REPLAY LIVE CHAT: Getting back into the school routine

We hosted a live chat today on getting your kids into the school routine.

Whether they’re starting school for the first time or returning to classes, it can be challenging to establish strict times for studying, sleeping and more.

Valerie Dolezal, principal at Grant Early Childhood Center in Cedar Rapids, will offer advice to parents during this hour-long chat.

Replay the live chat below.

School supplies take big chunk from parents’ wallets

Anna Felder loved shopping for school supplies — when she wasn’t buying.

“I remember being excited about buying all of that stuff, but I wasn’t really paying for it,” she said.

Now the mother of a kindergarten student at Coggon Elementary School, Felder is experiencing the sticker shock that can come with a new school year.

“Just in school supplies, I’m probably going to spend $40 to $50,” she said. “A backpack alone can set you back $25.”

A new school year means supplies. Notebooks, folders, pencils — the cost adds up quickly. When you add schools fees to the mix, which average about $50 per student in Eastern Iowa public schools, the wallet takes a hit.

A Gazette study of roughly 50 supply lists for Eastern Iowa school districts found that when it comes to back-to-school shopping, one size does not fit all. Some students are asked to bring glue, others glue sticks. Some schools ask for disinfectant wipes, others want hand sanitizer.

Nicole Shaw, a second grade teacher at Viola Gibson Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, said teachers there work together by grade level to determine school supply needs. Some items are labeled for individual use while others, like crayons or glue, are bundled for community use.

“It seems to make them last longer,” Shaw said.

Some teachers opt for community supplies as a way to build community in the classroom.

“Some of the sharing of supplies came along when there was a big push for cooperative learning,” said Mary Ellen Maske, executive administrator of elementary education for the Cedar Rapids school district. “We want the kids to be focused on learning and not worried about who has more crayons in their box.”

This isn’t as big of an issue in the middle and high schools. Students rarely contribute to a ‘classroom closet’ of supplies. They typically buy notebooks, folders and pens in the upper grades. Specialized supplies, such as a protractor or music stand, depend on the student’s classes.

Rachel Meyer, a social studies teacher at Washington Junior High School in Washington, Iowa, has refined her supply list over the years. “I see what the kids have and what they need for other classes,” she said.

This year’s list includes a notebook, preferably three-subject because students take a lot of notes, a folder or binder and colored pencils. Pens and pencils are a given.

Meyer also added Kleenex® to the list.

“I know it sound ridiculous, but junior high kids go through crazy amounts of Kleenex®,” she said.

Facial tissue has been a school supply staple for some time, but today’s non-traditional supplies include items such as dry-erase markers.

Maske calls it a sign of the times.

“We have whiteboards in many of our classrooms,” she said.

In most cases, Maske said, students have individual whiteboards. The teacher asks a question, the students write down their answer, and a quick show of the boards shows who understands the lesson and who doesn’t.

But even that instructional learning tool could go the way of chalkboards as more schools install interactive whiteboards.

Technology plays a big role in back-to-school shopping. Already, flash drives are on several Eastern Iowa schools’ supply lists.

Despite the items students are expected to have when school begins later this month, educators say they understand the financial impact can be a burden.

“We do encourage supplies to be used again,” Maske said.

Educators also stress buying only what students need at this time.

To Preschool, or not to preschool

While it might seem like a no-brainer in this day and age, determining whether or not to send my school-age child to school (3-yr old preschool) gave me pause.  Sure, I want to send him.  But how the heck am I going to do THAT!

Two days a week, mornings only.  That does not really work within my schedule.  At least when he is old enough to go to school-school, it will be 5 full days…and require fewer special manuvers in scheduling.

However, looking at where my 3-yr-old is developmentally, not sending him is NOT an option.  The structured situations I have put him into the last 3 or so months, he has LOVED!  I cannot possibly let my schedule (or my selfishness regarding my sanity) prevent me from making this come true for my son.

So, we will make it work.  Leaning on friends/family, and a hopefully-flexible and understanding manager, will result in my son going to 3-yr old preschool!  Hurray! 

What do they say?  It takes a village?  Seems like I might require a little more help than even a village can provide, but I will take all of the help I can get!

‘Parenting for school success’ conference this weekend

Research has consistently shown that a parent or guardian’s involvement is key to the educational success of a child. It leads to a higher level of academic achievement and better behavior, among other positives. A lack of involvement, researchers say, can lead to misbehavior, poor grades and higher dropout rates.

That’s why the Iowa Parent Information Resource Center and the Iowa Parent-Teacher Association will host “Parenting for School Success,” a day-long summit on Saturday, April 24 to provide parents and others influential in a child’s life information about how to help children in areas such as homework and to learn ways to increase their involvement.

“Recent research findings clearly indicate that if parents – a child’s primary caregiver – are actively engaged in their child’s learning, the children achieve at higher levels, graduate from high school, are motivated to further their education beyond high school

and become contributing citizens,” said Ed Redalen, director of the Iowa Parent Information Resource Center. “The Iowa PIRC supports all organizations that strive to improve the learning and developmental outcomes for all children and youth.”

The summit will take place April 24 at Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W., in Cedar Rapids.

“As schools adjust to budget cuts and new education standards, the one constant is parents,” said Tammy Koolbeck, Iowa PTA Convention chairwoman. “Schools who have active, engaged parents are stronger academically and safer.”

Koolbeck said this year’s convention, which is the first time the state PTA has worked with the state parent resource center, will take on a new component with the addition of sessions about parental involvement and engagement.

The summit is open to all parents, grandparents and other guardians, as well as educators and community members. Membership in the PTA is not required to attend.

Sessions will begin at 11:15 a.m. and run until 3:40 p.m., followed by a parent panel discussion about successful school involvement. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Session topics vary and include:

Information about attributes children need in order to be successful in school and how parents can help their children acquire the skills to be successful.

An overview of the Iowa Core Curriculum: what it is, why it’s important and how it will affect Iowa students.

Ways parents can enhance their children’s literacy skills at home beginning at ayoung age through reading and writing.

Tips for how to have a successful parent-teacher conference and questions to ask.

Suggestions for how parents of special needs children can advocate for their child and work with school leaders to ensure the child’s academic success.

Other sessions will feature a panel discussion about substance abuse, along with a presentation about financial literacy and how to teach children to stay out of debt, use credit cards and protect their credit.

The summit also will feature sessions designed to improve PTA groups such as basic information about membership, how to run a meeting and how to appropriately report tax documentation, as well as a special session about how to recruit men to join the PTA.

“We have several workshops designed to give each attendee the tools to make parenting for school success easier,” said Claire Leonard, the Iowa PTA president. “We will provide helpful tools for those who are looking for a way to improve their local PTA.”

Registration information can be accessed through the Iowa PTA’s Web site at www.iowapta.org

‘Unschooling’: A new parenting style?

It’s a new trend in “extreme parenting” — no tests, no homework, no formal education of any kind.

It’s called “unschooling,” and for some families, it even extends into a completely unstructured home life, without chores or obligations of any kind.

Parents following the “unschooling” philosophy describe it as “living your life as if the school system didn’t exist.” But many experts are critical of the idea, saying it gives children too much freedom and leads them to believe they’re the center of the universe.

Check out the full story from ABC News.

Join the forum discussion on this post

VIDEO: Psychologist offers tips to thwart bullying

Psychologist Dick Socwell offered tips on counteracting bullying at school on a recent KCRG-TV9 midday segment. Watch his tips below.

College-bound? Student aid forms just got easier

It’s safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

However, here’s some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more streamlined and much easier to fill out this year.

The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified). Don’t confuse the government’s site with some online filing services that charge a filing fee.

The FAFSA is required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government alone is expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the FAFSA.

Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it’s fine to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later.

It normally takes several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some time off the job because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1.

According to some reports, the 2010-2011 FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The new version also skips questions that don’t apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher education services company. For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service registration.

Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation’s largest student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information.

The fixes in FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their federal income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch of questions.

The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the process had become too complicated. That’s one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn’t think they were eligible for aid or weren’t aware of the filing requirement.

As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath, and remember that the reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.

– Kansas City Star

TODAY’S DEBATE: Time for a cell phone?

Kids are asking for cell phones at ever-earlier ages — sometimes as early as kindergarten.

Meanwhile, many schools prohibit cell-phone use during school hours, except in case of emergencies.

What’s your take? When should children be allowed to have their own cell phone? Let us know here.

[polldaddy poll=2571517]

Social skills are important

Strong social skills pave the way for learning. Listening, getting along, and learning how to work together are skills that will last a lifetime.

Watch, listen, and learn

Encourage your child to watch other children play. As you watch and listen together, point out how other children take turns and join other children in play. Teach your child the words and simple phrases to say:

“Would you like to play with me?” “May I play with that ball too?” Watch children closely and gently step in when a little adult coaching is needed.

Teach children how to handle conflict

Teach children what behaviors are okay and not okay. It is not okay to hit or kick. It is okay to use words to say, “I’m mad” or “You hurt my feelings.” Teach children how to ask for help and how to say “thank you” and “no thank you.”

Use books to teach social skills

A great way to talk about sharing and problem solving is with a good book. Many children’s books show wonderful examples of how children learn to be friends and get along.

Check with your local library for good children’s books on this topic.

Staying in touch

Starting preschool or kindergarten represents a new stage in your child’s life and in your role as a parent. Here are some things that can make your child’s school experience easier for both of you.

Visit the school

Part of the fear of beginning school is being unfamiliar with what school is like. Plan a visit to the school ahead of time. If possible, visit when children are there. Take pictures of common areas such as the front entrance, the cafeteria, the library, the office, and even the bathroom.

Many schools encourage families with children entering kindergarten to visit on a special day in the spring or summer before school starts. Contact your local school to find
out more.

Get to know the teacher

Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher. Ask questions about how you can help and support your child’s learning. Show that you value your child’s education by giving an occasional word of thanks.

Share information

No one knows or understands a child quite like a parent. You have much to offer that will help the teacher. Let the teacher know about events that can affect the way your child acts at school: a new baby, a visiting grandparent, or a child care change.

Stay involved

Be a part of your child’s school experiences. Learn about the new discoveries he or she is making.

Eat lunch with your child on occasion and get to know his or
her friends. Working parents stay in touch by volunteering to assist with weekend or evening school events. If your child knows you care about him or her and what happens at school, that first year will be easier.

Source – Iowa State University Extension