Parent Guide Educational Issue 2013

A TEACHABLE MOMENT Dr. Susan Bartell | A DAD’S LIFE Kurt Goerke | MONEY TALKS Dave Ramsey

OUR TOP PRIORITY School Safety

Generations of Education

Families of the THE GenesisWHY School EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF CHARTER SCHOOLS? Educational Guide 2013 | www.ParentGuide.com

DIPLOMAS OR CERTIFICATE: What Will Your Child Earn?

High Tech Learning in the

Classroom

SAVE THE DATE! LAKELAND, FL THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 6:30 PM … First Baptist Church @ The Mall OCALA, FL FRIDAY, FEB. 22 • 6:30 PM … First Baptist Church Ocala CLEARWATER, FL SATURDAY, FEB. 23 • 6:30 PM … Countryside Christian Center SARASOTA, FL* SUNDAY, FEB. 24 • 6:30 PM … Sarasota Baptist Church JONESBORO, GEORGIA TUESDAY, FEB. 26 • 6:30 PM … First Baptist Church *Group Ticket NOT available for this event

TICKETS $16 … Groups of 10 plus $18 … General Admission

For details, visit: thejoyfm.com Ticket Hotline: 1-855-223-1008

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You knew one day they’d leave the nest, but did you ever think they’d fly this high?

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editor’s NOTE

SAFETY IN OUR SCHOOLS

N

ormally in our education issue, my editor’s note focuses on some of the key topics confronting students and educators in the Tampa Bay area or state of Florida. But as I was preparing to write, I heard of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, and since then, every thought I have about education sucks me right into the pain of that unspeakable tragedy. Now, the frustrations over Florida’s high-stakes testing programs, the constant cuts in funding to school districts and the ever-diminishing salaries of our teachers pale in light of a new concern—the safety of our children (and their teachers) at school.

Ironically, less than a week after Sandy Hook, I was chatting with some acquaintances, when one of the gentlemen said that a school, just a few blocks away, was on lockdown. Apparently, someone was there with a gun, and our city’s police force was at the school trying frantically to ensure the safety of all children, teachers and staff.

My heart raced, and I could feel the tears pushing through my throat and into my eyes. All I could think of was, “Not again. No. Please, God, protect those poor, scared children.”

Others in the group echoed the same painful refrain, and for more than a moment, there was a stabbing silence pulsing among us. No longer could I focus on finishing my Christmas shopping. No longer could I think of all those Christmas tasks that I was woefully behind on. Instead, my mind flashed the image of those children from Sandy Hook holding onto one another for dear life, eyes closed to avoid seeing the horrific piles of bodies in their school. And then to the safety of my own children, who, though they attended a school miles away, seemed ever so vulnerable to me in that moment.

I hurried to leave, half expecting to hear gunshots and the screams of children, or police on a bullhorn. On my way home, something, call it an unexplainable mix of fear and desperation pulled me in the direction of that school. I tried taking deep breaths as I made each turn. I tried to brace myself for a barrage of police, or worse. And as I came to the last turn, what I discovered was normalcy.

No blockades. No school locked down. No police. Just students mulling around between classes on a sunny, December afternoon right before Christmas break.

Tears of relief warmed their way down my cheeks and prayers of gratitude filled my head. I drove the rest of the way home so happy that the man I had spoken with had either misunderstood the news or the location of the incident. Fortunately, I didn’t hear anything more about it on the news. Nonetheless, it underscored to me how truly vulnerable we all feel since this situation occurred.

In this issue of ParentGuide®, you’ll find a comprehensive account of what school districts do in the event of emergencies as well as a guide to contacting your local school board. You’ll also get a peek at the wave of technological learning tools now used in so many classrooms across Tampa Bay. And you’ll find out why more parents are choosing to send their children to charter schools than even before.

So, take a few minutes and peruse the pages, and when you’re finished, hug your children and tell them how much you love them.

GeodieBaxterPadgett Executive Editor Geodie@parentguide.com

ParentGuide® 5

Looking for the best camp this summer?

DEPARTMENTS

21

23

COMING SOON!

11

EDITOR’S NOTE

MASTHEAD

MONEY TALKS:

5 8

Once you’re engaged, is it time to combine finances? Dave Ramsey answers that question for couples.

A TEACHABLE MOMENT:

Now that we’re in the year ’13, America’s top family psychologist, Susan Bartell, talks about superstitions and their impact on children.

A DAD’S LIFE:

A tongue-in-cheek look at the month of January in Florida by funnyman dad, Kurt Goerke.

PHOTO FROM ISTOCK.COM

EDUCATIONAL GUIDE

FEATURES

44

DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE: WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD EARN?

contents 30

Could your child be on a track for something other than a regular diploma? Lauren Lieberman details all the options for graduating in Tampa Bay.

16

A LOOK AT THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT IN FLORIDA:

Jacqueline Bodnar helps us understand why parents are moving their children to charter schools in droves.

18

SCHOOL OPTIONS EXPLAINED:

2013

SCHOOL SAFETY: WHAT IS GOING TO CHANGE?:

After the Newtown tragedy, every parent wants to know what is going to change in their school district. Gemma Cuomo-Kay, LMHC, tells us what’s happening with regard to safety in Tampa Bay schools.

38

DESIGNING TECHNOLOGY WITH STUDENTS IN MIND:

David Harris, Masters in Instructional Technology, shows us how high-tech learning in the classroom boosts students’ interest and engagement.

What school works for your child?

Lauren Lieberman provides an overview of all the educational options available in the Tampa Bay area.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

12-14

Publishing Group SPECTRUM COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP President JACK HALL Executive Editor GEODIE BAXTER PADGETT Associate Editor CHRISTINE SILVA Creative Director PAPANDE NEWMAN Web Editor ALEX CIVILETTI Mailing/Dist MD@PARENTGUIDE.COM Social Media CRYSTAL@PARENTGUIDE.COM Event Director ANDREA FESKOWETZ Marketing/Partnerships MP@PARENTGUIDE.COM Products/Reviews SAGE@PARENTGUIDE.COM Special Projects SHARE@PARENTGUIDE.COM PARENT GUIDE® 13575 58th St. N. Suite 164 • Clearwater, FL 33760 727-538-4137 info@parentguide.com

Become a fan on FACEBOOK! Follow us on TWITTER! For marketing and advertising opportunities, e-mail INFO@PARENTGUIDE.COM or call JACK HALL AT 727-538-4137 Contributing Writers DR. SUSAN BARTELL, JACQUELINE BODNAR, KURT GOERKE, DAVID HARRIS, GEMMA CUOMO-KAY, DAVE RAMSEY Parent Guide® is published four times a year and is distributed to readers at no charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork, designs and editorials printed in Parent Guide® are the sole property of Spectrum Communications Media Group. No portion of this magazine may be duplicated or reproduced without the express written permission of Spectrum Communications Media Group. Parent Guide® and Spectrum Communications Media Group are not responsible for typographical errors, the accuracy of information provided or the actions of our advertisers. Readers should verify advertising information with advertisers. Unless otherwise specified, all advertising specials are only valid until the publication of the next issue. Parent Guide® reserves the right to designate one company per advertisement and to refuse any advertising for any reason. The views expressed in the Parent Guide® are not necessarily those of the publisher. Parent Guide® assumes no responsibility for the outcome arising from the contents of the publication. Copyright 2011 by Spectrum Communications Media Group All rights reserved.

30 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY

of the Early Childhood Council Celebration Breakfast

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Pre-school - Grades K-5

s r a lebr ating 35 Ye

Importance of Early Identification and Treatment of Developmental Disorders and Disabilities

Featured Speaker: Lauren Dungy

Genesis Schools Trinity

Longleaf

8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd

3035 Alachua Place

727-372-9333

727-375-2664

New Port Richey 6609 River Road

727-845-1111

Emcee: Josh Linker Bay News 9 Meteorologist

The Early Childhood Council (ECC) was established in 1983 to increase community awareness and assistance to young children with special needs, and to help parents access needed resources to ensure their children get off to a healthy, happy start in life. Today, ECC continues its rich tradition of developmental screening, inclusion and advocacy to promote positive development for all young children in Tampa Bay. Please join us for breakfast on February 28th to help celebrate our “Pearl” Anniversary. Lauren Dungy, our featured speaker, will discuss the importance of early identification and treatment of young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities.

Where: Mainsail Conference Center

5108 Eisenhower Boulevard South Tampa, FL 33634

Time:

Strong Academic Curriculum

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Technology • Music • Art • Spanish Physical Education • Drama • VPK

7:45-9:00am

Registration: $30 pre-registration $40 at the door $275 for table of 10

• Individual Attention • Fine Arts • Sports • Enrichment

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For more information or to register: Contact Belkis Velasquez at (813) 837-7753 or E-Mail at bvelasquez@ecctampabay.org

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a dad’s LIFE

By Kurt Goerke

"January is really the reset button on the calendar."

J

anuary can be a tough month to get through for parents and for kids. If you’re a kid, you find the holidays over, and you are back at school sitting in math class.

You’re about to run out of the holiday candy that you got, and you’re already bored of your gifts and are spending math class calculating the days till your next birthday. If you are unfortunate enough to have a December birthday, then you’re preparing yourself to deal with an 11-month wasteland of sheer and total “giftlessness”.

If you’re a parent, you’re back at work and still recovering from a hectic, restless December. You may even be ready for some normalcy to return to your life and to forget all about December. Unfortunately, you can’t. Because bills keep showing up in the mail to remind you of each gift you bought. Did your brother really need a Chia Pet shaped like Tony Danza? Well, at least it had been on sale.

In Florida, it is especially tough because we are now in the dead of winter, and the temperatures are plummeting into the 70s (at least at night). The palm trees are looking a bit droopy, and the lawn is not quite as green as it was. Also, unless your pool is heated, it is very uncomfortable when you first get in. Several days last week you even wondered how much longer you would be able to continue wearing your flip-flops. At this bleak and endless time of year, there is little else to do but put on a light long sleeve shirt and

PHOTOS FROM 123RF.COM

SURVIVING JANUARY

just batten down the hatches and wait for spring to show.

It’s just a rough time of year all around.

But the good news is that Groundhog’s Day is in sight, which other than Christmas and Hanukah, is considered the favorite holiday for kids and grownups alike. Nothing matches the sheer joy and excitement of Groundhog’s Day! Well okay, maybe Groundhogs Day is not one of your top five, most anticipated holidays, but Valentine’s Day is lurking right behind it. And then, hopping on the tail of Valentine’s is the Easter Bunny, who though still hibernating, (do rabbits actually hibernate) is starting to stretch his legs, drool and dream of delivering colored eggs. Once he shows, the end of school, summer vacation and even the Fourth of July can’t be too far off.

Really, January isn’t so bad. It’s kind of the reset button on the calendar for all of the wonderful things that happen throughout the year. They start lining up for another pass!

So wipe that sleepy, bored look off of your face, and go to the beach. Make a snow angel in the sand, even in those frigid 70-degree temperatures. And remember, while we could keep complaining, no one north of our stateline wants to hear it. They get kind of cranky this time of the year, because their noses truly are frozen solid on their faces, and won’t be thawing out until at least Saint Patrick’s Day!

Kurt Goerke is a father of two, an almost bearable husband, master of Cocoa the dog, professional writer and a Regional Director with the American Lung Association of Florida.

ParentGuide® 11

COOL FINDS

Bambooee Earth-Friendly Towels Made from bamboo, these towels do everything a kitchen paper towel would do, except they’re stronger and washable, so you can reuse them. One Bambooee roll is equivalent to 60 regular paper towel rolls. $12.99 per roll online at www.bambooee.com. Also available at Williams Sonoma.

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream Whether it’s from a baby or just getting a little older, at some point, we have to deal with stretch marks. Apothederm’s Stretch Mark Cream helps build collagen and reduce the appearance of stretch marks in addition to leaving skin feeling smooth and helping to protect skin against future stretch marks. $89.95 Visit www.apothederm.com to learn more or purchase.

12 parentguide.com

Ogio Stylish Backpacks Has the backpack you bought last August already disintegrated from use? Then take a look at the stylish and sturdy line of Ogio backpacks. Designed with technology in mind, these backpacks have padded compartments for tablets and computers, smaller compartments for calculators and plenty of room for books, papers, pencils and more. Prices vary. Go to www.ogio.com.

Aqueduck Handle Extender This simple but unique gadget allows little ones who can’t reach the faucet handles to turn on or off the hot/cold water easily. So no more lifting kids to reach the faucet or having them climb on cabinets where they’re likely to fall and injure themselves. $19.99 Visit www.peachyco.com to learn more or to purchase.

ABC—123, Fun with the Jackson 5ive DVD Okay, so while it’s a cartoon, it may be more for mom and dad. But who can resist those fun, infectious tunes from the incomparable family group, The Jackson 5ive? This complete animated series is now available on DVD/ Blu-ray from DreamWorks Classics. $32.99 to $39.99 Available January 15 at major retailers including www.amazon.com.

Cover art courtesy of DreamWorks Classics

Classic iBooks for Download Providence eLearning has released a series of classic tales (i.e. Beowulf, Macbeth, etc.) in an iBook format that offers a multi-sensory experience and that really brings the books to life. Each story is not only narrated with images, but includes video lectures by top scholars, interactive glossaries/ dictionaries for reference and interactive quizzes, all designed to give kids more confidence and understanding of the books and increase participation in classroom discussions. Visit the Apple iBookstore to download through the iBooks app.

ParentGuide® 13

COOL FINDS

Blue Orange Pocket Games Pack family game night with lots of fun with Blue Orange Pocket games. This award-winning line of games is great for everyone in the family from toddlers to grandparents. Prices vary. Available at Learning Express (Tampa and St. Petersburg) and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. Or go to www.blueorangegames.com to find a retailer near you.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Timmy Failure is the founder, president and CEO of a budding detective agency (Total Failure, Inc. –“We won’t fail despite what our name says”)—one he believes is destined to be a Fortune 500 company. Along with his lazy partner, Total (a 1500-pound polar bear), Timmy strikes out to solve mysteries. The only problem is that Timmy isn’t the greatest sleuth. The entertaining book includes funny illustrations a la Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and a lot of laughs. $14.99 Visit www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble. com to order.

Verdi for Kids This new book with activities for children celebrates the life and music of one of the world’s greatest composers—Giuseppe Verdi. In honor of the Italian composer’s 200th birthday, the book provides a glimpse into the history of Verdi, his work and Italian culture.

It also includes activities to help children learn more about opera music and Italy including a pasta recipe, a lesson in reading music, instruction on making in instrument, etc. For ages 9 and older. $16.95. Visit www.ipgbook.com for more info and to order.

14 parentguide.com

For More Info on Our Academic Programs Text CSU to 86677 CharlestonSouthern.edu 843.863.7050

ParentGuide速 15

feature story

A LOOK AT THE

CHARTER SCHOOL

MOVEMENT IN FLORIDA

By Jacqueline Bodnar

I

n the last 16 years, the state of Florida has gone from having five charter schools to having 574 of them, with more expected to join the roster. This, according to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), is a movement that is taking place for a variety of reasons, including that parents want more school choice and options. While seen as controversial by some, and though there have been charter schools that have closed, all signs point to the fact that they are here to stay, and you may even want to consider one for your child.

What They Are

During the 2012-2013 school year, there have been more than 200,000 students attending charter schools in the state of Florida. This is a number that has steadily increased for years, as more parents learn about the options they provide and more schools open near them.

Charter schools are defined as “public schools of choice.” They are schools that provide an innovative approach to education and have the ability to do things a little different, while still meeting regulations and guidelines.

“Locally elected school boards have the authority to approve new charter schools and the responsibility to oversee the charter schools within their district,” explains Adam Miller, the Charter School Director with the Florida Department of Education.

There are several things that FDOE does regarding charter schools, including to administering a federal grant program to support the creation of new high-quality charter schools.

16 parentguide.com

They also provide technical support and training to charter schools. Such efforts, they report, help to increase the proficiency of all students through learning opportunities that that are valued by students, families, and communities. Charter schools are tuition-free, public schools, but they are governed independently. Even so, they must demonstrate that they are successful, or they will end up losing their charter.

Why So Popular

There is a good chance that most families know someone who has a child attending a charter school. Parents opt for them for a variety of reasons, including the fact that many are unhappy with the quality of education at their regular school. Additionally, they may want to try something new, have a special needs child whom they believe will benefit from the education or environment at another school, or that the charter school places an emphasis on learning about a particular area that their child is interested in. Some charter schools focus on such things as science or the arts, for example.

“The demand for high-quality charter schools continues to grow because parents want choices,” says Miller. “Parents want to have the opportunity to select a high-quality school that best meets the unique needs of their children.”

There are some charter schools that focus on providing at-risk students with another educational opportunity, while there are others that focus on a special curriculum or specialized area of study. Still others may focus on exceptional students or providing early

intervention programs. Parents know their child best, so they can often see that a particular school style will be more beneficial for them.

In addition to their child often getting a more focused education, parents may like the idea that charter schools usually also require students to wear uniforms and are held more accountable.

There are a wide variety of charter schools in the Tampa area, including the Village of Excellence Academy, which focuses on reading and technology, and Plato Academy, which is an “A”-rated school that focuses on the “total child,” providing both creative and athletic opportunities with their core curriculum. Also in 2011, the FDOE also passed legislation that allows the operation of virtual charter schools.

Making the Choice

There is no doubt that many others will continue to consider and opt for charter schools throughout the state of Florida. In fact, the state hopes that 300 new ones will open within the next six years. As they open, there are already some 61,000 who are on charter school waiting

lists in the state. But charter schools are not without their problems, too. There have been around 150 of them that have closed over the years as well. Parents considering one for their child will need to do their homework first, by learning all they can about the school, touring it, speaking with administration and speaking with parents who have children going there. That way they’ll have real accounts of what it’s like to attend that school.

“Before choosing a charter school, every parent should consider the unique needs of their child and whether the charter school’s educational program will meet those needs,” added Miller.

Charter Schools by the Number: Charter schools in 2012-2013 school year:

574

Considered to be “high performing”:

130

Students attending charter schools in Florida:

200,000

Students on waiting lists:

61,000

Percentage of white, non-Hispanic students:

36%

Percentage of black, non-Hispanic students:

23%

Percentage of Hispanic students:

36%

Percent receiving free/reduced lunch: 47%

Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Central Florida with her husband and two children.

PHOTOS FROM STOCKDISC © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ParentGuide® 17

School options explained: charters, fundamental, magnets and more

By Lauren Lieberman

Choosing the right school can be overwhelming. The number of school options has widened, from the local public school to charters, fundamentals, magnets and private.

It can be confusing to understand the difference between each. But depending on your family, child and district, the best choice may be the school around the corner, a parochial school, or an up and coming charter. Here's a rundown to help explain the different school options that may be available in your area.

18 parentguide.com

PHOTOS FROM STOCKDISC Š ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Public Schools

Magnet Schools

Public schools are funded by local, state and federal governments. Typically, they must admit all students living in their district. Public schools are free and must abide by educational standards set by each state. They must follow guidelines as to what curriculum can be taught and how children are evaluated. Charter, magnet and fundamental schools are all relatively new models of public schools.

Magnet schools are public schools that are not assigned by district and offer special programs and high academic standards. These schools often specialize in a specific subject or area, such as the arts, science or technology.

Students must apply to attend, and often go through a rigorous testing and application process. Magnet schools are an option for elementary, middle and high school levels.

These schools originated in the late 1970s to help desegregate public schools, by attracting students from outside neighborhoods to attend.

Diversity is still a focus point of many magnet schools. For more information on magnet schools, visit www.magnet.edu.

Charter Schools Charter schools are an institutional hybrid.

While they are public and free to attend, charter schools are able to operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They are typically smaller, can require students to wear uniforms, and may focus on a particular subject like math, the arts, or technology.

Charter schools are independently run, and some are operated by for-profit companies.

These schools receive tax dollars, but the sponsoring group is also responsible for funding. These schools adhere to curriculum requirements set by the state, but are free from many restrictions and regulations imposed on public schools. In return, schools must achieve specific educational outcomes or they may have their charters revoked.

Parents must usually submit a separate application to enroll a child in a charter school and space is often limited. For more information on charter schools in your area, visit www. charterschoolcenter.org.

Fundamental Schools Fundamental schools are a public school option that provides a 'back to basics' approach with a focus on providing a structured environment and high parental involvement. Fundamental programs make a joint parent-teacher commitment a priority. These schools focus on student responsibility, self- discipline, daily homework and a stricter dress code than other public schools. Most fundamental schools require parent attendance at conferences and monthly meetings. Parents are usually required to provide transportation for students as well. Fundamental schools are available at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Students must submit an application to attend most fundamental programs.

ParentGuideÂŽ 19

PHOTOS FROM STOCKDISC Š ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Career Academies Career Academies are small, learning communities within a high school that focus on a technical career program as well as required academic courses. Programs are usually two- to-four years long, and students must apply to be enrolled, usually in January each year. These programs have a college-prep curriculum with a career theme and maintain partnerships with employers in the community and higher education. Teachers often work in teams to provide students with exposure to the career field and implement key features of the program. Careers these programs focus on can range from architecture, veterinary science, engineering and more.

Lauren Lieberman is a Bay area single mom that wouldn’t trade it for the world. She loves writing, Starbucks and adventures with her little super hero.

Private Schools Private schools often tout smaller class sizes, high academic standards and impressive facilities, when compared to public schools. They operate with much greater autonomy than public schools, and are not held to curriculum and evaluation standards set by the state. Many private schools do conduct their own student evaluations or testing which parents may request to see. The results are not published, however, as are the FCAT scores and school grades of public schools. Private schools rely on funds from tuition payments and private sources, including religious organizations, endowments, grants, and charitable donations. Tuition can be costly, with the average cost of private school across all grades being $22,000 a year according to the National Association of Independent Schools. Many private schools and programs offer scholarships for families and students, including www.stepupforstudents.org, which offers financial aid assistance based on income.

money TALKS

Featuring Money Advice I Dave Ramsey

ENGAGED FINANCES

PHOTOS FROM 123RF.COM

What to Know About Combining Finances Before Marriage Dear Dave, I recently got engaged. Is it okay for us to go ahead and combine finances and start working on a budget before we get married?

Adam Dear Adam,

Now, all this doesn’t mean that you can’t begin working together on budgets for the future and goals for your lives.

No, it is not okay to combine finances with anyone to whom

We’re talking about full disclosure to make this happen. She

you’re not married. And by “okay,” I mean wise. I’m happy that

knows all about your income and debts, and you know about

you’ve found love, but all kinds of things can happen before

hers too. You guys need to have some serious discussions

the rings are slipped onto your fingers.

about saving, spending and debt, and get on the same page with your finances before the big day.

I’m not wishing bad things on you, but what if you spend time paying off her debt, or vice versa, and then the

But no, my advice is that you each pay your own bills until

relationship doesn’t work out? Bringing finances into that

after you’re married. Once that happens, there’s no “yours”

kind of situation is just asking for trouble. You do not want to

and “mine” anymore. It all becomes “ours.”

go there!

-Dave

Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on money and business. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

ParentGuide® 21

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a teachable MOMENT™

Dr. Susan Bartell

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?

F

or the first time in a century, we are entering into the year of the number thirteen. Does that send shivers down your spine? Not me! I’m not a particularly superstitious person. I don’t toss salt over my shoulder, or avoid cracks in the sidewalk. Black cats and broken mirrors don’t scare me and I never have the urge to ‘knock on wood’. Although, I must admit that I do occasionally wonder if I should be hedging my bets…just in case.

In many ways superstitions, and the behaviors that accompany them, are harmless—simply giving us a sense of control over circumstances that, in reality, we may not really have much control at all. Some kids find superstitious behaviors fun. They enjoy avoiding the cracks, imagining a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and searching for four-leaf clovers. That being said, when taken to extremes, reinforcing a belief in superstitions might actually confuse your child, or scare her. This is because, if a child really believes that it is necessary to engage in the superstitious behavior, it can make her feel as if she doesn’t have any control over her own life.

Of course, it is important for kids to recognize that there are things in life (both positive and negative) that are out of our control. However, many aspects of life are affected, and can be changed, not by behaving superstitiously, but by working hard to achieve goals and by behaving morally and kindly. For example, perhaps you can explain to

your child that stepping on cracks will not “break your mother’s back,” but if you don’t help her carry the groceries into the house, you might find that she has a backache!

Or that opening an umbrella in the house may bring you bad luck only if doing so knocks over a lamp and your dad punishes you because he has asked you several times to be careful with that umbrella.

Kids can and should be taught that superstitious thoughts and behaviors will not alter the outcome of a situation.

While it would be great to be able to rely on a pot of gold for income, or a horseshoe for good luck, this simply isn’t practical. What’s more, it won’t help your child grow emotionally. Rather, your child can learn to be optimistic and become empowered when he realizes that he actually has more control over his life than just hoping for the best! He is more likely to be successful when he learns that studying for a test—not carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot—will bring a good grade. In fact, kids are more likely to become inoculated against depression and anxiety when they see that there are many aspects of their life over which they do have control.

As you can probably see by now, a little superstition doesn’t hurt anyone.

However, it is important to teach your child that superstitions, and the behaviors they often evoke, are not the key factors in life’s successes and failures.

But still…maybe I’ll stay home and avoid black cats and ladders on any Friday the 13th.

Dr. Susan Bartell is America’s #1 Family Psychologist. Her latest parenting book is The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. You can learn more about her at www.drsusanbartell.com.

ParentGuide® 23

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SCHOOL SAFETY:

PHOTOS FROM 123RF.COM

WHAT IS GOING TO

T

aking my kindergartner to school usually evokes gratitude and pride as she blows me goodbye kisses before enthusiastically greeting her friends. But in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook elementary shooting, as many parents, I felt a new, powerless kind of anxiety. We can choose to avoid movie theatres and malls, but we can’t avoid school. The temporary presence of uniformed police officers in schools across districts in the week after the massacre brought comfort to some uneasy parents. The public, news and social media continue to heatedly debate whether to blame the NRA, our culture’s twisted love affair with violence or our insufficient mental health services. Specific changes to help make our children and society safer remain vague and politically and emotionally controversial.

30 parentguide.com

CHANGE?

By Gemma Cuomo-Kay

So as parents, we want to know—what’s going to change?

Nationally, President Obama has created a task force to review all of the above factors, headed by Vice President Joe Biden, with a request for action recommendations within a month. Also, California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein has vowed to re-introduce a legislative federal ban on assault weapons next month— one that existed between 1994 and 2004, but was not renewed under the Bush administration. There appears to be bipartisan support on this federal ban, even from politicians who are pro-gun or thought such decisions should be left to the state level. Examples include Connecticut Democratic Senator Joe Bluementhal (Sands, Geneva; The Hills, 12/19/12) West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who

has an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association (Sands, Geneva, The Hills, 12/19/122), and Republican U.S. Senator Scott Brown who led a statewide ban on assault weapons in Massachusestts (Rizzuto, Robert; The Republic, 12/19/12). News and social media are exploding with comments representing all sides of the issues.

To find out how local schools are responding, I spoke with representatives in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco and Sarasota counties. As far as parent communication, all counties made automated calls to parents assuring them that staff, security and law enforcement would be working overtime to keep schools safe; this is the same communication system that would also be used with any safety or inclement weather

related issue. Several schools have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts as additional options of communication, but some do not appear to be in active use. Links were placed on some school Web sites with tips on how parents can talk to children about the events (if they are old enough to be aware) and how to help them feel safe. In addition to a police presence in every elementary school the week after the shooting, staff and administrators were on heightened alert and some campuses were on modified lockdown.

"School security and law enforcement are taking every crank call, misguided statement and vague threat seriously."

Steve Hagerty, Communications Officer and spokesman for Hillsborough County, stated personnel started making plans the day they learned of the shooting. He explained that local sheriff’s office complete routine safety inspections on school campuses, and going forward the school superintendent and school board will be taking concerns to the state legislatures to request support for implementing and standardizing safety recommendations.

“It’s a challenge to balance keeping our schools safe and protected, but still welcoming so they don’t look like fortresses,” stated Hagerty. He added cost is always a realistic factor with

any security upgrades, including the option of adding a permanent police presence. This is one of the short-term solutions currently debated by politicians in the media, but remains a challenge in a down economy, particularly in Florida. Similar statement about balancing safety, the welcoming factor, and cost were echoed by a Sarasota County spokesperson, who added that elementary schools there had resource offices, as many middle and high schools do, until 2008 when severe budget cuts forced a change.

Schools were asked to review their safety response and evacuation plans with students, and teachers were asked not to initiate conversations about the event unless a student raised the issue, as younger children may still be protected from the news. Schools were ready to offer counseling support to staff, students, and parents as needed, and some have Web site links to articles with tips for talking to children and teens and helping them cope and feel safe at school.

What can parents do? Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school or school board with any questions or concerns.

“We need everybody’s help to keep everyone safe,” said Hagerty. “If anyone hears any rumors at all, it’s important to come forward.” A representative from Pinellas county school said any concerns are logged and investigated thoroughly. School security and law enforcement take every crank call, misguided

statements, and vague threat very seriously, which led to the arrest of two teens and one parent during the week after the shooting and before the holiday break. The public is welcome to attend school board meetings, but there is a pre-planned agenda and some occur during workday business hours. Board meetings are aired on local cable stations and on the Web (see the appropriate board link for more information—all school boards have links on the school county Web sites). Security is certain to be the main topic of meetings in January.

“We need everybody’s help to keep everyone safe,” said Hagerty.

“If anyone hears any rumors at all, it’s important to come forward.”

Like many parents, I will be watching the debates, our leaders for real actions and voicing my opinions when able. I have celebrated the holidays grateful for my family and with the Newtown families frequently in my thoughts. When school resumes after the holiday vacation, hopefully tensions and fears will be calmer, and my daughter will look forward to seeing her teacher and friends again, unaware of how our reality has changed. I will be one among many, quelling my anxieties and hoping everyone can work together finding real solutions to make things safer for the future.

For Gemma Cuomo-Kay: Gemma Cuomo Kay is a loving mom on the go, distracted wife, licensed counselor and health coach, inconsistent yogi and poet, who likes to stay up late at night fantasizing about fitting it all in.

ParentGuide® 31

How to contact school district:

(on all Web sites, follow the links to find your child’s school direct number, or call the main number)

School Board Information

(Follow the links on the school county Web site for direct contact and more information)

HILLSBOROUGH (813)272-4000 www.sdhc.k12.fl.us

PINELLAS (727) 588-6000 www.pcsb.org

The main school board office phone number is (813) 272-4045 – Next meeting is Jan. 15th @ 3pm

From https://www.pcsb.org/, follow link “About Us” to the Board link -- School Board Meetings Most Pinellas County School Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Exceptions are July, August, November and December, when the meeting schedule is modified to accommodate scheduled holidays. Minutes from each meeting are published after they are approved at the following board meeting.

Unless otherwise noted, beginning January 2012, the FIRST meeting of each month begins at 10:30 a.m. The SECOND meeting of each month begins at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held in the conference hall of the Administration Building at 301 4th Street SW in Largo FL. The public is encouraged to attend.

Public participation - Presentations from the public will begin 30 minutes prior to each regular board meeting. Board members welcome questions concerning policies and programs. Anyone in the audience wishing to speak on either agenda or non-agenda items fills out a simple form at or before a meeting, then follows a few basic rules of courtesy and timing. Citizens may speak about any item on the agenda not involving a hearing on employee discipline action by registering five minutes before the item is introduced.

PASCO (813) 794-2000 www.pasco.k12.fl.us

SARASOTA (941) 927-9000

For contact information, you will need to follow the school Web site school board link your school district representative Next meeting Tuesday Jan 22, 2012 @ 6pm School Board meetings are held twice per month, at 9:30 A.M. on the first Tuesday of each month, and at 6:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise announced. Meetings are open to the public and are held at the District Office complex, building #3 North, located at 7205 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638.

Agendas for each meeting are provided in the boardroom lobby and on the School Board Meetings page.

Phone: (941) 927-9000 ext. 31147 Next meeting: Jan 8, 2013 @ 6:30pm EST

www.sarasotacountyschools.net

The School Board meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 5:45 p.m.

MANATEE (941) 708-8770 www.manatee.k12.fl.us

Meetings are open forum and we encourage the public to attend. Please note that times are occasionally changed, so please call the Administration Building for the current meeting schedule before planning to attend.

Also on Web site

Links to Superintendent letter and Web sites with resources for students, parents, and staff Superintendent letter and Web sites with resources for students, parents, and staff

Superintendant letters; links to articles with tips on how to talk with kids and hope them cope

Link to tips from the American School Psychologists Association to help kids cope

feature story For tips on talking to kids about this or any public tragedy, see the following links: www.nasponline.org www.sswaa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=500

To get an update on President Obama’s response to public opinion or to sign or create a petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov

To locate your local legislative representatives and make your opinion known on the issues: www.flsenate.gov/senators/find

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feature story

Designing

Technology to Keep Students

Engaged

by David Harris

PHOTOS BY DAVID HARRIS Learning with technology the classroom at Academy Prep.

H

ow does a school system compete with ever-present social media, biggerthan-life blockbuster movies and adrenaline-pumping video games to keep their students engaged in their education?

The answer may lie in using those very technologies in their instructional design.

Good instructional design increases students’ understanding of new concepts, in a way that the students want to learn. Text books and lectures were the primary teaching technologies in the past, but teachers are turning to computers and the cloud to engage students and prepare them for the future by creating learning spaces in the rich media fabric that covers them.

Some examples of technology in curriculum are eLearning engagements where students interact with the learning content, 3D modeling of geometric

38 parentguide.com

shapes that students manipulate and explore the effects of changing equations, and collaboration tools that connect students to other students and communities worldwide.

Academy Prep Center of Tampa, a rigorous private middle school for students qualifying for needbased scholarships, is leveraging technology to meet students at very different levels. Their challenge is to take students from low-performing schools and mold them into highperforming candidates attractive to preparatory high schools that only accept the best.

Kristy Craig, Program Director for Academy Prep, saw that their mission could not be achieved without giving their students the technology competencies they need to compete.

“To ultimately prepare the kids for the high schools we are getting them into, we need to equip them with the tools,” Craig

says. “Not just how to use the computers, but also how to access information and use the tools to learn.”

Academy Prep received a grant from Tampa’s technology firm Tech Data to fund the first phase of their technology immersion program.

“We had 16 computers in the lab for 120 students to use several times a week,” says Craig. “And we just couldn’t do it.”

Phase one completed at the beginning of this school year and included 60 Chrome books loaded with Google Apps for Education, a Google Apps partner to train staff to integrate the tools into their curriculum, laptop carts to transport them to teachers that check them out, and triple bandwidth for the school’s Wi-Fi infrastructure.

When the funding is secured for phase two, the laptop count increases to 80, and phase three

PHOTOS BY DAVID HARRIS

PHOTOS BY DAVID HARRIS Nearly all subjects can be enhanced with technology.

is one laptop for every student, according to Craig, “So any student can access a computer at any time.”

Several fifth-grade boys are quietly working on their math assignments in the back of the classroom. Their attention is focused, and walking back there to see what they are doing, it appears they are playing video games. But these games are actually math assignments, using 3d modeling, illustrated word problems and eLearning engagements to bring home complex concepts.

Craig says that one of the challenges integrating technology into her program is getting her tenured teachers to use it in the classroom, but she says that Chrome Books with Google Apps are making the transition possible.

“Google Apps for Education is awesome, and it’s endless, but so far it is pretty easy,” says Craig. “Our newer teachers are coming with technology training that is an absolute part of their education degree.”

Technology can be used with individual students or with the entire class.

Amanda Osofsky has been at Academy Prep for two years right out of school. She is the fifth-grade girls History teacher and the school’s technology integration champion.

“I have started transferring assignments over from me only teaching to students actively learning, working on projects on their own,” says Osofsky. “I assign aspects of the curriculum the student is really interested in, and they do the research, [create a presentation] and report on that aspect to the class.”

"Florida Virtual School was the nation's first Internet-based public high school."

Other teachers see the power of technology to engage their students.

“We are at a point where teachers are reevaluating their curriculum and saying ‘how can I improve this with this tool I have’,” says Osofsky.

Osofsky sits at her computer logged in to a student’s account, who is writing an application essay. Both student and teacher see what the student is typing in real time from two different locations, can chat about edits, and Osofsky can log into any student’s account to see their screen to make sure they are on task.

Florida Virtual School, the nation’s first statewide Internetbased public high school, was founded in 1997 and registered 260,000 enrollments last year in more than 120 online courses in grades six through twelve.

Angelina Boyce, an instructor at FLVS, averages 120 students at a time taking online classes for many different reasons.

Some FLVS students opt to take courses online to get ahead or to take classes that are not offered at their school.

Other students who are home schooled take courses at FLVS as a core curriculum or a supplement to their home education.

ParentGuide® 39

Designing with Technology to Keep Students Engaged

“I can teach individual students online at their own pace,” says Boyce. “Instead of three classes with 40 kids, I have 120 classes with one kid.”

Whether technology is a tool in the instructional design toolbox in the classroom, or the education medium, technology is not a replacement for good teaching.

“We see students who can’t read, fifth graders who don’t know their multiplication tables.

Technology alone is not how we want to reach our kids,” says Osofsky. “We need to maintain an academic sense when the students come into a classroom, with a teacher guiding them through the [learning] process, never a child just guiding themselves.”

And Shemai’ah, a fifth-grader at Academy prep says that it is working, “because I am learning and having fun at the same time.”

Allison Metzger is a sophomore at Brandon High School. Her mom, Deborah Dove, heard about FLVS at work and wanted Allison to try it to get ahead with credit hours.

David Harris is an instructional designer in Tampa, and earned his master’s degree in instructional technologies at USF College of Education.

“The curriculum is on a higher level than is offered at public schools anymore,” says Dove. “Having a one-on-one with teachers is wonderful, and you don’t get that at regular school with overcrowding and disruptive students.”

More information about Academy Center of Tampa can be found on their Web site at http://academyprep.org/tampa and FLVS at www.flvs.net. Or, contact your local school district to learn more about technology in the classroom in your area.

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Alternate Construction

By Evelyn Mann

“Did you see my son hit that baseball out of the park!” the excited father yelled to everyone in the stands. Everyone stood at the same time watching the boy run from base to base and then slide to home plate.

“Safe”, the umpire declared.

Everyone erupted into a wave of cheering and triumph as the play won the game for the team.

The father was understandably proud of his son. We parents cheer whenever we see our children triumph. Some parents though are experiencing a different journey where victories for their children are not so clearly seen. There is a whole world of special needs parents raising their children and also cheering each victory. In our family we are living the words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The victories we experience are quite different from an able bodied child.

Though different, each victory is celebrated as if the child hit a home run.

Ask any therapist of special needs children and they will tell you that the smallest victory is cause to celebrate. Therapists are schooled to be patient as they wait for these wee ones to display even the most inconsequential accomplishment. For one child it may be eating their first bite of solid food. For another it may be grasping a toy for the first time. Able bodied children also experience these first’s but for many special needs children these victories are years in the making.

Each journey for a special needs family is different. Some disabilities are mild while others are profoundly debilitating. What is the same of all these children is that most parents are fiercely proud of their children no matter what the diagnosis. My husband calls our son’s diagnosis an example of God’s alternate construction. He looks different but he is still fully made by God. What would special needs parents want other parents to know about their children? That we face struggles, although not the same, as other parents. What is the biggest compliment you can give a special needs parent? Pay attention to their special needs child. Talk lovingly to the child even though they may not be able to respond. How can you support special needs parents? If you are curious, ask about the child’s diagnosis instead of wondering and never knowing. Ask the parent what their biggest blessing is in raising a special needs child. Ask what their biggest need is and how you can help. It may be to pray for an upcoming doctor’s visit. Listening can be the best gift you can offer. Many parents have no support group with which to share their joys and struggles. Simply knowing that you care can mean so much to a special needs family.

In our church, we have some very special people who thoughtfully buy our son diapers every year. The next time you see a child who is a little different be bold and reach out to the parent. You will be glad you did.

Evelyn Mann is a special needs mom living with her husband in Tampa, Florida. They are raising their six year old son who was born with a rare form of dwarfism called Thanatophoric Dwarfism. You can follow their journey at www.caringbridge.org/visit/samuelmann.

ParentGuide® 43

feature story PHOTOS FROM STOCKDISC © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:

WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD EARN?

By Lauren Lieberman

I

n the Florida school system, there are essentially two types of diplomas your child can earn: a standard diploma or a certificate of completion.

But, there are some important differences between the two documents, and decisions on which one your child will receive may be made sooner than you think.

Diploma differences To receive a standard diploma, students must complete required course work, credits, and receive a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. They must also pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, commonly known as the FCAT. Students who have completed the required coursework, but haven't met other requirements, can receive a completion certificate. Students with disabilities, often unable to meet FCAT requirements, fall into this category. Some students with disabilities may have the option to work toward one of two Special Diploma options.

44 parentguide.com

It's important to note that neither the Certificate of Completion nor Special Diplomas are accepted by state universities or community colleges. Employers don't view any of these documents as a high school diploma as well.

A student who meets all graduation requirements, but doesn't pass the FCAT in 10th grade, may receive a completion certificate but be eligible to take the college placement test, allowing them to attend a community college.

Students unable to pass the FCAT, but whom receive a completion certificate, may also be able to retake the FCAT, and upon passing it, receive a standard diploma.

Jeanine Welch, Director of Exceptional Student Education for Pinellas County Schools says she believes the majority of her students choose the Special Diploma option.

“Some of these students may have significant disabilities,

or they are cognitive, bright students that are unable to master some of the coursework for various reason, and we've been able to put them in alternate courses,” Welch says.

Being able to modify coursework for students often requires students to be in the track for a special diploma, Welch explains.

By law, the decision on whether to work toward a standard diploma or a special diploma must be addressed at the transition IEP meeting during a student's eighth grade year, or the year they turn 14, whichever comes first. But, students are often placed in such a track as early as kindergarten.

“If they don’t pass the FCAT in third grade we're looking at retention. Well, is it right to retain the child if they're not cognitively able? And then we don't administer the FCAT, we give them an alternate for the FCAT which is called the Florida Alternate Assessment,” Welch says.

While, many students with special needs and disabilities benefit from these programs and require modified curriculums to succeed, the focus on testing in the early grades has raised questions and provoked debate among educators.

Too young for testing?

Testing may pose problems for some children, as the standards set in these early years may be too high, according to Amanda Moreno, Ph.D, an Associate Director for the Marsico Institute of Early Learning and Literacy.

In the Huffington Post article “Killing Kindergarten,” Moreno discusses how kindergarten classrooms are beginning to resemble what education expert Alfie Kohn describes as “a really bad first-grade classroom.”

“It has become axiomatic in my field to say that early learning expectations are a full year ahead of what they were 20 years ago.” writes Moreno.

“Students may be placed on a track for an Special Diploma as early as kindergarten.”

More kindergarteners are being put to the test as well. Florida, is one of 25 states now mandating at least one formal assessment during kindergarten, according to a report from the National Conference of State Legislators on school readiness assessments Critics worry that testing 5-year-olds may be unreliable and some children may face an hour-long multiple choice test.

Samuel Meisels, an expert in childhood assessment and president of the Erikson Institute, a graduate school for child development in Chicago, told Education.com that clear evidence shows these types of tests are inappropriate for young children.

PHOTOS FROM STOCKDISC © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

“In the first eight years of life, there’s a great deal of variability in how kids learn, and standardized tests tend to see children in a very homogeneous way,” Meisels says in the Education.com article, “Kindergarten Testing: Realities and Dangers.”

Testing in the early years may not bode well for boys, especially, who often mature more slowly than girls.

In the book, “Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys,” Dan Kindlon, Ph.D. and Michael Thompson, Ph.D., explain how boys may have a tougher time in the classroom.

“The fact that girls mature earlier than boys means that they frequently achieve cognitive milestones at younger ages. They generally learn names for things sooner, such as the names of colors, and how to do simple counting. Because of this, girls are more ready when, in first grade, teachers commence with the first serious attempts to teach reading,” write the authors.

This disadvantage can pose serious risks for boys in the early years.

The authors write, “The fact that many boys start out behind girls in these pre-reading skills means that boys are more likely to be miscategorized as learning disabled in the early grades.”

ParentGuide® 45

feature story “Boys, who mature more slowly than girls, are often miscategorized as learning disabled.”

The debate will likely continue on what academic expectations are appropriate for young children and how best to measure them.

But, with the fate of children's academic futures being made as early as the first years of elementary school, it's important for parents to consider their child's path early on.

The Florida Department of Education encourages parents to consider diploma options and post-school outcomes for their children as early as possible, in order to make the best decisions for the student.

“The type of diploma or certificate of completion will have a direct impact on what doors are open to your son or daughter after high school,” states the department in its guide for making diploma decisions for students with disabilities.

The guide encourages parents to choose a standard diploma track if in doubt, as they can always

consider another diploma option later. In most districts, students may have options to pursue a standard diploma until age 22 as well.

Depending on a student's abilities, the school may be able to waive certain requirements too, according to Welch.

“If the IEP team felt the student was cognitively able to complete the coursework, there is a waiver process that some of those things could be waived,” she said.

But, for some students, especially with significant disabilities, being able to modify their coursework early on may be necessary to meet their individual needs, and it can be impossible to do so without declaring a special diploma option for that child.

“We make those decisions quite early, because if we don't, I can't put those students in those modified courses. If I can't modify the coursework, I can't change anything on those standards that

“The type of diploma or certificate of completion will have a direct impact on what doors are open to your son or daughter after high school,” 46 parentguide.com

I'm required to do for that child because that's basically what that diploma option says— 'I'm choosing to modify or change what the curriculum would be',” Welch says.

She explains that such modifications can be necessary to create individualized curriculum for students with special needs.

“When you say, I'm in third or fourth grade, and I'm still not able to identify my name, I'm still not verbal and all these kinds of things. But, I still have some strength in areas and I need to be working on pictures or identifying myself,” says Welch.

“In order for a teacher to modify that we have to look at diploma options, or otherwise I'm not able to change that,” she says.

Lauren Lieberman is a Bay area single mom that wouldn’t trade it for the world. She loves writing, Starbucks and adventures with her little super hero.

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