SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
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Creating a successful class schedule BY RACHEL WARTIAN INTERN
In high school, students have the chance to pick some of their classes. But when students get to college, scheduling is entirely in their hands. Colleges and universities have advisors in place to make sure students are on track for success. “It is never recommended that students select their courses on their own, as advisors are trained and qualified to help students make the best selections to ensure a balanced schedule and to keep them on track,” said Katelyn Eden, the senior advisor of discovery and undeclared students at Virginia Commonwealth University. A typical bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours. Students are required to take a core of general education classes as well as classes for their major and minor, as well as required elective credits. “For financial aid, most students need to be fulltime, which at the minimum is 12 credit hours,” Eden said.
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Twelve credits equals about four classes for the semester. However, 12 hours for eight semesters is only 96 credits. Even though this is technically full time, it leaves around eight extra classes after the typical four years. The recommended course load is 15 credits a semester in order to graduate in four years. However, if needed, summer classes can usually make up any difference to graduate on time. Each school has a different way of scheduling; however, most schools require students to work closely with their advisors on their first-year schedule to help them have a strong start. This takes place after a registration workshop to see what classes are needed and preferred. Even community colleges, like Paul D. Camp Community College, have an advising team to make sure students are ready their first semester. The first year is usually filled with prerequisites to make way for the major classes that will come later. When students work on
Students should take the walk across campus between classes into account when deciding on their college schedules.
their schedule, it is best to ask for help and make sure that graduation can still happen in four years. Even if it needs to be longer than four years due to other circumstances, advisors can help make sure that students are on track to meet their personal timeline.
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Know
breaks between classes to make sure there is a window for food and other needs. It may have to be an oddly timed meal, but it is better than not eating at all. Extra time may also be needed in case the next class is on the other side of a big campus. Every school, student
and degree program is different. Students are paired with an advisor that oversees their specific degree program. Since the advisor knows the program and the school, it is only in the student’s best interest to take advantage of their services.
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Other things to keep in mind is the timing of classes. Various hours will be available for some classes. Classes at 8 a.m. may seem like a good idea, but they may become an issue after a few late nights studying for other classes. Also, try to schedule some
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The benefits of extracurricular activities BY RACHEL WARTIAN INTERN
High school is a time to prepare for the future while still living in the present. Extracurricular activities can be just the way to achieve this. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. One of the most common activities is participating in a sport. Unfortunately, not everyone is athletic, and the sports teams can only be so big. Students can also get involved in band, choir, theater, art guild and other clubs. “Extracurricular activities allow students to get involved and be part of a group of like-minded students,” said Dr. Stenette Byrd III, the director of secondary leadership for Suffolk Public Schools. One benefit of being involved is to aid in building a college application. Colleges look to see the involvement in their potential students. Staying in a club or sport all four years and being active can show loyalty and dedication. Some colleges give scholarships to continue involvement in certain activities past high school. Another great reason to be involved in extracur-
ricular activities is that it expands a student’s horizons. High school is about exploring options and deciding on a career path to pursue. Taking part in an extracurricular can potentially bring to light a hidden passion. It also helps the student be well rounded and know the basics of different subjects that may be useful in a future career. These activities can also help students to be academically successful. Sports teams and some clubs require students to hold a certain GPA to continue participating. This provides extra motivation to develop good time management skills. This also gives the students a chance to become positive influences on their peers as they help each other keep up their grades and study together. Students having an adult mentor can also be beneficial. In their activity, the student gets to know a like-minded adult, whether it be a coach, director or club advisor, opening a potential resource in their high school journey. “Having an adult a student can go to and trust can change their perception of school,” said Byrd. “The most beneficial thing is that students are
not sitting at home idle. These activities give some control to their time and energy which is needed at this age,” said Byrd.
Extracurricular activities give a chance for students to explore their interests while building positive habits.
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Participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, can benefit students in many ways, including building a college application and providing additional motivation for academic success.
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The importance of parental involvement BY RACHEL WARTIAN INTERN
Schools need more than just teachers and staff to make the school year work and be successful. Parents volunteering and doing their part can benefit both the school and the students. Schools typically view community involvement as a quality feature of their school. The number of volunteers helps decide what new programs the school can add to benefit the students that year with new experiences and opportunities. Unfortunately, once the students move up to middle school, parents become less involved than they were when their children were in elementary school. The dynamic between the student and the parent changes at this stage. Middle school is a time where the students try to find their way in new social circles, and parents can be perceived as a hindrance in this journey. Even so, the parent can still do their part. “There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer and otherwise bene-
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‘I do not necessarily believe a parent can be too involved.’ Timothy Kubinak
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT JOHN YEATES MIDDLE SCHOOL
fit [the school], so I do not necessarily believe a parent can be too involved,” said Timothy Kubinak, the assistant principal at John Yeates Middle School. When students see their parent cares about their school, it sets an example. When parents treat school like a secondary priority, the student will easily pick it up. School is challenging and takes perseverance. The students need examples from their parents or members of their community to step up and show them that in the end, school is worth the struggle. Kubinak also said he gets to see involvement from the parent or community pay off. It may be difficult at times for either the volunteer or the student, but it is worth it in the end. There are many ways to practically get involved. Parents can be part of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association or volunteer
as a tutor, library assistant or office helper, to name a few. There is a place for everyone to help their school. Schools like John Yeates Middle School have simple opportunities like their First Day Welcome. The school wants the community to come and help welcome back the students for another great year of school and set a stage of support. “There is a place for anyone in our JYMS community that wants to serve to benefit students. Whether it’s volunteering, to PTSA, to tutoring, your skills, experience and presence may be what motivates one student to be better,” said Kubinak. With so many volunteering options, there is a place or everyone to do their part. Many schools are just waiting for parents and the community to get involved and aid in a successful school year.
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Parental involvement is just as important in middle school and high school as it is in elementary school, but it tends to fall off after the elementary grades.
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Free play is important for helping young children develop their social skills and interests.
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The role of free play in early education
Glance at a typical family schedule and you would no doubt see that afternoons are jampacked and many children — even the youngest among them — have full itineraries of structured after-school activities. In an effort to raise well-rounded and intelligent children, many parents enroll their youngsters in all sorts of extracurricular activities, including sports leagues, travel teams, enrichment clubs and musical instruction. While these activities benefit kids in myriad ways, it’s also beneficial to let kids be kids and to provide ample time for them to
engage in free play. Structured activities can teach children how to follow rules and routines and help them build developmental skills. But free play can improve critical skills as well. One of the biggest benefits to free play is it can foster kids’ creativity and help kids discover their interests on their own. Free play also helps children learn independence and how to keep themselves occupied. The United Nations recognizes free play as a basic right of every child and underscores its importance. Despite this, unstructured play seems to be on the decline, with more structured activi-
ties taking over young children’s days. In a 2011 article in the American Journal of Play, Dr. Peter Gray, a researcher at Boston College, indicated that “lack of play affects emotional development, leading to the rise of anxiety, depression, and problems of attention and self-control.” Gray also indicated that without play, “young people fail to acquire the social and emotional skills necessary for healthy psychological development.” Free play also can benefit youngsters in the following ways: See FREE PLAY, 7
SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Annual Public Notice Career and Technical Education Suffolk Public Public Schools’ Schools’ Department Department of of Career Suffolk Career and and Technical TechnicalEducation Educationoffers offersaavariety variety of career and technical programs to all students at the middle and high of career and technical programs to all students at the middle and highschool schoollevels. levels. The program programareas areasinclude includethe thefollowing: following: The Agriculture Education Business and Information Technology Technology Career Connections Family and Consumer Sciences Sciences
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Health and Medical Sciences Marketing Technology Education Trade and Industrial Education
Annu Career and call Call757-925-6750. 757-925-6750.
For For more moreinformation informationabout aboutCareer Careerand andTechnical TechnicalEducation, Education,
Suffolk Public Schools Schools does does not not discriminate discriminate on on the the basis basis ofofrace, race,color, color,national national Suffolk Public origin, sex, disability, disability, or or age agein inits itsprograms programsand andactivities activitiesand andprovides providesequal equalaccess access origin, sex, to designated youth groups. TheThe following person has been to the the Boy BoyScouts Scoutsand andother other designated youth groups. following person has designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
SUZANNE M. RICE, ED.D.Department of Career Suffolk Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent Student Services of career andof technical programs to all stude 100 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 1549 • Suffolk, VA 23439-1549 The program include the following: Phone: (757) 925-6750 • Email: areas suzannerice@spsk12.net
Agriculture Education
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Reading can help get kids ready to go back to school It is common for children to backslide during summer vacations as they get further away from their daily school year routines. The rigors of schoolwork may come as a shock as children return to school and must reacquaint themselves with studying and doing their homework. But there are some steps students can take to keep their minds sharp as they ease back into school. One of the most effective ways for students to stay sharp over summer is to continue reading. Evidence suggests that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better on reading tests than those who don’t, but also devel-
op a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures. Reading for pleasure also bears more influence on a child’s academic performance than his or her social or economic background. Summer reading assignments may not be mandated, but children can take it upon themselves to continually push themselves through recreational reading and language arts pursuits. Here are ways that parents can facilitate that process. 4Set up a reading time. Children should have a set time each day that they devote to reading. Many find a regular reading time
later in the evening before bed or as a precursor to other activities, such as watching television or playing video games, can help make reading a priority. 4Keep fresh reading materials. Stock the house with new books, magazines, newspapers and even graphic novels. The more reading materials children have access to, the more likely they are to become habitual readers. 4Parents can lead by example. Parents should read as well. Choose books and periodicals over time spent on digital devices. 4Read in the world See READING, 7
Reading on a regular basis can help set children up for success in school.
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Free play: Helps kids conquer fear Continued from page 5
4enables kids to learn dexterity and improve on other strengths; 4fulfills exercise requirements for growing kids; 4helps kids conquer fears and develop confidence; 4establishes natural
leadership roles and hierarchy in social groups; 4contributes to emotional well-being by giving children a respite from schedules; and 4helps teach selfresponsibility, which may translate to better behavior at home and in
school. Free play is an important component of learning and exploration for children. A mix of structured and unstructured activities is key to raising well-rounded individuals. —Metro Creative
Reading: Know child's reading level Continued from page 6
around you. Stop and read signs, menus, cereal boxes, billboards, and anything with the written word. Jot down difficult words and look them up together and discuss the definitions. 4Consult with the
teacher. Educators have tools they use to assess reading levels and abilities. Knowing a child’s reading level and choosing the appropriate reading materials for that level can set kids up for success.
Reading is an important part of getting into the back-to-school groove. Make sure students set aside ample time for reading throughout the day, even during extended breaks from school. —Metro Creative
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Tips for helping new kindergarteners
Children experience many firsts as they make their way through infancy and into childhood. Parents often remember their child’s first word and the day they took their first step, as both are major milestones in youngsters’ lives. One of the most memorable firsts children experience is their first day of kindergarten. Though many youngsters now attend daycare or preschool before beginning kindergarten, the first day of kindergarten is still something special for both children and their parents. As the big day approaches, children about to begin kindergarten may experience a range of emotions, including excitement,
anticipation and even a little anxiety or nervousness. Parents can help their children manage such emotions by taking various steps to make the first day of kindergarten as fun as possible. 4Request a class list. Some schools may not provide a class list and some will. Parents who can access the class list can go over the list with their children before the start of school. Doing so can lessen youngsters’ anxiety, as they will no doubt recognize a few familiar names on the list. Knowing friends will be in class alongside them will no doubt make kids more excited for their first day. 4Discuss activities
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Parents can help their children get ready for kindergarten by attending orientation and letting them choose their clothes for the first day.
with school officials, including teachers. Some kids may not be nervous
about going to kindergarten, but might not be looking forward to the
end of summer. In such instances, reaching out to teachers or other school officials to learn what kids will be doing in kindergarten can help. Discuss first-day and early-year activities with teachers and then share that information with kids. Once kids learn how much fun they’ll be having in kindergarten, they might be less reluctant to say goodbye to summer. 4 Let youngsters choose their clothes for the first day. When shopping for first-dayof-school attire, let kids choose their own outfits, explaining to them that the first day of kindergarten is a special day worthy of new clothes. Once the big day arrives, kids
may forget their nerves and just be excited to get dressed and show off their new duds, especially if they’re wearing clothes they handpicked themselves. 4Attend a school orientation day. If your child’s school hosts a student/family orientation day, be sure to attend. Orientation will give kids a chance to see their classroom and meet fellow students as well as their teacher. That familiarity can calm kids’ nerves on the first day. The first day of kindergarten is a milestone. Parents can employ various strategies to calm any nerves kids may have as the big day approaches. —Metro Creative