AUGUST 2019 | VOL. 1 • ISSUE 6
FREE
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Welcome back to school! Secret? I love school supplies! I love the smell of new pencils and crayons, and the possibilities a blank notebook presents. I enjoy learning new things, so I always loved going back to school. If this is your first time seeing Family First Magazine, welcome! Our goal with this publication is to support families and provide them with opportunities to grow. We have also created opportunities for local schools to interact and submit their proud moments. Within the pages of our magazine, we have dedicated sections for relevant topics. Homeroom Happenings is a “brag page” for our schools. Family Fun is a section where we share content related to fun at home with the students’ family. The Local Library section provides a way for the Terrebonne Parish Library system to recommend age-appropriate books, offer book reviews and publish their calendar of free events. Expert Advice lends itself to the professionals in our community that are qualified to offer advice for our families. We welcome your input as we grow our magazine in the community. Thank you for the opportunity to come into your home and help your family grow, too.
MARY DOWNER DITCH
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04 06 08 10 12 14 16
HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS
18
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL
20 22 24 26
GET READY FOR SCHOOL
28 31
HEALTHY HOMEWORK HABITS
Welcome back to school
PUT ME IN, COACH! A look at local athletes
FUN FOR THE FAMILY Local event calendar
WHO’S IN YOUR CLASS? Classroom icebreaker activity
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC BLT or BLAT sandwich
SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY Penny Goes Back to School
S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL Apple Toothpick Tower Challenge
Stay Physical into the School Year Book reviews
EDITORIAL
Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director Mary Ditch Managing Editor Drew Miller Associate Editor CREATIVE
Amber Duplantis Senior Designer Paul Guidry Graphic Designer Nicholas Boutte Graphic Designer Amber Knight Graphic Intern COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Channing Candies ADVERTISING
Bonnie Rushing Sales Manager Deanne Ratliff Senior Account Manager Elise Falgout, Linda Pontiff, Lanie Roberts OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER
Michelle Ortego CUSTOMER SERVICE
Kimberly Ross CONTACT
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com FAMILYFIRSTHOUMA.COM
AT THE LIBRARY Terrebonne Library event listings
TIPS FOR SCHOOL BUS SAFETY Help your child know the rules
ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR CHILDREN
6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 • 985.868.7515
50 things to tell your child Start your school year off right
FUN AND GAMES Win $25 courtesy of South Louisiana Bank
AUGUST 2019 • ISSUE 6 AUGUST 2019
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
Family First Magazine is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Family First Magazine is published monthly by Rushing Media.
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Kids & Adults inshore and kayak divisions
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Cash Prizes • kids prizes • raffles and Door Prizes Family Fun • Food • Music • Pool and Splash Park
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Tickets available at:
www.fishforsmes.eventbrite.com
Cleaned fish will be donated to Terrebonne Patriots Veterans.
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AUGUST 2019
homeroom happenings
HIDDEN IMAGE WINNERS!
Have you played our hidden image game sponsored by South Louisiana Bank found this month on page 31? Congratulations to Maddux Pontiff (March), Jason Boudreaux (April), Chaselynn Trahan (May), and Carter Richard (June)!
MADDUX PONTIFF
CHASELYN TRAHAN
HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS Homeroom Happenings is a “brag page” for our schools. We invite teachers and parents to submit photos of their students’ projects, clubs, sports, and other successes. This page is for you! Send your accomplishments to us at mary@rushing-media.com to see your class in print!
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Bayou
5TH ANNUAL
August 17, 2019 Morgan City Municipal Auditorium 728 Myrtle Street Best Decorated Table Contest $100 Note Game Silent Auction Food, Drinks and Beer available for purchase Doors Open at 5 PM • Games begin at 6 PM $150 per table or $25 per person MAX 6 people per team All proceeds to benefit the Autism Society Bayou
Register Online at bayouautism.org Questions? Email:bayouautism@yahoo.com SEATING IS LIMITED!!!!! REGISTER NOW!!!!!
For questions, please contact Dawn Spinella at (985) 397-3812, or email bayouautism@yahoo.com FAMILY FIRST
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AUGUST 2019
PUT ME IN, COACH!
With childhood obesity plaguing one in three American children, participation in youth sports is becoming an increasingly important tool for keeping children healthy.
in sports between ages 6 to 12 have 40 percent higher test scores, 7 to 8 percent higher lifetime earnings, a 15 percent increased likelihood of college attendance and a significantly lower instance of obesity.
According to Active Kids, for those children who do participate in youth sports, 60 percent of boys and 47 percent of girls are on a team by the age of six. Perhaps that’s because parents have caught on to the lifelong benefits of youth sports. Children who start participating
BRITTANY THERIOT
Volleyball Senior, VCHS • Reigning State MVP
So what’s it like to play sports for your school? Here are three local athletes who are succeeding in sports and in school, sharing how a sport has impacted their lives.
When did you start playing volleyball? I started playing volleyball when I was 9 years old on a TPR team. What was the name of your first team? We were called The Shockers. What would you tell younger athletes interested in playing volleyball when they grow up? I would tell younger athletes interested in being a volleyball player to never give up. Anything, at first, will be hard to do, but with repetition and fight, you will become a great player. Make the most of it and just have fun!
DAVID LIRETTE
Multi-sport (Football and baseball) South Terrebonne Senior
When did you start playing football? I started playing when I was 6 years old. What was the name of your first football team? The name of my first team was the East Houma Steelers. What would you tell younger athletes interested in playing football when they grow up? I would tell kids to work hard and get in the weight room. All of that hard work pays off.
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Who has been your greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration is NBA star Russell Westbrook because he is seen as a smaller player in the NBA. He does whatever he has to do to win. His fight and mindset to never give up in any situation is what inspires me. What has been the best tip someone gave you along the way? It doesn't matter if you are at a disadvantage to everyone else. If YOU believe you can do it, then you CAN do it.
Who has been your greatest inspiration? My mom is my greatest inspiration because she has done so much for me throughout my athletic career. What has been the best tip someone gave you along the way? The best advice anyone has ever given me is to just play every play like it’s your last because you never know when it could all be over.
GREAT SELECTION OF KIDS’ BEDROOMS!
TIME FOR A BEDROOM MAKE-OVER?
BRENNA TRAHAN Cheer JV Co-Captain South Terrebonne Sophomore
L o ve it at
When did you start cheering? I started cheering my 7th grade year at Lacache Middle School. I was 13 years old. What was the name of your first football team/ cheer squad? The name of my first football team/cheer squad was the Blue Knights. What would you tell younger athletes interested in being a cheerleader when they grow up ? Cheerleading comes with many responsibilities, here are a few things that with being a cheerleader you might want to consider. Cheerleading is so much more than just going to the football field or basketball court on a game day. Plan on spending lots of hours practicing, doing fundraisers, and participating in before game pep rallies! Cheer isn’t always easy and can be super stressful but you have to push yourself to be
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better! Dedicate yourself to this sport! Even on the worst days, I am grateful for the person cheerleading has trained me to be.
6667 West Park, Houma, LA • 985-851-2443 Monday - Saturday 9am to 7pm • Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Who has been your greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration was one of my old cheer coaches, Mrs. Simonne Lanigan. She has pushed me and taught me to be the cheerleader I am today! She really did serve as a good example and made me realize you get out of cheer what you put into cheer.
Jump on the band wagon!
What has been the best tip someone gave you along the way? The best tip someone has given me along the way is that there’s no such thing as giving up. It doesn’t matter if your sponsor/coach is asking you to do a skill you’ve never heard of, or a difficult routine. You and your team will stay on the mat until you finally hit the skill and nail the routine!
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AUGUST 2019
family fun
FUN FOR THE FAMILY
EVENT CALENDAR Geared Up!
August 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Acadia Plantation, Thibodaux Participate in hands-on learning at this touch-a-truck experience hosted by Bayou Country Children’s Museum. Climb on board and interact with various vehicles and equipment, while learning about careers in agriculture, oil & gas, military, construction, first responders and more. This all-ages event is $10 per person. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Baby Bash!
August 3, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. TGMC Women’s Center lobby Join Terrebonne General Medical Center for their 3rd annual Baby Bash! Stay current on baby and toddler health and wellness while connecting with and learning from local pregnancy and parenting experts. This free, family event includes: health and wellness seminars; prepared childbirth classes; lactation experts; infant CPR; car seat safety; Mother’s Milk Bank; door prizes and more!
Back-to-School Bash
August 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Brooke’s Sno-World, Houma Join the fun at this annual Back to School Bash that includes face painting, free school supplies, DJ Stump, vouchers to Volume Salon and more.
home to enjoy later. Each child will be sent home with recipes to make these dishes. Space is limited. Only participating children need a ticket for the event.
Library Book Sale
August 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., August 4, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Main Library, Houma The Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library will host their annual Inventory Reduction Sale at the Main Library. Books span various genres and are gently used. Shoppers may purchase one standard-sized brown grocery bag for $1 and fill it with as many books as possible. Multiple bags can be purchased. The book sale is open to the public. For more information, please call 985.850.5301.
August 25, 2-4 p.m. Main Library Branch, Houma Rock the science fair this year by consulting with real scientists practicing in the fields related to your project. Scientists will be on hand to answer your questions and to offer practical advice.
Live After 5 8 Seconds to Glory Premier Bull Riding Tour
August 17, 8 p.m. Harang Auditorium, Thibodaux Round up your family for this exciting bull riding event! The Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional presents 8 Seconds to Glory. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for children, 12 and under, are $6. Adult tickets are priced by location: bottom assigned seating is $25; bottom general admission is $23; upper general admission is $16.
Infant and Child CPR
August 21, 4:30-5 p.m. South Coast Baby Company, Thibodaux Learn CPR from an RN at this free class. Information, demonstrations and dummies will be provided. No certifications will be earned at this class.
Kids Cooking Class
August 8, 5:30-7 p.m.,1410 St. Charles St., Houma August 20, 5:30-7 p.m., 204 North Canal Blvd., Thibodaux Rouses Markets will be hosting a kids cooking class with Chef Sally! Children ages 5-12 will be making Scotch Eggs and Berry Cherry Scones. Each child will have the option to enjoy their delicious creations or take them
FAMILY FIRST
Science Rocks!
Family Fun Day
August 24, 3-6 p.m. The Settlement at Live Oak Join the Settlement at Live Oak for the last of their summer Family Fun Days! This free family event includes live music, ice cream, kids activities, lawn games and more!
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AUGUST 2019
August 30, 7 p.m. Downtown Houma Enjoy the music of Clustafunk under the historic oak trees of the Courthouse Square in downtown Houma.
Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
August 30- September 2 Lawrence Park, Morgan City Visit the 84th annual celebration of Shrimp and Petroleum, a free festival held every Labor Day weekend in neighboring Morgan City. This year’s festival highlights include the carnival rides, Children’s Village, Saturday’s Children’s Parade, and Sunday’s Blessing of the Fleet, Mass in the Park, Street Parade and fireworks. Music in the Park will begin Friday night through Monday night, including performances by Category 6 and South 70.
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AUGUST 2019
WHO’S IN YOUR CLASS?
GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASSMATES! Talk with your classmates to find out if they fit into any of the categories listed below. If their answer to a question is Yes, have them sign their name on the line. You may only use someone’s name once!
WHO HAS A BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH?
WHO WEARS GLASSES?
WHO HAS A PET OTHER THAN A CAT OR DOG?
WHO WENT ON VACATION THIS SUMMER?
WHO’S NEW TO OUR SCHOOL?
WHO IS LEFT HANDED?
WHO’S FAVORITE SUBJECT IS MATH?
WHO CAN COUNT TO 100?
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p m i r h s a n a i s i u o 84th l t i va l s e f m u e l o r t e p & r 2nd WHO LOST A TOOTH THIS SUMMER?
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WHO CAN PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
STUDY SKILLS
WHO WENT TO THE MOVIES THIS SUMMER?
ACT PREP
HOMEWORK HELP
Start the school year
STRONG
TUTORING IN:
WHO LOVES TO PLAY BASKETBALL?
ADVANCED MATH • ALGEBRA • TRIGONOMETRY STATISTICS • SPANISH • CHEMISTRY • GEOMETRY ELEMENTARY MATH, READING & WRITING CALL TODAY! 985-223-3798
Sylvan Learning Center • 657 Corporate Drive, Ste A • www.sylvanhouma.com
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC | BY MICHELLE BRICENO, MS, RD, LDN • ANDRIA HERRON, DIETETIC INTERN
TOMATO: IS IT A FRUIT OR VEGETABLE?
THE BLT OR BLAT SANDWICH The question of whether a tomato is a fruit, or a vegetable went all the way to the United States Supreme Court in 1893. The Court ruled that, for import tax purposes, tomatoes are a vegetable. However, according to scientists, tomatoes are truly a fruit. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K and are found in many foods we eat daily. While most tomatoes are red when mature, they can also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and purple. The tomato can be eaten raw like a fruit, as an ingredient in many dishes including salads, salsas, sauces, and soups, or processed into ketchup. For the greatest flavor and nutrition, keep at room temperature and use within one week.
INGREDIENTS • 2 slices low-sodium bacon • 2 leaves of lettuce • 2 slices of tomato • 2 tbsp. light mayonnaise or avocado • 2 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted
DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. STEP 2 Spread 1 tbsp. mayo on each slice of toasted bread OR substitute avocado for a healthier twist. STEP 3 Add lettuce and tomato. STEP 4 Arrange 2 slices of bacon on top of the tomato and top with the last slice of bread. (Break bacon slices in half to fit, if needed). STEP 5 Enjoy!
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SYNERGY BANK PRESENTS SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY D. PELICAN
PENNY GOES BACK TO SCHOOL It’s back to school time! I’m so excited to be able to visit Synergy Bank’s Partners in Education schools once again this year. Each month, Synergy Bank will visit second or third-graders at Upper Little Caillou, Oakshire, Bayou Community Academy, St. Matthew’s, and Max Charter School to teach students all about banking and saving money. Students will also have the chance to open their very own savings accounts! If your school is not one of our Partner schools, don’t worry. You can still open your very own savings account. Just visit any Synergy Bank location with a parent or guardian to learn how you can start saving!
Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny. FAMILY FIRST
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Penny has been saving money all summer and is ready to make a deposit into her minor savings account. Can you help Penny count her money and complete the deposit slip?
DEPOSIT TICKET Penny D. Pelican 123 Swampland Drive Houma, LA 70360
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Bills
Date: _______________________________ ____________________________________ SIGN HERE IF CASH RECEIVED FROM DEPOSIT
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Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny.
Saving is smart! Ask us about our Minor Savings Accounts.
985.851.2217 | banksynergy.com FAMILY FIRST
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S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL
APPLE TOOTHPICK TOWER CHALLENGE
Welcome back to school! An apple for the teacher, you say? How about picking up a few more at the grocery for this fun activity?
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Apples
This edible engineering project uses apples to construct towers. While an adult should do the cutting, all ages can build the towers. Challenge your children to see who can build the tallest or strongest tower. FAMILY FIRST
• Toothpicks • Knife
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From your first tooth... to your last. WHAT TO DO:
Houma Family
Dental
STEP 1 To prepare your building blocks, slice the apples into relatively small pieces. STEP 2 Give the stack of apple blocks and the toothpicks to your engineer. STEP 3 Start building!
985-868-5699 Call today to schedule your appointment.
Tips: • Encourage your young engineers to build a solid base and then build up.
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• If a few “building blocks” disappear into hungry bellies, don’t worry! Just cut up another apple.
SPONSORED BY NEW OFFICE COMING SOON FAMILY FIRST
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AUGUST 2019
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
STAY PHYSICAL INTO THE SCHOOL YEAR! Does your child run, play, and move for at least 60 minutes a day? For school-aged kids, physical activities are (and should be) fun, but they’re also important. Kids this age need that daily hour of moderate to vigorous activity to stay fit and healthy. The time should be divided among aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities.
Short bursts of 10 or 15 minutes count toward this daily tally, so make sure your child has lots of opportunities for physical activities before, during, and after school.
Physical Activities at School Academics are important, but so is finding time for fitness. When kids have the chance to run and play before school and at recess, they focus more and fidget less during class. Brain breaks also help. Physical education (PE) provides another opportunity to move during the school day. It also exposes kids to new sports and games and introduces important health habits.
Youth Sports By early elementary school—age 6 or 7—most kids have the physical coordination and attention span, plus the ability to grasp rules, which they need to play organized sports. A few years later—between ages 10 and 12—most can handle the added pressure of team competition. You can help your child get enough daily activity via sports and extracurricular activities if these fit your schedule. Look for classes and recreational leagues that stress fitness, skillbuilding, fair play, and most of all, fun. If your child enjoys team sports, try: • • • • • •
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Baseball or Softball Soccer (indoor/outdoor) Basketball Flag football Volleyball Cheerleading
AUGUST 2019
If your child prefers individual pursuits, consider: • Cross Country or participating in a running club or a 5K race • Swimming • Dance or Gymnastics • Horseback riding • Martial arts • Yoga • Golf • Tennis Ask your child what sports he or she is interested in, and give him or her the opportunity to try many different activities. That means letting them change activities once the program/season is over and discover a different activity later if this one was not for them. You both might be surprised at what they’re good at and love to do.
Staying Active At Home Provide kids with as much time and space to play as possible! Encourage lots of different physical activities. Mixing it up helps keep kids from getting bored, and also helps work many muscle groups. Emphasize fun and movement (not competition or “shoulds”). Try these family fitness ideas that are simple and accessible for many kids and adults: • Walking or hiking (make it more exciting with geocaching) • Biking or in-line skating • Visiting a playground • Jumping rope or spinning a hula hoop • Playing catch or Frisbee • Outdoor group games like tag or kickball • Indoor dance parties • Running in the sprinkler, spraying each other with a hose, or other water play activities • Corn hole, horse shoe, yard darts, or any yard activities
SPONSORED BY
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at the library
BY NAOMI HURTIENNE MAGOLA,YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN
GET READY FOR SCHOOL
It’s hard to believe that summer is already coming to a close. Now it’s time to buy school supplies, get new uniforms, and start going to bed just a little bit earlier.
prep for tests, research for projects, and there is even free online tutoring available through www.homeworkla.org! While you are getting ready for the first day back, check out one of these books. All three books and more are available through the Terrebonne Parish Library System, and you can reserve a copy today at www.mytpl.org.
The Terrebonne Parish Library is ready to help you get off on the right foot. Along with all the wonderful print resources that are available for you to check out at one of our nine branches, we have online resources to help you
K-3rd
Preschool
If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!
The Pigeon Has to Go to School! Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
Nervous about starting school? Wondering what to do with all the books? Where to go? Meeting new teachers and new kids? Well, you aren’t alone. Pigeon’s worried, too. In Mo Willem’s newest Pigeon installment, Pigeon’s first day is coming up fast and he’s not having
Written and Illustrated by Elise Parsley
Show and Tell might just be the best part of the school day. During this super special time you get to bring show off your personal treasures to your class. Be it a cool stick, a sparkly rock, or...your alligator. Despite what you might feel, Magnolia, who has her own pet alligator,
it. He does not want to go to school at all, and it’s up to us to convince him just how fun it can be.
warns you against bringing yours to school. Sure your class will be impressed, but nobody tells you what kind of mischief they can get into and Magnolia is here to tell you all the reasons why NOT to bring yours to class.
4th-6th
New Kid
Written and Illustrated by Jerry Craft The first day of school isn’t just tough for kindergarteners, it can also be hard for those starting new schools. Whether it is because of a move across town, going into jr. high, or the opportunity to attend a better school like Jordan Banks, being the new kid is no easy task. In the graphic novel, New Kid, we get to follow Jordan on his journey to a posh FAMILY FIRST
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new private school. He has to learn how to navigate not only an unfamiliar school but also his new life as one of the few students of color on campus. Will he be able to survive the mandatory sports, peer pressures, and pink, er...salmon, shorts of his new school?
•
OBEDIENCE TRUSTING WHO’S IN CHARGE BY DOING WHAT YOU’RE ASKED TO DO
JOIN US EVERY EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY for for
houma houma kidblast! kidblast! Your kids will have a BLAST during kids church!
Doors open at 10:00am and service begins at 10:30am! Join us for live skits, games, interactive object lessons, and more!
4863 W Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364 • (985) 851-2520 • fbchouma.com
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604 N Acadia Rd, Suite 200 & 200B • Thibodaux, LA 70301 • 985-448-3700 5040 W Main St • Houma, LA 70360 • 985-851-2000 • www.centerfp.com FAMILY FIRST
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AUGUST 2019
AT THE LIBRARY
FUN AT THE LIBRARY
EVENT CALENDAR International Cat Day Celebrations
Back to School Craft
AUGUST 8, 4-5 P.M. MAIN BRANCH
Back to School BINGO (PreK-6th)
AUGUST 13, 4-5 P.M. BOURG BRANCH
Join your friends for story time and a craft celebrating our feline friends.
AUGUST 14, 4-5 P.M. MONTEGUT BRANCH
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes Craft
DIY Pencil Pouches
AUGUST 8, 11:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. DULAC BRANCH
AUGUST 19, 4-5 P.M. MONTEGUT BRANCH
Come make your cat its very own toy!
More fun:
Family Movie Mia and the White Lion (PG 2018)
AUGUST 8, 6-7 P.M. EAST HOUMA BRANCH
AUGUST 5, 6-8 P.M. NORTH BRANCH
Surprise! Big Mouth Cat Craft (For grades PreK-6th)
National Friendship Day Create friendship bracelets. For grades 4th – 12th.
AUGUST 8, 4-5 P.M. MONTEGUT BRANCH
AUGUST 6, 1-2 P.M. BOURG BRANCH
International Dog Day Celebrations Big Red Dog Story Time & Craft
Game Day with Bayou Board Gaming Choose from one of the library’s board games or bring your own to share for an all ages day of fun.
AUGUST 26, 4-5 P.M. DULAC BRANCH
DIY Dog Toys MONTEGUT BRANCH
AUGUST 10, 2-5 P.M. MAIN BRANCH
Come make a healthy, no-bake dog treat for your pup.
Finding Your Funny Bone Kids can take turns telling jokes.
AUGUST 26, 4-5 P.M.
AUGUST 26, 6-7 P.M. EAST HOUMA BRANCH
AUGUST 15, 4-5 P.M. BOURG BRANCH
“Paper Bag Dog” Craft
STEM Challenge Build a bridge with clothespins and rubber bands
AUGUST 27, 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. GIBSON BRANCH
AUGUST 17, 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. NORTH BRANCH
National Aviation Day Airplane Craft Create airplanes at the library. For grades Pre K- 3rd.
Back to School Fun
Back to school story/craft time AUGUST 5, 3:30-5:15 P.M. DULARGE BRANCH
AUGUST 19, 3-4 P.M. BOURG BRANCH
Back to School Movie Akeelah and the Bee (PG, 2006)
STEM Challenge Make Kinetic Sand
AUGUST 5, 6-8 P.M. NORTH BRANCH
AUGUST 21, 4-5 P.M. DULAC BRANCH
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•
Training Starts September 10
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expert advice
TIPS FOR SCHOOL BUS SAFETY “The wheels on the bus go round and round…” According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, high seat backs and that bright yellow color, school buses keep more than 17 million cars away from school buildings every day.
Send in your
back to school photos
School buses are the safest way for students to travel, but children also need to do their part to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to prevent injury. NSC urges parents to teach their children the following safety rules for getting on and off the bus, and for exercising good behavior while riding.
to mary@rushing-media.com to see your family in print!
GETTING ON THE BUS: • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
SCHOOL
• Do not stray onto the street, alleys or private property. • Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches. • Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus. • Use the handrail when boarding.
BEHAVIOR ON THE BUS: • If seat belts are available on the bus, buckle up.
familyfirsthouma.com
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AUGUST 2019
BOOK US FOR YOUR CHILD’S NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY
• Don’t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver.
SPECIALIZING IN CHILDREN’S
• Stay in your seat.
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• Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window. • Keep aisles clear of books and bags. • Get your belongings together before reaching your stop. • Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.
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GETTING OFF THE BUS: • Use the handrail when exiting. • If you have to cross in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. • Make sure the driver can see you.
• Birthdays • Company Parties • Church Events
• Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. • When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Summer Camps • Schools, Etc. • Daycares
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• If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.
Driven to
distraction?
• Do not cross the centerline of the road until the driver signals it is safe. • Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.
FIRST-TIME RIDER TIPS:
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• Before the first day of school, point out the bus stop where you and your children will wait for the bus each day.
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• Even if it’s your own driveway or the corner nearest your home, be sure your child knows where they need to be for the bus to stop. • Introduce yourself and your child to your bus driver on the first day. Let the driver know it’s a new experience for your child.
• Support focus and concentration • Promote mental alertness
• Write your child’s bus number down on a piece of paper and tape to the inside of their school bag, especially if the morning and evening bus numbers differ.
• Aid bouts of distress and hyperactivity • Maintain healthy cognitive function • Acceptable for use on the Feingold Program
• Remind your child to ask an adult for help if they become confused or unsure when loading for the bus or during a bus transfer. Make sure your child knows the name of their school.
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• Review the above safety tips for a fun ride! •
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AUGUST 2019
expert advice
ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR CHILDREN Children are very impressionable. They will believe whatever they hear, whether it is positive, negative, happy, or scary.
praise and use descriptive words. Instead of just saying “Good job”, try naming the task you are proud of: “I love that you picked up your cars and placed them on the shelf.”
Even as adults, if we are told, “You can’t do it,” it makes a mark on our subconscious. Imagine if we all had words of positive encouragement to help us feel motivated, no matter the task.
This school year, start off on the right foot by encouraging your child and using words and phrases that have a positive impact. It doesn’t matter if they’ve had a bad day or if you are just trying to start the morning off on the right note, these simple words can change a child’s day.
It’s important to be sincere when talking to children. Point out a specific aspect of your child’s task, behavior or personality to
“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” -Haim Ginott FAMILY FIRST
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AUGUST 2019
50 THINGS YOU CAN SAY TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD: • You are gifted.
• I admire your values.
• I appreciate your listening skills.
• I love seeing how you worked together to succeed.
• Great job coming up with a solution. • I love the way you figured that out on your own. • You have improved so much!
• Don’t give up! You’re almost there! • I love your smile. • You have such a kind heart. • You are very talented.
• I love how hard you are trying.
• Keep working at it!
• I believe in you.
• What a creative solution!
• You make me proud.
• I have faith in you.
• You must have practiced a lot!
• Your words are powerful.
• Everyone has bad days. Tell me about it. • Good remembering!
• Your ideas matter. • Your honesty makes me proud.
• Nothing can stop you!
• I like how you describe your feelings.
• That took a lot of patience.
• Thank you for cooperating.
• You are important.
• Your thoughtfulness is wonderful.
• That was a kind thing to do.
• You inspire me.
• You have been such a great friend.
• Your opinion matters.
• You have a unique sense of style.
• I’m so glad you asked for help.
• You are so smart!
• I love seeing you shine!
• I love listening to you talk.
• You achieved your goal with hard work.
• I am proud to be your parent. • You are strong. • Your kindness makes me proud.
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• Your imagination is awesome! • I am proud of the person you are becoming.
• Believe in yourself.
• It’s fun to spend time with you.
• You are capable of great things.
• I am happy you tried your best.
• Your ideas are creative!
• I love you. •
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expert advice
HEALTHY HOMEWORK HABITS Developing effective study habits are essential for a child’s academic success. Typically, children who have good study skills are likely to perform better in the classroom. Students with weak study skills can become frustrated, waste time and often receive low grades. Knowing how to study makes learning more enjoyable and leads to greater confidence in the classroom and in everyday life. By focusing on key areas, such as time management, organization, effective note-taking and test-taking strategies, students can see improvements in all aspects of their schoolwork. The following tips are recommended to help students improve their study habits:
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206 Mystic Blvd. • Houma, LA 70360
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AUGUST 2019
MANAGE TIME.
TAKE EFFECTIVE CLASS NOTES.
Students lead busy lives. It’s never too early to learn how to use their time wisely. Encourage children to estimate the time they will spend on a homework assignment and work efficiently to complete it within that timeframe. Teach your child to break complex activities and projects into smaller tasks. Then, establish a timeframe for completion.
Most students take notes in class, but often when they review them, they can’t make sense of the content. Encourage students not to write down every word the teacher says. Instead, tell them to listen carefully when a teacher elaborates and briefly summarize the main ideas. Then, each night while the material is still fresh, the student should rewrite or summarize the material.
EMPHASIZE ORGANIZATION.
DEVELOP TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES.
For some students, having color-coded binders for each subject helps them stay on track throughout the school year. Keeping class materials organized helps test preparation, so work with your child to determine the best method for them. Organization minimizes late nights completing homework assignments, cramming for tests at the last minute and can ultimately reduce student anxiety concerning school.
Being well prepared for a quiz or test helps reduce the student’s anxiety on exam day. Build confidence and tell students to avoid cramming the evening before an exam by reviewing test material in the three weeks leading up to the test.
•
Anne Marie Naquin is the Director/Owner of Sylvan Learning Center for the past 18 years. She also teaches high school math at Messiah Montessori and serves as a board member for Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence. Anne Marie is the mother of two children who attend St. Bernadette.
KEEP A SCHEDULE.
Your child should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. As part of that schedule, they should include specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more efficient your child will become.
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AUGUST 2019
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AUGUST 2019
FUN & Games
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WIN A $25 VISA GIFT CARD
PAGE NUMBERS:
Find the hidden image shown to the right on the pages of this magazine. Write down the page numbers where you found it to enter the contest. Drop off your answers along with your parent’s name and daytime phone number at our office, 6160 West Park Ave., Houma, or email it to us at mary@rushing-media.com. A winner will be selected by random drawing August 15. The winner will receive a $25 Visa Gift Card courtesy of South Louisiana Bank.
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