School Year 2015 by Northern Virginia Daily

July 2015

A Special Supplement to

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

Making a Smooth Transition How parents can help students transition to college life

Mellow Your Mornings How to make school day mornings easier

Acing the Exam Test-taking tips for students

Friday, July 31, 2015 • THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

Tips for a healthy school year Add health screenings to back-to-school checklist S

Another essential requirement parents must find time for is completing their childrenʼs health screenings and immunizations so youngsters can return to school.

Health screenings may include, but may not be limited to, routine physical exams, eye exams and dental cleanings. Each school district may have its own set of health requirements that must be met in order for children to attend school.

Many schools require that children are up-to-date with all immunizations before they can begin a new school year. While the issue of vaccinations has inspired debate in recent years, parents should recognize that many schools will only exempt students from receiving certain vaccinations due to religious reasons. For a list of state vaccination requirements and possible exemptions for schools in the United States, visit www2a.cdc.gov/nip/ schoolsurv/schImmRqmt.asp.

Schedule visits to the doctor, dentist and eye doctor so your child is up-to-date upon the dawn of a new school year. new prescriptions for youngsters before school begins. This ensures kids wonʼt be starting off on the wrong foot because of vision problems that could already have been addressed.

Parents of adolescents or students on the verge of adolescence may want to address the subject of bodily changes before the school year begins anew. Address which changes can be Students who have specific learning expected, including the start of mendisabilities or medical conditions that struation for girls. This will help chilrequire classroom modification should dren better understand what is hapobtain recent documentation from any pening when they witness changes therapists or specialists prior to begin- in themselves and fellow classmates ning a new school year. Doing so facil- and give them a chance to receive itates the process of setting up proce- accurate information rather than gossip dures within the school while ensuring from their peers. children have what they need to excel Keep in mind that health screenings in the classroom. All parents may want conducted in advance of the school to ask doctors to provide copies of year may not preclude students from medical and immunization records so school-sponsored screenings. Schools that schools will have the most recent may offer their own vision and hearing copies on file. screenings and may take physical Parents should schedule eye examina- measurements to ensure students are tions well in advance of the first day of growing on schedules in line with normal development. school so they have ample time to fill

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s summer vacation winds down, thoughts turn from jaunts to the beach to readying for a new school year. To-do lists include many of the typical tasks that precede going back to the classroom, including shopping for new clothes, purchasing school supplies and finishing summer reading assignments.

be shared. tudents are most likely to get sick Take a sick day when school Rare is the student who starts because being at will never come down school put childrenʼs with an illness. When immune systems to the kids get sick, keep them test, offers The Mayo at home. Schools may Clinic. Young children have guidelines indicatwho are in close proxing when it is acceptimity to others in large able for children to groups tend to spread return to school, and itʼs organisms like bacteria important that parents and viruses that cause adhere to those guideillness. Breaking the lines so illnesses cannot spread cycle can take some work, but itʼs around the school. possible to make this a healthy school Promote adequate sleep & nutrition year. While adults may need between Encourage handwashing seven and nine hours of sleep a night, Frequent handwashing is a great way children often require more. The to prevent illness. Handwashing National Sleep Foundation recomhabits are essential for school-aged mends eight to 13 hours of sleep a children and should be taught as soon night for school-aged children. Begin as possible. Children should wash adjusting sleep schedules during the their hands after they use the bathlatter part of summer vacation so that room and before they eat. If theyʼve children can readjust to their regular been playing outside or have interactsleep schedules. ed with children who are sick, handwashing can help remove some of the Parents also should feed kids nutritious diets consisting of a variety of germs lingering on their hands. foods. Avoid high-calorie junk foods, Antibacterial wipes are another option, but they may not be as effec- reserving such items only as special treats every so often. tive as washing hands with warm, soapy water. Donate cleaning supplies Stop (some) sharing Some schools may be underfunded Sharing develops good manners and and may not have enough supplies to can foster new friendships. But chilkeep all of the classrooms and surdren should be discouraged from faces clean. Parents can help by sharing food, drinks and other person- donating cleaning wipes and sprays al items. Once the item has been so that students and teachers can placed in a childʼs mouth, it should not thrive in clean, healthy environments.

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY • Friday, July 31, 2015

Make school day mornings easier S

Wake up earlier. Sleep might seem like a precious commodity, but waking up just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can remove some of the stress from weekday mornings without costing you a lot of sack time. Let kids sleep in until their normal wakeup time, using your extra 10 or 15 minutes to shower or enjoy your morning cup of coffee before the house is abuzz with activity.

Encourage youngsters to pick up the pace. Some people are morning people, while others dread setting their alarms for early morning hours. Kids who fall into the latter group may drag their feet in the morning, but parents should offer encouragement when kids are moving slowly in the morning. Allowing your frustration to show may only make kids less fond of mornings, so remind them as nicely as possible that everyone has a schedule to stick to if they seem to be dragging their feet.

Keep the television off. If watching the television is ingrained in your morning routine, try going a few days without it to see if this makes it easier to get out the door on time. Kids might grow distracted by morning cartoons, and even adults may get caught up in morning news shows or other forecasts. Eliminating television from your Tackle certain chores the night morning routine can save time and before. Delaying certain chores until also may help your family grow closer, you wake up makes for a hectic morn- as you will have more distraction-free ing, so tackle as many morning chores time to speak to one another. In addition to turning off the television, resist as possible before you go to bed for the night. Prepare school lunches, lay the urge to turn on your devices or scan work emails when getting ready clothes out for yourself and your chilin the morning. dren, and make sure kids have their backpacks packed and ready to go Parents know that school day mornbefore they go to bed. Each of these ings can be hectic. But there are sevthings may only take a few minutes, eral ways to make such mornings go but when left for the morning, they can more smoothly so everyone gets add up to a substantial amount of time. where they need to be on time.

Parents can take several steps to make sure school day mornings go more smoothly.

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chool day mornings can be hectic, as getting kids ready for school and out the door on time is not always easy. Working parents may find school day mornings especially difficult, as their own work schedules can make mornings feel even more rushed. Fortunately, parents can employ several strategies to free up time in the morning so everyone starts their days off in a more relaxing atmosphere.

Friday, July 31, 2015 • THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

Outfitting studentsʼ technology needs

owadays, school supplies differ greatly from the markers, protractors and pencil cases required just a few decades ago. Many classrooms are now geared toward digital learning, and items such as tablets, smartboards and laptop computers are essential to enhancing studentsʼ classroom experiences. Itʼs no surprise then that many students require a long list of tech products and applications to keep up with their studies.

How to save on school supplies

ack to school season can be as expensive for parents as it is exciting for students. Once the initial letdown of the end of summer vacation wears off, many kids are excited to return to school, where they can see their friends, study their favorite subjects and participate in extracurricular activities.

forward, encourage kids to store their supplies in a predetermined area once the school year ends, as this will make next yearʼs inventory that much easier to examine and assess.

Spend more now to save later. While inexpensive supplies can be hard to resist, such items likely wonʼt withstand the test of time, forcing you to spend Parents of school-aged youngsters may time and money each year buying replacement supplies. Paying more now share in that excitement while also knowing that back to school season can for certain items, including stronger backpacks and more highly rated calcustretch their budgets. One of the ways to salvage those budgets is to save on lators, may end up saving you money in the long run, even if the initial pill is school supplies. Fortunately, there are somewhat tough to swallow. several ways parents can do just that.

Be patient. Shopping early can save shoppers money in many instances, but parents may benefit by exercising patience when it comes to buying school supplies for their children. Teachers often give students lists of supplies they will need for each class, and parents who wait to receive such lists can avoid spending money on items their kids wonʼt need. Even if you wait it out, you may be able to get a head start, as some teachers may post supply lists on school websites, while others might email lists to parents before back to school season hits full swing.

Take inventory. If you have more than one child, chances are you already have lots of school supplies around the house. Dust off kidsʼ backpacks and study areas from last school year to determine which supplies you need to buy and which you already have. Going

Use technology to your advantage. Department stores and businesses that sell school supplies, such as pharmacies and office stores, may or may not discount too many items once back to school season hits full swing. But savvy parents can still find deals by using technology to their advantage when shopping for school supplies. Download apps like RetailMeNot to your smartphone and enable its updates so your phone essentially notifies you of any discounts the moment you walk into a given store. If you donʼt receive any updates, search for discounts via the app or the Internet as you shop. Chances are strong that there are deals to be had, even if you donʼt learn of the deals until you arrive at the store. School supplies can be expensive, but parents can employ several strategies to save on school supplies now and in the future.

According to a Project Tomorrow report titled “The New Digital Playbook: Understanding the Spectrum of Studentsʼ Activities and Aspirations,” a large percentage of students have access to various mobile devices in the classroom. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and digital readers are some of the more commonly used devices in modern classrooms, and such usage is not limited to older students, as the report noted significant penetration of mobile devices among the primary grades, even in K-2. To enhance the learning experience found in school, parents may want to allow access to such devices at home. The following are some tech items to consider. Tablet: Android and Apple-based tablets give students easy access to a variety of applications and web connectivity. Their portability makes them a convenient way of staying connected both inside and outside the home. Many tablets can be enhanced with plug-in keyboards that make typing easier. Tablets can be used to take notes, browse the Internet, check email, and maintain correspondence with classmates via messaging applications. Smartphone: Smartphones now have many of the same capabilities of tablets, albeit in smaller packages. Parents may need to customize safety settings on phones to keep students secure, but the devices can be valuable tools in keeping tabs on kidsʼ whereabouts.

Laptop: Tablets and smartphones may have reduced consumer dependency on laptop and desktop computers, but traditional computers remain a valuable learning tool. Their larger screen sizes and mouse/keyboard features can make it easier for students to spend more time working on projects that require a lot of typing. Since many teachers now require assignments be typewritten or completed online, students may need to have a computer at home. Peripherals, such as a printer and an external hard drive, may prove useful as well. App access: Students may require different apps to complete their assignments and stay organized. Calendar functions, newspaper apps and calculators can provide the boosts kids need to perform well and stay organized. Mobile devices are pre-loaded with stores where users can purchase applications, such as the App Store on Apple devices and Google Play on Google-based mobile products. However, users will still need to establish an account, which is typically linked to a credit card. If parents do not feel comfortable giving children free rein, they can set parameters on app purchases or buy prepaid app gift cards to avoid excessive charges on credit cards. Technology is pervasive in the classroom, and students may need various digital devices to make the grade.

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY • Friday, July 31, 2015

Safety tips for school bus riders

•Wait for the bus in a safe location that is away from traffic, ideally staying in a designated school bus stop until the bus arrives. •Dress for optimal visibility, especially in inclement weather when it can be difficult for the school bus driver and other motorists to see pedestrians. •Do not board the bus until it comes to a complete stop. Wait for the driver to open the door, which engages the “Stop” sign for oncoming motorists. •Use the handrail and enter the bus in an orderly manner. •Promptly find a seat, sit down and buckle the safety belt if there is one available. Students assigned seats

on the bus should take their seat without making a fuss. •Keep backpacks and other belongings out of the center aisle. Store them under your seat or on your lap. •Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. •Keep arms, hands, legs, and heads inside of the bus at all times. •Always follow the driverʼs instructions and avoid situations that will cause driver distraction. •Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing up or attempting to exit. •Exit the bus in an orderly manner, without pushing fellow passengers. •Only cross the street in front of the bus. It is very difficult for the driver to see students crossing behind the bus. •Wait for the driver to check traffic before crossing the street and be on the lookout for inattentive motorists.

Did you know? The school buses many Americans are accustomed to seeing in their neighborhoods trace their origins to educator and author Dr. Frank Cyr, Ph.D. Dr. Cyr specialized in rural education and, in 1939, organized a conference at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City with the intention of standardizing transportation for students on their way to and from school. Representatives from several notable corporations, including engineers from auto manufacturers Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford and paint experts from DuPont, attended the conference. The fruits of that conference are still paying dividends even now, as one of the more notable developments to result from the conference was the decision to paint buses yellow with black lettering to make them easier to see in the early morning and late afternoon. That decision continues to protect the millions of school children who ride the bus to and from school today.

Entering freshmen can take several steps to make their transition to high school easier.

Easing the high school transition

ach school year brings new opportunities. Although attending a new school can involve some butterflies as kids acclimate to their new classmates and teachers, the transition from grade school to high school is typically one of the more dramatic transitions students have to make. Although starting high school can be an overwhelming experience full of change, there are many ways for students to ease this transition. Take part in high school orientation. Orientations help students acclimate to their new surroundings. Orientation sessions can provide insight on coursework and help kids learn about the campus and any amenities it provides. Learning the layout of the school in advance can help calm any first-day jitters students may encounter. Arrive prepared. Make sure all summer assignments are completed so you start off on the right foot. Unprepared students are likely to be apprehensive. Adjust to new sleep-wake schedules. Summer vacation may have been filled with late nights and sleepy mornings, but now that school will begin anew, itʼs time for students to gradually readjust their schedules. That will make it easier to wake up for school. Many high schools begin the day earlier than grammar schools and middle schools. It may take a few weeks to grow accustomed to the earlier hours, so start waking up earlier

as the summer winds down. Plan to arrive with friends. Seeing familiar faces can help students feel more secure. High schools tend to be larger than grade schools and include kids from various neighborhoods, but chances are your friends will be attending the same school as you. Carpool with friends during the first week of school so your first steps on campus are with friends. Enroll in a mentoring program. Some high schools pair freshmen with upperclassmen so younger students can learn the ropes of the school. New students can benefit from these personalized guides and should feel comfortable asking questions about teachers and school protocol. Participate in clubs and extracurricular activities. Another way to feel more comfortable at a new school is to participate in activities. High schools offer numerous extracurricular activities that cater to an array of interests. Band, choir, sports teams, debate teams, student government, and foreign language clubs are just a few examples of enjoyable extracurricular activities. Joining such groups can introduce you to like-minded students. Arrive to class on time. Teachers may be more lenient the first few weeks of school, but over time they will expect students to learn their schedules and arrive to class on time. Students can make arrangements with friends to share lockers or employ other strategies to make it easier to get to class on time.

Friday, July 31, 2015 • THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

Strategies to help kids focus on their schoolwork

Test-taking tips

ccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety is a form of performance anxiety that can affect even the most prepared students. The ADAA notes that several factors, including fear of failure and a poor test history, can contribute to test anxiety, the presence of which can make it difficult for students to concentrate and may even cause physical symptoms like headache and nausea. Parents of students who are anxious about want to say it. upcoming tests can share the following test-taking tips with their children, Employ relaxation techniques. Deep, slow breaths and systematic courtesy of the ADAA. Prioritize preparation. Test prepara- relaxation of muscles can energize studentsʼ bodies and make it easier for tion should begin well in advance of the test, as cramming the night before them to focus. Students can apply such techniques before exams to curb may make students feel unprepared and less confident in their knowledge any pre-test jitters they might have of the material. In addition, studying at and, if necessary, revisit these relaxleast a week or two in advance of the ation exercises during the test if feeltest date affords students the opportu- ings of nervousness return.

ome youngsters experience difficulty when the time comes to focus on their schoolwork. Such difficulties may be linked to a variety of factors, and parents can be overwhelmed as they attempt to identify the root cause of their youngstersʼ struggles in the classroom.

Get enough sleep and eat healthy before the exam. Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so parents should encourage their children to get adequate sleep the night before an exam. Develop an effective test-taking In addition, provide healthy foods for strategy. The ADAA recommends kids to eat prior to the exam so they students answer the questions they know first before returning to more dif- are not lethargic or hungry once the test begins. ficult questions. Doing so may conDonʼt be afraid to seek help. Plenty tribute to studentsʼ confidence and of students experience test anxiety, calm their nerves as they approach and many schools offer programs the rest of the test. When tests designed to help students overcome include essay portions, students can outline their essays before they begin their test-taking fears. Making use of to write so they have a clearer idea of these programs is a great way for kids to improve their testing performance. what they want to say and how they

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Minimize distractions at home. Some kids may do well in class but find it hard to focus once they arrive home. Thatʼs because home often has far more distractions than the classroom. Once the time comes for your child to do his or her homework, minimize distractions that can compromise his or her ability to focus. Turn off the television and take kidsʼ phones away if they have their own phones. During homework time, only allow them to use their computers for their lessons and not to connect with friends via social media. Parents also should make sure they arenʼt the distraction. Let kids do their work in peace and quiet, offering to help if need be, but steering clear of Speak with a qualified healthcare kids work areas so they are encourprofessional. Because ADHD is so common, parents should seek the opin- aged to focus and not strike up converion of a licensed healthcare profession- sations with mom or dad. al to determine if their child has the dis- Make lists. Some kids focus better when they know exactly what they have order. According to the National to do. Encourage such youngsters to Resource Center on ADHD make lists of their assignments and (www.help4adhd.org), psychiatrists, check items off as they are completed. pediatricians, neurologists, psycholoChecking items off can give kids a gists, and certain licensed counselors sense of accomplishment, which can or therapists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. Determining if a child has ADHD motivate them to stay focused on their schoolwork going forward. is a great first step toward helping that youngster overcome his or her strugEncourage breaks. A breather every gles in the classroom. A qualified so often can help kids avoid growing healthcare professional can help devel- tired. Make sure kids donʼt take up op a strategy to improve focus, and that another task, such as playing video may include prescribing medication to games or watching television, during improve the childʼs ability to concentheir breaks. But keep in mind that trate. standing up every so often to walk around or get a glass of water can help Speak with your childʼs teacher. Students who donʼt have ADHD can still them stay sharp and energized over the long haul. have trouble focusing on their schoolAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6.4 million American children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD most often occurs in children, and these children may have difficulty with concentrating, paying attention, staying organized, and remembering details. But not all children struggling to focus on their studies have ADHD. Parents who want to help their kids overcome their issues with regard to focusing can consider a host of approaches and strategies.

nity to take practice tests in conditions similar to those in real testing situations. That familiarity can calm any nerves they may typically experience when taking exams.

work, and parents of such students may want to speak to their childrenʼs teachers to solve the problem. Educators have significant experience dealing with students who have trouble focusing, and they may be able to make certain suggestions to help kids focus on their work.

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY • Friday, July 31, 2015

Homework help Creating a helpful homework atmosphere for your children

lassrooms conducive to learning may go a long way toward helping students understand the subjects they study in school, but the environment kids encounter at home also plays a big role in how well kids do in their studies. A homework-friendly atmosphere at home can facilitate learning, and there are many ways parents can create such an environment for their school-aged children.

Keep the homework room clean. A cluttered homework room may be less appealing to children, and such disorganization also can distract kids from the tasks at hand. Encourage kids to keep their homework rooms clean, and help them clean up if need be. Supplies and other items kids need should be easily accessible in the homework room so kids are not wasting time looking for items they need to complete their homework.

Designate a homework zone in a distraction-free area of your home. Some youngsters are easily distracted, and those distractions come in many forms. A living room where the television is blaring, a noisy kitchen where dinner is being prepared and a room where pets can roam free are not ideal homework areas, as each can take kidsʼ attention away from their assignments. Designate a room in your home that is quiet and well lit so kids can do their homework free from distraction. Choose the right location for the homework room. When choosing an area of your home where kids will do their homework, avoid rooms adjacent to the kitchen and living room, as these rooms tend to be popular and subject to heavy foot traffic. But donʼt choose a room thatʼs too far away from the hustle and bustle, such as the basement, as that may make kids feel as though they are being punished. In addition, you want to be able to periodically check in on kids to see if they need help and make sure they arenʼt spending their homework time surfing the Internet or procrastinating.

Let kids rest or relax before starting their homework. Another element of a good homework atmosphere is letting kids unwind between getting home from school and cracking open the books. A break between school and homework time can help kids focus better on their studies. In the interim between arriving home from school and starting on their homework, give kids a healthy snack that can provide an extra jolt of energy they can use once they start their homework. Evaluate how the homework zone is working. Once an ample amount of time has passed, examine how kids are performing on their homework assignments. If they are doing well, then there is no reason to break up the current routine. If they are struggling, ask them if there is anything about the current setup they dislike and address those issues accordingly. Kids rarely look forward to doing their homework. But the right atmosphere can make homework seem like less of a chore and more of an opportunity for kids to apply themselves.

Signs a tutor might be necessary

chool is not always easy, and some students struggle as they transition from grade to grade. As students get older, some who may have experienced smooth sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra help grasping the material as coursework becomes more complicated.

Confusion in and out of the classroom: Some kids struggle to grasp certain concepts, and such confusion can sometimes be remedied with the kind of intense study available in tutoring sessions.

One-on-one attention from a tutor can benefit all types of learners. Students who discover newfound success under the guidance of a tutor may have more self-confidence in the classroom. Parents wondering if a tutor can help their children may want to consider the following indicators that students may need tutors.

subject he or she studies, but there should be some subjects that students find engaging. Students battling indifference toward their coursework may benefit from a dynamic tutor who can present subject matter in new ways and revive studentsʼ interest.

Low confidence: Some kidsʼ confidence wanes when their grades suffer. Kids whose grades have Those who need some extra claribeen on the decline may feel a fication and reinforcement may first sense of defeat even before they turn to their parents. But parents take a test or work on an assignmay not be familiar with certain ment. Tutors can help restore consubjects or capable of explaining certain concepts in terms kids can fidence by creating small victories that slowly build up to larger sucunderstand. In such situations, cesses. tutors can prove to be valuable resources to get kids back on the Indifference to coursework: No right academic track. student will be captivated by every

Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose grades are gradually on the decline. First speak with your childʼs teachers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in certain subjects.

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Students who are struggling in the classroom may need some extra help outside the classroom, and many tutors are adept at reviving interest in subjects kids are studying at school. Some teachers may recommend certain tutors, while others may do some tutoring work themselves.

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How to help kids find extracurricular activities

Parents know that schoolwork comes first, but extracurricular activities can be important to a childʼs development, serving as an avenue to meet new people and an opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork. The following are a handful of things parents should consider when trying to help their children find the right extracurricular activities.

Interests

One of the easiest ways to help kids find an extracurricular activity they can be passionate about is to discuss their

ing off points to further engage their passions. Availability Parents know that school comes before extracurricular activities, but kids may not be so wise. Keep in mind kidsʼ existing workloads when helping them find the right afterschool activities. Many organizations are especially flexible with teenage volunteers or employees, but parents still must keep interests with them. Youngsters with a a watchful eye to ensure kids do not love of animals might enjoy volunteer- overextend themselves. Kids who overcommit to extracurricular activities ing at a local animal shelter or hospital, while those who love to write may may end up feeling burnt out, which find writing for the school newspaper is can have a negative impact on their a great way to apply that passion in a schoolwork. Encourage kids to find practical setting. Even kids with a pas- activities they care about, but emphasion for video games might be interest- size that these activities should not ed in learning about computer graphics become bigger priorities than schooland what it takes to design games. work. Let kids know that they can get When trying to find extracurricular more involved during summer vacaactivities for your children, resist the tion, but make sure kids donʼt devote urge to write off any of their interests. too much of their time to afterschool Instead, use those interests as jumpactivities during the school year. A cou-

ple of hours per week and even some additional time on the weekends should not distract kids from their responsibilities at school, and thatʼs still ample time for kids to explore their interests. Internships Internships were once exclusive to college students, but many organizations now offer internship opportunities to high schoolers as well. Kids who find themselves interested in particular subjects at school, whether itʼs graphic design or a beginnerʼs course on finance, may be eligible for internships with local companies. Such opportunities may even encourage kids to pursue a particular course of study once they enter college. Extracurricular activities can help youngsters develop into well-rounded adults. Parents can help kids find the right activities while still encouraging them to keep schoolwork atop their priority lists.

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ports may be the first thing that comes to mind when many parents think of extracurricular activities for their children, but not all kids are cut out for or interested in competitive athletics. But just because a youngster may not be the next star quarterback or captain of the soccer team does not mean he or she canʼt find an extracurricular activity to be passionate about.

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY • Friday, July 31, 2015

Tips for adults returning to school

Feelings of doubt are common among adults returning to school. But there are steps all adult students can take to reduce their anxiety and make the most of the often exciting experience of going back to school.

they know exactly what they want to study or which courses they need to take to complete a degree or earn a certificate. If you have not already mapped out such a plan, do so before enrolling in any classes. The cost of a college education has no doubt increased considerably since you last stepped foot on campus, so you donʼt want to be signing up for costly classes that will not help you accomplish what you hope to accomplish by returning to school. Research your options. Just because you are an adult returning to school does not mean you are ineligible for scholarships or other forms of financial aid. The United States Department of Labor maintains a scholarship search engine at www.careerinfonet.org where students of all ages and academic levels can search for scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities to determine if they are eligible for some help paying for tuition. In addition, adults returning to school may want to discuss their plans with their employers, especially if they are looking to continue working in their current fields. Employers may have programs in place to subsidize employees looking to continue their education.

Start slow. Unlike more traditional college students, adults returning to school tend to have significant responsibilities, including families and careers. Juggling work and family is difficult on its own, but doing so along with college coursework is even harder. Adult students returning to school after a long layoff would be wise to take things slowly at first so they and their families can gradually adjust to their new schedules. Many schools now offer online courses, which can be especially beneficial for working professionals. Donʼt be discouraged. Many adults mulling a return Have a plan. Many adults only return to school when to school are hesitant to do so because they feel as

if they will be the only older students in classrooms filled with millennials. However, the National Center for Education Statistics predicts a 14 percent increase in enrollment of students 25 and older between 2011 and 2021, suggesting that adults going back to school are unlikely to be the only graybeards in their classrooms. Returning to college as an adult can be both exciting and overwhelming. But adults need not be nervous about returning to the classroom, even if it has been quite some time since they last stepped on a college campus.

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dults return to school for a variety of reasons. Some might be spurred by a desire to pursue a new career, while others might go back to school to learn more about their existing field and improve their career prospects. While their reasons for returning to school may differ, many adults find themselves battling some nerves as they begin the process of going back to the classroom.

Friday, July 31, 2015 • THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

How parents can simplify studentsʼ transition to college life

ollege is the first taste of true independence many young students experience. Whereas mom and dad were always around to make sure kids were out the door on time and homework was done, that safety blanket is no longer there once kids move into their dorm rooms.

The transition to college life can be exciting. But while students typically welcome that transition with open arms, parents often worry about how their children will handle their suddenly more independent life. Parents who want to help their kids make as smooth a transition to college life as possible can take steps during their childrenʼs senior year of high school to help them adjust to their new surroundings and responsibilities more easily. Let kids fly solo on school day mornings. New college students have to make many adjustments upon moving into their dorms, and getting themselves out of bed each morning and off to class on time is one such change. Parents worried that their students will sleep in when mom and dad isnʼt around to remind them to wake up can start letting kids fly solo on school day mornings during their final year of high school. Let kids set their alarms, prepare their own breakfasts and get out the door on time all on their own. By the time their freshman year of college arrives, kids will know how to handle their mornings by themselves. Teach kids how to develop budgets. Another problem many first-year college students encounter is an inability to effectively manage their money. Whether you plan to give kids an allowance while they are in school or intend for them to work part-time for their spending money, use senior year of high school as an opportunity to show kids how to budget their money. If they donʼt have accounts already, open bank accounts in your youngsterʼs name, and insist that he or she start paying for his or her expenses via these accounts. Resist the urge to give

high school kids gas money or money for shopping trips if they have already spent their allowances so they can learn how to effectively manage money between paydays. In addition, teach kids about the right and wrong ways to use credit cards, including the importance of paying balances in full and on time. Let kids handle more standard responsibilities. Adults tend to take more mundane responsibilities like making doctorʼs appointments or grocery shopping for granted. But kids likely have no idea how to handle such tasks. Parents can encourage their high school seniors to make their own medical appointments. In addition, take kids along on grocery shopping trips, explaining how to find sale items and which foods to buy and which to avoid. Nutrition is not always foremost on the minds of college freshmen, but those who understand the importance of healthy diets are more likely to buy nutritious meals than junk food.

Tips for choosing a major

hoosing a major is an important decision for college students. The right major can set students on a path to a rewarding and successful career, which can lead to a more fulfilling life. The gravity of such a decision is one reason many college students delay choosing their majors until after they enter college. Students often find entering college as an undecided affords them the opportunity to explore various courses of study without committing themselves to any particular subject. Though that approach can work while students are still underclassmen, many advisors recommend students choose a major before their third year of college. The following tips can help students ensure they make the right decision about which path to take for the remainder of their college careers. Visit your schoolʼs career center. College career centers are a great resource for college students as they narrow down their options concerning a major. Many career centers have programs in place designed to match studentsʼ interests and personalities with courses of study. Utilize these programs if you are having trouble matching an interest with a major.

from time to time. Such students can be valuable resources for other students looking to gain greater insight into courses of study. Ask about particular classes and professors who upperclassmen found particularly engaging and encouraging.

Emphasize time management. Todayʼs high schoolers are busier than ever before, so many may already be prepared for the juggling act that is college life. But college students have more free time than their high school counterparts, so parents can emphasize the importance of managing that free time wisely as opposed to spending it lounging on the couch or napping.

Take action. Classrooms can be great places to discover a passion for a particular field of study, but lectures or entry-level courses are not always enough to spark interest. If there are particular fields of study that interest you, find extracurricular clubs that are associated with those majors. Such clubs may host speakers or seminars that can give you greater insight into the field than you might glean from the classroom. Attend such events when possible, and bring any questions you might have about the course of study they are associated with.

Pursue an internship. The hands-on experience provided by an internship is a great way for students to learn if a particular line of work is for them. Internships can provide an insiderʼs look into particular professions and industries. While internships might once have been designated for older students, many businesses now have more relaxed eligibility requirements regarding their internship programs, making it possible for students of all grade levels to gain some practical professional experience while still in school.

The transition from high school to college can be both exciting and difficult. But parents can get a head start on that transition by encouraging their youngsters to be more independent during their final year of high school.

Speak to upperclassmen. Underclassmen may make up the majority of students in entry-level courses, but you may encounter some upperclassmen who have already chosen their majors in such classes

Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions young students will make. Taking a careful and thoughtful approach to such a decision can help students select majors that leads to rewarding careers.

THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY • Friday, July 31, 2015

Tips to land a good internship

any college students recognize the value of internships. Internships can help college students start building their resumes before they even earn their degrees, and those experiences can give them an edge in a competitive postgraduate job market.

landing an internship, that your fellow students who hesitate or procrastinate wonʼt have.

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Speak with the career placement specialists at your school. Career placement departments at colleges and universities are an increasingly valuable resource for todayʼs college students, many of whom will graduate and face an uncertain and crowded job Landing internships gives students some firsthand experience within a given profession, and that expo- market. But career placement departments are not sure can help them decide if a projected career path just a resource for grads. Such departments can be valuable tools for current students interested in landis right for them or if itʼs good to go back to the ing internships. If you donʼt know where to begin drawing board. The following are a few tips to help your internship search or simply want to see if any college students land an internship and make the opportunities have opened up, speak with represenmost of the opportunity. tatives at the career placement department at your Donʼt hesitate. Though many internships are tailored to students with a year or two of college under school. Look the part on such visits, dressing nicely their belt, that doesnʼt mean freshman canʼt begin to and bringing a resume. Doing so might just separate opportunities at their companies before the general you from your fellow students, and that can only explore potential opportunities. Even if you donʼt public, and thereʼs no shame in seeking help as you intend to get an internship in the coming school year help as you begin your search for an internship. try to take the first step toward a rewarding career. Ask around among friends and family members. In addition to friends and family members, inquire or during summer break, you can begin to explore Sometimes you need a little help to land a good potential opportunities that might interest you when about your college or universityʼs alumni network. internship, so donʼt be afraid to ask your friends and Many alumni look to hire students from their univerthe time to start seeking internships does arrive. family members if theyʼre aware of any opportuniLooking early may yield valuable information, such sities for internships or even entry-level positions, so make the most of this potentially valuable resource. ties. Adult relatives might be aware of internship as courses that would improve your chances of

Friday, July 31, 2015 • THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY

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