersonal and demanding, the

YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES HAVE YOU COVERED FOR SCHOOL!

TANANA MIDDLE SCHOOL

ouse Opedany, H August 30

Practices, School Culture and Cheating Behavior.” He wrote it more than 10 years ago, but the issue clearly isn’t going away: He said he still gets calls about it at least once a month.

In the year it took him to research the paper, his views on the origins of this behavior were turned upside down.

It disturbed him that 90 percent of students claimed that cheating was wrong, yet so many kids still cheated.

“What is it about the academic environment that causes kids to behave in ways that are inconsistent with their stated moral beliefs?”

Niels asked. “Going into this I really believed that cheating was solely a moral issue.

So if a kid cheated, it was because their convictions weren’t strong enough. I

students are more likely to cheat in those situations than when the teacher is personable and the kids understand the relevance of the course,” Niels said.

Naturally, parents want their children to succeed in school. But if their expectations become unrealistic, that can pressure the student to cut some corners, so parents should keep things in perspective, advised Kat Eden, director of community management for education.com.

“Kids we know often cheat because they see it as the only way they could possibly measure up to the expectations that their parents or their school puts around them. So I think one thing to do is avoid applying too much pressure,” Eden said. “It’s great to have high expectations for your kids, but the key is that they know that you expect them to do their best, not to be the best.”

With scandals surrounding corporate boardrooms and seemingly every sport, it’s no wonder that kids pick up a win-at-all-costs attitude.

“Kids are going to be hearing from their coaches and from sports stars that they should do whatever it takes to win, so you can’t blame them for applying that to the classroom,” Eden said. “If they’re hearing, ‘Do whatever it takes to win,’ then whatever it takes to win for them might be cheating.”

Despite the best efforts of teachers and parents, most students will engage in at least one act of cheating by the time they graduate from high school. If parents are informed that their child has been caught, they should find out why they felt they needed to cheat.

“Is the workload too much? Is there just too much homework for them to get done at night and they feel they have to cheat?” Eden said. “They definitely should experience a negative consequence for cheating, but they should also know that you’re going to help with the bigger picture so they don’t need to cheat again.”

23

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Curb technology to avoid future problems

By CHANDRA ORR Creators News Service It has a pull even parents can’t deny, but too much technology for youngsters causes serious weight problems, interferes with school work and overexposes them to risky behaviors like violence, sex and drug use.

Yet, on average, children ages 6 and younger spend two hours per day in front of the television, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

To put it in perspective, that’s about the same amount of time they spend playing outside.

That’s a big jump from the pediatrician-recommended limits.

According to the AAP, children ages 2 and younger should not watch television at all, and children 2 years and older should watch no more than two hours of quality programming per day.

The problem lies with parents.

“The television is one of the world’s best babysitters — you know where they are, they aren’t hurting each other and they’re sitting in one place — and that’s part of the problem,” said Dr. Thomas Phelan, clinical psy-

chologist and author of the award-winning “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” ($15, Child Management).

Want to curb your kids’ screen time?

Phelan suggests the following:

Set limits Determine how many hours your children can spend each day watching Please see TECHNO, Page 24

Welcome Back!

Practice Limited to Orthodontics 114 Minnie St., Suite B, Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907)457-7878 • www.alaskabraces.com

13384733-8-6-11BTS

Christopher H. Henry, D.M.D., M.S.

North Pole High School Registration

The 2011-2012 Battle Books are in stock!

NPHS Counselors will be available for student registration on the following dates and times at the high school:

Friday, August 5 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

All Battle Books are always 25% off at Gulliver’s!

Tuesday, August 9 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 10 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Pow ersch ool w ill be available to be view ed by paren ts on A u gu st 11

GULLIVER’S BOOKS

Dress Code/Code of Conduct Reminder 11384692 8-6-11BTS

NPHS has a dress code as well as a code of conduct. Please be aware that in order to provide a safe and positive learning environment, the dress code and code of conduct are enforced.

Contact the main office after August 1 at 488-3761 if you would like a copy of these policies.

17382101-8-6-11BTS

New and Used

3525 College Road (near University Ave.) Second Story Cafe

Monday, August 8 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Transfer students should bring health/shot record* and a school transcript. Contact 488-3761 x 9314, for additional information. * The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District requires that all students have current immunizations, including Hep A, Hep B, and Td. NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL.

Stop in and ask for a copy of the new Battle Book list and take advantage of the great savings!

1-800-390-8999 • www.gullivers-books.com • 474-9574

18385457-8-6-11BTS

Best wishes for a successful school year from Dr. Henry & Staff

24

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

TECHNO Continued from Page 23

television, playing video games or surfing the Internet — and involve them in the process. They’re more likely to cooperate when they have some input, Phelan said.

“Rather than shoving an idea down their throat, start out with a question. Ask them, ‘Did you know that doctors recommend there be a limit on television and video games? Why do you think they recommend that?’”

Phelan said.

Reinforce good answers, and emphasize the importance of limiting time spent on technology.

Let them know you’ll take their input into consideration when determining

limits — and be ready to enforce those limits.

“You need to negotiate and agree beforehand on what the limits are. When it’s time to turn off the TV or the computer, parents need to be consistent and firm. That’s not a time for arguing or talking. You made a deal, and you don’t renegotiate,” Phelan explained.

Work first, play second Help kids keep tech time in perspective by setting a few additional parameters based on the “work first, play second” principle.

For example, no video games until they complete their homework, no Internet until their room is clean and no television until after dinner.

C YBER L YNX

“Video games, television, the Internet — these things have so much power and so much pull, parents can use them as rewards in a sense,” Phelan explained. “Kids have to earn their play by doing their work first.”

Get active

Pearl Creek Community says

Statewide Homeschool Program

"THANK YOU, MIKE HANSEN!"

If you've answered "YES" to any of these questions, then join our CyberLynx family.

Here are just some of our services:

Choose quality

Be a role model

Do you need a school calendar to fit your schedule?

Would your high school student like to earn college credits?

For More Information, Call 1-888-424-5989 ext 251 or 455-7633

Pearl Creek students and families would like to express our gratitude to Mike Hansen, of Hansen Wallpapering Inc., for his expert assistance installing a mural at Pearl Creek Elementary School. Mike Hansen, a former Pearl Creek parent, donated his time and talent to work with school district employees on a complex insulation of a 17‘x24’ mural of a Polish sailing ship, Dar Pomorza – a welcome addition to the school that will bring many years of enjoyment. We could not have completed this without Mike’s knowledge and leadership.

Hansen Wallpapering Inc. can be reached locally at 455-6479

3755 AIRPORT WAY INSIDE FRED MEYER 474-4900

Be Aware That The FNSB School District

Attention: Parents

DOES NOT PROVIDE AUTOMATIC MEDICAL COVERAGE If Your Child Is Injured At School.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

459-1392

An equal employment & educational opportunity institution.

OF

OPTOMETRY

Dr. Rich McKinley ON SITE EXAMS AVAILABLE

*SEE ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS

11385651 8-6-11 BTS

Contact Risk Management

INDEPENDENT DOCTOR

17384475 8-6-11BTS

If your child is not protected by a parent or guardian’s health insurance policy, the commercial policy outlined herein is a reasonable and economical option.

The FNSB School District has arranged for a commercial carrier to make low cost accident insurance coverage, including accidental dental coverage, available to all public school students. This parent-paid insurance policy includes options for school-time, 24 hour protection, football medical benefits and dental coverage.

Each district school will hand out to every student at the start of school, an application and a brochure describing benefits and premium costs. If you wish to purchase this insurance policy, mail the completed application form to the commercial carrier. This insurance may be purchased at any time during the school year. Coverage is effective the date the commercial carrier receives the application. If you do not receive an application, or have questions on this matter, contact Risk Management at 459-1392.

17385097 8-6-11 BTS

• College scholarship program for full time high school students; • Group activities / art and educational projects; • Reimbursements for educational purchases; • Computer leasing program, internet access for full time students; • We cater to special needs families.

11385649-8-6-11BTS

• We supply a wide array of curriculum options, a few examples are: A Beka, Calvert, BYU, Keystone, Math-U-See, North Dakota, Oak Meadows, Rainbow Resources, Saxon; • Tutoring Services;

kids out of the house. Go for a walk. Take a bike ride together. Do something with them.”

All technology is not created equal.

Educational programming and documentaries, instrucScheduled activities will tive websites and skill-buildhelp get your kids away ing video games have their Do you come home each from the screen and engaged place, and parents should night and immediately rush strive to strike a balance in physical activity. to check your email?

“If your kids are active between fun and informative Is the television on all the screen time. spontaneously, that’s great.

Otherwise, you’ll have to get time for background noise?

It shouldn’t be a free-forIf parents expect their them involved, but you can’t all, though. kids to get up, get outside just pull something out of Instead, spend some time and get active, they have to your hat,” Phelan said. surfing the Net with your set an example.

“You have to structure child, opt for a National “Modeling is certainly Geographic documentary the activities ahead of time important,” Phelan said. and choose video games and have a consistent, set “If you want your kids to that encourage reading and routine. The goal is to do be physical, you have to be develop math skills. something aerobic every physical yourself. day.”

Controlled programming “Get yourself and your Have them pick an afteris the goal, Phelan said.

, P n a o i r t e n nts! e t t A

Are you interested in home schooling?

Would you like curriculum of your choice?

school activity like swimming, gymnastics or soccer, and make plans to get physical as a family.

Brush up on your bowling one night a week, take a walk together each night after dinner or plan to spend each Saturday riding bikes at the park.

25

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Benefits of preschool last into adulthood, study finds CHICAGO — Preschool has surprisingly enduring benefits lasting well into adulthood, according to one of the biggest, longest followup studies of its kind.

Better jobs, less drug abuse and fewer arrests are among advantages found in the study that tracked more than 1,000 low-income, mostly black Chicago kids for up to 25 years.

Michael Washington was one of them.

Now a 31-year-old heating and air conditioning contractor, Washington attended a year of preschool at Chicago’s intensive Child-Parent Center Education Program when he was 4.

The ongoing publicly

7 WEEKS $40 Includes FREE Uniform Bring a friend or family member and they join for

funded program focuses on language development, scholastic skills and building selfconfidence.

It involves one or two years of half-day preschool, and up to four additional years of educational and family services in grade school. Preschool teachers have college degrees and are certified in early childhood education, and parents are encouraged to be involved in the classes.

Washington lived in an impoverished West Side community and has strong memories of preschool field trips to the library, zoo and planetarium where he learned to love science. He says he’ll never forget the strong influence of his preschool teachers.

“You expect your mom and dad to care for you. But when a stranger, who has no ties

to you whatsoever, takes the time to invest in you, takes the time to listen, that makes you open your eyes bigger,” said Washington, now living in Blue Island, Ill. “It was real cool.”

Washington got good grades in elementary and high school, and attended two years of college at Chicago State University. Unlike other kids he knew from the neighborhood who didn’t attend preschool, he says he never tried drugs and was never arrested.

The study tracked nearly 900 children into adulthood who attended the program in the early 1980s, and compared them to almost 500 low-income Chicago youngsters, most of whom didn’t attend preschool.

The results were published

NORTH STAR TAEKWON-DO Mary Siah Rec Center

456-3484 17385092-8-6-11BTS

Interior Alaska Green Star urges you to

www.iagreenstarinc.org

Conserve fuel—recycle your aluminum cans • Recycling one aluminum can saves

enough energy to keep a 100-watt bulb burning for almost four hours or run your television for three hours.

You can make a difference!

RECYCLE For information: www.iagreenstar.org; E-mail: info@iagreenstar.org or Phone: 452-4152

Fall Activities:

Midnight Sun Academy

Monday, August 15:

Thanks the following supporters for their donations to our school ...

Freshman and New Student Orientation • 6:15–7:00 p.m.

Open House • 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Activity XC Running Tennis Volleyball Girls Gymnastics Swim/Diving Rifle

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Adult Learning Programs of Alaska Bob Johnston & staff Inua Wool Shop Fred Meyer City of Fairbanks Mayor Cleworth & Michael Schmetzer Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Alaska Room Elders - FNSBSD Fairbanks Fine Arts Camp Bobby Lewis Eustace Johnson Fairbanks Arts Association Tamara Wilson North Star Golf Club – Melinda Evans & Drew Wahlin UAF Rural Student Services Olga Skinner Debbie & Eldon Wartes

Our students and staff truly appreciate your generosity.

Date Aug. 1 Aug. 1 Aug. 8 Aug. 8 Aug. 8 Sept. 12

Location UAF (Ski Hut) DRTC Hutchison Lathrop Lathrop Hutchison

Time 3-4:00 pm TBA 10am-12 pm TBA TBA TBA

Before a student can participate in sports the student must have: • Current physical on record with the school (BEFORE 1ST PRACTICE!!!)

• Activity consent/release form • 2.00 GPA, no more that 1 F & passed four classes from previous semester • All Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors must be enrolled in 5 semester units of credit or equivalent to be eligible.

• Seniors who have passed all parts to the HSGQE must take at least 4 semester units of credit to be eligible. All other seniors must be enrolled in minimum of 5 semester units to be eligible.

You can make an appointment at your local clinic for physicals.

11384711 8-6-11 BTS

Classes start Aug. 22

the others; • Average annual adult income for the preschool group was about $11,600 versus $10,800 for the others. The low average incomes include zero earnings for those in prison and close to that for adults who were still in college or studying elsewhere.

• 14 percent of the preschool group had abused drugs in adulthood versus 19 percent of the others; • 48 percent of the preschool group had been arrested in adulthood and 15 percent had been incarcerated, versus 54 percent of the others arrested and 21 percent incarcerated.

The results are based on public records, administrative data and interviews with study participants.

Hutchison High School

Boys and Girls Home of Alaska Treatment Center School 3101 Lathrop St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-4703

$30

Day/Evening Classes

Thursday in the online version of the journal Science.

They bolster findings from similar, smaller studies and show that high-quality preschool “gives you your biggest bang for the buck,” said Dr. Pamela High, chair of an American Academy of Pediatrics committee that deals with early childhood issues.

She was not involved in the study.

Among the study results: • 80 percent of the preschool group finished high school versus 75 percent of the others; • Nearly 15 percent of the preschool group attended a four-year college, versus 11 percent of the others; • 28 percent of the preschool group had skilled jobs requiring post-high school training versus 21 percent of

If you are under the age of 18, your parent/guardian must sign the Health Information Confidential Form and must accompany you to the physical. The cost is $25.00.

Note: If this form is not signed the school cannot get a copy of the physical. Therefore, the student athlete cannot participate in the sport until the form is signed.

17385031 8-6-11 BTS

By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer

26

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Learning to cook promotes healthy eating habits in kids

A United Way Member Agency

517 Gaffney Road • 456-6212

Looking for a PUBLIC SCHOOL that's different?

Barnette Magnet School. This downtown K-8 school provides flexible scheduling, academic and exploration courses, and options for both full and part-time students. Their mission is to "build competency through choices." Enrollment is determined through lottery. 456-6072 Building Educational Success Together. B.E.S.T. is the districtʼs home school and correspondence program. This program offers parents a chance to customize their childrenʼs education at home while still allowing them to participate in local school activities such as sports or music. Online classes are also available. 452-2000, ext. 201 Chinook Montessori Charter School. This school on International Way stresses individually-paced, multi-age education with a strong emphasis on family and community involvement for students in grades K-8. Enrollment is determined through lottery. 452-5020 Effie Kokrine Early College Charter School. This secondary school features rigorous instruction, individual learning styles, a non-traditional calendar, and a 10:00 a.m. start time.

Classes integrate traditional and contemporary knowledge and foster a strong understanding of Alaska Native culture and a respect for all cultures. 474-0958

Arts Academy e c n a D 2

Star of the North Secondary Charter School.

Designed for students in grades 7-12 who seek a non-conventional school setting, this charter school consists of two campuses: the Career Education Center (479-4061) is located at 725 26th Avenue and the North Pole Academy is located at 2945 Monk Court (490-9025).

THURSDAY

5:00-5:30 *Performing Company Espirit I

5:00-5:30 *Performing Company Espirit II

5:00-5:30 *Performing Company Espirit III

5:30-7:00 Ages 10&UP Pre-Ballet I

5:30-7:00 Teen & Adult Ballet I-II Pre-Pointe

5:30-7:00 Teen & Adult Ballet III Pointe

7:00-8:00 Teen & Adult Tap I-II

7:00-8:00 Teen & Adult

7:00-8:00 Teen & Adult 17385047 8-6-11 BTS

WEDNESDAY

Zumba Basics Zumba Toning

Zumba Basics 8:00-9:00 Teen & Adult Jazz/Hip Hop Break Dance I-II

8:00-9:00 Teen & Adult Jazz/Hip Hop Break Dance Tap III

1

FRIDAY

C L O S E D SPACE FOR RENT

SATURDAY 9:30–10:30 Teen & Adult Zumba Basics Zumba Toning

10:30-11:30 Ages 3-5 Ballet/Tap Tumbling 11:30-12:00 *Performing Company Esprit Pre 12:00-1:00 Ages 6-9 Ballet/Tap Tumbling 12:00-1:00 Multi-Age Musical Theater 2:00-3:30 Ages 10&UP Hip Hop Break Dance Tap/Tumble 3:30-4:00 *Performing Company Esprit Beg 4:00-5:00 KIDS Zumbatomic

Mon-Fri Days *Esprit & Performing Mon/Fri/Sat Companies are by Evenings invite and/or auditions only

18385453 8-6-11 BTS

An Equal Employment & Educational Opportunity Institution

012 D Find us on facebook r 6–May ance Year: Septembe

TUESDAY

The OPTIONS Teen Parenting Program. Child development, life skills, teen parenting and pregnancy classes are offered along with academic courses and vocational opportunities for pregnant or parenting students who wish to continue their high school education. Childcare is available on-site at Hutchison High.

479-2261

For more information, contact the F.N.S.B. School District at 452-2000, x401 or visit www.k12northstar.org

2017 South Cushman Ste. 100 457-3262 www.danceartsacademy.net

9

01 1-2

Hutchison High School. This is a Comprehensive High School with a Career Technical Education focus centered around six career clusters. (Arts/AV Technology/ Communications; Information Technology; Health Sciences & Human Services; Architecture & Construction; Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; and Business Management and Administration). We are a "School of Choice" offering strong core academics and preparing students for the next level. HHS students have the opportunity to prepare for the future whether that be immediate employment, advanced technical training, apprenticeships and/or college.

479-2261

Watershed Charter School.

The Watershed Charter School is the districtʼs newest charter school. This K-8 school uses a model for education that emphasizes community involvement and the outdoors through “place-based education.” Enrollment is determined through lottery.

374-9350

Strides, an exercise and nutrition company with 900 locations across the country, Are you worried about is concerned that eating at your child’s eating habits? restaurants and picking up Anyone up on the news fast food contribute to overknows that obesity is on the weight kids. rise among children in the “By teaching your chilU.S.: According to an article dren the love of cooking, you in the April issue of Archives are building a foundation of Pediatrics and Adolescent for healthier eating for their Medicine, nearly one-fifth lifetime,” Druxman said. of American 4-year-olds are “Kids are proud of the food obese. that they make and are more Whether in preschool, likely to eat it if they particihigh school or in between, pate in the cooking.” helping children learn their Druxman’s 7-year-old son, way around a kitchen can Jacob, is a prime example of promote good eating habits the benefits of cooking with and stem the tide of obesity children. and diseases like diabetes.

“I have invited Jacob to Lisa Druxman, crebe in the kitchen with me ator and owner of Stroller since he was a toddler,” she

By BETH WOOD Creators News Service

said. “As he has gotten older, I have used cooking to help with reading and math. He has gained confidence and an understanding of basic cooking skills and now likes to venture off and create his own recipes.

“There is always something age-appropriate they can do, whether it’s mixing, pouring in an ingredient or setting the table.”

If you like a neat and organized kitchen, be prepared: Druxman, who also has a 3-year-old daughter, Rachel, warned that things get a little crazy.

“It’s a bit chaotic. The more I let go, the more fun we have,” she said. “We have a make-your-own-pizza night. The kids get to make their dough, roll it and put on their own toppings. Flour and toppings are everywhere. But they just love it.”

If you need guidance, Web and print resources abound.

Druxman recommended “Mom and Me Cookbook” by Annabel Karmel ($13, DK Children), who also wrote “The Toddler Cookbook” ($13, DK Children).

Kidshealth.org, a wideranging website of The Nemours Foundation, features nutritious recipes, safety tips and a step-bystep guide called “Cooking with Kids.” It also includes recipes for kids with diabetes and those with lactose intolerance.

The Association of Junior Leagues International’s kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org also offers healthy recipes for children as well as nutritionsavvy games and activities.

Stretching beyond the kitchen, kids also grow from cultivating a garden. If you don’t have an outside space for it, see if a community garden is active nearby or check with your children’s school.

“When Jacob was two, we started a garden,” Druxman recalled. “It’s now a yearly Please see FOOD, Page 27

27

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

JACOB’S GREEN EGG PIZZA DISH

Continued from Page 26

ritual for us. There is nothing more amazing, even for me, than to see a seed turn into a plant and then into something that you eat. We pick our own lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers for our salads and pick our own berries to go on our oatmeal. My kids are so much more interested in eating these things when they come from the garden.”

Whether from the garden, farmer’s market or grocery store, sharing the food process — from the beginning to the end of a dish — can make a difference in a child’s health now and for a lifetime. Here are some recipes:

Tune in to GCI Cable Channel 14 for: •District events & announcements •Televised School Board meetings

Nonstick cooking spray 1/4 cup chopped frozen spinach 1/2 cup grated cheese Two eggs Salt and pepper to taste Yields 1 serving

1⁄2 cup frozen corn 1⁄2 cup frozen spinach 1⁄4 cup salsa 1⁄2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon cumin 1⁄2 cup bread crumbs whole-wheat pita pockets — Recipe courtesy of Lisa DruxYields 6 servings

separate bowl, mix eggs with grated cheese. Add salt and pepper.

Pour into the frying pan with spinach. Mix slightly.

Put in the oven until eggs set.

Cut into slices and serve like pizza. man

Using clean hands, mash beans in large mixing bowl.

Add onion, corn, spinach, salsa, cheese and cumin. Mix in bread crumbs gradually until

BLACK BEAN BURGERS Preheat oven to 350 F. 1 15-ounce can of black Spray a nonstick frying pan beans, drained with cooking oil. Heat spinach 1/3 cup red onion, chopped in the pan so it defrosts. In a

Quality Infant/Toddler Care & Free Preschool • Age appropriate, cutting edge, center-based services • Four hour preschool sessions Monday – Thursday • Full day, year around care for ages birth to 3 • Nutritious meals • Transportation available in some areas • Parent involvement opportunities • Preschool classes in Fairbanks & North Pole

Enrolling NOW!

An Equal Employment & Educational Opportunity Institution

Call Dotty at 452-4267 ext 238 17385049-8-6-11BTS

“2008 Program of Excellence” Awarded by the National Office of Head Start

SCHOOL REGISTRATION Elementary Registration: Elementary students who are NEW to the district or TRANSFERRING to a different school should register for school on August 8 and 9, 2011.

Register at the school your child will be attending and be sure to bring the childʼs immunization record and proof of residency. Kindergarten and first grade students also need to supply proof of age and residency. All new students will need proof of immunization.

Secondary: Middle and high school students who are NEW to the district should contact the school for specific registration dates and times. Returning students who registered last spring do not need to register again; schedule changes will be made only after new students are registered.

All new students will need proof of immunization.

Out-of-Attendance-Area (OAA) Registration: Students wishing to attend an elementary school (K-6) outside their attendance area may do so on a year-by-year basis if space is available and they provide their own transportation. For students in grades 7-12, an out-of-attendance area application must be submitted the first year the student wishes to attend the school. Out-ofattendance area is not guaranteed.

High School First Day of Practice: August 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Football, Football Cheerleading, Cross Country Running, Tennis August 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Girls Gymnastics, Swimming/Diving, and Girls Volleyball

Visit the district’s website at www.k12northstar.org or call 452-2000 for more information.

Please see FOOD, Page 29

We are hoping to place two children in each of our sessions (morning and afternoon, 3 days per week, one session only). If interested, please complete the application found on our home page (www.k12northstar.org) and return it to one of the following elementary schools: Ladd, Hunter, Ann Wien, Joy, Ticasuk Brown, North Pole, Arctic Light, Woodriver, Anderson or Pearl Creek. As opportunity is limited, priority will be given to children who are positive social role models with strong verbal skills. After reviewing the application, you will be contacted by the preschool teacher regarding potential placement opportunities.

Transportation will not be provided by the school district.

If you have questions regarding this opportunity please call 452-2000, ext 446.

This could be a very rich educational experience for your child.

SHOTS NEEDED FOR SCHOOL! State law requires all students to have the following immunizations: All students must have at least 4 DPT (with one after age 4), at least 3 polio, 2 MMR, and the Hepatitis A and B series (or be in the process).

2 Varicella (chicken pox) for grades K-6 A booster dose of Tdap is required 10 years after the last DPT. Kindergarten students and all students new to the district need a

TB skin test within 90 days of admission.

Students enrolled in part-time or after-school childcare are

required to have at least one dose of varicella vaccine, although two doses are recommended.

These requirements apply to all public school students, including students attending charter schools, Fairbanks B.E.S.T., and other alternative programs.

Please help the school comply with the law by supplying your child’s current immunization records to the school.

If your child needs an immunizaiton, contact your private provider for an appointment, or the Fairbanks Regional Public Health Center (452-1776) at 1025 W. Barnette St.

Students need immunizations to attend school... it’s the law!

An Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity Institution

17385050 8-6-11BTS

Note: All secondary students (this means junior high and middle school as well as high school students) are now required to have a physical exam and a signed parent consent form on file prior to beginning his/her first team practice of the school year. The forms, as well as all handbooks can be found on the district website: www.k12northstar.org/student–activities For more information, call the Student Activities Office at 452-4751, x11599.

17385026 8-6-11 BTS

www.k12northstar.org

— Recipe courtesy of Christina L. Rutan/kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is seeking three and four-year old children to participate in our special education preschool programs as typical peers.

Head Start Birth to Five

District website streams Board meeting audio live

mixture is firm enough to form patties, adding more if necessary. Form into 12 small patties.

Cook in non-stick sauté pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side or bake in 375 F oven for 15 minutes, turning once. Patties can also be grilled for 3 minutes per side. Serve in whole-wheat pita pockets.

17385048 8-6-11 BTS

FOOD

28

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Prevent injuries with the proper backpacks

By CHANDRA ORR Creators News Service That cool new backpack your child picked out seemed like a good idea — until they loaded it with 30 pounds of books and supplies. Now they’re walking around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, griping that their shoulders hurt.

It’s no wonder why. The wrong backpack wreaks havoc on a child’s posture — and proper posture is crucial in preventing future back pain and injuries, according to occupational therapist Chris Sorrells, an ergonomic assessment specialist and president of ergonomicssimplified.com. That heavy load of books and supplies, distributed improperly, day after day, will take its toll on a young, still-growing spinal column.

In fact, by the end of their teen years, some 60 percent of adolescents have experienced at least one episode of lower back pain, due in part to poor backpack protocol, according to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

“A backpack that does not fit well hangs the entire

ping for a new backpack, take a tape measure. What works for your teenager will not fit your fourth grader.

For a proper fit, a backpack should be no larger than the child’s torso and should not hang more than 4 inches below the waist. Look for a padded pack to help cushion the back and minimize contact pressure.

• Strap in: Look for wide, padded straps that adjust easily. The straps should fit snugly, but not tightly. A even slipped discs. waist strap offers added sup“Think about how many port by securing the pack in kids you see slouching,” place and shifting some of Sorrells said. “It’s comthe weight from the shoulmon sense that hanging 30 ders to the torso. pounds on your neck will Encourage your child to inevitably create discomfort use both shoulder straps and and make it hard to stand the waist strap. Slinging the upright.” pack over one shoulder is a A fully-loaded backpack should weigh no more than definite no-no.

10 percent of the child’s body • Pick pockets: Several weight, according to The smaller compartments, as Ergonomics Center of North opposed to one large catchCarolina at North Carolina all compartment, keep items State University in Raleigh, secure and allow proper N.C. weight distribution. Look for The Ergonomics Center, a a pack with several larger membership-based consulting book compartments near the and training organization, back and smaller compartoffers these additional tips ments up front to wrangle for choosing — and using supplies. Advise your child to — the best backpack: use all of the compartments, • Size it up: When shoprather than stuffing everyCreators News Service

Over-stuffing your child’s backpack may cause spinal problems for them down the road. By the end of their teen years, some 60 percent of adolescents have experienced at least one episode of lower back pain, due in part to poor backpack protocol.

weight off of the child’s neck and shoulders,” Sorrells said. “A properly-fit pack will distribute the weight evenly between the shoulders and keep the weight closer to the back, making the load easier to carry. If the pack is ergonomically well designed, it may even be able to offload some of the stress to the hips.”

An overstuffed pack also contributes to back pain, so play it safe and pack light.

Over time, over-weighted packs may cause postural misalignments, which can lead to restricted back movement or misaligned vertebrae. These spinal dysfunctions predispose people to neck and back pain, headaches, osteoarthritis and

thing in one big pocket.

• Grab the wheels: If the school allows it, consider a backpack with wheels. It may be nerdy, but there’s nothing cool about chronic back pain.

Look for a pack that rolls effortlessly and has an easyto-use handle release. Be sure the pack has a lightweight frame that is well padded for those instances when it must be carried.

• Lighten the load: Remember that less is more.

Remind your child to carry only the essentials and leave extra books and belongings at home or in their locker. If your child has to hunch over or angle forward to carry the pack, it’s too heavy.

• Don’t be afraid to offer gentle reminders as necessary. It might sound like nagging, but reminding your child to keep it light and use both shoulder straps will help them form good habits and prevent future problems.

“It is important to consider ergonomics for children as you’re framing the basis of their future perspective on posture,” Sorrells said.

“We should be instilling good habits into them when they are young to protect their futures.”

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Creators News Service

Want your kids to eat healthier? Teaching them how to cook or even garden encourages good eating and food choices.

FOOD: Healthy habits early Continued from Page 27

FUN FRUIT KABOBS 1 apple 1 banana 1/3 cup red seedless grapes 1/3 cup green seedless grapes 2/3 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup nonfat yogurt 1/4 c. dried coconut, shredded Yields 4 servings Wash grapes. Wash apples and cut into small squares.

Peel bananas and cut into chunks. Cut the pineapple into chunks, if fresh.

Spread coconut onto another large plate. Slide pieces of fruit onto the skewer. Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end. Hold your kabob at the ends and roll in yogurt, so fruit gets covered. Then roll in coconut.

Repeat with another skewer. — Recipe courtesy of kidshealth.org

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Dressing down: Spend less on back-to-school clothes about financial responsibility,” said Adam Carroll, an Iowabased financial expert and coFrom online purchases to author of “Winning The Money scouring second-hand stores, Game” ($12, National Finanthere are several ways to find cial Educators, Inc.). “The key back-to-school clothes — but to being fiscally conservative the best place to start is in your when it comes to school clothes child’s closet, experts say. is two-fold: know your budget In addition to saving money, and know what you need. you’ll also have a way to teach “Too many parents are your child “a thing or two going school clothes shopping

By VICKY KATZ WHITAKER Creators News Service

sans-list and sans-budget, which is a double recipe for disaster. You’ll end up bringing home duplicate outfits, mismatched items and a hefty price tag to looking good. Why do this when your kids can look great on so much less?”

Begin with a clothing inventory, suggested Carroll, to figure out what still fits and what’s needed to round out

your child’s wardrobe. When you’ve completed the list, create a spending plan. “Nobody likes the word budget, especially your teenager,” he said.

Decide what you have to spend on things like jeans, shirts, shoes, and accessories — and stick to it, he said. “Once they get a pair of $150 jeans out of you, you’re toast.”

The key is setting limits and

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Founded in 1995, the Eclipse Soccer Club is the largest club in the Interior. The club is dedicated to the development of young athletes and the promotion of fair, competitive play.

Aug. 30 & 31, 2011 • Boys/Girls

Date of Birth

FYSA–Davis Road Soccer Fields

Tryout Times

U11...............8/1/01-7/31/02.......................5:30-7:00 p.m.

U12...............8/1/00-7/31/01.......................5:30-7:00 p.m.

U13...............8/1/99–7/31/00......................5:30–7:00 p.m.

U14...............8/1/98–7/31/99......................5:30–7:00 p.m.

U15...............8/1/97–7/31/98......................5:30–7:00 p.m.

U16. . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/1/96–7/31/97......................5:30–7:00 p.m.

U17. . . . . . . . . . . . . .8/1/95–7/31/96......................7:30–9:00 p.m.

U18...............8/1/94–7/31/95......................7:30–9:00 p.m.

U19...............8/1/93–7/31/94......................7:30–9:00 p.m.

THANK YOU TO OUR COACHES

Eclipse 95 – Coach Susan Stanton Eclipse 97 – Coach Dave Veazey Eclipse 98 – Coach John Mayer Eclipse 99 – Coach Michelle Steel Eclipse 00 – Coach Bruce Gard Eclipse 01 – Coach Greg Gibson Eclipse 02 – Coach Eric Nace Phoenix 94 – Coach Charlie Parr Phoenix 96 – Coach Howard Maxwell Phoenix 97 – Coach Brian Luoma Phoenix 99 – Coach John Cadigan Phoenix 00 – Coach Bill Mitchell Phoenix 01 – Coach Alan McGinty Phoenix 02 – Coach Justin Racette

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expectations ahead of time.

Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more and allowing your kids to pay for a part of it.

“Teenagers who contribute to the purchasing of higher-end clothing may actually treat them better because there’s skin in the game,” he said.

Other times, it can teach lessons. “One savvy parent gave his kids a set amount of money to spend on clothes and when it was gone, it was gone. One of them found his high-fashion items at Goodwill and spent a fifth of what his siblings spent.

He invested the rest in MasterCard stock. After all, there are some things money can’t buy,” Carroll added.

While children under 10 usually are less fashion-conscious, it still can be tough to find clothing for them at second-hand stores because of sizing and quantity. But once they approach their teens, it’s a different story. These fledgling fashionistas need a goal, said Amy Williams, chair of the fashion program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco and a 25-year veteran of the fashion industry.

One way is to challenge them to see who can come home with the nicest and most clothes for a fixed amount of money or find a couple of “hip” items at a local thrift shop — a vest or different jacket to spice up their regular attire.

Williams believes the best time to provide a child with the fundamentals of clothes shopping is when they are about to enter the sixth grade, the start of what the fashion guru describes as the “amazing consumption years.” If you teach them that it is better to buy quality over quantity, “it will make high school planning a whole lot easier and make for more mindful shoppers,” she said.

Williams recommended shopping about three weeks before school opens.

But, she cautioned, unless you live in an area where the weather turns chilly in late August or early September, you’re better off buying a few pieces of summer clothing to start the school year and put the rest of your shopping off for a month or two.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011

Child can’t focus? Don’t label it ADD just yet

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators News Service At the last parent-teacher conference, you were informed that your precious child doesn’t sit still or pay attention in class. He doesn’t seem to want to follow through and finish classroom projects and he is easily frustrated and impatient.

The teacher even hinted that you might want to ask your doctor about medications normally used for children suffering with attention deficit disorder (ADD).

This diagnosis is often used as an umbrella term for a group of sensory processing disorders, which may or may not respond to medications or sensory-based treatments.

But before you put your child on medication, remember that there are several conditions that mimic the apparent lack of self-control, irritability or fidgeting so often labeled ADD. “In my work, I ask for a detailed family history and ask specifically about a family history for hypoglycemia or diabetes,” said Robert A. Evans, a certified and licensed school psycholo-

Creators News Service

Too much television, not ADD, could be one of the many reasons your child is having a hard time focusing in class. gist and president of The Center for Human Potential Of America, Inc. “Children with possible metabolic or endocrine difficulties will demonstrate behavior that will frequently appear to be AD/HD.” If there is an imbalance

Fairhill Christian School

found, rather than medications usually prescribed for ADD, the ultimate resolution will be a diet adjustment.

Evans cautioned that children with learning disabilities or caught in stressful situations also tend to exhibit similar symptoms.

Many experts point to nutritional deficiencies and careless diets as causes of ADD-like behavior. ood additives, such as food coloring and preservatives, low dietary levels of Omega3 fatty acids and other nutrients, and over-stimulation from television may also cause erratic behavior that can be mistaken for ADD. Gifted and talented children also exhibit these symptoms. They may become bored and unfocused and have similar behaviors to the disorder if there isn’t enough attention or creative outlets for them.

“When a child is having trouble paying attention in school, ADD is only one possible explanation,” said Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a Princeton, N.J. psychologist and author the children’s book, “What About Me? Twelve Ways to Get Your Parents’ Attention Without

Hitting Your Sister” ($15, Parenting Press). She included teaching strategies, fear of failure, hunger or illness and a need for physical activity as things to consider.

She also offered a list of strategies for parents to help their children if they’re having focus problems: • Rule out physical issues.

Try offering more protein at breakfast or lunch and encouraging activity.

• Consider an earlier bedtime. Typically, school-aged children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Try to have a fairly consistent bedtime.

• Encourage your child to be a “scientist” — have him or her observe and experiment to figure out what does or doesn’t help with attention, such as looking at the teacher, adjusting seating and different study strategies.

• Talk with your child’s teacher to get their perspective about when and why the attention difficulties are occurring.

• Spend time with your child to create the opportunity for them to confide.

Many children find it easier to talk about what’s going

on in their lives when their hands are busy and an adult is doing something low-key with them.

If you have multiple children, you may need to arrange some one-on-one time. If there are serious problems at home, let your child know how the problems will or won’t affect them and reassure that the problems are not his or her fault.

• Testing may be appropriate to rule out learning issues or visual or auditory processing difficulties.

“There are many conditions that can mimic ADD, and the worst thing a physician can do is just give a prescription for a stimulant as a trial,” warned Dr. James Dom Dera, assistant professor of family medicine at Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy.

After appropriate testing, if it is determined to be ADD, Dera said, “ADD responds very well to structure (homework, reading, dinner, family time, etc.).

Include relaxation time as well as a reward system for good behaviors along with consequences for unwanted behavior.”

North Pole High School presents

"Educating for Life" Now Enrolling K3-12 Grades • • • •

Small classes After School Care available Hot lunches Call now to reserve your child's spot today!

Monday, August 15 Check In: 8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Orientation: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ice Cream Social, Tuesday, 8/16, 4-7 pm

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Saturday, August 6, 2011