CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
School is in full swing once again—to some that means embarking, for the first time, on a full day of classroom instruction, to others it is the beginning of the end of their young academic careers with SAT tests and college applications on the horizon.
The staff here at Picket Fence Media has scoured the region for experts in health, education, arts, finance and more to give you, the reader, supportive stories, tips and advice to help your students succeed. You’ll hear from Pamela Kahn on the correlation between a student’s health and their academic success and from Christina Altmayer on the kindergarten readiness of Orange County’s youngest pupils. Tom Bottorf and Robert Chavez explore college funding options and Elizabeth Bottiaux, a mother of four, writes on her belief that we should let kids be kids. These local experts have poured their knowledge onto the following pages to help fulfill your child’s unique needs and academic goals throughout the journey from Crib to College.
It’s Story Time!
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ark your desk, wall and smart phone calendars for free reading events throughout the tri-cities. Be sure to visit the libraries in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano for these weekly and monthly activities for the entire family. Be sure to call the local branches for updated activity times.
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Talk! Read! Sing! Use everyday moments to build lifelong skills
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arly involvement is key—key to brain development and school success. Research has show that exposing children at the earliest ages—from birth on—to consistent, language rich experiences like talking, reading and singing helps set children on a learning path of achievement. Not all children are exposed to the same levels of back-and-forth communication, be it at home, in early learning programs, at school or in being around other children. Studies have shown that by age 3, children from lower-income families hear about 30 million fewer words than children from more affluent families. A lack of resources can create a gap—a word gap that is—in the quantity and quality of words children learn. To increase the number and caliber of words children across the nation are exposed to, the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Too Small to Fail in order to create free tip sheets for parents and caregivers to help enrich their child’s experiences. These tip sheets and other resources can be found online talkingisteaching.org. Build brain activity by talkTALK! ing to your baby or toddler. Back-and-forth conversations will help babies make new connections, build understanding and put them on a journey to learn new words and concepts. • Get on your child’s level and make eye contact. • Engage in conversations. Reply to baby language. Give your child time to respond. • Follow your baby’s lead. Identify what they are interested in and jump into nar-
ration. • Emulate your baby’s tone. If they are happy, smile and use and upbeat tone. • Comment about and label everything in your child’s environment. • Introduce new words, also repeat and expand on what your child says. You don’t have to finish a book with young children. Instead, take the time to engage your child. Talk through the book. Explore the pictures, ask questions and connect the story to everyday life. • Introduce books: How to hold them and turn the page. • Make reading an interactive experience by asking lots of questions. • Label objects in the books and relate them to real life. • Be expressive, use different tones for characters and have fun when reading stories. • Repetition, repetition, repetition. Babies learn more when the same story is repeated.
READ!
Who doesn’t love music? There is something about a good beat and catchy lyrics that puts you in a better mood. Did you know, music can nourish a child’s brain? It can also help teach new words and concepts. • Make up songs to go along with daily routines. • Act out the meaning of songs and encourage your child to do the same. • Sing songs and alter lyrics to known tunes to apply to different situations.
Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 3 can enjoy stories and activities to help with coordination and color, shape and number recognition at the San Clemente Library. Parents and siblings are welcome. Family Storytime 6:30 p.m. Join in the fun each third Monday of the month as the National Charity League Sunshine Readers host an energetic family storytime at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas and head down to the Dana Point Library for a night of stories, songs and fun. All ages are invited to this PJ storytime on the fourth Monday of each month.
Tuesday Toddler and Preschool Storytimes 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Meet your friends at the Dana Point Library for a fun, and story, filled event. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. Toddlers at 10 a.m., Preschool at 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Help your child prepare for and succeed in school by attending a Preschool Storytime at the San Clemente Library. Storytime aimed at kids ages 3 to 5.
SING!
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Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Stop by the San Juan Capistrano Library for a morning of fun stories, songs, crafts and other activities for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers.
Wednesday Family Storytime 11:30 a.m. The entire family is invited to the San Juan Capistrano Library for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish. All ages are welcome. Read to a Dog 3 p.m. Practice reading skills and build confidence by sharing your favorite tales with certified therapy dogs the first Monday of the month at the Dana Point Library.
Thursday Pajama Storytime 7:45 p.m. Come to the San Clemente Library wearing your favorite slippers and jammies as the Sunshine Readers whisk the whole family off to their dreamlands.
LOCAL LIBRARIES DANA POINT LIBRARY 33481 Niguel Road 949.496.5517, ocpl.org/libloc/dana SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY 242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493, ocpl.org/liblo/sc SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 31495 El Camino Real 949.493.1752, ocpl.org/libloc/sjc
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Are OC Kids Ready for Kindergarten? OC Children & Families examines school readiness in terms of social, emotional and physical knowledge By Christina Altmayer, Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County
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he September back to school rush has begun to fade and students throughout Orange County are beginning to settle into another year. What teachers understand, however, is that getting ready for school means more than having a backpack, new lunch box and a ready supply of pencils. Increasingly, research has demonstrated that “school readiness” means having the social, emotional and physical knowledge that helps a child be best positioned to learn. Kids who enter kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to display above-average social and academic skills that are sustained well into their Christina Altmayer educational careers. This doesn’t mean every kindergartner needs to know all their numbers and letters on day one, but if we can help equip children with the skills to learn when they begin, they will be better positioned for school success and start on a path of lifelong learning. About eight years ago, the Children and Families Commission of Orange County launched an initiative to answer the basic
question: How ready are Orange County’s children for school? Understanding that the readiness of OC’s children is key to achieving its mission, the commission—in partnership with school districts throughout Orange County—began collecting data on children in kindergarten using a tool previously deployed in Australia and Canada. The Early Developmental Index (EDI) measures children’s readiness in five domains: physical health and well-being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive development; and general knowledge and communication. We now have comprehensive, valid data on every public school with a kindergarten population in Orange County. So, how ready are Orange County’s children? Overall, almost half of Orange County’s children are on track in all five areas of readiness. As we dig into the data, there are opportunities to improve how children are doing in terms of communication and knowledge skills. The commission is using the EDI data to educate parents about the importance of reading to their children every day and working with communities to see how they can provide services and environments in which children and parents can learn and play together to foster healthy development. Additionally, the commission is digging deeper into the data to understand specific
Read Aloud, Read Often By Tracey Frank Pringle, Owner of Club Literacy
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here is one key ingredient essential for any good-reader recipe: Motivation. For young readers to progress in the area of reading, they have to develop a love of reading and an appreciation of authors and illustrators. This will give them the natural motivation to want to read. Becoming an independent, strong and capable reader is like building a house. The most enduring houses we admire are the houses built with the strongest foundation. Research has proven the more you do something the better you become at it–thus, children who read more develop the strongest foundations. How do we connect and motivate children when it comes to loving books and learning to read? One of my fondest memories growing up was visiting the public library with my mother. I recall her telling me how she
SUMMARY OF EDI RESULTS – ORANGE COUNTY (2015) Physical Health & Well-being
7%
Social Competence
9%
Emotional Maturity
8%
80%
13%
12%
General Knowledge & Communication
12% 0%
At Risk
67%
21%
72%
17% 20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
On Track
skills that need to be improved. For instance, more than one-third of kindergarteners in the county lack necessary gross and fine motor skills–a possible result of too much iPad swiping and too little crayon-grasping. A full 32 percent of children are behind in their prosocial, or “helping” behavior, and 41 percent were not ready for school based on their communication skills and general knowledge. It is important to understand this is not a reflection of how the schools are doing. This is a point in time measurement reflecting how ready children are when they enter school. School readiness starts with a child’s first teachers—their parents. Beginning at birth, parents can help provide children with strong early care and learning opportunities. This means reading to them, talking
with them, singing to and cuddling them. Preschool and transitional kindergarten enrollment can also play a critical role. By working together, parents, schools and community organizations can determine how to collectively boost children’s school readiness. Already the EDI data is being used creatively throughout the county by educators in preschools, school districts, and community agencies working together to ensure that every Orange County child is ready for school.
“Few children learn to love books by themselves—someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word. Someone has to show them the way.”
your children so important? It may be hard to believe, but even the manner in which you read a book to your child will begin to model a key component in comprehension. Reading with expression is the strongest indicator of comprehension when we listen to young readers. Help increase vocabulary, build background knowledge and model the reading process with your child by reading aloud. If you give a kid a book, he’s gonna want another book. Remember you are inspiring your child to have an interest in books, which means they are going to read more and reading more is going to make him or her a better reader. And remember, books provide the absolute best writing models. As the wonderful author and professor Lester Laminack says, “Reading aloud to your children is one way of making numerous deposits into an account they will draw from across their lives.”
—Jim Trelease, educator and author loved “Trixie Blenden” and “The Hardy Boys” when she was little. Of course I began checking out and voraciously reading the famous mystery series adding “Nancy Drew” to the mix. Tracey Frank Pringle Children’s books are a great platform that allows you to share a commonality with your child. Your child can make connections within literature which spark their interest and make them want to read more. Visit libraries regularly and buy a new book as a special treat. You can also place cloth and board books in your baby’s
77%
14%
Language & Cognitive Development
Vulnerable
80%
13%
playpen and keep books in the car for older children. And don’t forget to utilize wildly available environmental print as a fun game by reading cereal boxes and billboards. What is the single most important act you can do to spark interest and curiosity in children? Reading aloud is at the core of motivating your child. Creating a bond with reading will produce a lifetime of success. Here is one statistic to keep in mind: Kindergarten teachers report that 100 percent of students want to learn to read, research however shows only 54 percent of fourth-graders and 30 percent of eighth-graders read for pleasure. In a nutshell, why is reading to and with
Christina Altmayer was appointed Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County in August 2013. She has worked extensively with government agencies at the state, county and municipal level on strategic planning, performance management and innovating program design.
A reading teacher for more than 20 years, Tracey Frank Pringle has dedicated her life to helping children develop a love for reading and writing. As a mother of a first- and a fourth-grader, she is also in the thick of it, trying to make sure her own children love to read. Learn more about read-alouds, tips on fostering a love of reading and Club Literacy, located in Dana Point, courses at clubliteracy.com or call 949.717.6624.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Get Active Local nonprofit helps kids make positive changes in physical, mental and emotional health By Shae Gawlak, Founder of Fit to be Kids
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t’s a fact: Childhood and adolescent obesity has more than tripled and quadrupled, respectively, in the last 30 years, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of 2012, nearly one third of the population, ages 6 to 19, was considered overweight or obese. The thing is this health epidemic is entirely preventable. With improved diet choices and increased activity, our children can combat and prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor self esteem. Our students aren’t always presented with the better options. School lunches can fall short of nutritious and school fitness programs might not fulfill the World Health Organization’s 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Enter Fit to be Kids and Fit ‘n Fun Clubs— free year-round community outreach programs, available throughout Orange County, impacting low-income/at-risk and special needs families. It’s more than just exercise. These programs incorporate mind-bodyspirit practices that provide children and their parents with life-long coping skills that assist
in their ability to identify health risk factors. Being a native of Colorado, I have always enjoyed outdoor physical activities. I was fortunate enough to have parents that understood and appreciated health and wellness and exposed our family to various exciting sports even embraced a day at the park playing football or Frisbee. As a mother, it was important for me to provide the same lifestyle for my own children and educate them in living healthy, active lives. This is where it begins, as a parent. It is our responsibility to set a good example for our children so they follow in our footsteps. Each week, Fit to be Kids participants take part in varying physical activities from Olympicsstyle field games and arts fitness, to Shae Gawlak martial gymnastics, swimming and even yoga. Classes then provide insight into the fundamental attributes of physical fitness and nutrition—giving students an understanding of how these things affect the structure and function of the human body. This program, along with individual weekly fitness challenges, offers communities the ability to begin making positive behavioral changes regarding physical, mental and emotional health. Fit to be Kids founder Shae Gawlak is a certified personal trainer with more than 20 years experience. She is an active member of the Childhood Obesity Task Force at Mission Hospital. Find our more at fit2bekids.com.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS concept immediately. So not true. I always preface a new concept by saying, “This is hard and some of you will not understand it right away. You must listen and practice and repeat until you do. Once you understand it, then it will be easy!” “Practice, practice, practice!” Success comes from hard work and hard work includes practice. If you want to be fast at your multiplication facts then you need to practice. If you want an ‘A’ on your test, then you need to practice. This means practicing over a period of time, not the night before the test. “Read with the sunrise.” Instead of trying to read at the end of the day when everyone is exhausted, read before your feet hit the floor. Every teacher wants your child to read for 20 minutes a day. Why not do it first thing each morning and start the day off on the right foot?
1 Teacher + 1 Student = Educational Success One-on-one tutoring supports unique learning needs By Ginny Horner Villa, Owner of Under Pressure Homework Help
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arents send children to tutors for different reasons. Some may be struggling in a subject. Others may have a learning disability, experience test taking issues or comprehension struggles. Children often go to tutors because parents need the help. Both parents may work; they may fight with their child on a daily basis to get homework and reading done or they are simply exhausted by the work load. The situation is different for each family. As a tutor, I have been defined as someone
By Elizabeth Bottiaux, Four Kids and a Dog
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obody can dictate the appropriate amount of extra-curricular activities for your child. But, I can tell you this: If your child has zero free time to be a kid because of their hectic over-scheduled life, it’s highly likely they’ll regret it later. We live in a demographic that pushes young people to succeed. We drain our bank accounts chasing success, endlessly shuttle kids to and from activities and schedule a multitude of activities hoping it’s the ideal recipe for their success. We want the very best for them. Our kids do well. They’re high achievers. They earn college scholarships, fine tune their chosen sports, excel in academics and set high goals. Our daughter is a dancer. Dance can be all encompassing for kids at a very early age. It’s not unusual for kids to start dancing 20 hours a week by the age of six. That’s a part time job. We’ve chosen not to let it seep into
who sits with a child for a period of time to help them with a concept they are struggling with. This is how many people see tutors and many do not consider having a tutor because their child doesn’t struggle in school. Tutoring is so much more: It focuses on individuals and builds their confidence in both themselves and their schooling. I truly believe most children can be taught. What holds many students back from meeting their potential are the external distractions of family life, pressures to succeed, safe classroom environment, confidence, social issues and even learning disabilities.
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Children have too many pressures: pressure to get A’s or to be perfect at sports, music, art and a second language, to name a few. Here are a few of my sayings to help children stay calm and Ginny Horner Villa study on. “How fast you work has nothing to do with how smart you are.” Children sense if they do not understand something right away, complete a task in no time at all, are not the first to finish a test or fail to write a paper in one sitting that the class is staring at them. This is not true. Let’s retrain our thinking to understand this little fact: Smart people are usually the last to finish because they are checking their work. “Everything is hard before it is easy and everything is easy once you know how.” Children believe they need to understand a
Let Kids be Kids Build forts, watch for shooting stars and just be . . a kid every aspect of our daughter’s life. That’s what is right for our kid. The little dancers love to dance, say the parents. I don’t doubt that. But, will they look back on childhood and wish she had had more time to just be free? As parents, we pride ourselves on being our children’s biggest motivators. It’s important to show up and show Elizabeth Bottiaux enthusiasm. Be there for that game. Watch practices if you can. Go easy on criticizing their performance. Instead, focus on letting them know you enjoyed watching them play.
Let the coach be a coach. Of course, we have to push our kids to an extent. When my 6-year-old son whines about going to practice I push. He’s not allowed to quit. There have been some pretty intense battles between mother and son about heading to practice. He can be insanely stubborn and ornery. There was one particularly tough day when he was pouting and mad about water polo. With my permission, coach picked him up and threw him in the frigid water. He pouted the entire hour and wouldn’t participate. We have not encountered that much of a power struggle over practice since. He occasionally puts up the fight about going, but fully participates and en-
Ginny Horner Villa is an educator with more than 35 years of experience. The San Juan Capistrano resident has been serving the individual needs of local students out of her home the past two years. She is a firm believer in listening to, cheering on and supporting her students’ unique educational needs. Under Pressure Homework Help, 949.283.4646, underpressurehomeworkhelp@gmail.com.
Mrs Villa’s Rules for Test Taking Be the last to turn it in. When reading the instructions, circle how you are to answer the question. When reading the question, underline what the teacher wants you to answer. Do math problems twice. If you get the same answer, move on. If it’s different, do it again. If you come to a question you do not know, star it and come back to it.
joys it once he’s there. We’re trying to instill strong ethics in our kids. Once we commit it, we stick with it through the season. As I’m constantly telling my younger daughter who is obsessed with being older than eight, “You only get to be a kid once in your whole life. Don’t rush into being a teenager. You’ll be a grown up for most of your life.” Let kids be kids. Try to strike a balance. There’s so much to learn and memories to be made by just being a kid with unstructured time. Let them play dress up, do cartwheels on the grass, climb a tree, ride bikes to the store with friends, wrestle with their buddies, work a lemonade stand or read a good book. It’s important for them to experience normal kid stuff. Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, Four Kids and a Dog, about her family, girls nights out and life in the tri-city area. Visit fourkidsandadog.com to subscribe.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Artistic Education Builds Confidence, Community By Michelle Hanson-Carpenter, Owner of The Arts Project Orange County
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s parents, my husband and I are constantly trying to find ways to raise a successful thriving young adult. We have found that one of the greatest influences on our daughter’s development has been her involvement with the arts. In 2014, we established The Arts Project of Orange County to bring arts education to our community and create a “third place” for our students to belong. We believe that arts education goes beyond the creative and provides a lifetime of positive benefits. Art has the potential for enabling students to develop important life skills and foster their future success. Self-Worth: Arts education can build a child’s self-esteem and confidence through group and Michelle Hanson- individual art activities. When a child engages Carpenter in art classes with their peers, they learn to accept criticism and applause from others—building confidence and self-awareness. “Since starting to study theatre, I have really noticed that my daughter has a deeper connection with people. Because she is looking them in the eyes, projecting her voice enough for them to hear her and she has a huge glow of happiness that is so much brighter because of being involved with the arts,” said Lauren Marcisz, San Clemente resident and parent. Acceptance: Arts education allows for empathy and acceptance of others when we train the young artists to look at all things with an open mind and from a different perspective. When we look at a situation or person in this way it is much like viewing a piece of art. It adds a new level of understanding and compassion for others. “Art has given my daughter such a boost in confidence in herself,” said San Clemente resident Randlyn Clemons. “This has carried over into participating more in school, developing new friendships and just being a
happier girl overall.” Accomplishment: There is a true sense of accomplishment when a student spends hour after hour learning, rehearsing, creating and cultivating their art. “When I see a dance student work for weeks on end to learn a specific skill and finally see it through to fruition, it brings them pride from their hard work and dedication,” said Thad Hagwood, an independent dance choreographer. Self-Expression: Arts education brings us confidence and an ability to express ourselves through feelings, thoughts or ideas without boundaries. Dance legend Martha Graham once said “… Because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” Community: We all need a “third place,” somewhere between home and work or school to go and feel accepted, encouraged and free from judgment. “Working together to create something bigger than themselves, creates an immediate bond between the kids. Theatre is a collaborative entity. When we put ourselves out there in front of an audience and trust your fellow actor to go on this journey with you, you create something very special. It bonds you,” said Emily Patterson, theatre director at The Arts Project of Orange County. Michelle Hanson-Carpenter is wife to her husband, Jeff and mom to the talented Acacia. She is a San Clemente resident and owner of The Arts Project Orange County—an arts educational facility in the Talega Business Park. Michelle has taught dance for 30 years and offers art, voice, music and acting guidance. Visit theartsprojectoc.com for more information.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Safe Paths Drug, alcohol-free clubs provide safe, pressure-free environments for students By Alex Paris
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wo south Orange County schools have turned peer pressure into a positive by using it to encourage drug- and alcohol-free activities, whether they’re just for fun or for the benefit of the community. The Save Our Students Club at San Clemente High School and its counterpart at Dana Hills High School, Dana Point Paths, were started by students, for students, to provide a safe place to have fun. These student-run organizations are dedicated to promoting community welfare, fostering healthy and beneficial relationships between members and maintaining a pressure-free environment where local youth can socialize without illicit substances. The clubs achieve this goal, of providing a safe path through high school, by keeping members busy with a balance of work and play. While members regularly attend beach bonfires, bowling and movie nights, they have also contributed more than 2000
hours of community service. Dana Point Paths is now an integral part of most of the city’s events, said Mike Darnold, intervention support specialist at Dana Hills. From the city’s largest celebration, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Summer Concerts in the Park, July 4th Extravaganza and Veteran’s Day commemoration, club members are there from beginning to end setting up, taking down and cleaning up. “I prepare them for college and life by having them apply for jobs, fill out resumes,
teach them communication, responsibility, accountability and also encourage them to apply for all scholarships and grants for senior awards annually,” said Darnold, who has collaborated with the city, sheriff’s department and school faculty since 2009 supporting at-risk students facing drug- and alcohol-related issues. With the help of Dana Point Paths, young students get to be young for a while longer. Pressure from the outside to use drugs or alcohol is absent at their events where it’s simply about fun and embracing the teenage
years. Aside from a clean, and pressure-free, environment the program helps provide students with skills that they might otherwise not learn. “I always said that I would like to do different things, but I never knew how to put them into action until I joined the Dana Point Paths,” said Gissel Salgado, current president of Paths. “I would recommend this club to anyone who just wants to have fun or help others because that is truthfully what we do.” San Clemente’s S.O.S. Club entered the scene in 2013. Modeled after the Dana Point club, S.O.S has grown steadily in membership ever since. Club members often host dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, broom ball and pizza parties—where, aside from the pizza, it’s all about health and wellness. This program helps kids prepare to succeed in school by giving them peer support and opportunities to be a leader, said Susan Parmalee, club advisor and Wellness & Prevention Center director. “It gives kids an opportunity to reduce stress by participating in fun, healthy activities,” Parmelee said. Discover more about these studentrun organizations by visiting sosschs.com and danapointpaths.org where you’ll find resources for parents and students on drug and alcohol abuse including links for early intervention and counseling services. For more information about S.O.S. San Clemente, visit sosschs.com. For further information on Dana Point’s Paths, visit danapointpaths.org.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Healthy Students Learn Better
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ith school back in session—and cold and flu season on the horizon—we reached out to Pamela Kahn, Coordinator of Health and Wellness for the Orange County Department of Education on the affect a student’s overall health can have on their studies. Kahn, also touches on work being done at the county, district and school level to ensure the wellbeing of students and gives a quick overview of Senate Bill 277—signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this summer—that alters the state’s vaccination exemptions.
Picket Fence Media: How can health and wellness impact a student’s academic success? Pamela Kahn: There is no question that good Pamela Kahn health and the ability to learn are linked. When your child is emotionally and physically healthy they are more likely to attend school regularly and be ready to learn. The opposite is true too. Students with poor health have a higher probability of school failure, grade retention and dropout. Yale University researchers found students with the healthiest habits were 2.2 times more likely to reach target scores. Simply put, healthy students are better students.
What are schools doing to address the health needs of students? School health programs can reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young people and have a positive effect on academic performance. The Orange County Department of Education, along with local school districts, provides services and programs that help keep kids healthy and in school. OCDE provides resources and education around such issues as risky behaviors like alcohol and tobacco use as well as bullying. We offer programs to encourage more daily physical activity and how to eat healthy. Also, OCDE and school nurses work with families to ensure all students with health conditions receive needed medications and services that allow students to maximize their academic potential.
Any at home recommendations for parents to keep kids in tip-top shape? Schools work in partnership with parents to ensure children are healthy, happy and emotionally ready for the school day. Parents can ensure a regular bedtime, a healthy breakfast, a calm morning routine, teach the importance of good hand hygiene, provide current emergency contact numbers to the school and make sure they communicate
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any health conditions their child may have (allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.) to the school nurse so proper accommodations are put into place.
With flu season approaching, is it required that children receive a flu shot? While schools do not require children to receive the flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. School aged-children are the group with the highest rates of flu. They also tend to be the ones who spread flu to others. Remember, students aren’t the only ones at school affected by the flu: Teacher absenteeism costs time and money, as well as possibly having a negative effect on your student’s learning. Visit cdc.gov for more information.
What about other vaccinations? Do children have to be vaccinated in order to attend school? Children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools. In the past, parents have been able to file a Personal Belief Exemption stating they did not want their children to have any or all of the required immunizations. This will no longer be possible after Jan. 1, 2016. Senate Bill 277 eliminates new personal belief exemptions and mandates that children receive the required vaccines before school entry. The law allows for a child to have a medical exemption when a physician believes the circumstances warrant. Students who had a personal belief exemption prior to Jan. 1, 2016 will be required to be immunized when they enroll in the next grade span. Grade spans are defined as birth to preschool; grades kindergarten to 6; and grades 7 to 12. Visit shotsforschool.org for detailed information. Pamela Kahn is the Orange County Department of Health’s Coordinator of Health and Wellness. She is a registered nurse and holds a Master of Public Health. For answers to more student and family health related questions, visit ocde.us/health.
CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS
Crowdfunding College Millennials look to strangers for financial help By Robert A. Chavez
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t’s growing. $1.2 trillion that is—the amount of student loan debt America’s students and graduates currently owe. Many graduates are living with the financial and emotional burden of being stuck in a debt situation for decades to come. Due to student loan exclusions, even bankruptcy will not relieve these. What’s a student or parent to do when college tuition rates continue to rise? A growing number of students and families are turning to crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter and Indiegogo to pay for undergraduate and graduate educations. College counselors are even advising college-bound students to explore such financavenues to offset of Robert A. Chavez ing minimize their borrowing needs. In 2014, on GoFundMe.com alone, more than 140,000 educational accounts raised some $17.5 million. Projections for this year see this number rising as educational funds increase in popularity. What is crowdfunding? A method of raising capital through the collective efforts of friends, family, customers, business associates and people worldwide. This approach
By Jan Kerchner, Certified Educational Planner
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taps into the collective efforts of a large pool of individuals—primarily via social media. There are several crowdfunding platforms— including ones featuring donation-based projects that ask for contributions to charitable causes, nonprofit organizations, educational cost assistance, disaster relief and medical bills. When donors give to a donation-based project they have no expectations of a return of any kind. Don’t go at it alone. Crowdfunding campaign funds should be used along with other cost-reducing means like scholarships
or need and merit-based financial aid. If all cost-cutting means are used appropriately and started as early as possible the need for student loans can be eliminated. The greatest graduation gift a student can have is to be able to pursue and engage in their educational, artistic or business endeavors without the weight of debt becoming a factor in their choices. A Cautionary Note: Not all crowdfunding platforms are created equal and the success rate for your project can go from very, very low to fairly decent.
Finding the Right Fit Preparation is Key for students with learning differences
rom entrepreneurs to celebrities, airline founders to financiers and investors to authors, people with learning differences are often the game changers in our society. College is a logical next step after high school. With appropriate advanced planning, students with learning differences can have a successful college experience. Below are three critical items for parents to consider when preparing for the college admission process.
homework and reminding of upcoming tests or soccer games, there is work to be done. Be honest with yourself and your student. If there are weak areas, work on those now.
Evaluate your student’s readiness for college and help them develop skills to balance their academic and personal lives. Be realistic about your student’s readiness to manage independent living while maintaining good grades. If your student is in middle school, there is time to develop the skills necessary to successfully manage academic and personal life. However, if your student is a junior in high school and you are still checking on
Identify the parameters necessary to maximize your student’s success in college. Prepare a list of factors with your student that are key to his or her acaJan Kerchner demic success. Consider college type, location, ambience and size. Most importantly, consider the academic rigor and the level of
LD friendliness of the college. Finally, define the accommodations needed to achieve academic success. Colleges offer a breadth of support services for students with learning differences. However, keep in mind that they vary from college to college. Research is tantamount to finding the right fit. The accommodations being utilized by your student in his or her education are documented in your student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and in the Psychological Educational Evaluation completed by the licensed psychologist who diagnosed your student. If your student is finding them useful in his or her current setting, look for colleges offering similar accommodations.
Complimentary “Crowdfunding for College” workshops are being offered locally where you can receive instruction on avoiding most fees, developing funding projects and more. For dates, times and locations send an email to crowdfundingnofees@ gmail.com or call 949.370.2412. Robert Chavez is a third-generation local resident, Army veteran and Chico State graduate. The former elementary school teacher was the first in his family to graduate from college. For 10 years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.
Obtain accommodations for standardized testing early in high school. The paperwork for requesting accommodations for high stakes tests must be generated and submitted to the College Board or ACT by your school’s counseling office. Accommodations can range from extended time and multiple days of testing to having a reader. It can take the College Board or ACT a month or longer to approve the request for the accommodations so start early. With more than 2,000 universities across the country, there are programs and colleges for every type of student. Staying informed, building your student’s skills early, identifying your student’s needs and doing the research will contribute to a good fit. In turn, your student may be a game changer too. Jan Kerchner, CEO of The College Blueprint, LLC, founded The College Blueprint ADDvantage to provide a comprehensive resource for college bound students and families challenged with LD, ADHD, and High Functioning Autism. Find out more at collegeblueprint.com.
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College Admissions: 5 Things to Know “When applying to college, employ the academic and personal skills you’ve learned to this point, including self-advocacy, research, personal ref lection and self-expression. You are ultimately in control of your future.” —Amy Warren, Associate Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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he college research and application process can be daunting. To help you navigate the lengthy route to your post-high school education, we reached out to St. Margaret’s Episcopal School college counselors, Roland Allen and Amy Warren—creators of the online course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, through edX, a global online learning community founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here are their top five tips for college-interested students:
BE YOURSELF.
The best story you can tell is your own. Many students tell us they want to stand out in the college process. These same students often seek to imitate what Roland Allen they think has worked for others. The best college applicants are those who do the hard work of getting to know themselves by setting goals and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. They also approach their applications by thinking Amy Warren about what they want colleges to know about them, rather than trying to guess what they think colleges want to hear.
BE OPEN.
Your perfect college could be one you hadn’t heard of before. Spread a wide net when it comes to assembling college lists. With so many to choose from, it is important to keep an open mind as you explore college
options. If you find a school that piques your interest, stay focused on that interest.
BE REALISTIC.
While it is OK to reach, make sure your college list does not include only highly selective schools. You want choices. Likewise, be realistic about your finances. Talk to your parents early in the process to access your family’s financial resources. Use the Net Price Calculator on each college’s website to gauge what you and your parents will be expected to contribute to your education if admitted. Also, think in advance about how much loan debt you are willing to take on, if finances are a concern.
BE THOUGHTFUL.
A successful college process does not happen by accident. You need to understand deadlines and application requirements. Also, create time in your senior-year schedule to research colleges and draft applications. As with other parts of this process, we recommend sketching out a game-plan with your school counselor, teacher or other trusted adult.
BE BOLD.
Put yourself out there. If you do not know the answer to something college related, ask people who know the answer. Utilize your school counselor, or if the answer is college-specific, call the college admissions or financial aid office. If you need more information on specific academic programs, go to college websites and look for contacts in academic departments of interest. They’re happy to help you. Learn more insights from these experts by enrolling in their free edX course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, by visiting edx.org.
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Three Biggest Obstacles to Debt-Free College By Tom Bottorf, Co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding
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ith the majority of students taking six years to finish college and student loan debt sitting at $1.4 trillion, many new graduates are moving back home where they are unable to pay their student loans, move out or get married. The good news is most problems associated with attending and paying for college can be avoided. Allowing a 17-year-old to make a 1 $100,000 to $250,000 decision. It continues to amaze me how many families I meet say that, “Wherever our child wants to attend college, we’ll make it happen. They deserve it ... they’ve earned it.” When a family can comfortably “write the check,” that’s one thing—but many parents put at risk their financial future. Your “college list” should feature 10 or so schools that are fits for mom, dad and student—both financially and academically. Believing a 4-year college is for everyone. Not long ago a college diploma was 2 highly regarded as a “ticket to success.” This is no longer the case. Popular alternatives many young adults have chosen with success are 1- and 2-year certificates, vocational schools, military service,
Tom Bottorf
apprenticeships leading to business ownership, even taking a “gap year” to think it through a bit more. Don’t force a 4-year college degree. Skills and experience are highly regarded on a college graduate’s resume.
Assuming there is financial aid for each student. Unless a family can write the check, it’s imperative to know if a student qualifies for need-based aid, merit-based aid, a combination of both, or neither. It’s also crucial to understand each college’s financial aid policies. The bottom line is this: the academic profile and personal accomplishments of the student, the financial profile of the parents and the policies of the individual colleges directly affect the financial aid offered—or not—to your student by the colleges.
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Tom Bottorf is the co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding and a new venture called CollegeSuccessFormula. He has taken all the information and experience his organization has imparted to families in private counseling over the last 10 years, and created an interactive online college planning platform—collegesuccessformula.com.
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Bella Collina San Clemente Bella Collina San Clemente is a private, family-friendly golf club where members of all ages come together to socialize and enjoy the game of golf. In addition to the scenic 27-hole golf course, designed by legendary tournament champion Gary Player, Bella Collina also offers an active social calendar. Members enjoy wine dinners, concerts, festive holiday celebrations and much more all year round. In addition to Single and Family Golf Memberships, Bella Collina San Clemente offers Junior Golf for children and Social Membership for non-golfers. Whether you are looking to create lasting memories with your family or a place to escape your busy schedule, Bella Collina San Clemente is the perfect place to get away. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.498.6604, bellacollinasanclemente.com.
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
Kristen Ritzau D.D.S., Shoreline Dental Studio
When you step foot on the Capistrano Valley Christian Schools campus you are not in the typical school setting. The campus’ facilities provide a sense of security and calmness with a dynamic spirit. Parents who consider Capistrano Valley Christian Schools say their values, both academically and spiritually, are consistent with an environment emphasizing Christian values, strong academics and individual student responsibility and leadership. The opportunity for their children to participate in this rigorous and rewarding experience from junior kindergarten through high school is viewed as a wonderfully unique opportunity. Positive peer pressure and close teacher/student relationships produce high achievement, a disciplined environment and a setting where the school becomes an extension of the home. Students have the opportunity to participate in quality athletic programs, dynamic drama productions and real life leadership situations—all undergirded by the Word of God. 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, cvcs.org.
Early and regular dental care is vital to children for both their health care and social confidence. At Shoreline Dental, we help kids keep their bright and healthy smiles by working hard to prevent tooth decay and support overall oral health. We encourage regular cleanings, promote healthy habits at home and offer helpful conservative solutions for patients that may need a bit of work. Whether it is taking a look at that first baby tooth or helping teenagers whiten their teeth for the Senior Prom, Dr. Kristen Ritzau and staff provide nothing but the best care for the entire family. We offer a number of sedation options for kids and adults alike. As someone who grew up here in San Clemente and is a mom of a 1-year-old, Dr. Ritzau loves to give back to the community that helped raise her. 122 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.245.6046, info@shorelinedentalstudio.com.
Our Lady of Fatima Parish School
Our Savior’s Lutheran School
Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing and dedicated professionals. The campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students that is centered on the value of family. OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven institution of learning that prides itself on academic rigor and high student expectations. OLF’s Early Education Center offers a Transitional Kindergarten; the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give 4-yearolds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively. OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition and service to their community. With a crosscurricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate and integrate academic concepts. 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.7320, olfschool.net
There’s something special going on at Our Savior’s Lutheran School. Dedicated teachers educate and inspire, creating a learn¬ing environment in which students excel academically. With small class sizes, a fully accredited school and a highly educated, credentialed teaching staff, students are able to develop their individual gifts and learn who they are—beloved children of God. Parents express their appreciation for the strong academics and appreciate even more, the emphasis on Christian value of love for one another. Our Savior’s Lutheran offers preschool through fifth-grade with a full day kindergarten and many enrichment opportunities for children both during and after the school day. Newborn to 3-year-old Parent and Me sessions are offered. We celebrate and honor the diversity of gifts, abilities and backgrounds each child contributes to the school community. All faiths are welcome. 200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, 949.492.6165, oursaviorsschool.net
Opportunities For Learning Proudly serving Orange County’s student community since 2002, Opportunities For Learning Public Charter Schools offer a hybrid-educational program consisting of independent study, small group instruction and online classes as an alternative to the traditional classroom environment. OFL creates an individualized learning path for each student to ensure a rigorous collegepreparatory curriculum regardless of their past school experiences. OFL is a Western Association Schools and Colleges accredited public school dedicated to providing quality educational services to all students. Students with the desire and ability can accelerate their learning and work at a pace faster than the traditional school model while maintaining their ability to attend a 2-year community college, 4-year university, vocational training or to enter directly into the workforce. OFL unique features include: open entry, continuous learning in a year-round school, individualized programs, highlyqualified teachers, and experiential learning trips. 33261 Del Obispo Street, Suite E, Dana Point, 949.248.1282, emsofl.com.
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Santa Margarita Catholic High School Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a well-rounded, college-preparatory education—one that saw more than $30.8 million in scholarships awarded to the class of 2015. The school offers 19 AP courses, an interdisciplinary and auxiliary studies program as well as the international baccalaureate program. The school’s One-toOne Tablet PC program puts a tablet in the hands of every student and teacher. Campus Ministry provides students the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. The school’s athletic program emphasizes character building and has seen 56 CIF championships and 187 league championships. The award-winning arts program includes more than 60 courses. With more than 70 campus clubs and activities, students are encouraged to explore their passions. The school’s recently modernized library media center provides a collaborative learning environment. Santa Margarita also recently opened the Eagle Athletic Center which features a first-class weight room. 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.766.6000, smhs.org.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Core values of character, community, balance and breadth, and high expectations guide how the independent St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, founded in 1979, educates its 1,250 students from preschool through grade 12. Its class of 2015 graduates matriculated to diverse institutions across the nation including Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colgate University, Emory University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Villanova University, Meredith College and Trinity College. The Upper School offers 26 Advanced Placement courses and innovative, challenging academic electives such as mobile application programming, multivariable calculus and engineering. Every graduate is prepared and qualified to enroll in a four-year college or university, and because of the school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education, more than 130 leading colleges and universities across the country visit St. Margaret’s annually to recruit its graduates. St. Margaret’s begins with an early childhood program that meets each child at his
South Coast Conservatory South Coast Conservatory has been teaching dance and performing arts in southern Orange County for more 24 years. Started in Laguna Niguel in 1992, the conservatory now has a second location in San Clemente. At South Coast Conservatory, we offer professional dance instruction to students ages 3 to adult, and from beginning to professional levels. Our conservatory has two convenient locations featuring 11 studios staffed by highly-trained faculty members—experts in hip hop, musical theatre, creative dance, ballet, tumbling, jazz and more. Our students and staff put on two annual productions. South Coast Conservatory is home to a nationally ranked competitive program, a ballet company, a modern company and master classes that feature guest teachers from around the world. 27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel; 400-C Camino De Estrella, San Clemente, 949.367.0099, ssconservatory.com.
or her unique stage of development, fostering cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative growth. The Preschool curriculum develops exploration and foundation skills, receiving the highest marks from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This proven approach to educating young children best prepares them for future social and academic success throughout Lower and Middle School years. The school invests in STEM curriculum, with computer science and engineering programs beginning in kindergarten. Students in all divisions innovate and create in stateof-the-art maker design and fabrication labs. A hallmark of St. Margaret’s educational approach is how its renowned and expert faculty, more than 65 percent hold advanced degrees, are engaged in the life of each student. Teachers, advisors, three college counselors, chaplains and coaches provide a solid framework of guidance and support. Through small classes, every student is known and nurtured. St. Margaret’s students and alumni are easily recognized for their integrity, leadership, character and values. The school’s Episcopal identity guides its inclusive community that values faith and reason, embraces debate and differences, and emphasizes the spiritual and intellectual development of each child. Alongside rigorous academics and a breadth of student programs, St. Margaret’s fosters lives of understanding, respect, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org