VOLUME 13 · ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2022 ESTABLISHING BEDTIMEBACK-TO-SCHOOLAROUTINE BACK SCHOOLTO Prepare for the fi rst bell with breakfast ideas, bus tips and recommendations.supply
2 August 2022 We’reHere, forUnexpected IllnessandInjury 7 DaysaWeek boystownpediatrics.org Whenkidsare sickorinjured,it’s not on a schedule.That’s why BoysTownSameDay Pediatrics offersappointments 7 daysaweek -every evening, weekendandholiday! SameDayPediatrics providescareforallOmaha-areakids, not justBoysTown Pediatrics patients.Andbecause we are located at the PacificStreetMedicalCampus, SameDayPediatrics patientshave access to on-site imagingifneeded. Whenyour child needs same-day care,call 531-355-SICK(7425). We’reapediatricclinic,soco-paysarethesameasanofficevisit,notanurgentcare oremergencyroomvisit. SameDayPediatrics 14080HospitalRoad Omaha,NE68010 531-355-7425 MONDAY–FRIDAY 6:00PM–10:00PM SATURDAY–SUNDAY 12:00PM–10:00PM HOLIDAYS 12:00PM–6:00PM
3 FEATURES 5 Bookshelf 6 Be Well 15 On Our Radar SEASONAL 8 Make-Ahead Breakfasts 11 Bus Safety 12 After-School Activities 14 First-Day Emotions SPONSORED CONTENT 7 Early Development Network CONTENTS WORLD-HERALDTHECRUSE,KILEY Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2022 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine. VOLUME 13 ISSUE AUGUST8 2022 editor in chief KILEY CRUSE 402-444-1375cruse@owh.com consulting editor COURTNEY BRUMMER-CLARK 402-444-3118cbclark@owh.com assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY 402-444-1034marjie.ducey@owh.com contributors DR. KENT AMSTUTZ THE ROSE THEATER designer EMILY SHULLAW cover photo ADOBE STOCK advertising sales manager NICK CAVALLARO 402-444-1202nick.cavallaro@owh.com
August 20224 Everychild,everywhere,deservestheverybest.It’swhyChildren’sHospital & MedicalCentercombinesthelargestgroupofpediatricspecialtiesinthe region,themostadvancedtechnologyandthebiggestheartsallinone place.Together,inthissafeandwelcomingenvironmentofexcellence,we’re shapingthefutureofpediatricmedicinetodelivertheverybestforkids. VisitChildrensOmaha.orgorcall1.800.833.3100tofind a physiciannearyou. CARE | ADVOCACY | RESEARCH | EDUCATION
This book is a solid gift if you know a college student that needs a little wisdom about: Financial advice while attending school; handling parental expectations and being away from home; taking care of your mental health and maintaining your faith; taking and mastering multiple choice tests; creating healthy relationships with your professors; selecting classes, surviving campus life, and writing a college paper; and participating in groups and handling various personality types.
managing stress through stories from students on more than 100 college campuses. Topics include: dorm dos, don’ts, and dramas; nding people, places and patience; classes — to go or not to go?; dating — the rule for college love; the party scene — sex, drugs and safety rst; money — grants, loans and loose change.
ideas Atfeelings.someone’sifapologizingout,anyoneleavingneveryourlikekindness:aboutraisinghand,andyouhurttheend
“THE NAKED ROOMMATE” by Harlan Cohen
5
bear.fuzzytolearnallpreschool,book.withpreschoolthisfun-lledpictureOntherstdayofthekidshowshareoneteddyOn the second day, the kids share two toy trains. Preschoolers will love spotting all the fun things to nd in the classroom. It’s a great way to calm rst-day-of-school jitters and to reinforce the idea of sharing by talking about what to expect once preschool is underway. And the book includes stickers — perfect treats for the rst 12 days of “KINDERGARTENpreschool.
pieces, he realizes it might be time to stop hiding behind his snarky opinions and start living his life — along with the people who have found their way into his heart.
“THE FIELD GUIDE TO THE NORTH AMERICAN TEENAGER” by Ben Philippe Norris Kaplan is clever, cynical, and quite possibly too smart for his own good. A Canadian, he knows from watching American sitcoms that those three things don’t bode well when you are moving to Austin, Texas. Plunked into a new high school, Norris nds himself cataloging everyone he meets: the Cheerleaders, the Jocks, the Loners, and even the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Yet, against all odds, those labels soon become actual people to Norris. Be it loner Liam, who makes it his mission to befriend Norris, or Madison the beta cheerleader, who is so nice that it has to be a trap. Not to mention Aarti the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, who might, in fact, be a real love interest in the making. But the night of the prom, Norris screws everything up royally. As he tries to pick up the
“1001 THINGS EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT NEEDS TO KNOW” by Harry H. Harrison Jr.
BOOKSHELF THE BOOKWORM Find these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space. The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn more at www.bookwormomaha.com. Booksforallages and interests! andinterests!2501S.90th 402-392-2877 bookwormomaha.com RegistrationRecommendedforStoryTime.
“SHINE!” by J.J. Grabenstein, Chris Grabenstein Who do you want to be? asks Mr. Van Deusen. And not when you grow up. Right here, right now. Shine on! might be the catchphrase of 12-year-old Piper’s hero — astronaut, astronomer and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse — but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she’s just not one of them. That fact has never been more clear than now, since her dad’s new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper de nitely doesn’t t in. Bursting with humor, heart and big questions, “Shine!” is a story about nding your place in the universe — about guring out who you are and who you want to be.
“THE 12 DAYS OF PRESCHOOL” by Jenna Lettice
From sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers to sharing lecture notes, “The fromadviceIt’syoucollegeneedatbehind-the-scenesRoommate”NakedisyourlookEVERYTHINGyoutoknowabout(butneverknewneededtoknow).packedwithreal-lifeoneverythingmakingfriendsto
Celebrate the rst 12 days of
of the rst day, when asked if anyone witnessed something they’d like to add to the kindness pledge, lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he knows a lot about kindness after all.
— WHERE KINDNESS MATTERS EVERY DAY” by Vera Ahiyya, illustrations by Joey Chou It’s the rst day of kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. He is a quiet kid who would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the rst day. Turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Stay consistent with bedtimes and wake-up times, even on the weekends. This will help children make a smoother adjustment to their new school schedule. It is recommended that elementary school students get 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Pre-teens through high school-age youth need nine to 11 hours. These guidelines will vary for individual children, but making sure your child gets enough sleep is one of the best things you can do to ensure he or she will be attentive in class, have energy for the school day and maintain good physical health. For more information, visit boystown.org.
START BOUNDARIESSETTINGEARLY About a month before the rst day of school, set a bedtime and wake-up time. Then gradually (once a week) move these times back 15 minutes until you reach the bedtime and wake-up times you want your child to follow when school starts.
GET YOUR CHILD USED TO MORNING ACTIVITIES Plan your nal summer activities in the mornings and early afternoons. Putting more emphasis on the mornings will help your child become accustomed to doing most of his or her activities during the day (which is what will happen during a school day) rather than at night.
August 20226 BE WELL
KENT AMSTUTZ, DO Boys Town Pediatrics S ummer break is a fun and busy time for young children. sometimesYoungstersplaylong into the evening, and often don’t have a set bedtime during the summer months.Sowhen it’s time for school to begin again, parents may nd it dif cult to establish a bedtime routine for their little night owl. If you are parent who is facing this challenge, Boys Town Pediatrics offers a few helpful tips that can ease your child’s transition from summer vacation to going back to school.
CREATE AND MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
AESTABLISHING BACK-TOSCHOOL BEDTIME ROUTINE
7 BY SARAHMCCOY SPECIALFOREARLY DEVELOPMENTNETWORK I themoscreatMilo’boyrambunctiouskid’mtheproudmotherofthrees—twogirlsandoneI’malsothefounderofthewebsitesConnection.ThegoalofMilo’sConnectionistoeacentralizedplacethatofferstupdatedinformationaboutAutismSpectrumDisorderavailable.IwasinspiredtocreateMilo’sConnectionwhenmysonwasdiagnosedwithautismatage2andahalf.Inthebeginning,IhadahardtimeacceptingthatmysonwasachildwithautismandworriedthatsocietywouldlookatandtreathimdifferentlyHowever,IfoundstrengthinacceptingwhohewasandtheuniqueabilitiesthathehasByacceptingMiloforwhoheis,Iwasabletodevotemytimetoresearching,seekingadviceandfindingresourcesinordertobettersupporthim. WhiletheinformationthatI came acrossfelt likea never-ending maze,these hurdles are what drovemetocreate Milo’s Connection.Pleaseexplore ourwebsite at experiencedmombythetimmilosconnection.org.Iconsideredmyselftobeane Milo,my third child,wasborn.At18months, my sonhitallhismilestones exceptspeech I hislacbeganaskingourpediatricianaboutkofspeechHewasn’tasconcernedasIwasatthetime.Myfriendsandfamilyweren’tsharingmyconcerns.Theyallsaidtowaitafewmoremonths“Heisaboy.”“Hissistersdoallthetalkingforhim.”“Boysareslowertotalk.”“Stopworryingbecauseheisfine.”TheirresponsestohowIwasfeelingdidnotcomfortme;myanxietyonlyincreased.Ineededtoactonthesefeelings,soIimmersedmyselfintotheinternetworld,searchingforanswerstomyson’sbehaviors
Before theageof2,Milo wasstillnot speakingandstarted showing signsof regression
‘TRUSTYOUR MAMA GU T’ Formomofsonwithautism,earlyinterventionofferedhelp SPONSOREDFEATURE EARLY DEVELOPMENTNETWORK
Researchshowsthat thefirst threeyears are themost importanttime forlear ning in a child’s life.Providing support and servicesearlyimprovesa child’s ability to develop andlear n.Also,itmaypreventor decrease theneed forspecial help later. Thegoal 402-597-4936orvisitomahaedn.esu3.oservicesthrougadvantageoffreeearlyinterventionaboutyouyears.gutyouNetwork.SopleaseprovidedbytheEarlyDevelopmentduetotheseearlyinterventiontherapiesskillsMilo’childrendeveloopportunity”forfamiliestohelNebraskaisto“openforearlyinterventioninawindowofptheirptotheirfullpotentialsdevelopmentalprogress,verbal,recognitionandgroupplayare,donotunderestimatersuperpower.Listentoyourmama,andbeyourchild’svoiceintheirearlyItisnevertooearlytoaskquestionsrchild’sdevelopment.Takehyourschooldistrict.Callrg.
speechfamiliestoneededservicessucand/orhealthcarbirthtoageservicesforfamilieswitNetwortoevaluateMilo.TheEarlyDevelopmentNetwork.districtandtheEarlyDevelopmentservices,providedbyourlocalschoolIhestoppehehaddifficultiesusingHiseatinghabitschanged,aspoon,anddrespondingtohisnameandmakingeyecontact.Heoftenneededmetofeedhimbecauseheseemedunawareofhowtofeedhimself.Hewasretreatingintoadifferentworldfromus.Thesenewdevelopmentsonlyconfirmedmyfeelings.WhilewaitingforMilo’s2-yearcheckup,gottheballrollingforearlyinterventionTheschooldistrictcametomyhomekprovidesearlyinterventionhchildrenfrom3withdevelopmentaldelayseneeds.Theyconnecthas,physicalandoccupationaltherapy.
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3 Using a large round cookie cutter, cut six eggs from the pan (dice up the extra and use in the breakfast burrito recipe on the previous . Separate English muf n halves. Add egg round to one half. Top with two ham and one slice cheese, and then cover with the other muf n half to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining English muf ns to make six sandwiches. . Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or waxed paper and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for three months. . To reheat, remove plastic wrap from the frozen sandwich and wrap in a paper towel. Place into microwave and cook on 50% power for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through completely. (We found for better results, either thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight or cut the frozen sandwich in half before warming.) . Serve immediately. Adapted from damndelicious.net KILEY CRUSE
page). 4
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August 202210 FREEZER SANDWICHESBREAKFAST “We loved the breakfast sandwich,” said Rachel Staab, whose daughter also really liked the carrot cake breakfast cookie. • 9 large eggs • 2 tablespoons milk • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 6 whole wheat English muffins, split • 12 slices deli ham • 6 slices cheddar cheese 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch pan. 2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour into the greased pan and place into the oven. Bake until eggs are cooked through, about 12 to 14 minutes.
slices
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PHOTOS , THE WORLD-HERALD
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etired teacher Liz Smith used to spend a lot of time making sure kids got on the right bus after school.Soher advice for parents getting their kids ready for school and the bus this“Onfall?that rst day, introduce your child to the bus driver,” she said. “Knowing and feeling comfortable with that person is important.”Beforeeven heading to school, make sure your student knows their address and any phone numbers they might need in case of emergency. She also suggests keeping a copy of that information in their backpack.
MARJIE DUCEY World-Herald Sta Writer R
Help your child nd a buddy in the neighborhood or at their stop to sit with each day, she said, then they’ll have someone else who knows when to get off at the right place.
“Send a note, gift card or treat once in a while for the driver,” Smith said. “They love to know they are appreciated.”
Here’s a few tips shared by Omaha Public Schools Student Transportation Services. The primary goal of district Student Transportation Services is to provide safe, reliable transportation for our students. We work closely with our families to accomplish this. Before the start of each new school year, our district communicates directly with families of bus riders to share information about pickup and drop-off locations. We encourage our families to review transportation guidelines and discuss safety procedures with their child(ren). When students are transported, they are reminded to remain seated, keep their feet and legs out of the aisles and follow behavior expectations outlined in our Student Code of Conduct for their safety and the safety of others. Families are encouraged to teach children key contact information or make it available in a student’s backpack in case of an emergency. Families are encouraged to practice walking the safest route to and from their stop before the rst day of school. Drivers are also required to perform a dry run when assigned new routes. This allows the driver to review each stop location and the students assigned to the stop in advance.
Getting to know the driver can be as important as knowing your home information
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BUSTHEON
ADOBE STOCK
Here are just a few ways your student can bene t by enrolling in classes after the school bell has rung.
When young people participate in a dance class, sport or theater activity, they learn concepts such as teamwork and working with others. These opportunities improve their con dence and teach them how to work well with others from an early age and improve their interpersonal skills. While working with other like-minded students, kids learn how to express themselves and to interact with others. The relationships they build with teachers and mentors help them practice respectful relationships, character-building and trust.
Activities outside the traditional classroom can help set a foundation that can make your child a super star not just on the stage or the sports field, but throughout their lifetime.
EXPLORE SOMETHING NEW After-school activities give kids a chance to try their hand at something new — and maybe discover a passion they didn’t know they had short-term classes — such as the creative drama classes at The Rose — let students explore new interests without a long-term commitment and can be a great
THE ROSE THEATER W
THE ROSE THEATER
THE POWER OF TEAMWORK
social situations. In addition, children who engage in activities they enjoy report being overall happier and healthier.
Spending time engaged in activities outside the traditional classroom can give young people the opportunity to expand their minds, exercise their bodies and utilize critical thinking abilities. The support they receive in these activities makes an impact on their mental wellbeing, giving them a chance to make friends and learn something new in a fun, supportive environment. These experiences help set a foundation that can make your child a super star not just on the stage or the sports eld, but throughout their lifetime.
August 202212
5 WAYS ACTIVITIESEXTRACURRICULAR CAN HELP MAKE YOUR STUDENT A SUPER STAR IN LIFE
hether they are taking the spotlight in an acting class, pirouetting through ballet rehearsal or engaging headto-head on the sports eld, extracurricular activities help kids of all ages develop important life skills. After-school activities have been shown to have a positive impact on kids’ health, education and their ability to deal with
DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS
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IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH — AND BETTER GRADES
A good dance class or athletic program will obviously have benefits to a student’s physical health, but studies also show that young people’s mental health also improves when they are actively involved in extracurricular activities. Kids involved in extracurricular activities have better school attendance rates and are less prone to depression. Involvement in after-school activities has also been shown to increase academic grades and prevent negative behaviors, largely due to increased confidence, higher self-esteem and a desire to continue to succeed. After-school activities push students to want to do their best in all aspects of their life. There are a wide variety of extracurricular options available for Omaha-area families. The Rose offers short-term and year-long classes in drama, musical theater, dance, acting, voice and theater skills, as well as production classes that allow students to perform on stage in a play or musical. Parents can learn about other options in the community by asking friends, teachers and organizations about potential classes and researching the right fit for their child. Many programs, including those at The Rose, have financial assistance for families in need, so be sure to ask about options if cost is anWhateverissue. their interest, the right fit for your student is out there. Don’t be afraid to let them experiment, try something new and discover their passion. Extracurricular activities can offer the perfect place to let your student shine.
When a young person finds that activity that really speaks to them, after-school programs can help them hone those skills and increase their proficiency. Everyone is good at something, and finding one’s talent at a young age can boost confidence and self-esteem. Students who work to improve their skills learn courage and how to step outside of their comfort zone. They also learn goal-setting and perseverance as they work toward their desired outcomes.
When young people participate in a dance class, sport or theater activity, they learn concepts such as teamwork and working with others. way for kids to learn about new topics in a safe, fun environment. At first, it is completely natural for a child to feel nervous about starting a new activity. At The Rose, we frequently encounter students who start off with a bit of stage fright and later blossom into confident participants. A good teacher and a supportive environment make it possible for a child to find their own path to success. And who knows? Maybe they will even discover a lifelong passion or a future career.
TIME MANAGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING Research shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities learn better time management skills because they learn to prioritize their time. Students engaged in after-school activities learn how to balance their activity’s demands with school requirements. These young people learn how to make good decisions on how to make the best use of their time — all tools that will serve them for a lifetime.
August 202214
FEEDING OFF EACH OTHER
It’s important to remember that children and parents respond to each other. Children, especially, the Erikson Institute says. “Create calm by being calm,” says Margret Nickels, director of the Center for Children and Families at Erikson Institute. She suggests that parents manage their with their friends, partners and even the student’s new teacher. Re ect on your own worries in this situation, and realize when you’re projecting your own fears into your children to build con dence and shorten emotions. Teachers, offer to call the parents later and tell them how their child is doing if it helps. Some teachers may opt to use classroom communication apps. Parents, make sure you have the login handy and that the app is working for you from the rst day so that you don’t miss a thing.
COPING TIPS Even into middle and high school, the rst day is full of jitters. Help your student to feel their best by letting them pick out an out t that boosts their con dence. If their school requires uniforms, let them choose new accessories to make their work habits, all important steps great school year, starting from Day 1. stress by talking about their feelings child’s life. Consider how they’ve managed other challenges, and remember that these challenges are an opportunity for children (and parents) to grow and teacherdevelop.in Tennessee, told PBS that, in her experience, it goes better if parents and kids separate quickly on the rst day. Beach says this allows the look their own. Help them check that they have all the supplies they need and have everything ready to make their rst day the best day. That includes eating a healthy breakfast and lunch and staying hydrated.Nemours Health recommends that students at all levels get a good night’s sleep, try their best and establish good to setting the tone for a from Day 1.
STOCKADOBE
JOURNEY EmotionalHowtohandlethefeelingsthatcomewiththefirstdayofschool
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA F rom the rst day of kindergarten to the rst day of college, rst days of school are full of emotions for parents and students alike. How you and your student handle those feelings is a lesson as big as the ones the teacher will be conducting later that day.
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The JUKSTG Adjustable Desk Light is affordable and the design has a minimalistic modern sleek look. It has seven brightness levels and four light modes: reading, study, relax and sleep. The lamp is equipped with a USB charging port. It also has a timer which will automatically shut off after an hour if you wish. amazon.com$26.99, BACKPACK Kids will beg for a these wear out. The Original nylon in solid The last L.L. Bean I still looked Original Deluxe $39.95 and $54.95, llbean.com
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The Simple Modern Kids Lunch Box is well made from high-quality polyester with strong zippers and durable, reinforced stitching that helps maintains the bag’s shape. It’s triple-insulated, has an inner net with a zipper to hold a flat ice pack and has an easy-to-wipe clean interior. With 24 available patterns, each child is sure to find one that fits their personality. $16.99, amazon.com PENCILS A pencil is a pencil, right? That’s a big “no” according to many thebreakageconsistentlysharpen“(Ticonderogas)tooften.doesn’twoodwithfor.getisexpensive,pencilsTiconderogateachers.aremorebutthisacaseofyouwhatyoupayTheyaremadebetterqualityandtheleadbreakasAccordingateacher:withoutandhavelongeststaying power when writing. They also have the best erasers.” $4.39, target.com DESK LAMP
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