back to school
a blank slate media / litmor publications special section • september 4, 2015
S2 Back to school • News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 AN EXCITING NEW TAKE ON TCHAIKOVSKY’S
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Determining the right amount of homework tuning assignments to be as effective as possible, while others feel homework diminishes interest in learning, especially time-consuming or especially difficult assignments.
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Ultimately, homework is a way for teachers to measure how well their students grasp lessons and concepts. Parents of struggling students can always ask for additional work to help kids better understand their coursework.
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What is the right amount of homework?
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tudents spend roughly six hours in the classroom each day while their parents could put in eight hours at the office. When a family returns home in the evening, homework is probably the last thing they want to worry about. Still, homework is part of many families’ daily routine, and chances are it is not going anywhere soon — no matter how much kids complain. There’s no denying homework can be a chore, but how much homework is assigned could make a difference in a student’s overall academic performance. Parents, students and educators have long debated the homework issue, and that debate has included discussions on determining the right amount of homework and if homework has any actual benefits on student performance.
Is homework beneficial?
There are various points of view regarding the benefits of homework. The prevalent philosophy in education for decades has been that students learn better when lessons are reinforced through homework. Yet new findings indicate that homework may benefit certain age groups and grade levels more than others. According to Harris Cooper, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Missouri, the benefits of doing homework seem to depend on the student’s grade level. After reviewing more than 100 studies on the effectiveness of homework, Cooper found high school students who do homework outperform those who do not on standardized tests, and those who do homework earn better grades. Homework is only half as effective for middle school students, while at the elementary school level, homework has no apparent measurable effect on achievement.
Still, some educators are reluctant to stop assigning homework. Some teachers assign homework, but only after fine
Homework assignments are on the rise, and that increase may be fueled by certain factors. Intense pressure on educators to meet national testing standards likely influences the number of worksheets and assignments teachers send home each night. If students do not get work finished in the classroom, they usually must complete it at home. In addition, the idea that excessive homework is synonymous with a rigorous education is common among some parents, who may feel that extra schoolwork will get their children into top colleges and universities. According to Bruce Ravage, the executive director of Park City Prep in Bridgeport, Conn., homework is only given in his school to reinforce and review what students learned in the classroom. He says the charter school has been emphasizing the quality of homework assignments over the quantity. The National Education Association suggests 10 minutes of homework per night for first-graders is sufficient. This amount of homework should increase by 10 minutes per grade level, so second graders would be assigned 20 minutes per night, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. However, the NEA said there should be a cap on homework so that it does not exceed two hours per night.
Parental assistance
Parents should be available to provide guidance and help with homework when necessary. But parents also should be careful not to do the homework for their children, which only undermines the purpose of the assignments. If homework appears burdensome or a consistent source of struggle for students, parents should speak with their children’s teachers to discuss both the amount and type of homework given. The homework debate figures to continue with each new crop of students entering school. Educators and family can continue to work together to help students make the most of their educations.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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S4 Back to school • News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015
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How to determine if returning to school makes financial sense for need-based aid when returning to school than they were when they initially enrolled as young students. Older independent students may also be allowed to borrow more than younger students who are considered dependent. Rules regarding eligibility for financial aid varies depending on where a person lives, but those in the United States can visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information, while Canadians can learn about financial aid at www.canlearn.ca.
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hen the financial crisis of 2008 first arrived, many people found themselves in the unemployment line. For some, unemployment proved a brief bump in the road, while others endured several years of unemployment before landing on their feet. Some men and women who lost their jobs as a result of the economic downturn have still not found gainful employment. Many individuals who find themselves out of work or unsatisfied by their current professions consider going back to school to pursue an advanced degree or to begin studies in an entirely new field. An advanced degree can help men and women further their careers, while changing careers is often facilitated by a degree in a different course of study. But the decision to return to school involves more than a person’s career goals, especially if that person has a family or other significant financial obligations. The cost of a college education is considerable, but men and women can take steps prior to enrolling to determine if returning to school makes financial sense for them. • Determine your eligibility for aid. Adults thinking of going back to school may be eligible for financial aid. Older students returning to school won’t have to worry about their parents’ income disqualifying them from financial aid, and they may even be more eligible
• Discuss financial aid with the university you plan to attend. Unlike high school students who apply to multiple colleges, adults going back to school typically value proximity when looking for a college or university in which to enroll. So it’s easy for adults to visit their local college or university’s financial aid office in person to discuss opportunities for grants or scholarships. Financial aid officers can point you in the right direction if you decide to fill out loan applications or help you find any scholarships that might be available to adult students. Financial aid departments can be invaluable resources to students of all ages, and gaining a greater understanding of the grants and scholarships available to you can help you determine if returning to school makes financial sense for you and your family. • Determine how quickly you can repay student loans. Few students can afford to attend college without borrowing money. While younger students have a lifetime to repay student loans, older students don’t have that luxury. As a result, older students must determine when they can realistically expect to pay off their loans before they borrow any money. If loans can be repaid long before retirement, then a return to school might make financial sense. But men and women who crunch the numbers and realize they will be forced to make loan payments during their retirement years might want to reconsider. A good rule of thumb for adults considering a return to school is to borrow less the closer you are to retirement. Many adults decide to return to school years after they established themselves in the professional arena. But as much as such decisions can reignite a forgotten passion or lead men and women down an exciting new path, returning to school must also make financial sense.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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S6 Back to school • News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015
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ome youngsters experience difficulty when the time comes to focus on their schoolwork. Such difficulties may be linked to a variety of factors, and parents can be overwhelmed as they attempt to identify the root cause of their youngsters’ struggles in the classroom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6.4 million American children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD most often occurs in children, and these children may have difficulty with concentrating, paying attention, staying organized, and remembering details. But not all children struggling to focus on their studies have ADHD. Parents who want to help their kids overcome their issues with regard to focusing can consider a host of approaches and strategies.
Speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Because ADHD is so common, parents should seek the opinion
of a licensed healthcare professional to determine if their child has the disorder. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD (www. help4adhd.org), psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and certain licensed counselors or therapists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. Determining if a child has ADHD is a great first step toward helping that youngster overcome his or her struggles in the classroom. A qualified healthcare professional can help develop a strategy to improve focus, and that may include prescribing medication to improve the child’s ability to concentrate. Speak with your child’s teacher. Students who don’t have ADHD can still have trouble focusing on their schoolwork, and parents of such students may want to speak to their children’s teachers to solve the problem. Educators have significant experience dealing with students who have trouble focusing, and they may be able to make certain suggestions to help kids focus on their work.
Minimize distractions at home. Some kids may do well in class but find it hard to focus once they arrive home. That’s because home often has far more distractions than the classroom. Once the time comes for your child to do his or her homework, minimize distractions that can compromise his or her ability to focus. Turn off the television and take kids’ phones away if they have their own phones. During homework time, only allow them to use their computers for their lessons and not to connect with friends via social media. Parents also should make sure they aren’t the distraction. Let kids do their work in peace and quiet, offering to help if need be, but steering clear of kids work areas so they are encouraged to focus and not strike up conversations with mom or dad. Make lists. Some kids focus better when they know exactly what they have to do. Encourage such youngsters to make lists of their assignments and check items off as they are completed. Checking items off can give kids a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate them to stay focused on their schoolwork going forward. Encourage breaks. A breather every so often can help kids avoid growing tired. Make sure kids don’t take up another task, such as playing video games or watching television, during their breaks. But keep in mind that standing up every so often to walk around or get a glass of water can help them stay sharp and energized over the long haul.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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Extracurricular activities need not involve sports
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are is the child today who returns home immediately after school. Many school-aged children now have busier schedules than their parents. Involvement in an extracurricular activity can help kids make friends while they learn about responsibility. Some extracurricular activities even allow kids to apply lessons learned in the classroom in realworld situations. Many students play a sport as their extracurricular activity. In fact, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in high school sports increased for the 23rd consecutive year in 2011-12, when nearly 7.7 million student-athletes participated in high school athletics. High schoolers in Canada also frequently turn to sports, where School Sport Canada reports that more than 750,000 school-aged students participate in sports. Such heavy participation in sports can make it easy for parents to encourage their youngsters to go out for a school team. But not all youngsters want to play sports, and even those who do might not be able to make a team. But lacking the desire or talent to compete in high school
sports does not mean students cannot participate in extracurricular activities. The following are a handful of extracurricular activities that can benefit students even if they don’t require them to lace up their cleats. VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is a great way for schoolaged kids to spend some of their free time. Student volunteers can often pick when they want to perform service, and that can make it easier on kids who want to focus on their performance in the classroom. For example, students can focus on their studies on weekdays and volunteer on the weekends. Many organizations, from animal shelters to hospitals, accept student volunteers, who can learn about the benefits of helping others and the importance of making a positive impact in their communities. Volunteer organizations do not typically require a long-term commitment, so students will not have to continue to volunteer if an organization is not what they hoped it would be. But parents should discuss kids’ interests with them before choosing a volunteering opportunity. For instance, youngsters who love the beach might be best suited to an
organization devoted to cleaning up the beach, while animal lovers would likely love to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Finding the right organization will benefit both parties, and parents will be happy to have fostered a sense of responsibility to the community in their youngsters. MUSIC Some youngsters might not know the difference between a first down or the first inning. But many kids who are not inclined to play sports may be inclined to play a musical instrument. And some kids are inclined to play both a sport and try their hand at music. Many school music programs have fallen victim to governmental budget cuts, leaving students who want to play an instrument without a proper introduction to music or an opportunity to play. Parents must therefore make that introduction on their own, discussing kids’ attitudes toward music with them. That discussion should include asking kids if they would like to play a specific instrument or be part of a choir. In addition to giving kids a creative outlet, music may even benefit them in the classroom. Stanford University researchers found that musical training improves how the brain
processes the spoken word. In addition, in an analysis of data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers at the United States Department of Education found that students who report consistent involvement in instrumental music during middle school and high school perform significantly better in mathematics by grade 12 than those who do not participate in music programs. WORKING Many students live in communities that allow them to work once they reach high school age. While working might not be as fun as playing an instrument, getting a job can teach high school students valuable lessons they will carry with them throughout their lives. Even though high school students only work part-time, such a work schedule can still teach them the importance of money management and the valuable lesson of reaping what you sow. High school students can save their money to finance their college educations or purchase their first cars, each of which can teach them the value of saving money. Working in high school also can prepare students for college, where many will need to work in order to support themselves.
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How to buy school clothes without busting your budget Parents often note that kids seem to grow like weeds. Pants that once reached to the tops of a youngster’s feet quickly become too short, while onceloose shirts may soon become too snug. Many parents find themselves regularly in children’s clothing departments stocking up on the basics, which can put quite a dent in already stretched-thin
budgets. Although children’s wardrobes are added to at various times of the year, the bulk of shopping occurs just before the school year begins. Though clothing can be expensive, families need not bust their budgets when shopping for kids’ clothing. By shopping smart and concentrating on fashion staples, it’s easier to stretch money further. Spread out purchases. Shopping early allows parents to make the most of sales. Warm weather clothing generally goes on sale in July to make room for new fall lines. Considering the first few months of school still may be warm, short-sleeved shirts will still have utility and are generally less expensive than sweaters and sweatshirts. Staggering purchases also enables parents to develop a clothing allowance each and every month instead of having one large bill at a certain point in the year. Parents can even add to their children’s wardrobes during the holiday season, when clothes tend to get reduced again for holiday sales.
Don’t discount hand-me-downs. It’s trendy to recycle clothing and also to be environmentally conscious by putting items to good use again and again. Aside from you and your wallet, no one will know if your child is wearing a secondhand pair of pants or a brand new pair. Many school moms are anxious to swap clothing with others to lessen their own financial burdens with children’s clothing. Start a clothing swap with a group of friends, and you may find you have more than you need in the way of clothes for the kids. Take stock of what you already have. How many times have you run out to the grocery store for a missing ingredient only to find that very item buried at the back of the pantry? The same thing happens with kids’ clothes. Before taking kids clothes shopping, take inventory of their closets. Have little ones try on clothes to see which items still fit and which can be discarded or donated. Make a list of the items you need to cut down on impulse spending at the store. Invest in the right high-quality pieces. Spending a fortune for a trendy pair of pants that may end up getting ruined on the playground is not the best way to shop for kids’ clothing. However, investing in a quality pair of shoes that will last much of the year is a good investment. Know when to splurge and when it’s okay to shop at the discount store. Stock up on staples. A straight-leg cut of jeans, some solid colored polo shirts and an A-line dress or skirt are some classic foundation pieces for children’s wardrobes. Such items tend to last longer than trendy items that may only last a few months before the next trend arrives. Learn to layer. Layering items can make pieces look like new by putting them together in different combinations. Layering a summer T-shirt under a fall hoodie gets use out of two different season’s worth of clothes. It also enables kids to be comfortable during unpredictable weather. Leave it to the kids. Parents often worry about what other parents will think of their own children’s clothing. Children do not typically worry about such things until their preteen or teenage years. You may spend less money on clothing simply because your child has a few favorite shirts and pants he or she wears over and over. That’s less laundry for you and less money you have to spend on new clothes.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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How to recognize if your child has a vision problem Parents want their kids to be as healthy as possible. Whether tailoring kids’ diets to include healthier foods or encouraging their youngsters to be physically active, parents often go the extra mile with regards to the health of their children. But as hard as parents may try, some health-related issues are difficult to avoid or prevent. For example, even the most conscientious parents might have little influence over their children’s vision. Many children have a form of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, which progressively worsens as kids get older but eventually stabilizes when their eyes have stopped growing, typically in a young adult’s early 20s. Myopia is common and treatable, but parents should still educate themselves about it so they can better respond should they suspect their child is suffering from nearsightedness.
What causes myopia? When a person has myopia, light entering his or her eye is focused incorrectly. Nearsighted people usually have an eyeball that is slightly longer than normal from front to back, and the light rays that make up the images a nearsighted person sees focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result is that objects that are far away appear blurry. Are there indicators that a child is nearsighted? Kids likely won’t tell their parents that they are struggling to see distant objects clearly, so it’s important for parents to look for indicators that a child might be struggling with myopia. Kids who are nearsighted might squint to see objects that are far away, including the television. One of the telltale indicators is how a child behaves in the classroom. Children who tell
their teacher they need to move closer to the chalkboard should be taken to the eye doctor. Parents who suspect their child might be nearsighted can talk to their child’s teacher and ask if the teacher feels the child might be struggling with his or her vision. Such struggles can affect how a child performs in school. Children who get frequent headaches might also be suffering from nearsightedness. Doctors recommend that kids have their eyes examined at six months, three years of age and prior to entering the first grade. But even if kids have passed previous eye examinations at each of those benchmarks, it’s best to take them for another exam the moment a vision problem is suspected. Is myopia preventable? Since it is often inherited, myopia is not preventable. However, treatment can significantly
WHY
minimize its effects. Children who appear to be struggling to see distant objects clearly should be taken for an eye exam. That exam may include an eye pressure measurement; a refraction test, which is used to determine a correct prescription for eyeglasses; a retinal examination and a visual acuity test, which measures sharpness of vision at close and far distances. When a child is diagnosed as being nearsighted, the doctor will likely prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery can correct vision, but many surgeons are reticent to recommend such surgery until a patient’s eye has fully developed, which does not occur until after childhood. Are there other symptoms of childhood vision problems? There are additional symptoms of childhood vision problems that might not indicate
nearsightedness, but might indicate another problem that should result in a trip to the eye doctor. For example, a child might close one eye when watching television or reading. This could be indicative that vision in one eye is poorer than the other. Young children who struggle to color within the lines might have an issue with their hand-eye coordination. Poor hand-eye coordination could be the result of a vision impairment. Children who tilt their head to one side to improve vision might be suffering from a vision problem that makes it difficult for them to look directly down. Vision problems can negatively affect how a child performs in school as well as in social situations. Though such vision problems are not always preventable, parents who can identify them can greatly minimize their effects.
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S10 Back to school • News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015
Job tips for new college grads bachelor’s degree holders under the age of 25 were jobless or underemployed in 2011. That’s the lowest such level in more than a decade.
Some analysts have begun to question the value of a college degree for recent college graduates who have student loans to pay off. But the concern should be less about the value of a degree and more about how recent graduates can find jobs in an economy where a lack of professional experience might make them more affordable, but ultimately less valuable to prospective employers. The following are a few tips recent college grads can employ to increase their chances at finding a job.
Though many college students dream of the day they will walk across the stage and receive their bachelor’s degree, the reality that awaits many after the last note of “Pomp and Circumstance” has been played may not be what is expected because job availability remains bleak. According to analysis of government data conducted for the Associated Press, nearly 54 percent of
Use the resources at your disposal. Even if it may seem you’re on your own the moment you put away that cap and gown, there are resources at your disposal. Your university’s alumni career center, for example, has helped graduates find jobs in what has proven to be a historically bad economy over the last several years. Alumni career centers often sponsor networking events and will help recent graduates craft their resumes. Graduates who went to school away from home can still tap this potentially valuable resource even if they’re no longer nearby campus. Chat online with an alumni center representatives and access online video workshops that offer anything from
interviewing advice to how to write a better cover letter. Other resources may include your parents, their friends, your own friends who have already found work or anyone else who might share their experience and advice.
Look for jobs in fields that are expanding. Though it might seem as though no job fields are fertile in the current economy, that’s not true. Green jobs and jobs in the field of health, for instance, are growing and projections indicate that growth is expected to continue in the years to come. Such fields are likely to have more entrylevel positions available, and entry-level positions do not typically target experienced professionals.
Consider moving. One of the biggest advantages to being a recent college graduate is freedom to move around. Few have spouses or children to consider, and even fewer have a mortgage to pay. Having so few strings attached to you can work to your advantage — allowing you to relocate to a stronger job market even if you don’t already have a job offer in hand. As the economy has struggled, many companies have been forced to cut back, and one of the cutbacks many companies have made is reducing their relocation budgets. A 2009 poll from the Society of Human Resource Management found that 58 percent of companies had reduced their relocation
programs, while 17 percent had eliminated such programs entirely. Simply put, companies have begun to limit their hiring to local candidates. If a particular company has caught your eye, consider moving to where that company is located. Being local might just make you a more attractive applicant. If no company has caught your eye, consider a relocation to a city with strong prospects for an unemployed person. A U.S. News analysis of statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and job aggregator Web site Juju.com indicated that Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boston, Massachusetts were the three best cities for an unemployed person to find work. In ranking the cities, the analysis considered the number of individuals per advertised job and the city’s overall unemployment rate. Other locales, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and St. Paul, Minnesota rated highly as well. Recent college graduates with nothing tying them down might want to consider relocating to a city where their prospects are stronger. Though there is no magic formula new college grads can employ to find a job, there are ways they can increase their chances going forward.
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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classroom layout can affect learning
When school begins anew, students are often excited about seeing their friends again and spending time with classmates they will be learning alongside all year. Though who a student sits next to in class is important to students for one reason, teachers have different motives behind classroom seating arrangements. Classroom layout plays a role in how students learn, concentrate and behave. Before the school year begins, teachers may establish a seating and learning environment unique from other classes. Throughout the school year, adjustments may be made in the best interest in children. According to Scholastic, oftentimes
elementary school-aged children learn best when they’re allowed to move throughout the classroom. Learning stations that allow such movement have become more popular in classrooms. One station may cater to auditory learning, while another may feature manipulatives that is ideal for students who thrive by learning with tangible items. Computer stations are also common, and this variety of stations breaks up the monotony of one type of learning by keeping students interested and engaged. Some teachers prefer to arrange desks in different fashions depending on the teachers’ teaching styles. The design of long rows of desks all facing the front of the classroom is not always practical for students or teachers. It can be difficult for teachers to see students in the middle or the back of the room, while students may find it difficult to concentrate on learning if they’re staring at the backs of other classmates’ heads. Common desk layouts include grouping a few desks together to face one another for collaborative lessons.
Some teachers prefer a “U” or circle layout to encourage discussions. Students prefer different environments in which to learn, and teachers may be wise to create different scenarios inside of the classroom. An isolated cubicle or desk shielded by bookcases can be a good retreat spot for a child who likes quiet for personal study. Other students like to study and work together, so a round group table may be the ideal place for them to gather. The classroom need not always be brightly lit for learning either. Teachers can think about using different types of lights to set up nooks in the classroom to facilitate learning. Hard seats, hard desks and the same location over and over can sometimes be uncomfortable. Teachers with novel educating styles may prefer to switch environments from time to time to keep students’ minds engaged. For example, they may take science lessons outside for children to learn first-hand about nature or animals. A trip to the school’s theater or allpurpose room may be better for a language arts assignment, such as
acting out a play. Students from the same grade may swap classrooms with another class so they benefit from a different teaching style and environment. Sometimes teachers put all students together for a group lesson to exchange new viewpoints. Some designers and architects also have views on how classrooms should be designed. In 2011, the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture, with offices in Sydney, Stuttgart and Shanghai, designed a concept for the “classroom of the future.” It’s a prefabricated and portable classroom unit that integrates into the landscape while enhancing the learning environment. The materials are costeffective and sustainable. Classroom environments may once have been about rigid rows of desks where all eyes were focused on the blackboard. But today teachers and innovators have realized the benefits of switching things up to tap students’ learning potential. From the use of smartboards and computers to the rearrangement of seats, variety in the classroom is often advantageous to students.
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How to switch majors successfully C
hoosing a major is often met with trepidation. College students may feel pressured to choose a major when they are less than certain about what they want to study. Majors aren’t set in stone and students have the opportunity to switch concentrations if their original choice isn’t the right fit. Perhaps now more than ever, there is pressure on students to pick the right college major. In this weak economy, experts are touting advice on choosing a major that gives students the best chance of finding a job after graduation. The National Center for Education Statistics says that in 2007-2008, the most popular majors were business, social sciences, history, and education. According to Capital University, students usually have so many interests that they have difficulty narrowing their choices. Their first inclination is not to declare a major and wait to see if they find their niche. In general, two out of every three university students change majors at least once. This should give hope to
students who feel they need a chance. Here are some tips that should help with the process. • Wait to declare. Many educators advise waiting a semester or two before declaring a major. Take a variety of elective courses and general education classes that will fit degree requirements regardless of major. A guidance counselor or adviser can undecided students choose courses that might help them find an area of study.
• Talk to the dean. Many colleges and universities have deans or advisors in charge of students in certain majors. They will know the courses required for a degree. Switching majors may involve taking or re-taking some courses that will fit with the new major. It may also mean that some courses that were taken cannot be applied to the new major. This can result in having to take more classes one semester or taking an extra semester to graduate.
• Take an assessment test. The career or guidance office may offer some of the standardized tools to help students find an area of concentration. The MyersBriggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Campbell Interest and Skill Survey are two resources students use to identify strengths and potential paths of study.
• Consider finances. Taking different classes or stretching out your college career an additional semester might cost more money. Be sure that the finances are there, whether personally provided or funded through financial aid.
• Do your research. If you’re considering a new major, talk to your advisor about what will be required of that new major, including classes and other coursework. You can also talk to students currently studying under that major. Knowing what to expect beforehand can make the decision-making process a little easier.
• Assess whether your major truly matters. Many liberal arts or general studies majors are applicable in many fields. Therefore, switching majors may not even be necessary. Think about continuing with a current major and then concentrate or minor in something more specific.
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• Determine if you really need to switch majors. Sometimes the decision to switch majors is made for you. If you are having difficulty keeping up in class or find the courses really do not interest you, it may be time to change. Failing grades can impact grade point average. Dropping a class — or a major — is a way to redeem yourself. • Consider a double major. Students who ultimately cannot decide can choose to study for a double major. This may look good on a resume and show potential employers that you are not afraid of work. It also enables you to study two different subjects in detail. Keep in mind that double majors will mean a lot of extra work and may delay graduation so that you can get all the credits needed. Choosing a major is seldom an easy decision. Rest assured that if the first choice isn’t ideal, students can switch majors successfully with few obstacles.
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Learn the early warning signs of bullying
C
hildren grow and develop their personalities in various ways. While many youngsters are teased or receive some good-natured ribbing at some point in their school careers, some teasing can eventually turn into bullying. The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Furthermore, more than 70 percent of students report incidents of bullying at their schools. Although children in lower grades have reported being in more fights than those in higher grades, there is a higher rate of violent crimes in middle and high schools than in elementary schools. According to the association Make Beats Not Beat Downs, harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school shooting incidents. Bullying can take many forms, and learning the warnng signs as a parent can help prevent harassment and potentially dangerous situations. Verbal: If your child reports being called names, being the recipient of racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, or being spoken to in an offensive or suggestive way, this can be a form of verbal bullying. Cyber: Social media, email and text messaging has become a way for bullies to spread malicious messages or photos. In the era of digital media, this type of bullying has increased considerably. Physical: Some bullies engage in physical attacks, including hitting, kicking, spitting, or other forms of physical confrontation. Destroying personal property also is considered physical bullying. Indirect: Gossiping and spreading nasty rumors about a person is another form of bullying. This type of bullying may go hand-in-hand with cyber bullying. SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED Parents can recognize certain signs that their child is being bullied at school. Bullied children frequently make excuses to avoid going to school. While the desire to stay home is something many children may express, those who are bullied
may do so much more frequently. Bullied children tend to avoid certain places and may be sad, angry, withdrawn, or depressed. They may have trouble sleeping or experience changes in appetite, and bullied youngsters’ academic performance may suffer. Also, parents may notice that children return from school missing some of their belongings. SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS THE BULLY Parents may not want to imagine their children bullying other students, but bullies do exist. Children who bully other kids have strong needs for power and negative dominance. They may find satisfaction in causing suffering to others. Some signs that your child may be a bully include: • easily becoming violent with others • having friends who bully others • blaming others quickly • comes home with belongings that do not belong to him or her • getting in trouble with teachers or school administrators • picking on siblings • not accepting responsibility for actions There are ways parents can teach their children to act properly when faced with a bully. First, parents should explain that bullying is not the child’s fault and he or she does not deserve to be picked on. Next, parents can let children know that being assertive but not violent with bullies may diffuse the situation, as some bullies thrive on the fear of their victims. If the bullying behavior continues, the student should speak to an adult or authority figure. Parents of bullies may need to be especially mindful of their children’s behavior. Counseling could be necessary to determine what is compelling kids to bully other students.
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A place where values are learned and lived. Our schools prepare children for life’s journey. Strong spiritual values are a living part of a child’s daily activities at every Long Island Catholic elementary school. Your child is nurtured in a unique community environment where vital interaction with other children, families, and the parish reinforces enduring moral beliefs and a respect for others. Your child also gains the knowledge, skills, and selfesteem for future success in an innovative setting where academic rigor is enhanced by an array of cutting-edge learning resources. Find out how Catholic Elementary Schools give children the academic and social skills they need to succeed. Visit www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org or call us at 516-678-5800 x 258.
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After-care options for dual-income families In a perfect world, school and work hours would run concurrently. But the average school day begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m., while the average work day lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As a result, parents must arrange for child care during those hours when school is out, but Mom and Dad are still at work.
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Parents who prefer a different situation than school-based care frequently turn to friends or family members to bridge the gap between school and work. Students who carpool may be dropped off early at the driver’s home and stay there after school until their parents get home.
In addition, many families have welcomed older relatives back into their homes in light of the struggling economy. In such instances, grandparents or aunts and uncles can look after the kids once school has ended for the day.
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Dual-income families are relying on after-care programs and more. The two-income family is more common than ever before. Up until the 20th century, a dual-income family was rare. Today, however, roughly 80 percent of families in North America have both parents working, and many find it is impossible to live on one income.
Dual-income families often have to make difficult choices about child care. If a mother returned to work shortly after giving birth, day care was probably arranged early on. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, 48 percent of children ages 0 to 4 with employed mothers were primarily cared for by a relative. Twenty-four percent spent the majority of their time in a centerbased arrangement. As children grow and attend elementary school, traditional day care is usually not an option and parents have to make other arrangements. School-based care
Many schools offer programs both before and after school, many of which are reasonably priced. This helps dual-income families, but may not be practical during early-release days, during teacher planning days or holiday breaks. Programs that help parents before school typically allow working parents to drop off their children before the parents head to work. The students are kept in the school’s gym or cafeteria until the regular school day begins. The same scenario applies to after school programs. At dismissal, aftercare students will return to the designated location to work on homework or engage in some activities with other after-care participants until their parents arrive to take them home.
Some children are enrolled in care centers that watch children before school, bus them to school and then return in the afternoon to pick up the children again. This is one of the more costly options in child care. However, it may be more educationally structured than the care programs provided at school.
Students who participate in sports or academic clubs may have an arrangement to stay with a teacher, coach or club administrator until their parents are home from work.
These programs vary depending on the region of the country and the particular school district. Personal finances also play a role in the type of care families can afford. When the decision is made, there are some questions parents should ask before enrollment.
• What is the ratio of caregivers to students? • What is the cost of the program? • How are delayed opening days and early dismissal days handled? Holidays and breaks? • What happens if I arrive late? • What activities will take place? • Is there ample time for homework? • Are caregivers teachers or volunteers? • Are background checks conducted? • Is financial assistance available? • What is the turn-over rate of staff? • Is there a nurse available? • Who oversees the program? • Is busing available? • How are emergencies handled? • How is poor behavior handled? • May I visit the program for a check-in? • With whom do I speak if I have a problem? • If my child is absent, do I receive a refund for that day? • How long is the waiting list? These are just some of the questions to ask, and parents are encouraged to come up with their own to find the best program for their children.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
fooD DYES & DifficUlt KiDS
Those blue drinks, red popsicles and multi-colored cereals could be triggering temper tantrums, learning difficulties, sleep disorders and a host of physical complaints such as asthma, headaches, hives and ear infections. This year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps in determining if these petroleum-based additives are playing a part in the increase in ADHD and other behavior and learning problems. The agency acknowledged that some children are sensitive to these chemicals, and they have changed their Web site to reflect this. This all comes as good news for the Feingold Association of the US, the nonprofit support group that shows parents how to address a wide range of problems by continuing to enjoy their favorite foods, but in versions that are free of the worst of the additives. More information is available at www. ADHDdiet.org. The research showing that food dyes are harmful to all children prompted the European Union to require warning labels on most foods that contain the dyes. As a result, multinational food companies are now coloring the food in Europe with natural ingredients like grape
juice, strawberries and turmeric. In the U.S., however, these same companies continue to use the cheaper petroleumbased dyes. Richard Carlton, MD, a New York psychiatrist who specializes in helping children with behavior and learning problems, agrees that it makes sense to replace the chemically-treated foods with their natural counterparts before resorting to stimulant drugs, with all their potential side effects. He also urges strongly that the pre-natal vitamins women take should be free of artificial colors (which can damage fetal development). Many years ago, Ben Feingold, MD, discovered that some of the additives found in food can trigger disturbed behavior in sensitive children, and that as more and more of these additives are being used, the number of affected children increases. During the past 50 years the amount of dye consumed in the United States has increased by 500 percent. Now, after numerous supportive medical studies and 35 years of success, the Feingold Association is seeing a growing awareness that eating chemicals made from petroleum is harmful for everyone.
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“High school is for four years; the Prep is forever” ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718) 423-8810 www.sfponline.org
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DID YOU KNOW?
CYBERBULLYING occurs when a child is embarrassed, harassed, humiliated, threatened, or tormented by another child using the Internet, mobile phones or another interactive and digital technology.
Just as genuine a concern as bullying, cyberbullying has resulted in children killing others or even committing suicide. Cyberbullying occurs when minors are on both sides of bullying or if the bullying was at least instigated by a minor against another minor. Some of the more common means in which a child is victimized by cyberbullying include repeated e-mails or instant messages, posting real or doctored images online, sharing intimate information against a child’s will and encouraging other children to share in the bullying. Breaking into online accounts, such as e-mail or social networking accounts, is also considered cyberbullying. Though some instances of cyberbullying rise to a level where criminal charges are filed, this is rare.
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New students welcome: Sept. 3rd, 4th & 5th 10am-5pm JAZZ • TAP • BALLET • LYRICAL • ACRO • HIP HOP CLASSES Musical Theatre classes also available
Musical Theatre - sing, dance and act in one great class, performs at annual Christmas show & has their own musical theatre production. Offered Fridays in Garden City only.
66 New Hyde Park Road, Garden City (516) 616-1601
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
Come in for a Free Trial Dance Class • Registration going on now for all classes CLASSES BEGIN ON SEPT. 8th All Boys Hip Hop Class
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110 Anstice Street | Oyster Bay, NY 11771 | hs.stdoms.org | 516.922.4888 x 5325
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How to find the right internship chosen field. To find the right internship, consider the following tips.
Recent college grads have found the job market to be somewhat underwhelming. Gaining the attention of a prospective employer is never easy, and it’s even less so when the economy is struggling. One of the ways current students or even recent graduates can make themselves more attractive to prospective employers is to find the right internship. Internships are not always easy to get, and many of them don’t pay. But students who find the right internship often look back and recognize that their internship was their first step toward a rewarding career, and a step that provided valuable insight into their
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Work with your school. Whether you’re in college or you’re that rare high schooler looking for an internship, lean on your school for direction and advice. Colleges and universities have career centers that can help you gain an internship. They can assist you through access to job listings and by providing advice on crafting resumes and cover letters or tips on how to interview. In addition to your school’s career center, speak to professors in your desired field and seek their advice. Many professors likely have experience in the field outside of the classroom and might even still work in the field, be it full-time or as a consultant. These professors can point you toward job opportunities or give you advice on what prospective employers are looking for from an intern.
the more of it you can gain the more attractive you are likely to be to potential employers after graduation.
Do your homework. Chances are you’re working toward a degree in a specific field. Research the leading companies within that field and learn about their internship programs. Visit each company’s Web site and peruse their job listings. This is more direct and takes less time than searching for internship opportunities on the large job listing Web sites. Such sites might have internship listings, but searching through them can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Start early. It’s never too early to start looking for an internship. In fact, many companies hope to have their internship positions filled well in advance. For example, if you’re looking for a summer internship, begin your search no later than January and continue that search throughout the semester.
Do some networking. You might not have an expansive network of associates to tap into, but that does not mean you should go it alone. Talk to your parents to see if they or someone they know has heard about any internship opportunities in your chosen field. You might also be able to network via your school’s career center, which likely has an alumni-networking service that enables you to contact past graduates currently working in your chosen field. In some instances, these alumni-networking services can be an internship gold mine, as past graduates might prefer to hire current students from their alma mater as opposed to applicants from other schools.
In addition to starting early, don’t just seek summer internships. Some companies make internship opportunities available year-round, so you might be able to get one that coincides with the school year, even if you had a previous internship with a different company during the year. Internship experience is invaluable, and
Competition for internships is often steep, and that’s especially so when the economy is struggling and even recent graduates are hoping to land internships. But students can employ several strategies to find the right internships and take their first steps toward rewarding careers.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, September 4, 2015 • Back to school
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Join Us for Children and Youth Programs This Fall at Christ Church! Sunday School
Beginning September 20, on Sundays at 9:50 am, the children of Christ Church and Community Reformed Church gather for activities centered in the day’s scripture text. Children rejoin their parents for Holy Communion.
Worship Every fourth Sunday, Sunday School takes a day off as families gather together for worship. Children and youth write the prayers, serve as leaders in worship, and take their place as leaders in the church.
Christ Church episcopal 1351 Northern Boulevard Manhasset, New York 11030 www.christchurchmanhasset.org
Youth Programs
Throughout the year, youth gather for activities, service, and shared learning. Opportunties for volunteering, leadership development, and shared activities in a supportive environment anchor our programs, with a the annual mission trip as a highlight.