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WednesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
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Parental involvement aids in student success NP educators say teamwork between parents, teachers is essential at school By diane wetzel dwetzel@nptelegraph.com
Parents need to be involved in their child’s education, no matter what grade level they may reach. It’s important that parents and teachers, the most influential adults in a child’s life, team up on the common goal of success in the classroom. Parents should work on establishing a relationship with their child’s teacher before there are any problems. Parental involvement throughout the child’s education is very important to their success, said North Platte Public School superintendent Marty Bassett. “Typically, parents are really involved at the elementary level,” he said. “My experience is that after sixth
grade, it starts to drop off. Part of it is that kids are teenagers and they don’t want their parents around. Also, parents see their children growing up and on their own. But it’s important that parents not lose track of how their students are doing. Not as much volunteering, perhaps, but their involvement in contacting teachers and knowing what is going on.” “Parent-teacher relationships start on or before the first day of school,” said Eisenhower Elementary principal Mary Derby. “Research shows that children do better in school when parents talk often with teachers and become involved in the school. Benefits include an increased motivation for learning, improved behavior, more regular attendance, a more positive attitude toward homework and great academic achievement.” Parents who are involved get ideas from school on how to help support their children. For students who are entering elementary school, Derby offers the following suggestions: n Meet the teachers on the first
Diane Wetzel / The North Platte Telegraph
Bonnie Feeney, science teacher at Madison Middle School, introduces herself to sixth grade students on the first day of school on Aug. 14. day. “Teachers welcome meeting their student’s parents early in the year,” Derby said. “Making the effort to do this will help them better understand you and your child.” n Volunteer at your student’s school. Parents who get involved with the parent-teacher organizations at school have more opportunities to communicate with teachers outside of the classroom. And teachers are always looking for help in the classroom to provide more practice with reading, spelling and math. Attend back-to-school nights, open house nights, curriculum nights and family activity nights at your child’s school. It shows your child that you care about their school and gives more opportunities for parents and teachers to communicate.
n Stay informed. Read the communications that come from the school, such as the weekly or monthly folders of student work sent home for review and comment. Read notes from the classroom, school newsletters, emails and postings on the schools website or Facebook page. n Attend parent-teacher conferences. Scheduled at the time of the first report card of the year, conferences are a wonderful chance to talk one-on-one about the child, Derby said. It’s a good time to establish a partnership between parent and teacher that will support the child throughout the school year. “Never wait until parent-teacher conferences to talk to a teacher if you
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have questions or concerns,” Derby said. “Phone calls, visits to school and notes to the teacher are all good ways to communicate with teachers and keep informed about your child’s progress.” Communication is the key to building a good relationship with a child’s teacher, said Associate Superintendent Tami Eshleman. “It is important to have open communication between teachers and parents,” she said. “Technology has given the illusion that people are available anytime. Teachers have limited time during the school day and faceto-face visits should be scheduled in advance. All students should have individual learning goals that are known to both the teacher and the parents.” n Once a student moves on to middle school, things change. “One of the hardest things for parents is that there are so many teachers at the middle school level,” said Adams Middle School counselor Heidi Fessler. “It can be kind of overwhelming. My suggestion is to never hesitate to email or call a teacher when there is a concern. Parents can always call the main office or the counselor’s office.” Unlike elementary schools, the middle schools do not have any formal parent-teacher organizations. “We do have parents who volunteer to help and we always let our teachers know,” she said. “If parents want to come and sit in on a class, we encourage them to do that as well.” Parents need to check their children’s planners to keep track of what they are doing in school, Fessler said.
WELCOME BACK “It’s a good way to keep a handle on what they are doing,” she said. Talk to your student about the changes they will experience in middle school. “Talk to them about any anxieties or fears they may have,” Fessler said. “Find out what they are nervous about and talk to them about what is exciting about middle school, that they will have more choices and different responsibilities. Find out how they are feeling about it. If they have questions the parents can’t answer, we are here. They can call us and come in and talk to us about it.” n Parents often have their own anxieties about their child’s move to middle school. “Keep in contact with the schools,” Fessler advises. “One of the great things about us and Madison Middle School is that we work as a team.” August is Parental Involvement Month in Nebraska and Gov. Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Gamen are also encouraging parents to be more involved in their child’s education. “It is important as parents we take every opportunity to get more actively involved in your child’s learning,” the governor said in a press release. “Setting high expectations, meeting with teachers and taking an active interest in their educational achievements are some of the best ways to ensure that every student is on track to meet their educational goals. “Good teachers combined with strong parental involvement leads to good learning,” the first lady and former elementary teacher and principal said. “We have seen firsthand the difference it can make in the life of a young Nebraskan.”
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
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Is college really for me? The need exists to increase the level of a college-trained workforce By Chuck Salestrom Mid-Plains Community College
Several years ago, America’s higher education community was issued a challenge by the current administration to — “increase the proportion of Americans with high quality degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025.” The challenge was daunting and questions from the public were immediately raised as to why this was such a cru- Chuck cial issue. Those of Salestrom us who work in higher education already know the answer — and it’s not good news. There have been a number of organizations and research “think tanks” that are studying the notion of “What’s next?” The industrial age is over and the computer age has matured. A number of surveys, publications and discussions among these groups and higher education leadership, all point the same direction. Hands down, in all circles, the level of educated workforce will be the bargaining chip for jobs in the future. Measurements are now being assessed. For example:
A study published by the education firm Pearson, examined who in the world has the highest percentage of adults (25-64) with a two- or four-year degree, Finland and South Korea grabbed first and second places, respectively, while Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore ranked third, fourth and fifth.
The U.S. ranked 17th In a book titled, “Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Lives: A Strategic Approach to Skills Policies,” distributed by The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, it is stated that, “Skills have become the global currency of the 21st century. Without proper investment in skills, people languish on the margins of society. Technological progress does not translate into economic growth.” It is interesting to note that while there has been much discussion about cheap labor and off-shore manufacturing, there is little talk of the need to increase the level of a college-trained workforce in the USA. So while we continue to amuse ourselves with our disdain for offshore telephone technical support, the bottom line is that companies can’t find qualified trained em-
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ployees to handle their needs here in the United States. So where are they going? Not here. With the mandates of this current administration, America’s colleges and universities are responding and Mid-Plains Community College has pledged to be at the forefront in offering new strategies in future teaching and learning opportunities to its service area residents.
America needs to embrace life-long learning Jim Clifton, president of Gallup, recently released a book titled, “The Coming Jobs War.” It’s a no-nonsense essay that outlines how the United States is losing its position, as the world’s economic leader — to China and other countries such as Brazil and India. Based on his company’s World Poll, Clifton shows how the current job creation trends could make China the world leader by the year 2040. Clifton believes that in order to stay competitive, the U.S. must act from the local community level and not expect the federal government to attempt to direct growth. He suggests that a focus on entrepreneurship will enhance new development and will cause economic growth on a local level. He goes on to state that this process should be the sole mission and purpose of cities’ business leaders, government officials and philanthropists. Part of the American dream has always included the notion that if you went to college, you would get a good job. It’s not that way anymore.
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“Part of the American dream has alwasy included the notion that if you went to college, you would get a good job. It’s not that way anymore.”
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—Chuck Salestrom, Mid-Plains Community College, about increasing the college-trained workforce
Employees are completing college and then returning for more training and then returning again to hone skills. One thing is certain — there is still solid evidence that there is a direct correlation between the amount of education and annual income. But what we are now seeing is that the wages of those with associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are increasing faster than those with either no high school or only a high school diploma. Knowledge is earning power and the income gaps between diploma and degree levels are widening. There is one other interesting set of facts that was uncovered during the recessionary period that began in December 2007. According to the U.S. CensusCurrent Population Survey, high school dropouts represent almost 16 percent of the unemployment work force, while high school graduates make up a little more than 10 percent. Those with some college make up about 8 percent and college graduates (at all levels) are about 4 percent. The research would indicate those with less education are more prone to be unemployed during the recession. Those with more — a significant lesser number. Mid-Plains Community College offers an answer and a plan. To
earn more, you’ve got to learn more! For those without a high school diploma there is bad and good news. The bad news is that there is no good future in today’s and, more importantly, tomorrow’s workforce for those without at least a high school diploma. The good news is that Mid-Plains Community College, with its six community locations, has a strategy for those who would like to earn their GED. The college’s GED program is a self-progressing program — meaning that the student works at his or her own pace through the studying and testing process. To graduate, the student must successfully complete testing in five subject areas. Some students do the work alone or without guidance in studying for the tests. But more good news: The college offers free study materials and instruction through its adult education program to assist people in attaining their GED. Most people who apply themselves are successful. In fact, each year more than 100 students earn their GED credentials through MPCC’s GED program. But it does take some commitment. Without doubt, the rewards are great. For more information about how to sign up for the adult education classes call 308-535-3637. There is a significant number of non-traditional age service area residents who have some college
completed but have never graduated. They are encouraged to take a chance and make an investment in themselves. According to Lumina Foundation, there are 35.8 million working-age adults who have attended college but never completed their degree. That number represents 22.2 percent of the workforce population. Many who have quit, express a level of regret, failure and a feeling of unfinished business. The excuses are many — too expensive. not enough time, not smart enough, and the list goes on and on. In many cases, the fear of the unknown far out-weighs the other reasons. College as an adult learner is nothing like college as a traditional-age student. The adult learner isn’t there to play sports or develop his or her social skills. The adult learner typically has a goal to successfully complete the classes and finish a degree. There is one other simple fact — instructors love to have adult learners in their classes. Adult learners are typically prepared, organized and bring their life experiences into the discussion. Some involved in the business of college education said that President Obama’s goal was too far-reaching and probably unattainable. However, when examining the number of college-level opportunities provided by Mid-Plains Community College through its college campuses in McCook, North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala and Valentine, meeting the 60 percent goal is certainly within reach. MPCC President Ryan Purdy is fond of saying, “ It’s time for all of us to go to work!”
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
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Pack a nutritious lunch for best performance Sandwiches can provide multiple food groups that will keep kids full longer By Heather Johnson hjohnson@nptelegraph.com
The way a student performs in school could have a lot to do with what’s in his or her lunchbox. That’s according to experts who say packing a lunch that’s easy, fun and nutritious doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s all about adding a new twist to the basics. Karen M. Gutherless, director of Health Seekers Technology in North Platte, is a big fan of sandwiches. “Kids need a certain amount of protein to keep them full longer and stabilize blood sugar,” Gutherless, said. “I recommend sandwiches made with whole grain bread with not a lot of sodium in it. If using deli meat, people should try to find the kinds that don’t carry nitrates or MSG. You also want to put a good fat in there.” For that, she suggested adding olive oil-based mayonnaise to help fill children up and enhance brain function. “Avocados are also good fats to put in a sandwich, or serve some other way,” Gutherless said. “They taste so wonderful.” According to Gutherless, any chips used should be baked instead of fried. “A dairy, a starch and a fruit should be included in lunches,” Gutherless said. “Apples are a good option and so are mozzarella sticks. If there’s nothing at school to keep the lunchbox cold, you don’t want to put in a yogurt.”
Starch provides energy and can be found in fruits and vegetables. “More variety can be provided with dehydrated fruit, flatbread sandwiches and roll-ups,” Gutherless said. “If you have a child who wants to do a salad, add protein with a hard-boiled egg, but put it in a separate container so it doesn’t get soggy.” She recommends staying away from foods high in sugar and additives, providing kids with opportunities to stay hydrated and supplying a vitamin and mineral supplement. “The vitamins and minerals are especially important going into the fall and winter when a lot of kids are used to staying up late during the summer and don’t want to go to bed at night,” Gutherless said. She said not only will adding a variety of colored foods to the lunchbox make it more attractive to students, but there are also some fun options for arranging it. Those include using a wedger to make fries out of fruits and veggies, placing carrot sticks inside celery and transforming foods into stars, triangles and other shapes with cookie cutters. Whitney Gerschke, nutrition advisory board member for Healthy Child, also offers some ideas online. She suggests that parents “cute things up” with craft supplies, toothpicks, cloth napkins, flowers, a personalized note and stickers. Gerschke recommends making
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Sandwiches are still one of the best things to pack in a school lunch box. Experts say they are a good way to include a variety of dietary staples. Experts say adding color and variety is key to providing a healthy lunch kids will want to eat.
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miniature versions of things such as muffins and bagels since kids like things their size. She said parents can’t go wrong with dips and finger foods. Those include salsas, hummus, berries, grape tomatoes, trail mix, sliced apples, sugar snap peas and sushi rolls. According to Gerschke, adding fruit to water is fun way to offer flavor without sugar. Kids are more apt to drink it and stay hydrated if it tastes good. To avoid packing stress, she lists these ideas: n Pre-chop fruits and vegetables. n Place food portions for meals in bags or containers ahead of time — things like crackers, fruits and cheese. n Use frozen vegetables in a pinch if running low on fresh produce. n Use leftovers from the night before.
Quick recipe Recipes for fruit water from Healthy Child: n For cucumber and strawberry water, combine half a cucumber and as many strawberries as you would like in a big water pitcher. Put it in the fridge and enjoy. n For lime mint cucumber water, combine half a cucumber, chop a sprig of mint and squeeze a few lime wedges into a big water pitcher. Put it in the fridge and enjoy. n Make lunch while making another meal, like breakfast in the morning or dinner the night before. More information about packing a school lunch can be found at healthychild.com.
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WednesDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
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Middle school activites expand beyond traditional intramurals By Andrew Bottrell abottrell@nptelegraph.com
North Platte will have several new sports teams to cheer on this school year. Eighth-graders at Adams and Madison middle schools will combine for football, volleyball and basketball to compete as North Platte Middle School against other area schools. It is the first time middle school students in North Platte have been able to compete in interscholastic competition. Previously, the two schools had intramural programs and compet-
ed against each other. Those programs will remain in place for seventh-graders. Brett Joneson, the middle school activities director, said some of those intramural programs will remain open to eighth-graders as well. “[The goal is to] get those kids to be more competitive, more knowledgeable and more fundamentally sound,” Joneson said. “When they get to the high school ranks, they’ll be a little more ahead. The competitive side hasn’t been as great as we would have liked it. There’s been a pretty good push as long as I’ve been here to
have something in the middle schools to make them competitive.” He said there is a lot of excitement at the two schools this fall. “Obviously, I’ve heard pretty positive feedback from everybody — coaches and people in the community,” Joneson said. “There will be some growing pains as we work out the bugs in the first two years. It’s tough to start a program from ground zero.” Joneson said he is expecting 70 to 80 eighth-graders to come out for the football team, with an A team and a B team. Practices began on Aug. 19. The
football team will play four games, two each against Lexington and McCook, with North Platte traveling once to each town and hosting each town once. The first game is Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the B team game kicking off at 4 p.m., followed by the A team game. There will be 30 slots open to eighth-grade girls for volleyball this fall, so Joneson said there likely will have to be cutdowns before the season begins. He said that will also happen with girls and boys basketball over the winter. Volleyball has five games, a home and away each with McCook and Lexington, and a game against St. Patrick’s. Any students who don’t make the A, B or C teams for volleyball and basketball will still be able to play intramural. “In seventh-grade, they will continue intramural. Any of those kids who don’t make the 30 in volleyball and bas-
Middle school student Jack Mohr models the new North Platte Middle School football uniforms.
Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph
Middle School Fall Schedule Football Sept. 10 — McCook, 4 p.m. Sept. 19 — @ McCook, 4 p.m. Oct. 8 — @ Lexington, 4 p..m. Oct. 15 — Lexington, 4 p.m.
ketball, they will also be able to play intramural.” All of the home events will be at Adams Middle School, Joneson said. Nebraskaland National Bank pur-
Volleyball Sept. 19 — McCook, 4 p.m. Sept. 26 — @ Lexington, 4 p.m. Oct. 3 — Lexington, 4 p.m. Oct. 8 — @ McCook, 4 p.m. Oct. 10 — North Platte St. Patrick’s, 4 p.m. chased a football scoreboard for the football field, he said, and the bank has helped purchase uniforms. Joneson said scheduling was the toughest part of setting up the interscholastic program because other schools have already been competing regionally, and the state only allows a certain number of games per sport. “We’ve got some room to grow with all of them. The state allows six football games and 14 volleyball games. We’re trying to fill that as we go,” Joneson said. “The state allowed us to go to more games in junior high and that opened us a window to get a schedule. Had they not done that, we might have been stuck without being able to fill a schedule.”
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Ways to cut down cost of back-to-school shopping By Heather Johnson hjohnson@nptelegraph.com
School shopping may be fun for kids, but it can be expensive for parents. A survey by the National Retail Federation indicates more families are planning to cut back on their spending this year. They are using a variety of methods to do that. Forget clipping coupons — saving big can be as easy as turning to a mobile device. With free applications such as SnipSnap Coupon, shoppers can simply take a photo of printed offers with their smartphones, and have the text, images and barcodes converted into mobile-optimized offers redeemable at stores. When people enter a particular store, SnipSnap pings them on their mobile devices to encourage them to use their stored coupons. The service also issues a notification when a coupon is about to expire. Think you ran across a bargain? You may want to do your homework. ShopSavvy is just one of many free barcode scanners that allows people to compare prices in other stores.
Shoppers aim the cameras on their phones at a product’s barcode, listen for the beep and then view a list of both online and in-store prices at competing retailers. The mathematically challenged may benefit from a free discount calculator, several of which are available for download to mobile devices. They work by helping shoppers figure out how much money they can save on a discounted purchase, and what the final price will be. Living On The Cheap, an organization owned and operated by more than 20 veteran consumer journalists, frugalistas and consumer advocates, has also compiled a list of 10 ways to save money on back-to-school shopping. They include: n Reuse and repurpose supplies. LOTC recommends that parents print the list of required school supplies and compare it to what they already have. Items left over from the year before can be reused. Home office supplies can also be used and made over with stickers, photos and paint. n Set a budget and make a list be-
fore shopping. The LOTC suggests giving each child a certain amount of money for school supplies and clothing and telling him or her to keep whatever is leftover. The theory is the children will find discounted styles on their own and learn how to budget in the process. n Have kids clip coupons. It saves time and money when parents aren’t the only ones matching up brands, sizes, types and quantities of sale items with coupons. Local newspapers are a great place to find discounts, and the LOTC also offers printable school supply coupons each week on its website. The organization recommends shopping at stores that accept competitor discounts to save time driving around. n Shop during tax-free days. August is the most popular month for states to offer tax-free shopping tied to back-to-school shopping. n Find consignment sales. They allow parents to save money on gently used, quality clothing that kids will outgrow in a short amount of time anyway. Some sales allow people to trade their kids’ outgrown clothing for credit toward a purchase.
n Host a clothing swap. Invite friends, neighbors and family members to gather and exchange kids clothes. Facebook and other social networking sites can be helpful in spreading the word. n Remember thrift shops. The merchandise rotates frequently, and many of the organizations donate money to non-profits in their communities. n Don’t skip big-name stores. The key is to sign up for their email lists, follow them on Facebook or Twitter, search discount codes online, clip coupons and use store cash to receive special offers. n Create a shopping team and buy in bulk. Get together with other parents and create a back-to-school shopping team. It may make sense to buy in bulk at warehouse stores and split the costs. n Wait to buy. Items typically go on sale within a few weeks. Sometimes they are replaced with another popular item that may be cheaper. Items not necessary on the first day of school will also likely be cheaper after school starts.