2019 Make the Grade

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2019 MAKE THE GRADE

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019 • 1F

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GOOD STUDY E HABITS

ncouraging good study skills when children are young is an effective way for parents to help support their future academic success.

It’s crucial for parents to help students move beyond simply memorizing facts from their homework to really engaging with the material, said Dr. David Timony, an educational psychologist and chair of Delaware Valley University’s Department of Education.

“Children naturally practice, rehearse and study to develop their skills and interests. They understand that improvement requires work and it’s important that we recognize that and tap into that focus and motivation,” he said.

Young children may not be developmentally ready to see these relationships, but parents can help them connect the dots.

“Look for improvement, point it out and celebrate growth,” Timony said.

✦ Have a conversation Part of the conversation needs to be to frame take-home work and study skills in a positive light rather than suggesting that homework is a hassle.

“Just like their parents, children always have something they would rather be doing, and interrupting them to do something else may be met with resistance. Helping parents and children to see the functional value in homework is an important factor in motivation,” Timony said. ✦ Model the behavior “Homework is simply one type of practice that we engage in as students,” he said. “If you think about it, we do all sorts of activities that require practice to improve our skills.

Connecting our practice in life to the practice of improving our academic skills is one that kids will understand if it is explained through patience and

demonstration rather than through telling, rule-making and punishments or threats.”

✦ Offer support A parent has many ways to be supportive to the process of completing homework.

“For younger children, it may be something simple like proximity — sitting down together while the child works,” Timony said. “They can pause every so often for a quick chat, encouragement or snack. It’s not necessarily one-on-one time, but that shared parallel experience may serve to support the activity.” ✦ Don’t be dismissive While parents should obviously not do their child’s homework, there are other things to avoid.

“Don’t allow homework to be the wedge in your lives and your relationships,” Timony said. “Parents should avoid getting in between the teacher and the student. You don’t want to be dismissive about the assignments or the teachers or show your frustration.

This doesn’t advance the conversation and creates conflict that kids are not prepared to mediate.” ✦ Be organized but flexible Structure and organization can be helpful as long as it’s flexible. Be sure to include the child in developing a plan of action.

“Too often, parents impose a structure that does not work for the child.

For example, a parent may demand the child sit at the kitchen table to do their studying but the child may prefer to sit on a comfy chair or even lay on the floor to do their studying,” Timony said. “Giving children choices increases their engagement and improves outcomes. That’s not to say that they will always have the best ideas, but our kids deserve a conversation rather than an edict. Let’s explore together what works best.”

2019 MAKE THE GRADE

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s a child’s first teachers, parents play a key part in continuing to shape their overall learning as they enter school.

“Your child will grow and change tremendously through the elementary school years.

Modeling a positive attitude towards school and learning and developing the same in your children will help carry them through these years, and far into the future,” said Sascha Mowrey, assistant professor of early childhood education at Missouri State University. “No two children travel at the same pace through childhood, so be flexible and communicate regularly with your child and with school personnel.”

Being involved can help young children do well academically.

“Parents can have conversations with children about what they are learning at school, ask questions to encourage students to share their thinking and help make connections between school lessons and daily life,” Mowrey said.

Continue the conversation with teachers and the school.

“This is especially important if there are concerns. The teacher will reach out to the family, but effective communication goes both directions,” Mowrey said. “Finally, parents can and should advocate for their own children as well as for other students at the school and in the community.”

One of the best ways to send children to school ready to learn is to make sure that their basic needs are met.

“Make sure each child is well-rested and has a routine to start the day that ensures they feel safe, loved and energized for the

school day,” Mowrey said.

Avoid activities like television and games in the morning as children often do not want to leave these activities to go to school, Mowrey said.

“Talk about the day to help the children know what to expect,” especially if there is a special class like physical education, an event or a change to transportation or after-school plans, Mowrey said.

“Try establishing a routine to make sure that lunches/lunch money, glasses and other school needs are in a single location and do not get left behind,” she said.

For elementary school children a considerable portion of organization is being prepared.

“For young students that means thinking about what you will need ahead of time and making sure that you can find it. As students get older, that also includes taking

care of items (calendars, papers, etc.) and keeping them accessible and clean,” Mowrey said.

Establishing a simple and consistent routine and central location for school items will help with this.

“Parents can model gathering up all the items the child needs, if they are very young, or talk the child through gathering their items and placing them in a school bag. At the end of the school day, parents and children can discuss any items coming home from school, and plan how to take care of any action items such as permission slips and gym shoes before the next school day,” Mowrey said.

Younger students are not ready for formal tests and will likely take very few.

“The teachers will be assessing them using observation, note-taking, listening to student thinking as well as studying the work that they create for class assignments,” Mowrey said. “If your child has knowledge tests, encourage them to practice in a way that is fun for them, rather than high pressure.

Focus on tricky, confusing items and how the student can use strategies for remembering patterns and details. Use hands-on materials to engage them.”

7 ways to make mornings less hectic any families find the rush is on to make it to school and work on time each morning. Feeling rushed M in the morning is a recipe for added stress. Rushing

through things is a poor way to begin a day, and those feelings of uneasiness can put a damper on the rest of the day ahead.

Making mornings less hectic involves a few different strategies that parents and kids can easily incorporate into their daily routines.

• Wake up slightly earlier. Getting up earlier than normal, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes before you’re accustomed to getting out of bed, can help reduce morning stress. Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button over and over again. A few extra minutes each morning can make you feel more relaxed and make for a smooth, stress-free start to the day.

• Get some work done the night before. Prepare lunches the night before and have them ready in the refrigerator. In addition, lay your clothes for the following day out each night. This saves time and takes a

couple more things off your morning to-do list.

• Ease back into a routine. As a new school year dawns or a long vacation comes to an end, begin going to bed earlier and start waking up earlier as well. This can make the transition from carefree mornings to busy mornings go more smoothly.

• Prep backpacks in the evening. Look through folders, sign paperwork, check assignments, and do whatever is you need to do the night before to save your family from having to scramble in the morning. This ensures those permission slips get signed and items make it back into school bags.

• Opt for school lunch a few times. Look ahead on the school lunch menu and speak with children about which meals they enjoy. Let kids purchase school lunch on those days to give yourself a day off from lunch detail.

• Have quick breakfast foods available. Smoothies, cereal bars, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals are fast and nutritious ways to start the day.

• Carpool whenever possible. Busy families can save

themselves extra work by proposing a neighborhood carpool. Sharing school dropoff detail frees time up for parents once or twice a week, and kids may enjoy traveling to school with their friends.

Mornings can be tricky when family members are getting ready for school and work at the same time.

By practicing a few daily rituals, it’s possible to curb the rush and start the day happier and more relaxed.

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A B S E N T E E S H AW N E E T R I B A L H E A LT H SY S T E M

FREE DENTAL AND VISION SCREENINGS AND FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS 4-6 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 • LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER 15951 Little Axe Drive • Norman, OK 73026 • 405.447.0300 It’s that time of year again. At LAHC, we’re helping out with free dental and vision screenings, and free sports physicals for all kids under the age of 18. This event is open to ALL RESIDENTS of the Little Axe community.

Enjoy refreshments and goody bags for attendees (supplies are limited).

So get here early, get the kids ready to go and let us take care of you!

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2019 MAKE THE GRADE

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some confusion especially when a family moves, Klase said. All 50 states require children attending public schools to be vaccinated (unless they have an exemption) for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and chicken pox, Klase said. Some states require others, such as hepatitis B and meningitis vaccines, Klase said.

Thanks to modern science many people don’t understand the severity of childhood illnesses that vaccines protect against, Klase said. For example, in 2017 a 6-year-old Oregon boy who was not vaccinated contracted tetanus after cutting his forehead. He spent nearly two months in the hospital, a majority in intensive care, and the Additionally, preteens should get the HPV family racked up a medical human papillomavirus) vaccine, which ((or or h uman pa pill illomaviirus)) vacci ine whi hich h bill of over $800,000, protects against cancer later in life in men according to a report from and women, Offit said. the Centers for Disease As a person ages a TD booster is recomControl and Prevention. mended every 10 years to protect against While measles was tetanus and diphtheria, Klase said. practically eradicated in Check cdc.gov/vaccines/ the United States, it is now growing/immunization-schedule.html to back, and whooping cough see an easy-to-read schedule. is also on the upswing, No matter if a child is taught healthy Klase said. habits or if a school is clean and well-main“Why take a chance of tained, children get sick. Schools are a great getting a serious illness? environment for spreading bacteria and You can almost die — or viruses because students are in crowded die — from something that classrooms, sharing things and in close is vaccine-preventable. If proximity to one another, Klase said. you have questions, talk to your doctor. Talk to a couple of doctors. Don’t ◗ Check state requirements just go on the internet and While the federal government recommends the immunization schedule, it varies do your own research,” Klase said. somewhat state to state, which can cause

IMMUNIZATIONS

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ecent outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough have ignited controversy about childhood vaccines, but infectious disease specialists and public health doctors urge children to get vaccinated to ensure their long-term health.

“Back-to-school is a great time to think about vaccinations because it’s one point when your child’s pediatrician is checking to see if they’re up to date,” said, Dr. Zachary Klase, assistant professor of biological sciences at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Vaccines are more than just a government regulation or requirement: They are an extremely effective public health tool that protects the spread of disease, Klase said.

The common preventable illnesses protected by childhood vaccinations include

tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), cough) h) polio, poli lio measles, measles l mumps, mumps rubella, rub bell lla hepatitis B and meningitis.

“Parents are faced with a complicated set of vaccinations that children are asked to get and that makes some parents concerned, but it is much better to get the vaccine than to get the disease,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

◗ Recommended schedule Throughout childhood there are three main stages when a child is recommended to receive vaccinations: from birth to age 2, from 4 to 6 and from 11 to 13, Offit said.

At 16, young people should receive booster doses of meningitis vaccine, he said.

“Every child over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot each year,” Klase said.

Strategies parents can use to motivate students

tudents may need some time to adjust at the beginning of a new school year. Summer vacations typically lack the Sstructure of the school year, and it might be unfair to expect

School Start Times

kids to seamlessly slip back into their more regimented lives as students.

While some early school year sluggishness might be normal, that should wear off pretty quickly. If not, and students appear to be struggling to get motivated for their schoolwork, parents can try various strategies that should help reignite youngsters’ passions for learning. ◗ Make your home more school-friendly. Summer is a relaxing time of year when parents have a tendency to relax rules around the house. But come the school year, parents must make sure their homes are as conducive to studying as possible. Resist the urge to turn the television on each night so students are not distracted from their studies. Keep the home quiet so students are motivated to focus on their studies. ◗ Encourage participation in extracurricular activities.

Various studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. A 2002

study published in the journal Sociology of Education found that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with improved grade point average, increased college attendance and reduced absenteeism. The link between participation in extracurricular activities and improved academic performance is still in need of study, but such participation may help children acclimate to the structure of the school year more quickly than they might if they do not participate in such activities. ◗ Encourage curious youngsters. Kids are curious, and fostering that curiosity can be a great way for parents to get their kids excited about learning. Whether it’s during the school year and part of their curriculum or on summer break, encourage kids to engage in subjects that interest them. As kids learn more about the topics and subjects that interest them, they may develop a passion for learning that they can then take with them to the classroom. ◗ Express an interest in the subjects children are studying. Another way to motivate students at the dawn of a new school year is to express an interest in the subjects they’re studying. Ask questions about their studies and encourage

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them to share their thoughts and opinions. Engaging students about the subjects they’re studying can motivate them to explore those subjects more deeply than they otherwise might.

Motivating kids to be excited about their schoolwork at the dawn of a new school year can sometimes be difficult.

But parents can employ various strategies that can help their children readjust to life in the classroom and motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities. BS187100

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2019 MAKE THE GRADE

4F • Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019

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TIPS to be your

By Melissa Erickson

your child.

“Paper is out. Instead, urge the school to deliver paperwork digitally,” she said.

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ngaged in education research and program evaluations for 35 years, Nancy Brigham knows that not all children are treated equally in the public education system.

“Poor, minority, students with disabilities and non-English-speaking students are shortchanged by schools. These students don’t have the same experiences as more affluent kids do,” said Brigham, author of “A Fragile Enterprise,” which addresses pitfalls she’s seen in the U.S. educational system and highlights devoted people who are making a difference in students’ lives.

Educators and administrators have knowledge and experience, but parents may feel like beginners when it comes to understanding what a child’s rights are, Brigham said.

“It’s easy for parents to feel intimidated. Schools are a beaurocracy,” she said.

Some tips to help parents be advocates for their children:

◗ Save all paperwork Children with special needs will usually have an individualized education program, or IEP, which is a strategy for how the school will serve and meet a child’s unique needs, Brigham said. IEP meetings can be overwhelming, but being organized can help lessen anxiety and increase a parent’s role as an advocate.

“Save all your paperwork. Take notes. Build a file,” she said. During IEP meetings someone on the school staff should be taking notes; request those notes, Brigham said. Be sure to keep everything that is pertinent to the education and well-being of

Avoid back injuries by choosing the right backpack

Finding the right backpack is an essential component of back-to-school shopping. Children may have their own ideas of what’s in style, but parents should look for backpacks that are functional before factoring in style. Marrying form and function together can be challenging, but it’s necessary to prevent students from developing back problems.

But parents must give consideration to more than just the size of their children’s backpacks.

Depending on school schedules, students may be carrying backpacks for up to 10 hours per day, five days per week.

Backpacks may be filled with several pounds of stuff, such as textbooks, binders, laptops, and other supplies, potentially leading to injury.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight. But many students pack their bags with much more weight than that.

Improperly sized, worn and overstuffed backpacks can injure joints and lead to neck, back and shoulder injuries. They also may affect children’s posture.

• Choose a streamlined model. Select a backpack that will get the job done without much added bulk.

Many backpacks have been designed to hold

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technological devices as more and more schools integrate technology into the classroom. A less bulky bag might be lighter and easy to carry.

• Consider shopping at a sporting goods store.

Employees at camping and sporting goods retailers understand how to fit backpacks for hikers and outdoor adventurers.

They can help measure a student and find a pack that will fit his or her body frame. Also, these retailers may have a wider selection of backpacks than some other stores, increasing the chances of finding the right fit.

• Select a pack with a waist strap. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the body is not designed to carry items hanging from shoulders. By using the waist strap in conjunction with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used each time the pack is worn.

• Backpacks should be loaded properly. Heavy items should be near the center bottom to distribute the load, rather than placed on top. Students should only carry what is necessary, visiting lockers or desks as needed to lighten their packs.

Backpack fit and functionality is something parents should take seriously when shopping for school supplies. BS177117

◗ Find a partner Families who seek help often feel like there is a divide with parents on one side and the school on the other, Brigham said. Try to close the gap by finding a partner.

“Families have to build a relationship with the school. More than that they have to find a partner within the school who they can talk to and trust,” Brigham said.

That person could be a teacher or administrator — someone whom you feel comfortable talking with and emailing directly. ◗ Ask questions During meetings with teachers or other staff make sure your voice is heard.

“You should feel comfortable asking questions. At the end ask what the next step will be,” Brigham said.

Be sure to get direct email addresses for the people you want to contact.

“General school (inboxes) may get 500 emails a day. If you send an email there, forget it. You may never get a response,” Brigham said. ◗ Meet with teachers Parents need to be open-minded and understand that schools are strained financially and that teachers are often dealing with many children who need special help. Make appointments with individual teachers to discuss your child’s IEP, their strengths and weaknesses.

Warning signs of childhood vision troubles

Adults know when they are beginning to experience trouble with their vision. In such instances, men and women will book appointments with their eye doctors to determine what’s causing their problems. But whether it’s a fear or eyeglasses or simply feeling their symptoms are normal, kids might be hesitant to tell their parents about any vision problems they’re having. As a result, parents must learn to recognize certain warning signs that indicate their children are experiencing vision problems.

Vision problems in youngsters can be especially problematic, as many of the lessons kids learn in school still begin on a chalkboard.

The following are some potential indicators that kids might be dealing with vision problems that require medical attention.

• Reading habits: Vision problems may be most noticeable when kids are reading. As youngsters learn to read, they might use their fingers to keep their place while they figure out the pronunciation of certain words. But kids eventually grow out of that habit.

Kids who are still doing so long after they have learned to read may be having trouble seeing words on the page. In addition, kids who pull their reading materials very close to their eyes may be struggling to see the words.

• Viewing habits: Peculiar viewing habits may also be indicative of poor vision. Kids who sit too close to the television may be struggling to see what’s on as opposed to just being overexcited to see their favorite shows. Kids who prefer to watch programs on tablets they can hold as opposed

to televisions may also make that choice because it’s easier for them

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2019 MAKE THE GRADE

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019 • 5F

Learning’s

EMOTIONAL

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ne of education’s hottest new trends isn’t really all that new. Social and emotional learning has existed for decades and refers to soft skills such as managing emotions, having empathy for others, cooperating and making good decisions.

“It’s an umbrella term that covers many things,” said Stephanie Jones, professor in Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

The term “social and emotional learning” caught on and it feels new, but in the ’90s there was “character education.” Later, it was taught as “conflict resolution” or as part of anti-bullying programs, Jones said.

As defined by the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development, social and emotional learning is “a student’s ability to focus, manage emotions and stay engaged, which plays a large role in his or her ability to perceive, process and ultimately learn.” The institute is an educational and policy studies think tank in Washington, D.C. Being able to concentrate on a spelling test after having a disagreement on the playground or managing frustration after realizing lunch was forgotten at home are social and emotional learning skills, Jones said.

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It’s difficult for children to learn if they do not have the skills to deal with social and emotional issues.

Teaching these skills puts them on a path for lifelong success, Jones said.

Studies show that social and emotional learning programs promote a host of academic, social and emotional benefits for students including an average 11 percent increase on achievement scores, improved student attitudes toward school and reduced depression and stress among students, according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, an advocacy group based in Chicago.

While the busy school day is divided into many parts, from math and science to history and literacy, many teachers now find time to encourage students’ social and emotional learning, said Deana Beecher, media specialist for Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis.

A few years ago, an anonymous survey of the school district revealed a deficit of support for students in social and emotional areas, Beecher said. In addition to typical school and youth issues, kids reported anxiety about school shootings or problems with drugs or alcohol.

“We realized in addition to reading, writing and arithmetic, students need support in handling their emotions and guidance maneuvering around the barriers placed around them on a social level,” Beecher said.

In response, the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township adopted two social emotional learning programs designed to improve school climate as well as students’ mental health, social skills and overall academic achievement, Beecher said.

Students in second grade through high school take part in the age-appropriate programs. At the high school level, Beecher, like all teachers there, has a group of students who stay with her all four years for the social and emotional learning component. For a short time once a week, they may read an article on a timely topic, then discuss and have a reading comprehension component.

“The hope is that being exposed to the content and having these conversations, we can have a dialogue in a safe setting. The goal is to deliver the skill sets and mental tools to handle the punches life throws — bullying, abuse, stress, anxiety. To give them options other than becoming physical when frustrated or angered,” Beecher said.

Across the country school districts are taking a variety of approaches to social and emotional learning, said Jones, who has developed 40 “kernels” that can be used throughout the school day to bring about specific behavior changes. These bite-sized bits of learning include things breathing exercises and peerto-peer written praise.

CHILDHOOD VISION Continued to see on their tablets than on the television. In such instances, ask why they prefer tablets to television. When kids watch TV, ask them to move further away from the television. If they complain moving back makes it hard to see, book an appointment with an eye doctor.

• Eye rubbing: Many kids, and even adults, rub their eyes when they are feeling fatigued. But kids who seem to rub their eyes frequently and at times of the day when they should not be tired may be experiencing vision troubles and feeling frustrated that they cannot see very well.

• Eye activity: Some kids begin to close one eye when reading, watching television or attempting to read signs. That may be indicative of a refractive vision disorder, in which the eye struggles to focus, or refract,

light correctly on the retina. Such problems can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, but some refractive disorders may require surgery.

• Squinting: Kids who squint a lot may be finding it difficult to focus on words on a chalkboard or even television programs. Squinting may also be brought on by a corneal abrasion. Parents who notice their youngsters are squinting should consult the child’s eye doctor to determine the cause of the problem.

Vision problems can be especially harmful to children, who rely on their vision to perform their schoolwork. Parents who learn to recognize the various warning signs of vision troubles can nip problems in the bud before they have too great an impact on youngsters. TF162882

SHAWNEE MILLING COMPANY 1906-2019

The mill J. Lloyd Ford bought for $10,500, his life savings, on April 20, 1906. He immediately renamed it Shawnee Milling Company and opened its doors for business on Tuesday, April 24, 1906.

Growing with Shawnee... Over 113 Years Old and Still Growing

Good Millers Simce 1906

Several additions had been made to the original mill by 1908 - two years after J. Lloyd Ford opened for business. Ford is shown in horse and buggy near building with “Shawnee Chief Flour” painted on its side. A wagon loaded with mill products is at far left.

2019 MAKE THE GRADE

6F • Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019

SMART

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OBU is a liberal arts university.

Students with a liberal arts education are equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills, effective communication skills and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings.

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Smaller communities allow students more personalized attention. OBU’s focus on developing the whole student allows faculty to mentor students personally and professionally.

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The price to attend a private school has become competitive with those of public schools. OBU budgets more than $26 million per year for scholarships and aid so every student receives financial assitance. In fact, OBU ranks as one of the most affordable private Christian colleges in the country.

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2019 MAKE THE GRADE

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What

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need to know

ntering high school may bring on feelings of excitement or anxiety for students. Making friends, managing classes and extracurriculars and succeeding academically will be easier with some tips and advice to launch yourself to a great start. ✦ Learn to manage time “Having worked with students on their journey throughout high school, I would say the one skill that rising freshman should try to focus on is managing their time effectively, which includes balancing study skill habits, exploring academic and personal interests, and getting enough sleep,” said Anna Ren, founder and college admissions consultant at Elite Advantage Prep in Somerville, New Jersey. ✦ Freshman year matters “Perhaps the best piece of advice for incoming freshmen is that ninth grade grades matter. They count toward your GPA, they count to make you NCAA-eligible as an athlete, they count toward graduation requirements — they count!

So many ninth graders think of that first year as a trial run. It is not,” said Jen Henson, founder of Jen Henson ACT Prep in Montgomery, Texas. ✦ Introduce yourself to your counselor

“It may feel awkward but most advisors will allow students to sign up for 10to 15-minute meetings and it’s worth it to stop in and introduce yourself, saying you’re a freshman and looking forward to the school year,” said educational therapist Ruth Wilson, chief executive officer of The Polytech, a private school for students in grades 11 and 12 in Seattle. “It will impress the counselor that you took the time as well as make it so much easier if you need help during the term or to drop a class.”

How to Find the Best Back-to-School Deals

But experts say you don’t have to sacrifice convenience or style to stay on-budget. To help keep your wallet intact while you seek out all the coolest back-to-school gear, merchandising director at Zulily, Carmela Matthews, a retail veteran, offers these shopping tips: • Plan in advance: Avoid stressful, pricey last-minute shopping.

Get started early in the summer so you can be finished before all the good seasonal deals are gone.

• Get organized: Put together a checklist so you don’t forget any of the necessities.

“Take stock of what you have and what you need by cleaning out closets prior to shopping,” says Matthews. “Stay organized by sorting items into piles for donations, consignment and handme-downs.”

• Create a budget: While summer sales can help you save, it’s still important to set a realistic spending limit, as well as to look for the best deals available to stay within budget.

• Shop mobile: Apps like Zulily offer parents a wide variety of back-toschool essentials for kids, whether they’re pre-k or college age, at amazing prices. Essentials include

✦ Be smart online “Be mindful of your online behavior.

This needs to start early in high school.

You don’t want that tweet regret or post remorse moment to jeopardize your future,” said educational consultant Sue Scheff of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, author of “Shame Nation.” “Being responsible with social media is just as important as getting good grades in today’s digital world. They loved your GPA until they saw your tweets ... we hear this too many times. Don’t let that 15 minutes of humor cost you a lifetime of humiliation.” ✦ Differentiate yourself “Be sure to join clubs and activities that you enjoy, not just the ones where your friends join,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting in Marblehead, Massachusetts. “Be sure the way to spend your time reflects who you are. You want to differentiate yourself from your peers.

If everyone plays the flute, take up the French horn; if everyone sings in the glee club, take up musical theater. Ninth grade is a great time to start thinking about what truly interests you.” ✦ Ask questions “So many times students and parents go into the high school process completely unprepared with how the experience should go or could go. Often, these same families end up in my office stating, ‘I wish I would have known about that program, or done that extra-curricular,’” said Amanda Sterk, senior editor of UnMazed Magazine & Resource Directory for college-bound teens. “Ask questions throughout your journey, like, ‘What academic programs are available? How can I get free college credits? When are the deadlines to get into these programs?

What type of extracurriculars should I do to get into my dream college?’”

! lp e H k r o w e m Ho

e students id u g s r o t u T e L iv e , o n lin c h a ll e n g e s k r o w e m o h h g throu e v e lo p t h e d m e h t lp e h d an t o c o m p le t e s ill k s y r a s s e c ne ir o w n . e h t n o s t n e m a s s ig n

(StatePoint) With households nationwide spending $27.6 billion on items like clothes, accessories and supplies, back-to-school is now the second biggest shopping season of the year, according to Deloitte research.

Americans may be parting with a lot of their money, but not necessarily happily. A recent survey from online retailer Zulily finds that 71 percent of Americans think that shoppers spend too much on back-to-school shopping. It’s no surprise then that over half of respondents marked budget as the most important factor in making purchases for that first day of school, over convenience and being on-trend.

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019 • 1G

apparel, shoes, accessories, school supplies, toys and dorm décor. Savings multiply when shoppers buy two items or more, but the great deals typically only last 72 hours.

With 77 percent of Americans saying that they think school supplies are more expensive today than during the 1990s (according to the Zulily survey) this year, the online retailer is taking a different spin on its time-limited sales and will be launching a special retro collection by debuting a six-week blast-from-the-past sale featuring iconic school season essentials from the 90s -- at 90s prices. Each #ThrowbackThursday from July 18 to Aug. 22, 2019, shoppers will have the opportunity to shop new, curated and charmingly retro-inspired goods for the whole family with prices to match the era of Tetris and Lisa Frank.

• Stockpile favorites: When you find something your child loves and needs each year for school at a great price, be sure to buy a few extra so you can take advantage of the great deal for years to come. Purchasing for kids for several years (with the expectation that they will grow) can provide wallet relief. When you buy multiples of the same item in larger sizes, place them in labeled bins that you can pull out upon closet cleanout the following year to avoid buying duplicates.

With some smart strategizing, you can prepare for a successful, stylish and affordable school year.

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Learning

CAREER SKILLS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

H

ome economics and shop classes still exist at the local high school, they’ve just been updated to meet modern needs. Career and technical education — as it’s now called — is cutting-edge and prepares young people for well-paying, in-demand jobs in a variety of established and emerging industries.

“CTE is what we used to call vocational tech, things like auto body or wood shop. It was a secondary part of education, electives. Now, it’s really evolved and a great opportunity for both high-flyers and also for kids not succeeding on the regular track,” said Laura Flynn, director of the Career Technical Education Division of the National Healthcareer Association. Career and technical education gives students early access to education that can help shape their future careers, whether that involves college or not, she said.

“Career and technical education today touches virtually all of society, from skilled manufacturing to information technology, STEM, marketing and healthcare, public safety to architecture and construction,” said Jarrod Nagurka, spokesman for the Association for Career and Technical Education.

✦ Offering choice Organized through 16 different programs of study, students work to earn educational certificates, degrees, certifications and government-issued licenses. While

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in high school parents may be aware these programs exist, many do not realize credentials earned while in high school can lead directly to high-demand jobs, Flynn said.

For example, after an exam and certification, high school students can graduate to a good-paying job as a medical assistant or pharmacy technician, two of the highest in-demand health careers, or they can continue their education to earn a higher degree at a four-year college. Two other certifications that can be earned in high school are network technician, via Cisco Network+, and culinary arts and restaurant management from ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Nagurka said.

Ninety-four percent of U.S. high school students have taken a CTE course, which is delivered in two ways: either integrated with academics within a high school setting or at an area career and technical education center, Nagurka said. At a post-secondary setting many community colleges offer CTE classes, he said.

“The high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is about 90 percent — 15 percentage points higher than the national average,” said Kate Kreamer, deputy executive director of Advance CTE, formerly known as the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium. “Additionally, CTE students are just as likely to go on to postsecondary education as non-CTE students. This means that CTE learners are set up for both college and career success, giving them a wide variety of options.

“CTE is not an alternative to college, it is a pathway that leads to both college and careers.” ✦ ‘What a career will look like’ By learning real-world skills, career and technical education students are helping to fill America’s skills gap, which refers to the difference between what employers need their employees to do and what they are trained to do, Nagurka said. Many jobs today require certification lower than a four-year degree but higher than a high school degree, he said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the two fastest-growing occupations are solar panel installers and wind turbine service technicians, which are expected to grow at rates of 105 and 96 percent between 2016 and 2026, respectively. Credentials for these jobs can be earned through career and technical education while in high school, Nagurka said.

In addition to helping fuel the talent pipeline to fill skilled jobs, career and technical education also benefits students by teaching them soft skills that make them more prepared for a changing job market, Nagurka said. Work-based learning helps students master qualities like professionalism and work ethic, critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, he said.

“All students are good candidates for career and technical education because it offers hands-on learning and a taste of what a career will look like,” Flynn said.

Gear up with College Essentials

(c) Jacob Lund / stock.Adobe.com

(StatePoint) Before the semester begins, be sure you have all the essentials you need to live your best campus life.

Here are some top picks for a fresh start to fall: • Packing up: Consider the bag you will carry with you every day. A backpack is the best way to ensure that you’re distributing weight equally between shoulders, but you’ll likely want to upgrade your high school look. The right bag can handle heavy loads, is waterproof and ergonomic, features safe electronic device storage and even offers such perks as a USB charging

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• Keeping time: A timepiece is not only a sophisticated way to make a style statement, you may find it quite vital during class, when other devices should be put away. Go for a classic look that will carry you between dates, the dining hall, the library and anywhere else your collegiate schedule takes you. The new models in Casio’s Vintage Collection, for example, add a bold, retro-inspired look to any outfit, and come equipped with an auto calendar and daily alarms, so you never miss a session, appointContinued

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Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019 • 3G

How to maximize your

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

T

he cost of earning a college diploma has skyrocketed, with prices tripling at fouryear public schools and doubling at public two-year schools between 1988 and 2018, according to the College Board’s 2018 Trends in College Pricing report. Scholarships can be the solution to a costly college degree.

As the saying goes: There’s a scholarship out there for everyone. You just have to know where to find it.

One of five children, Jocelyn Paonita Pearson needed to fund college herself. Her scholarship search was incredibly successful, and she secured more than $126,000. She graduated from the Darla Moore School of Business with zero student loans and even received an overage check for expenses.

After working as a financial analyst, Pearson founded The Scholarship System, an online platform teaching families how to secure scholarships and minimize student debt. Her goal is now to share her strategies with others. ✦ No amount too small “My No. 1 piece of advice is that smaller dollars add up. Many of my scholarships were $500 to $3,000. A lot of students feel these smaller scholarships are not worth their time, but don’t overlook them,” Pearson said.

Often small scholarships have less competition, she said. These are great for more average students who have less of a chance of winning bigger scholarships. For example, premium prizes like the Coca-Cola Scholarship, which awards $20,000 to 150 regional finalists, may have tens of thousands of applicants, Pearson said.

GEAR UP Continued ment or deadline.

• Rocking Out: Start a band, jam out with friends or just go solo with an instrument perfectly designed for campus living, such as the portable PX-S1000, a keyboard that’s barely larger than the keys themselves and fits any space or décor. While integrated Bluetooth audio lets you play music through its powerful stereo amplification system, you can also plug into headphones for a quick practice session that won’t disturb any studying roommates.

• Take note: When heading to class or a study session, consider leaving the laptop and notebooks at home and traveling lighter. Download the latest notetaking apps to your tablet, which combine the simplicity and versatility of paper and pen with the organizational and sharable convenience of digital.

• Entertaining: Space may be tight in college dorms and apartments, but you can still create a mini home theater that makes you the official host of movie nights, gaming nights, sports spectating and more. For a compact setup, check out the SLIM series of LampFree Projectors, which reach maximum brightness in eight seconds.

Gear up with the latest essentials and head back to campus with confidence.

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✦ Apply early “It’s important to apply for scholarships before senior year in high school,” Pearson said.

Apply early, and keep looking for more dollars even as you enter college. Pearson continued to apply for scholarships while she attended college, and they helped pay for a study abroad program she attended in Spain. ✦ Reuse the essay Scholarships that require an essay can be time-consuming, but create synergy by reusing your essay, Pearson said. Just be sure to tweak it so it fits the requirements.

“The essay is the biggest way you can sell yourself,” she said.

Get another pair of eyes to proofread yor essay to look for spelling and grammar errors, and be sure you have answered the essay’s prompt, Pearson said.

“An English teacher is a better choice to proofread than mom or dad,” she said. ✦ Don’t fall for these myths “It’s not all about grades. You don’t need a perfect GPA, although you should try and get good grades. There are many scholarships that don’t ask for grades,” Pearson said.

Even if your parents are well-off, you still can qualify for a scholarship: “Financial need doesn’t necessarily mean how much money your family makes. It could mean, will you have to borrow money,” Pearson said. ✦ Don’t forget It’s crucial to be organized, keep track of deadlines, line up recommendations and get copies of your transcripts.

3

Reasons Preschoolers Should Play with Building Blocks

(StatePoint) Playtime is important to a child’s development. Offering many social and emotional benefits, it helps lay the foundation for children’s future success and prepares them for school. One classic toy -- building blocks -- should be incorporated into every child’s playtime. Here are three reasons why: • Building blocks build skills: Playing with building blocks hones hand-eye coordination, while helping to strengthen hands and grip, skills that will be needed in the classroom, when playing sports and beyond. Additionally, building blocks encourage kids to be creative and to learn how to problem solve. When working together with a friend or caregiver, they also offer opportunities for cooperation, which can foster language development and communication skills. Be sure to talk to your kids about what they are building!

• Building blocks are getting smarter: Like so many household items, building blocks are getting smarter and more innovative, and this means more opportunities for both fun and learning. In fact, LeapFrog’s first-ever line of smart building blocks -- LeapBuilders -- was just introduced. Combining technology and interactive, curriculum-based content, these

playsets feature an electronic Smart Star cube and double-sided learning blocks that respond with fun sounds and educational songs on topics such as colors, animals, numbers, letters and more.

Among those in the new lineup is the ABC Smart House, an interactive 61-piece house-themed block set that enhances building play with learning content for a unique, engaging experience. A fun way to familiarize kids with their ABCs, kids can also use the learning blocks from other sets in the interactive Smart Star to unlock additional responses. Recommended for ages 2 and up, LeapBuilders is available at major retailers. For more information, visit leapfrog. com/leapbuilders.

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school success can be fun, especially when you put an emphasis on playtime. When seeking out toys that help children reach developmental milestones, be sure to include building blocks, especially those that take learning a step further.

• Building blocks grow with a child: Unlike many toys that children outgrow, building blocks will grow with your child through various stages of development, and you will likely notice your children interact with building blocks differently as they acquire new skills and knowledge. For example, at a younger age, kids may use building blocks to test the concept of gravity. Later, they will use building blocks to create larger complicated structures.

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✦ Get help The amount of assistance available at the local high school varies, but students should check in with their guidance counselor especially to find out about local scholarships, Pearson said.

“Look at the school’s website, go in and ask personally,” she said.

Look online, too, but have a healthy amount of skeptisism, Pearson said.

Never apply for a scholarship that requires you to pay a fee or submit private information such as a Social Security number.

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Pottawatomie County

Districts prepare for Back to School

By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com Twitter: @ElisabethSlay

As the last weeks of summer draw to a close, students and parents are preparing for a new school year.

Several districts throughout the county have announced their enrollment, orientation, Meet the Teacher and other such dates to communities.

Shawnee Public Schools head back August 20.

SMS students can pick up their schedules August 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Parents must also bring a photo ID and proof of residency such as a lease agreement. Camp Wolf is August 19 from 7:45-11:30 a.m.

SHS juniors and seniors can pick up their schedules August 12 in the Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) from noon-4 p.m and freshmen and sophomores can pick theirs up August 13 from 2-6 p.m. also in the PAAC. Parents or students must provide proof of residency as well. Freshmen orientation is August 19 from 3-5 p.m. in the PAAC with a meeting for parents to follow from 5-6 p.m.

Tecumseh Public Schools head back to School August 8.

Open House for all TPS sites is August 6 with elementary sites having their doors open from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and TMS and THS having their doors open from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

McLoud Public Schools head back August 7. The Early Childhood Center is having Meet the Teacher August 6 from 4-7 p.m. with Pre-K beginning 5-5:15 p.m., Kindergarten beginning 5:15-5:30 p.m. and first grade beginning 5:30-5:45 p.m.

Meet the Teacher night for elementary students will also be August 6 from 5-7 p.m. Orientation for seventh and eighth graders will be August 5 from 5-730 p.m. with eighth grade being from 5-6 p.m. and seventh grade being 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Freshmen Orientation is August 6 from 6-7 p.m. in the Fine Arts building.

North Rock Creek Public Schools will head back August 8 but not before their High School Grand Opening August 6 from 6-7 p.m. In addition the district will also have Meet the Teacher Night from 7-9 p.m. as well as Freshman Chromebook Night beginning at 8 p.m.

Meet the Teacher night is August 13 from 4:30-6 p.m.

Seminole Public Schools head back Friday August 9. Open House is August 6 from 4-6 p.m. with Northwood Elementary School being from 6-8 p.m.

Dale Public Schools head back August 14. Meet the Teacher for all students will be August 12 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Maud Public Schools head back August 8. Meet the Teacher for all students is August 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. followed by a faculty and board members swim and hot dog party from 6:30-8 p.m.

South Rock Creek Public Schools head back August 9. Meet the Teacher night for all students is August 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wanette Public Schools head back August 9.

Bethel Public Schools head back August 15. New student enrollment dates are August 8-9 all day and

Property insurance for students is important

By Trisha Gedon Agricultural Communications Services 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

STILLWATER, Okla. – While some stores already are filling shelves with holiday decorations, soon-to-be college or trade school students are making lists and buying things they will need to outfit their new dorm room or apartment.

As items are checked off the list and stacked in corner to be moved to school, it will become noticeable there is a considerable amount of money tied up in these belongings, said Cindy Clampet, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension family resource management assistant specialist.

“Years ago, students arrived on campus with a couple of suitcases full of clothes, a few pairs of shoes and a boom box. Today they arrive with computers, smart phones, refrigerators, microwaves and other expensive gadgets worth thousands of dollars. Bicycles, band instruments and sports equipment also should be included. Add furniture to the list if the student will be living off campus and needs to furnish a house or apartment,” Clampet said. “To help protect your investment, you’ll need to make sure these items are covered by an insurance policy.”

There are several options for coverage, including your homeowner’s policy, a renter’s policy, dorm insurance or a homeowner’s policy floater.

Clampet said your homeowner’s policy typically covers the child’s property while he or she is living on campus at no extra cost.

“Keep in mind the coverage is about 10 percent of your limit on the contents of your home,” she said. “For example, if your policy covers up to $50,000 in losses, your student’s belongings are covered for up to $5,000.”

Another option is a renter’s policy.

These policies are quite affordable at $10 to $20 per month on average, depending on the amount of coverage needed.

This policy is necessary if your student is living off campus.

Be sure to check on a dorm insurance policy. Typically, deductibles can be as low as $25 versus the $500 to $1,500 on home insurance policies. On average, a $5,000 policy with a $25 deductible will cost about $140 per year.

A homeowner’s policy floater, or endorsement, is necessary if you want to make sure very high value possessions, such as computers, are covered.

The threat to your student’s belongings is relatively small. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, in 2015 there were only about 90 burglaries and robberies for every 100,000 students enrolled in institutions of higher learning.

“Check into all coverage possibilities and make note of premiums and deductibles,” Clampet said. “It can be hard enough on parents when their children fly the nest, but knowing their belongings are adequately covered can help bring some peace of mind.”

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.

Macomb Public Schools head back August 7. The Back to School Bash is August 9 from 6-9 p.m.

Earlsboro Public Schools head back Friday August 9. Meet the Teacher for all students is August 8 from 4-7 p.m.

Asher Public Schools head back to school Thursday August 8.

Chandler Public Schools head back August 15.

Open House is Tuesday August 13 from 6-7 p.m.

Meeker Public Schools head back August 8.

Open House and Meet the Teacher is August 6 from 5-7 p.m. and all students call pick up their schedules and tour the schools.

Prague Public Schools head back Wednesday August 14. Meet the Teacher is Thursday August 9.

“AMAZING TEACHER AWARDS” 2019 PROMOTION (Shawnee News-Star) OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. PROMOTION DETAILS The Shawnee News-Star “Amazing Teacher Awards” 2019 promotion (the “Promotion”) is to honor the dedication and skill of teachers (the “Teacher” or “Teachers”) in our community and their role in educating and empowering children of all ages. We are looking to recognize five (5) outstanding Teachers who serve our community and provide amazing learning experiences for children.

PUBLICATION Shawnee News-Star (the “Publication”), located at 215 N. Bell in Shawnee, Oklahoma is conducting this Promotion.

SPONSOR The following is referred to as “Sponsor”: GateHouse Media Oklahoma Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Shawnee News-Star, 175 Sully’s Trail, Pittsford, NY 14534 BUSINESS SPONSOR In addition to the above-referenced Sponsor, Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Chandler, Oklahoma will be sponsoring this Promotion (the “Business Sponsor”).

PROMOTION PERIOD There are three (2) parts to this Promotion as follows: 1. Nomination of Teachers - begins at 12:01 a.m.

Central Time (“CT”) on August 4, 2019 and ends at 5:00 p.m. CT on August 21, 2019 (the “Nomination Period”); and 2. Online Voting Phase – begins at 12:01 a.m. CT on August 28, 2019 and ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on September 13, 2019 (the “Voting Period”).

The Nomination Period and the Voting Period are together referred to as the “Promotion Period”.

ELIGIBILITY - NOMINATOR To submit a nomination in this Promotion, the individual must be a legal resident of the United States who is eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of nomination (the “Nominator” or “Nominators”).

Employees, contractors or interns of GateHouse Media, LLC or GateHouse Media Oklahoma Holdings, Inc. (together, “GateHouse Media”) and the Business Sponsor, and each of their respective divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies (including, in each case, immediate family members) are not eligible to submit a nomination in this Promotion. For purposes of this Promotion, “immediate family members” is defined as spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren, whether as "in-laws", or by current or past marriage, remarriage, adoption, co-habitation or other familial extension, and any other persons residing at the same household location, whether or not related. In order to nominate a Teacher, the Nominator must comply fully with these Official Rules (the “Rules”), and by entering agrees to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, whose decisions shall be binding and final in all respects.

TEACHER NOMINATION CRITERIA The proposed Teacher nominee(s) (the “Nominee” or “Nominees”) must: (a) be actively employed and presently working as a teacher in a school district within a 50-mile radius of the Publication’s market area (together, the “Eligibility Area”); (b) be a teacher for pre-kindergarten through grade twelve in a public, private, alternative, parochial, or home study program in the Eligibility Area; and (c) not be an immediate family member of any employees, contractors or interns of GateHouse Media or the Business Sponsor, or their respective divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising or promotion agencies.

HOW TO NOMINATE A TEACHER AND PROMOTION RULES 1. There are two (2) ways to nominate a Teacher in this Promotion. The entry form for the Promotion (the “Entry Form” or “Entry Forms”) will be available in the Publication during the Nomination Period. The Publication is available for purchase at select retail locations in and around Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Entry Form will also be available at no charge at the offices of the Publication during regular business hours. Email entries will be accepted if all of the required information is included and it is emailed to kimberly.morava@news-star.com.

2. The Nominator should complete the Entry Form (each, the “Nomination” or collectively, the “Nominations”) with the required contact information, and provide as much information as he or she can about how this Teacher has made a difference in the lives of his or her students. The Nomination should contain a short paragraph (250 words or less) specifying how the Teacher has exceeded, above and beyond the duty requirements of his or her position, and how the Teacher exemplifies the virtues of professionalism and dedication to the community.

3. The Nominator may nominate more than one Teacher in this Promotion, but each Nomination should have a separate Entry Form and be submitted separately.

4. All Nominations must be received by the Publication by 5:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in order to be eligible for consideration in this Promotion (the “Nomination Deadline”). No Nominations will be accepted after the Nomination Deadline.

5. There must be at least five (5) Nominations submitted by the Nomination Deadline for the Promotion to continue. If the required number of Nominations is not submitted by the Nomination Deadline, no voting will occur, and prizes will not be awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.

VOTING During the Voting Period, all Nominations submitted to the Publication and approved for posting on the Publications’s website at www.news-star.

com/Contest (the “Website”) by staff of the Publication, will appear on the Website. Members of the Shawnee area community will be invited to view the Nominations and follow the link to submit a vote for a favorite Teacher (each, the “Vote” or collectively, the “Votes”). There is no fee to vote in this Promotion.

ELIGIBILITY – VOTER In order to vote for a Teacher in this Promotion, the individual must be a legal resident of the United States who is eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of voting (each, the “Voter” or collectively, the “Voters”). Employees, contractors or interns of GateHouse Media and the Business Sponsor, and each of their respective divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies (including, in each case, immediate family members) are not eligible to submit a vote in this Promotion. In order to submit a Vote, the Voter must comply fully with these Rules, and by voting agrees to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, whose decisions shall be binding and final in all respects.

VOTING RULES 1. For purposes of this Promotion, the Vote must be cast on the Website by a “unique” Voter. A “unique” Voter is an individual person: (a) who has registered to vote on the Website, (b) with unique registration information (i.e. e-mail address) that is not duplicative of another Voter’s information. If Sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that an abuse of the “unique” voter rules has occurred, the Sponsor may disqualify Votes cast by such Voters, including if more than five (5) of such Voters registered from the same residential computer “IP address”.

2. Vote totals will not be published at any time during the Promotion Period.

3. Voters are limited to one (1) Vote per day during the Promotion Period.

4. Sponsor will not be responsible for misdirected Votes.

5. Votes generated by a script, macro, or other automated means is prohibited and such Votes will be disqualified.

6. Any use of robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed, vote exchange websites, vote “farming” or other method to vote or unfairly increase votes, as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, is prohibited and will void all Votes submitted by that Voter.

7. The Voters and the Nominees are prohibited from obtaining Votes by any fraudulent or inappropriate means, including, without limitation, offering prizes or other inducements to members of the public, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.

8. If Sponsor concludes, in its sole discretion, that any Nominee has colluded with any Voter to violate these Rules or has participated in or actively encouraged such activity, whether directly or indirectly, Sponsor may disqualify that Nominee and the Voter from further participation in this Promotion.

9. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Voter or Nominee from further participation in this Promotion if Sponsor concludes, in its sole discretion, that such Voter or Nominee: (a) has attempted to tamper with the voting process or other operation of the Promotion; (b) has disregarded or has attempted to circumvent these Rules; or (c) has acted toward Sponsor or any other Nominee or Voter in an unfair, inequitable, deliberately annoying, threatening, disrupting or harassing manner. If a dispute arises regarding compliance with these Rules, Sponsor may consider, in its sole discretion, data reasonably available to Sponsor through information technology systems in Sponsor’s control, but Sponsor will not be obligated to consider any data or other information collected from any other source.

10. SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, TO DISQUALIFY ANY VOTE AT ANY TIME THAT IN ITS OPINION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THESE RULES. If Sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that the security, administration, fairness and/or operation of the Promotion has been corrupted or impaired by any non-authorized intervention, network failure, information storage failure, telecommunications failure, malfunction, or any other cause beyond Sponsor’s control, Sponsor may terminate the Promotion. If Sponsor terminates the Promotion, Sponsor will post notice of same on the Website and select the winners by applying the criteria set forth above based on eligible, non-suspect Votes received as of the termination date.

HOW THE FIVE (5) WINNERS ARE CHOSEN Five (5) Teachers will be chosen as winners in this Promotion (each, the “Amazing Teacher” and together, the “Amazing Teachers”).

TOP PRIZE The Teacher to receive the highest number of Votes during the Voting Phase will be awarded a check for $500.00 made payable to the winning individual for a classroom project for the 2019-20 school year.

FINALISTS The four (4) Teachers to receive the next highest number of Votes during the Voting Phase will each be awarded a check for $250.00 made payable to the winning individual for a classroom project for the 2019-20 school year.

In the event of a tie between Teachers, a random drawing among the tied Teachers will be conducted at the offices of the Publication to determine the winner.

Each of the Amazing Teachers will also be recognized with his or her picture and biography featured in a future edition of the Publication.

NOTIFICATION OF THE WINNERS Each of the Amazing Teachers will be notified by phone and/or e-mail on or around September 22, 2019 in accordance with the contact information supplied with the Nomination. Each of the potential prize winners must sign an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability and Publicity Release (the “Affidavit”) in order to be eligible to accept the prize.

No substitution or transfer of the prize will be

allowed, except at the sole discretion of Sponsor.

Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value.

The prize must be picked up by the winner at the offices of the Publication or the winner must make alternate arrangements with the Publication by September 30, 2019. The offices of the Publication are open Monday through Friday during normal business hours, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

TAXES The reporting and payment of all local, state and federal taxes incurred by accepting a prize will be the sole responsibility of the prize winner.

INTERNET It is the Nominator’s and Voter’s responsibility to participate in this Promotion in the appropriate manner. Each Nominator and Voter is responsible for all costs or charges involved in accessing the Website and warrants that the cost of accessing the site, if any, is part of a larger agreement with an Internet Service Provider or some other means, and that the cost of this access is not an incremental cost. If for any reason the internet portion of the program is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Promotion, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Promotion. Should the online portion of the Promotion be terminated prior to the Promotion end date, the winners will be drawn at days-end from eligible entries received online up to the time of cancellation.

Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communication line failure, theft, or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of Entries. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, misdirected, illegible, damaged or undelivered Entries. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunctions of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, services or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or entry to be received due to technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading of any material in this Promotion. CAUTION: Any attempt by any person to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. In the event of a dispute, entries made by Internet will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g. business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Automated entries are prohibited, and any use of such devices will cause disqualification. Collection and use of personally identifiable information will be in accordance with the Publication’s Privacy Policy as posted on the Publication’s website.

CONDITIONS By entering this Promotion, each Nominator, Nominee and Voter (collectively, the “Participant” or “Participants”) agrees to comply with these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which are binding and final, and release Sponsor, and each of its divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and anyone associated with the production of this Promotion, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all liability for any claims, injuries, losses or damages (including attorneys fees) of any kind arising out of their participation in this Promotion or resulting from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize. The potential prize winner waives the right to assert as a cost of winning the prize any and all costs of verification and redemption or travel to redeem said prize and waives any liability or claims (including attorneys fees) which might arise from redeeming or seeking to redeem said prize. In the event of non-compliance with these Official Rules, or if prize notification is returned to Sponsor as undeliverable, if prize is refused or cannot be accepted for any reason, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected in a random drawing. Upon forfeiture or refusal, no compensation will be given. Acceptance of prize or participation in this Promotion constitutes permission to use the Teacher’s name, photograph, likeness and/or statements attributed to this Promotion, for advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation or consent. All Entries become the property of Sponsor. This Promotion shall only be construed and evaluated according to the laws of the state of Oklahoma, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws and submission of any entry constitutes acceptance of such laws. This Promotion is void where prohibited. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Promotion. Sponsor reserves the right to change, alter, or amend these Official Rules as necessary, in its sole discretion, to ensure the fair administration of the Promotion or to comply with applicable law. All decisions of Sponsor regarding the Promotion are final.

NAMES OF WINNERS To obtain the names of the winners, contact Kim Morava by September 30, 2019.

2019 MAKE THE GRADE

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019 • 5G

Nominate the teachers that make a difference!

From the 1st grade teacher with the heart of gold to that high school English teacher who infuses kids with a passion for reading.

Teachers all across our districts educate and empower kids of all ages.

NOMINATE A TEACHER TODAY!

Top Prize is $500

for a Classroom Project

4 ďŹ nalists will receive $250 for their classroom project.

Your Name: ___________________________________________________ Your Email: ___________________________________________________ Your Phone: __________________________________________________ Name of Teacher: ______________________________________________ Name of School: _______________________________________________ Grade or Teaching Position of Teacher: _____________________________ How has this teacher made a difference (250 words or less) : _______________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Drop off your nomination form at 215 N. Bell Shawnee, OK or email with required information to kimberly.morava@news-star.com with Amazing Teacher in the subject line See contest rules and regulations on page 4'

SPONSORED BY

Deadline for nomination forms are Wednesday, August 21st by 5:00 p.m.

2019 MAKE THE GRADE

6G • Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4, 2019

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Proud Sponso r of MAZI

NG TE ACHE R AW Putting money b ARDS ack i nto

A

the c lassr ooms!

is giving away a CAR to a Student Leader of the Year at this year’s

MAY 2020

FIRELAKE ARENA

Find more information in THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR news-star.com and on Facebook & Twitter