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Wichita Family Magazine’s

2010

Back-to-School Basics: l Wichita Public Schools l Playground safety l Back-to-School Nights

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Family WICHITA

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COLORING PICTURE

In The Great Beyond Every year, scientists find out more about our solar system and the ones outside of it. That’s right. There is more than one solar system.

Up until 1991, scientists had no proof of planets beyond our solar system. Then a group of planets were discovered orbiting a dying pulsar star.

In the time since, over 100 planets have been discovered that orbit other stars. Some of these planets are very close to their stars, while others are far away.

What Rhymes with…

Fact or Fiction?

Solar System Challenge Over the years, much has been learned about our solar system.

How much do you know about it? Take this quiz and find out.

List 10 words that rhyme with “space.”

1.

1) Eris is the closest planet to the sun.

Fact or Fiction?

2.

3.

4.

2) Earth is the only planet with human life.

Fact or Fiction?

5.

6.

7.

3) Venus has been called Earth’s sister planet.

Fact or Fiction?

8.

9.

10.

4) Mars has hundreds of moons.

Fact or Fiction?

5) Jupiter has the Great Dark Spot.

Fact or Fiction?

Some answers: ace, base,

brace, case, face, grace, lace, pace, race, trace

6) Saturn is known for its rings.

Fact or Fiction?

7) Neptune has the Great Red Spot.

Fact or Fiction?

8) Mercury, Saturn and Uranus can be seen with an unaided eye.

Fact or Fiction?

9) Pluto is the ninth planet in our solar system.

Fact or Fiction?

There are more features to a solar system than just planets. Do you know what they are? Fill in the blanks to name that feature.

1)

S __ A __ S 3)

2)

B __ A __ K

H O __ E __ 4)

5)

C O __ __ T S

G A __ A __ I E S

Answers: 1) Fiction, Mercury is the closest planet to the sun; Eris is a dwarf planet, 2) Fact, 3) F act, 4) Fiction, it has two moons, 5) Fiction, it has the Great Red Spot, 6) Fact, 7) Fiction, it has the Great Dark Spot, 8) Fiction, Uranus can only be seen with an optical aid, 9) Fiction, it is now classified as a dwarf planet, 10) Fact

Name That Feature

10) There are more than two dwarf planets in our solar system.

Fact or Fiction?

Jokes and Riddles

__ S T E __ O I __ __ 6)

__ U A __ A __ S

Q: What kind of saddle do horses wear in space?

A: A saddle-lite.

M E __ E O __ __ I D S

Q: How does the solar system hold up its pants?

A: With an asteroid belt.

7)

Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 3

Answers: 1) Stars, 2) Comets, 3) Black Holes, 4) Asteroids, 5) Galaxies, 6) Quasars, 7) Meteoroids

Back-To-School Night: Attendance Is Important

A

fter weeks of shopping and getting your child ready for school, the first day has finally arrived. You did it. You got through the summer, you got your child ready for school and they’re off for another exciting year. You can sit back and relax, and then the bomb drops. Your child gets off the bus in the afternoon with a reminder that Friday is Back-to-School Night. Ugh, you just got them off to school. Why 4 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

in the world would you want to spend your one free night this week going to your child’s school? Why, because it is important that you meet with the staff, most importantly your child’s teacher, and see firsthand what your child experiences every day.

Most schools host a Back-to-School Night on a weekday within the first month that school starts. At the event, you can expect to meet a variety of

staff members, including your child’s principal, teachers, aides, and of course, fellow parents. Some schools require parents attend the night with their children, while others insist parents come alone. Follow the recommendation of your child’s school and be prepared to get a glimpse of what your child goes through each day while there.

If you have any general questions for your child’s teachers, this is your opportunity to ask them. If you have specific questions regarding your child, arrange to meet with the teacher another time to discuss your concerns.

Before you leave each meeting, get the teacher’s contact information and find out how they prefer to be contacted, by e-mail, voice mail or note.

The events at Back-to-School Night vary by school. Chances are you will spend some of your time in your child’s classroom becoming familiar with their daily routine as well as the teacher’s expectations, methodology, grading policy, disciplinary plan and other objectives. If your child has several teachers, you will probably meet with all of them for a short period of time. If you have more than one child in school, you will either have to divide your time among all of the teachers or ask your spouse or a relative to come with you and sit in for you on some of the meetings.

Along with meeting your child’s teachers, you will probably get a chance to meet the principal, tour the school and sign up for any parent-teacher organizations. Make sure you take full advantage of whatever opportunities exist. The more connected you are to the school, the better informed you will be.

It may not be convenient, but Backto-School Night is important. Don’t dismiss the event. Go to it, find out everything you can about your child’s school, routine and teachers, and be an informed parent.

Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey.

EST R FAMILY BEST

TY

2011

Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.

or vote online at wichitafamily.com

2011

Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey.

Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.

Women’s Casual______________________________ or vote online FOR FAMILY Women’s Formal______________________________ at wichitafamily.com

Women’s Casual______________________________ Dining: Restaurants Women’s Formal______________________________ Schools: _________________________________ Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey.

Top 3 Local Restaurants Schools: _________________________________ 1.__________________________________________ Public_______________________________________ Results will be published in the February 2011 issue 2011 2.__________________________________________ _________________________________ Public_______________________________________ Private______________________________________ 3.__________________________________________ yourballot ballotby by of Wichita Family Magazine.Private______________________________________ Submit this __________________________________ Alternative___________________________________ Appetizer____________________________________ Alternative___________________________________ __________________________________ Atmosphere__________________________________ November 17, 2010.

Bang For Your Buck___________________________ Entertainment ur Buck___________________________ Entertainment BBQ_______________________________________ _________________________________ Breakfast____________________________________ Art Exhibit___________________________________ Art Exhibit___________________________________ Concert Venue________________________________ __________________________________ Chinese_____________________________________ Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 5 Golf Course__________________________________ Coffee ______________________________________ Concert Venue________________________________ _________________________________ Live Theater__________________________________ Dessert______________________________________ Golf Course__________________________________ __________________________________ Cafe________________________________________ Museum_____________________________________ Non-Profit Event______________________________ Live Theater__________________________________ Hamburger___________________________________ __________________________________ Place to Take the Family________________________

or vote online at wichitafamily.com

Celebrity Educators

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very spring with graduation on the horizon, schools begin lining up keynote speakers for the big event. Some speakers are better known than others, and morning news shows often produce clips of some of the more notable ones like Hillary Clinton, Bill Cosby and Katie Couric. Interestingly enough, some celebrities choose to have more of a presence on campus and take a turn in the classroom. Care to take a gander at who might have done so?

Here’s a quiz.

1) This director has taught film at Columbia University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

2) This director has also taught film at Columbia University as well as at NYU. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He owns the production company, 40 Acres & a Mule Filmworks.

3) This former U.S. vice president has taught at Columbia University as well, in addition to Fisk University, Middle Tennessee State University and UCLA. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He is dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment.

4) This theoretical physicist has taught at the University of Cambridge for a number of years. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He wrote A Brief History of Time.

5) This former professional football coach has taught sports business 6 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

management at San Diego State University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He coached the Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals.

6) This British Indian novelist has taught at Emory University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He houses his archive at the university.

7) This former U.S. president has also taught at Emory University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He founded a center in his name at the university.

8) This poet has taught at Wake Forest University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: She recited a poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

9) This film critic has School of Cinematic Have any idea who Hint: He updates his guide every year.

taught at the Arts at USC. it might be? movie review

10) This former secretary of state has taught political science at Georgetown University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: She currently serves as an advisor to President Barack Obama.

11) This former prime minister of Spain has also taught at Georgetown University, focusing on contemporary European politics and trans-Atlantic relations. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He is on the board of directors of the News Corporation.

12) This comedic actor and writer

has taught at Harvard University.

Have any idea who it might be?

Hint: He currently serves as a junior U.S. senator from Minnesota.

13) This talk show host has taught leadership at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: She owns the multimedia production company Harpo.

14) This former Mexican president has taught at Yale University. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He is the director of the Center for the Study of Globalization at the university.

15) This author has taught American ethnic studies at the University of Washington. Have any idea who it might be? Hint: He wrote Smoke Signals.

in most evenings. While they could attend social gatherings, female teachers could not dance at them, and if and when they got married, they had to resign their post. Communities could not afford the risk of having a married teacher on staff that might get pregnant and need time off. Teachers were too hard to come by.

Serving as a one-room schoolteacher took great skill and strength. It was not easy to run a classroom, teach various age and skill levels, and set a good example 24 hours a day.

Teaching did have its rewards, but with long hours and low pay, it was not a practice for the faint of heart.

Answers: 1) Milos Forman, 2) Spike Lee, 3) Al Gore, 4) Stephen Hawking, 5) Dennis Green, 6) Salman Rushdie, 7) Jimmy Carter, 8) Maya Angelou, 9) Leonard Maltin, 10) Madeleine Albright, 11) Jose Maria Aznar, 12) Al Franken, 13) Oprah Winfrey, 14) Ernesto Zedillo, 15) Sherman Alexie Imagine being taught by one of the personalities above or any of the countless other celebrities that choose to teach. What a semester that would be.

A role model for students, teachers had to adhere to a strict set of rules.

They had to dress appropriately and attend church on Sunday. Male teachers were allowed one or two evenings per week to court, while female teachers were required to stay Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 7

2010

WITH WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Welcome to the Enrollment: 2010-11 school year! Returning parents have the The Wichita Public Schools welcomes all students for another great school year. The Wichita Public Schools is confident that our many educational opportunities will provide your child with a world-class education.

option of enrolling their children online, allowing them to complete standard enrollment forms from a computer.

Returning parents will need a Parent Assist log on account to enroll their child. If parents don’t have a Parent Assist account, they will need to contact their child’s school.

First day of school is August 16, with a half-day orientation for 6th and 9th All students will still need to come to grade students on August 13 the school to finish the enrollment process. The district is offering the online option to help streamline the enrollment process and cut down on print8 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

ing as many enrollment forms.

Students who are new to the Wichita Public Schools will still fill out the enrollment forms on paper, but can go the online and print out the common enrollment forms and fill them out in advance. New students will also need: A birth certificate or certified document like a transcript from other district, visa, or passport Proof of address – utility bill, mortgage payment or lease agreement Social Security Number (optional) Kansas Health Assessment formed fill out by a family health care provider More information about enrollment can be found at www.enroll.usd259.org.

Immunization requirements for 201011 Immunization requirements change most every year. This year, there are changes for the Varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, and Tdap vaccines and the ages of those who need additional doses or boosters.

The school will inform you of any additional shots needed for fall enrollment. A complete list of required immunizations can be found at www.healthservices.usd259.org.

New bus service - First Student The Wichita Public Schools will begin a new contract with First Student, Inc. bus company. All students will be transported in brand-new buses this school year. In addition to the new buses, First Student will have additional tools to make sure students are safe, including digital cameras and GPS systems, the Child Check-Mate system Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 9

to ensure that no child is left on a bus, a second stop arm for enhanced visibility and a crossing gate on the front of the bus so children will cross in front of the bus so the driver can see them.

Some important school bus safety tips: Leave in plenty of time to get to the bus stop safely

Helpful numbers: Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools 973-4462 Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools 973-4457

Remain alert at all times – don’t text, listen to iPods or talk on cell phones – be aware of what is happening around you

Assistant Superintendent of High Schools

Stay 10 giant steps away from the bus so the driver can see you

Nutrition Services

Wait for the bus to have completely stopped before you approach it to get on or before you stand up to get off.

Don’t put your head, arms, papers or anything else out the window.

If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up. The driver may not see you. Instead, ask the driver for help.

If you have to cross the street, wait until the driver lets you know it’s OK to cross.

Don’t distract the bus driver while he’s driving.

973-4504 973-2160 Parent and Community Support Network: 973-4668 Parent/Teacher Resources and Volunteer opportunities 973-5130 Pupil Accounting 973-4498 Student Health Services – 973-4475 Transportation 973-2190 Wichita Public Schools’ Main Line 973-4000

10 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

Quality Education For All If your kids are in school, you have probably heard the term, “No child left behind.” It comes from the No Child Left Behind Act that was passed soon after President George W. Bush entered office, which takes steps to ensure that all children receive a quality education and no one is left behind. The act attempts to fulfill this objective in several ways. As a parent, you may want to familiarize yourself with those ways to ensure your children do in fact receive a quality education.

The act holds schools responsible for the test results of their students and grades them in report cards provided to the public. If a school is performing terribly, the act allows parents to transfer their children to better schools.

• More assistance and involvement. The act provides free tutoring and homework help through what is known as Supplemental Education Services to children whose schools have needed improvement for at least two years. It also requires schools to find ways to get parents more inTo ensure that no child is left behind, volved in their child’s school. the act provides the following ben• More testing and research. The act efits: calls for students to be tested periodi• More funding and flexibility. The cally throughout school to ensure they act gives more money to school are where they need to be. It also districts and allows them to use the encourages teachers to use teachmoney where it is needed most with- ing methods that have been proven out having to deal with a lot of red to work through research rather than tape and paperwork. It also provides experimental ones and provides fundmore funding for reading programs to ing to help them improve their skills. ensure that all children learn to read These are just some of the many meaat grade level by age 9 or 10. sures that the act takes to ensure that • More accountability and freedom. all students receive a quality education. Of course, the execution and availability of each measure varies by school. For further details, contact the officials at the schools that your children attend.

The No Child Left Behind Act offers many benefits to education. Learn about them in depth and be sure you take advantage of all the ones offered by your children’s schools.

Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 11

Safety First

Playing safely on the playground

S

chool is back in session, and your kids will no doubt be spending some time on the playground. While you won’t have to worry about the condition of the equipment-school officials should have already inspected it and made any necessary repairs, you might want to address how your kids use it.

Misuse of playground equipment can 12 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

happen even with adult supervision and lead to injury. It is important you teach your kids about playground safety to reduce their risk of injury.

Here is a quick quiz to see how much your kids know and what issues you should address with them.

1) It is okay to swing sitting down or standing up. True or False?

Answer: False. You should always sit be sliding down and hit you. down when swinging. Standing up is never a good idea because you 8) If you and a friend want to go could easily fall. down the slide, you should do so one at a time. True or False?

2) If you and your friend want to swing, but the swings are full, you Answer: True. Sliding down in groups should share a swing. True or False? raises the risk of injury.

Answer: False. You should never 9) The best way to go down the slide share a swing with someone unless it is headfirst. True or False? is made for more than one person.

Answer: False. You should never slide 3) The best way to exit a swing is to down headfirst. The risk is too great jump out of it. True or False? for head injury. You should always slide down feet first.

Answer: False. You should never jump out of a swing. Instead, you should 10) It is okay to play on broken equipslow down almost to a complete stop ment. True or False? and get off carefully, making sure you don’t bump into anyone who may be Answer: False. Playing on broken waiting for the swing. equipment is dangerous. If something breaks on the playground, you should 4) You should never climb on wet tell your teacher. equipment. True or False?

There are many other questions you Answer: True. You could easily slip could ask your kids regarding playoff equipment that is wet. ground safety. The more you teach them about playground safety and 5) If a friend dares you to race them remind them to be cautious, the up the ropes, you should go for it more likely they will do so and the and climb as fast as you can. True less chance they will have of injuring or False? themselves.

Answer: False. You should never race on any piece of playground equipment. You could easily lose your grip and fall.

Searching for Child Care?

6) The best way to climb equipment is with both hands. True or False?

Let Child Start help with a free list of child care options available to you and resources to determine the best child care choice!

Answer: True.

7) It is okay to climb up the slide. True or False?

Answer: False. You should never climb up the slide. Someone could

www.childstart.org 800-684-3962 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 13

Success begins at an early age (316) 267-KIDS(5437) Early Intervention Services

Call for a free consultation about your child’s development.

14 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010

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For Your Family.

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Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs: • Business Administration • Christian Ministries • Nursing (RN to BSN) Master’s Degree Program: • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Just getting started? Our STEPS program is designed just for you. Evening, weekend and online general education classes are offered at your own pace.

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