2014 Back to School

BACK TO SCHOOL

read online too!

College Considerations Things to consider when choosing a college

Tech Talk The pros and cons of using the Internet to complete schoolwork

AUGUST 2014

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Getting Involved School bus safety tips to impart to youngsters

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August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

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Things to consider when choosing a college

School bus safety tips to impart to youngsters 4 School bus safety tips

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to impart to youngsters

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5 How to buy school clothes without 6 Things to consider when choosing a college

8 Get the best deals on electronic school supplies

9 How to improve test-taking skills

11 Establishing a positive homework

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12 Injury prevention tips for school-aged athletes

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14 Benefits to joining a campus organization

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

School bus safety tips to impart to youngsters Each day thousands upon thousands of children board school buses to take them to and from school.

Parents and caregivers entrust their children’s wellbeing to the care of school bus drivers and aides.

Although parents may worry about school bus accidents, such accidents are few and far between.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises that school buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and protecting against injury. Buses are arguably the safest mode of transportation for getting kids to and from school. By keeping millions of cars off the roads surrounding schools, school buses contribute to less crowded roadways, which are less conducive to accidents.

KNOWING THE SAFETY RULES While a large part of protecting children is on the shoulders of the school bus driver, it is also vital for passengers to learn the basics of school bus safety. Kindergarteners or children who are riding the bus for the first time should be taught the rules of school bus safety.

Some schools offer a school bus tour prior to the new school year. This lets youngsters acclimate themselves with the look and feel of the school bus. This introduction also may include information about bus safety, but parents can also educate their children (and themselves) about using caution in and around the bus by following these guidelines.

• Get to the bus stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to the assigned pickup time. Rushing last-minute can lead to injury, especially if you’re chasing down the bus.

• Remain on the sidewalk or grass at the bus stop. Do not step off the curb into the street until the bus has arrived and is completely stopped.

• When boarding the bus, go directly to a seat and sit down. Buckle up if there are seatbelts on the bus.

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

• Keep voices low so as not to distract the driver.

• Keep your head and hands inside of the bus, and never hang out of the window.

DANGER ZONE Though parents may feel buses are most likely to be in accidents while in transit, experts advise that children are more likely to get hurt during pickups and drop-offs when they’re in the “danger zone” of the bus. The danger zone is a 10-foot radius around the outside of the bus. Bus drivers and other motorists find kids in the danger zone are more difficult to see, and children can get struck by either the bus or oncoming cars that fail to stop when the bus is picking kids up or dropping them off.

• Do not throw things on the bus or play rough with friends or classmates.

• Keep the aisle clear at all times.

• Be careful when getting off the bus.

Hold on while going down the stairs.

• Only get off at your designated stop unless you have permission to get off elsewhere.

• When exiting the bus, walk at least 10 steps past the front of the bus and cross in front where the driver can see you. Do not cross behind the bus.

• Wait for the driver to give you a signal that it is safe to cross. Be sure to check that all cars on the road have come to a complete stop.

• Get to the sidewalk or off the street as quickly as possible.

• If you’ve forgotten something on the bus, do not run back and attempt to retrieve it. The driver might not see you and start the bus. Rather, call the bus company and see if you can pick it up at another time.

• Do not get into the cars of strangers waiting around bus stops, even if they offer to take you home.

Parents can arrange to meet with bus drivers so that they will recognize their faces. Adults also can encourage schools to host bus safety courses to further ensure their youngsters are safe.

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How to buy school clothes without busting your budget Parents often note that kids seem to grow like weeds. Pants that once reached to the tops of a youngster’s feet quickly become too short, while once-loose shirts may soon become too snug. Many parents find themselves regularly in children’s clothing departments stocking up on the basics, which can put quite a dent in already stretched-thin budgets.

Although children’s wardrobes are added to at various times of the year, the bulk of shopping occurs just before the school year begins. Though clothing can be expensive, families need not bust their budgets when shopping for kids’ clothing.

By shopping smart and concentrating on fashion staples, it’s easier to stretch money further.

Spread out purchases. Shopping early allows parents to make the most of sales.

Warm weather clothing generally goes on sale in July to make room for new fall lines. Considering the first few months of school still may be warm, shortsleeved shirts will still have utility and are generally less expensive than sweaters and sweatshirts.

Staggering purchases also enables parents to develop a clothing allowance each and every month instead of having one large bill at a certain point in the year.

Parents can even add to their children’s wardrobes during the holiday season, when clothes tend to get reduced again for holiday sales.

Don’t discount hand-me-downs. It’s trendy to recycle clothing and also to be environmentally conscious by putting items to good use again and again.

Aside from you and your wallet, no one will know if your child is wearing a secondhand pair of pants or a brand new pair. Many school moms are anxious to swap clothing with others to lessen their own financial burdens with children’s clothing. Start a clothing swap with a group of friends, and you may find you have more than you need in the way of clothes for the kids.

Take stock of what you already have. How many times have you run out to the grocery store for a missing ingredient only to find that very item buried at the back of the pantry? The same thing happens with kids’ clothes.

Before taking kids clothes shopping, take inventory of their closets. Have little ones try on clothes to see which items still fit and which can be discarded or donated.

Make a list of the items you need to cut down on impulse spending at the store.

Invest in the right high-quality pieces.

Spending a fortune for a trendy pair of pants that may end up getting ruined on the playground is not the best way to shop for kids’ clothing. However, investing in a quality pair of shoes that will last much of the year is a good investment.

Know when to splurge and when it’s okay to shop at the discount store.

Stock up on staples. A straight-leg cut of jeans, some solid colored polo shirts and an A-line dress or skirt are some classic foundation pieces for children’s wardrobes. Such items tend to last longer than trendy items that may only last a few months before the next trend arrives.

Learn to layer. Layering items can make pieces look like new by putting them together in different combinations.

Layering a summer T-shirt under a fall hoodie gets use out of two different season’s worth of clothes. It also enables kids to be comfortable during unpredictable weather.

Leave it to the kids. Parents often worry about what other parents will think of their own children’s clothing. Children do not typically worry about such things until their preteen or teenage years. You may spend less money on clothing simply because your child has a few favorite shirts and pants he or she wears over and over. That’s less laundry for you and less money you have to spend on new clothes.

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

Things to consider when choosing a college

When choosing a college, students often look for the best academic institutions. While it’s hard to argue with that approach, high school students facing the decision of where to spend the next four years of their lives should know that the right university is not necessarily the one with the best academic reputation.

A host of factors come into play when finding the right match between student and university. Academics should always carry the most weight, but students should consider a host of other factors before ultimately deciding where to continue their academic careers.

COST In a perfect world students would not have to worry about financing their college educations. But that’s not a world in which today’s students live, so the cost of a college education is something

nearly every college-bound student must consider before making his or her decision. According to the College Board, the average overall cost to attend in-state public college for the 2012-13 academic year for students who did not receive

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financial aid was $22,261, a nearly 4 percent increase from the previous school year. That sticker price includes the cost of living in a dorm, food, books, and the additional expenses college students typically have. And the College Board notes that, despite the cost increase, financial aid budgets stayed the same as the year before, meaning even those students who received financial aid paid more money.

While cost should not dictate where high school students ultimately go to college, students should know that eventually student loans will have to be repaid with interest, so those who do not want to bury themselves in student loan debt after graduation would be wise to choose a university that’s more affordable or one that’s offering a more attractive scholarship and grant package. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.

DISTANCE FROM HOME While many high school students may think a school far away from their folks is ideal, the reality of being far away from home is a struggle for many college students who attend college outside of their home states. Homesickness is a very real thing for college students who are away from home and on their own for the first time.

In addition to homesickness, collegebound students should consider the cost of travel before enrolling in a college or

university that’s far from home. Mom and Dad might not be able to afford to fly their college students home several times per year for the holidays and other breaks in the school year, and the burden of financing that travel can fall on students.

If you are not planning to work during the school year, then financing trips home may prove very difficult.

ENVIRONMENT Both the academic and social environments at a college or university merit consideration when students are deciding where to continue their educations. Some students thrive in a competitive academic environment, while others tend to fare better in a more casual setting. Students should assess which environment is best for them and choose a university that best suits them as a student.

A college or university’s social environment is another factor for students to consider. Larger schools tend to rely heavily on Greek life, while smaller schools may be more intimate and less exclusive. Students who hope to join a sorority or fraternity might benefit from a school with a thriving Greek life, while those who want a more intimate social environment might prefer a smaller school where all of the students seem to know one another.

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

Get the best deals on electronic school supplies

Find out how electronic devices will be used for schoolwork to determine which device fits your student best.

In the not-so-distant past, scientific calculators were the most technologically advanced school supplies students needed. But today’s students rely on technology more than ever. Thanks to mobile phones, e-readers and portable computer tablets, the average student’s back-to-school shopping list often includes at least one electronic device.

But with such technological advances comes a higher price tag for supplies.

Parents faced with the task of paying for their student’s school supplies, including electronics, may wonder how they can save money. Electronics can range from the affordable to the very expensive, and the most expensive product is not always the best. Here’s how to shop smart for electronic school supplies.

Think about how the device will be used. Will your son or daughter be typing term papers or putting together reports? If so, a device that has a word processing function will be necessary.

Although many e-readers and tablets have apps that function as wordprocessors, such apps won’t be as comprehensive as more traditional word processing software. And unless the student has an external keyboard for typing, using a touchscreen can be cumbersome when producing lengthy assignments. Some tablets also need to be connected to a wireless printer in order to print documents. Keep these things in mind when shopping. If a

student needs to jot down notes or go online to do research only, a hand-held device may be adequate.

Educate yourself. Log onto the Internet and read everything you can about the various devices available. Some parents who aren’t tech savvy may quickly learn that there is an entirely new vocabulary with regards to technology and it pays to be informed. Having the information at the ready and being able to discuss what you want from a given product with a store employee will make you less likely to spend extra money on things that you probably don’t need, such as accessories or upgrades.

Comparison shop. Electronics are big business, and different retailers provide different deals. For example, one retailer may not offer as good a warranty plan or tech-support as another. Compare apples to apples when comparison shopping to find the best deal. Do not be bashful about bringing in a competitor’s price to a particular store you like and asking for them to match a lower price.

Many stores will do so to keep your business.

Consider a refurbished item.

Manufacturers like Apple offer refurbished items that are backed with the same warranty as fresh-out-ofthe-box merchandise. Because these machines were rebuilt, the cost is considerably lower than buying new.

Also, refurbished equipment is usually thoroughly tested before it is shipped out to a new owner.

Gauge your student’s level of responsibility. Is your son or daughter prone to dropping or breaking things?

If so, you may not want to spend a fortune on a top-of-the-line device. The tablet market has become especially competitive, with many name- and offbrand manufacturers offering variations of Android-based tablets for considerably less than some better-known models.

For example, Chinese manufacturer Ainovo offers the Novo 7 Basic tablet for around $99. That’s even less than some e-readers on the market. It may not offer

as many features as other tablets, but it may be effective for basic Web browsing and email.

Determine if a new device is really necessary. For some students, peer pressure plays a heavy role in their “need” for a new electronic device. If

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How to improve test-taking skills Students are periodically tested to gauge their progress on a variety of subjects. Although testing can be an effective way to determine a student’s understanding of a given subject, not every student performs well on tests.

Test-taking comes easily for some but not so for others.

Nerves or trouble concentrating can foil the best students.

However, there are ways for students to improve their test-taking skills.

PREPARATION Most tests are given with prior notice, enabling students to prepare for them well in advance. Sometimes teachers and professors will surprise students with a quiz. These pop quizzes are used to judge how well students are absorbing the information and if they have been paying attention.

When in class, continually jot down notes and create an outline of important information. The teacher may provide hints about the upcoming test, including emphasizing specific areas of focus or even revealing the format of the test. Contrary to what some students believe, teachers want their students to succeed.

Therefore, your teacher may offer a review session the day before or be open for questions prior to the test if further clarification is needed.

Studying with others can shed new light on a subject. Studying difficult subject matter with peers may help students grasp the materials better than they did in class. Classmates may have some tricks they’ve developed, including pneumonic devices for putting facts together.

THE DAY BEFORE AND THE DAY OF THE TEST Prior to a test, make sure you eat and get enough rest.

While it may be tempting to pull an “all-nighter,” you will not perform well on the test if you are tired from having studied all night. Review the material and put the main ideas or formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed. Review it many times and then put it away.

Have a good meal, relax and try to get at least eight hours of sleep.

On the day of the test, wake up and arrive on time or even a few minutes early for your class. This can help to calm your nerves and enable you to squeeze in some last-second studying.

THE TEST ITSELF Make sure you have the supplies needed for the test.

This may include pens or pencils, a calculator, a textbook

if you are allowed to reference, or any other supplies the teacher allows. Have a watch available so that you can pace yourself during the test. Avoid using a mobile phone during the test, as the teacher may misinterpret that as cheating.

Try to remain positive through the test. If you feel yourself getting nervous, take a few deep breaths and regroup. In addition to these tips, there are other ways to approach the test.

• Do the easiest problems first. If you do not know a question, skip it and move on. There may be clues later on in the test that help you go back and answer skipped questions.

• Always read the entire question. Skimming could find you missing important instructions.

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• Preparing well for a test, remaining calm and checking over your work can help students who struggle with test-taking do their best.

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

Learn the early warning signs of bullying

Children grow and develop their personalities in various ways. While many youngsters are teased or receive some good-natured ribbing at some point in their school careers, some teasing can eventually turn into bullying.

The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.

Furthermore, more than 70 percent of students report incidents of bullying at their schools. Although children in lower grades have reported being in more fights than those in higher grades, there is a higher rate of violent crimes in middle and high schools than in elementary schools. According to the association Make Beats Not Beat Downs, harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school shooting incidents.

Bullying can take many forms, and learning the warning signs as a parent can help prevent harassment and potentially dangerous situations.

Verbal: If your child reports being called names, being the recipient of racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, or being spoken to in an offensive or suggestive way, this can be a form of verbal bullying.

Cyber: Social media, email and text messaging has become a way for bullies to spread malicious messages or photos.

In the era of digital media, this type of bullying has increased considerably.

Physical: Some bullies engage in physical attacks, including hitting, kicking, spitting, or other forms of physical confrontation. Destroying personal property also is considered physical bullying.

Indirect: Gossiping and spreading nasty rumors about a person is another form of bullying. This type of bullying may go hand-in-hand with cyber bullying.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED Parents can recognize certain signs that their child is being bullied at school. Bullied children frequently make excuses to avoid going to school. While the desire to stay home is something many children may express, those who are bullied may do so much more frequently. Bullied children tend to avoid certain places and may be sad, angry, withdrawn, or depressed.

They may have trouble sleeping or experience changes in appetite, and bullied youngsters’ academic performance may suffer. Also, parents may notice that children return from school missing some of their belongings.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS THE BULLY Parents may not want to imagine their children bullying other students, but bullies do exist. Children who bully other kids have strong needs for power and negative dominance. They may find satisfaction in causing suffering to others. Some signs that your child may be a bully include: • easily becoming violent with others • having friends who bully others • blaming others quickly • comes home with belongings that do not belong to him or her • getting in trouble with teachers or school administrators • picking on siblings • not accepting responsibility for actions There are ways parents can teach their children to act properly when faced with a bully. First, parents should explain that bullying is not the child’s fault and he or she does not deserve to be picked on.

Next, parents can let children know that being assertive but not violent with bullies may diffuse the situation, as some bullies thrive on the fear of their victims. If the bullying behavior continues, the student should speak to an adult or authority figure.

Parents of bullies may need to be especially mindful of their children’s behavior. Counseling could be necessary to determine what is compelling kids to bully other students.

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Establishing a positive homework environment for your student

Many students need a quiet environment that’s free of noise and distractions to perform their best on homework assignments.

Though it might not be something students look forward to, homework is an essential element of the learning process. Homework allows kids to apply the lessons they learned in the classroom while giving educators a chance to determine if students are grasping the concepts discussed in class or if certain lessons need to be revisited.

Students often seek their parents’ help when doing their homework, but parents can start helping even before their children

bring any assignments home.

Creating a homework environment where kids can concentrate and put forth their best effort is a great way to help them throughout the school year. The following are a few tips for parents who want to ensure that home is as conducive a place as possible for students to do their best on homework assignments.

Find a quiet space with little or no distractions. A quiet place in the home where kids can concentrate is essential when kids are doing homework. While a youngster’s bedroom might have sufficed years ago, today’s children tend to have bedrooms that mimic the showroom floor of an electronics store. If kids have televisions, video game consoles and stereos in their bedrooms, then that’s likely not the best environment for them to do their homework. Kids can too easily grow distracted, so find a quiet area where kids can focus on their studies without being tempted by television, video games or other distractions not conducive to studying.

Designate a time each day when kids do their homework.

Another way to make your home more amenable to homework is to designate a time each day when kids will study. Let other members of the household know that this is a quiet time in the house so kids aren’t distracted. Once kids get comfortable in this routine they

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likely won’t need much prodding to do their homework, and this designated quiet time in the household can be a relaxing time for other members of the household as well.

Have healthy snacks available.

Few people do their best work on an empty stomach, so if kids will be doing their homework immediately after school, make sure you have some healthy snacks on hand.

Elementary and high school students tend to eat lunch earlier than adults, so they’re liable to be hungry when they arrive home from school in the mid- to late-afternoon.

Have plenty of fresh fruit on hand so kids can satisfy their hunger.

Less healthy snacks might satisfy youngster’s hunger pains, but such snacks may also make kids drowsy, negatively affecting their ability to concentrate and indirectly hindering their schoolwork as a result.

Let kids know their work will be checked nightly. Parents who want to create an environment where their children approach homework seriously should let their kids know their work will be checked each night, and they will need to redo any assignments that were not completed correctly. This prevents kids from rushing through assignments without giving their best efforts.

Few youngsters look forward to homework. While parents might not be able to change their kids’ attitudes toward homework, they can change their home to make it as positive an environment for kids to pursue their studies as possible.

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

The dawn of a new school year is an exciting for school-aged youngsters.

Though many kids may not look forward to homework or getting up early, a new school year is often exciting for young athletes who long to get back on the playing fields and compete with their teammates.

As valuable and exciting as participating in team sports can be, they can just as easily prove dangerous for athletes who aren’t prepared for the rigors of physical activity. A summer spent lounging poolside might be just what kids need after a long school year, but that relaxation can put youngsters in jeopardy of suffering an injury when they return to team sports in the fall.

Many a young athlete has pulled a hamstring or suffered a shin splint when returning to athletic competition after a long layoff. But such injuries are largely preventable, and the following tips can help schoolaged athletes ensure their return to competition is as painless as it is pleasurable.

Condition your muscles in the weeks heading up to tryouts or the start of the school year. Many fall sports feature tryouts near the end of summer or at the very beginning

of the school year. That means athletes must start conditioning their muscles early. Discuss with your parents, coaches and physicians which muscles you will be working when playing a particular sport.

Adults should help you develop a conditioning program that gets the right muscle groups ready for the rigors of your sport. A properly conditioned athlete has a much lesser risk of injury than one who is not.

Your offseason conditioning program should begin slowly and gradually grow more challenging as you draw closer to the school year.

Stretch, stretch, stretch. Always stretch your muscles before any strenuous activities, whether it’s an offseason conditioning program or an in-season competition. Stretching significantly reduces your risk of injury and can improve your performance on the field.

Get geared up. The right gear is essential for young athletes looking to avoid injury. Though summer might seem tailor-made for flip-flops, such footwear should never be worn when exercising and preparing for the coming sports season. Athletic shoes specific to your sport are made

Injury Prevention tips for school-aged athletes

to provide the support you will need as you train and compete. The same goes for the clothing you should wear when getting ready for the season.

Wear the appropriate athletic attire to reduce your risk of injury.

Weight train in the presence of your coaches or parents. Many athletes begin weight training for the first time when they are in high school. Weight training can be beneficial to young athletes, but such athletes should never lift weights unsupervised. Parents, trainers and coaches can explain the equipment to young athletes while ensuring they don’t overdo it in the weight room.

Lifting too much weight or having bad form when weightlifting can cause serious injury that can sideline youngsters for the coming season, if not longer. So young athletes should always weight train in the presence of an adult and always work with a spotter to help them should they struggle to finish a repetition.

Don’t try to match your fellow athletes. The human body develops differently for everyone. Young athletes must recognize that there’s a chance their classmates and teammates may be developing

more quickly than they are. These classmates may be more capable of performing certain physical activities.

For example, a teammate might be able to lift more weight than you.

Do not try to match your fellow athletes if your body is uncomfortable performing a certain exercise. If you must endure substantial pain to perform a given exercise, then your body is likely telling you it simply isn’t ready for that exercise. Don’t force the body to do something just to keep up with your teammates.

Take a break. Even if you rested for most of summer, you still will need to rest when you begin getting ready for the upcoming athletic season. Take at least one day off per week to allow your body to recover and recharge.

Your body needs that recovery time to reduce its risk of injury.

School-aged athletes often look forward to a new school year as a chance to get back on the playing fields. But such athletes should emphasize safe training as the season draws closer.

THE COURIER • August 8, 2014

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER

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Benefits to joining a campus organization

Joining an on-campus club or organization is a great way for students to meet new people and improve their overall college experience.

The first week of life on a college campus can be somewhat overwhelming for first-year college students.

For many students, college is their first taste of independence. Some embrace that newfound freedom, while others grow homesick and long for the company of their immediate family. But as the school year progresses, the majority of first-year college students adapt to life on campus and grow to love their new surroundings.

Once students have comfortably adapted to their new lives, many seek opportunities to become more actively involved in life on campus. College clubs and organizations are a great way to do just that, providing a host of benefits that further enhances college life.

MEET PEOPLE Joining a student club or organization is a great way for college students to meet fellow students, professors and other people of note on campus. This is especially beneficial for first-year college students, whose social circle may otherwise be limited to roommates or fellow residents of their dormitories. Joining a club or student organization can quickly expand that social circle to include people who share your interests and not just your dorm assignment.

FIND A MAJOR Many first-year college students are unsure about a course of study, enrolling as an undeclared. Such students can benefit from joining clubs or student organizations that pique their interests. For example, joining an on-campus debate club might help you discover a passion for debate, which can lead down a path to becoming a lawyer. Students who enroll in college without declaring a major may have the most to gain by joining a club or organization.

BOOST YOUR GPA Joining a club or student organization also may make you a better student. That’s especially likely for students who join a club or organization that’s aligned with their field of study. A club or organization can help you apply lessons from the classroom in real-world situations, improving your grasp of certain concepts. In addition, your fellow club members may make great teachers, especially those who are ahead of you and have taken

many of the same classes you’re now taking or can expect to take down the road. Such students can be invaluable resources, helping explain concepts and offering advice as to which courses to take and which professors they prefer.

NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS Clubs and campus organizations also are a great way to begin networking with professionals in your future line of work. Many clubs or organizations bring in professionals within the field to speak to members.

Such speeches and discussions are typically membersonly, which means you will have an advantage over fellow students in your field of study who have not gone the extra mile and joined a club or organization.

Professionals may also give you advice on finding an internship in your field or a job once you have graduated.

IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE Even if a student club or organization has nothing to do with your studies or your future career, signing up is a great way to improve your overall college experience.

You’re liable to create more memories, make more friends and get the most out of your time on campus, which many college seniors will tell you is going to be gone before you know it. Take advantage of all of the opportunities your college or university offers, and you will likely one day look back and be glad you made the most of your time on campus.

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BACK TO SCHOOL August 8, 2014 • THE COURIER