back to school 2012

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Clements Junior High School-7800 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, VA 23875, Tel: 733-2730August 16, 2012 PALS Transition Orientation 1:00 pmAugust 23, 2012 New Registrants Orientation 1:00 pm

Prince George High School-7800 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, VA 23875, Tel: 733-2720August 28, 2012 New Student Orientation 7:00 p.m.

Beazley Elementary School-6700 Courthouse Road, Prince George, VA 23875, Tel: 733-2745August 30, 2012 Kindergarten 9:00 a.m.

Grades 1-5 10:30 a.m.Harrison Elementary School-12900 East Quaker Road, Disputanta, VA 23842, Tel: 991-2242August 30, 2012 Kindergarten 9:00 a.m.

Grades 1-2 10:30 a.m.Grades 3- 5 12:00 p.m.

North Elementary School-11106 Old Stage Road, Prince George, VA 23875, Tel: 458-8922August 30, 2012 Kindergarten 9:00 a.m.

Grades 1-5 11:00 a.m.South Elementary School-13400 Prince George Drive, Disputanta, VA 28342, Tel: 733-2755August 30, 2012 Kindergarten 9:00 a.m.

Grades 1-5 11:00 a.m. New StudentsGrades 1-5 11:30 a.m. Returning Students

Walton Elementary School-4101 Courthouse Road, Prince George, VA 23875, Tel: 733-2750August 30, 2012 Kindergarten 8:30 a.m.

Grades 1-2 9:30 a.m.Grades 3- 5 11:00 a.m.

Moore Middle School-11455 Prince George Drive, Disputanta, VA 23842, Tel: 733-2740August 29, 2012 Grade 6 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Grade 7 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Orientation Schedule 2012-2013

Prince George Education Center-11033 Prince George Drive, Disputanta, VA 23842, Tel: 733-2748August 6, 2012 GED 8:00 a.m. & 3:00pmAugust 7, 2012 Project Choice 8:00 a.m. & 3:00pmAugust 8, 2012 PGPAL 8:00 a.m. & 3:00pmAugust 9, 2012 Project Choice 8:00am PGPAL 11:30am GED 3:00pm

Schools will open for the 2012-2013 school year on September 4, 2012. Back-to-School Orientations will begin at schools the week of August 27-31,2012. The school district anticipates enrollment of 6300 students in grades Pre-K through 12. District personnel have been busy during the summerin upgrading facilities and grounds for preparation of the new school year. Administrative and instructional changes have been made due to the largeturnover of staff from retirement or relocation. Hopefully, you and your child have enjoyed various summer activities or travel and now ready to returnto school. Please access HYPERLINK “http://www.pgs.k12.va.us” www.pgs.k12.va.us for specific information on Back-to-School Orientations, anddistrict and school news. Thank you for choosing Prince George County Public Schools where all schools are accredited!

Bobby R. Browder, Superintendent

2012 - 2013 School Calendar

September 4 First Day for StudentsOctober 3 Interim Report to ParentsOctober 8 No School for StudentsNovember 6 No School for StudentsNovember 9 Report Cards to ParentsNovember 21 & 22 Thanksgiving BreakDecember 12 Interim Reports to ParentsDec. 20 - Jan. 1 Christmas BreakJanuary 21 Martin Luther King DayJanuary 23-25 Student Early ReleaseFebruary 1 Report Cards to ParentsFebruary 18 No School for StudentsMarch 6 Interim Reports to ParentsApril 19 Report Cards to ParentsApril 1-5 Spring BreakApril 12 No School for StudentsMay 15 Interim Report to ParentsMay 27 Memorial DayJune 6 Senior GraduationJune 11-13 Student Early ReleaseJune 14 Last Day School/Early ReleaseJune 19 Report Cards to Parents

Hours for early release days

January 23-25Secondary: 11:45 amElementary: 12:45 pm

June 11-13Secondary: 11:45 amElementary: 12:45 pm

June 14Secondary: 10 amElementary: 11 am

MISSION STATEMENTPrince George County Public Schools, inpartnership with parents and thecommunity, will provide a rigorouseducation program in a safe environmentthat prepares all students for post-secondaryeducation and the workforce and to beresponsible citizens in a global society.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESWe provide quality education in a safeenvironment. We are committed tounderstanding and meeting the needs ofour school community. We trust andrespect each individual so that all mayexperience pride and joy in their work.We are committed to continuousimprovement..

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

L.L. Beazley Elementary

D.A. Harrison Elementary

North Elementary

South Elementary

W.A. Walton Elementary

J.E.J. Moore Middle School

N.B. Clements Jr. High

Prince George High

Prince George Education Center

Rowanty Vocational Tech Center

K-5

K-5

K-5

K-5

K-5

6-7

8-9

10-12

Alternative

Technical

9:00-3:30

9:00-3:30

9:00-3:30

9:00-3:30

9:00-3:30

7:40-2:30

7:50-2:30

7:50-2:30

7:45-2:25

8:00-2:00

8:00-4:00

8:00-4:00

8:00-4:00

8:00-4:00

8:00-4:00

7:00-3:30

7:00-3:30

7:15-3:45

7:30-3:30

7:45-3:45

733-2745

991-2242

458-8922

733-2755

733-2750

733-2740

733-2730

733-2720

733-2748

732-4950

6700 Courthouse Rd., Prince George, VA 23875

12900 East Quaker Rd., Disputanta, VA 23842

11106 Old Stage Rd., Prince George, VA 23875

13400 Prince George Dr., Disputanta, VA 23842

4101 Courthouse Rd., Prince George, VA 23875


7800 Laurel Spring Rd., Prince George, VA 23875

7801 Laurel Spring Rd., Prince George, VA 23875


20000 Rowanty Rd., Carson, VA 23830

Jim Scruggs

Sharon O’Neill

Donna Branch-Harris

Robin Pruett

Mattie Thweatt

Willie Elliott

Peter Fisher

Tracey Smallwood

Chris Scruggs

Dr. Thomas Cope

School GradesClassroom

HoursOfficeHours Phone Address Principal

SCHOOL BOARD OFFICETelephone: 733-2700PO Box 400 • 6410 Courts DrivePrince George, Virginia 23875Website: pgs.k12.va.us

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSDistrict 1Roger E. Franklin, Jr., ChairRobert E. Cox, Jr.

District 2Lewis E. Stevenson, Vice ChairPatrick J. BinghamJerry F. Warren

Central OfficeDr. Bobby BrowderSuperintendentShelly BazemoreAssistant SuperintendentRenèe WilliamsAssistant SuperintendentSandra BelshanDirector of Food ServicesJohn BrockwellDirector of TechnologyZetta EthingtonDirector of Student ServicesBetsy DrewryDirector of FinanceLarry EminhizerDirector of Secondary EducationBecky KirkAssistant to the SuperintendentBrenda GoreDirector of Elementary EducationRon RhodesDirector of TransportationSheila RoalfDirector of Gifted & Title I

T2 Sunday, August 12, 2012 The Progress-Index, Petersburg, VA


KIM COOK

FOR THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

For many college

kids, the dorms

are home for all

four years, and

they’re happy campers. But

for many others, the oppor-

tunity to move off-campus,

into an apartment or house,

is a welcome lifestyle

change.

Along with more autono-

my and privacy, living off-

campus means setting up

and taking care of a kitch-

en, bathroom, common

space and more. So once the

keys are in hand, here are

some tips on decorating the

off-campus nest.

PLANNING YOUR

SPACE

Typically, kids choose a

group of friends to live with

to share costs. Once the

home’s been secured, have a

group discussion about

what the common spaces

will look like, advises Sabri-

na Soto, Target’s home style

expert. Come prepared with

a list of things that matter

to you, but “be willing to

compromise,” she says.

There are sure to be taste

differences among house-

mates, so it might be best to

keep common spaces neu-

tral. Janice Simonson, an

IKEA design spokesperson,

points out an added bonus

to doing so: “A monochro-matic or limited colorscheme can go a long waytowards visually calming asmall, crowded space.”

Paint is a good way tobring color and life to aroom, if the landlord per-mits. If not, look for walldecals and posters. Insteadof tacking up art with push-pins or tape, use inexpen-sive frames for a moregrown-up look.

Double check on existingwindow treatments beforeheading for the curtainaisle. If you’ve got to buy, gettwin packaged drapes, inter-esting fabric shower cur-tains in pairs, or easy stickup blinds like Redi-Shades.

COLLECTING

STUFF

First, see what you canscrounge from families andfriends or get secondhand.Find out if your space’s cur-rent renters — often gradu-ating students — are willingto leave large items. Fill inthe holes with inexpensivepieces that can take somehard living.

Two students at the Fash-ion Institute of Technology,Aimee Ciancarelli andRachel Michaud, got cre-ative when they moved intoa Brooklyn, N.Y., apartmenttogether last January.

“At Goodwill, we found avintage phone, a shelf and

some cute bottles. We got afree couch and chair fromCraigslist. And we decorat-ed the walls with our ownartwork,” Ciancarelli says.

Bob Koch, a senior atIthaca College in Ithaca,N.Y., says his R2D2 trashcangave his place some charac-ter, but the best purchasewas “this huge beanbagchair — it was everyone’sfavorite thing in the apart-ment.”

Simonson advises “multi-tasking.”

“Invest in pieces like asofa bed with slipcover thatcan convert to an extra bedand features storage under-neath,” she says.

Side tables like IKEA’sLack series can be grouped,and also used as seating.Shelving units do doubleduty as space dividers andclutter busters. Inexpensivemirrors can work as art,space expanders and conve-nient primping stations in ahouseful of kids wheneveryone’s getting ready at

the same time.Some retailers offer a

shopping checklist: Targethas one you can customize,sharing it on social mediasites with roomies, and thenprinting it out at in-storekiosks or sending it to yoursmart phone.

If your sleeping space isnow larger, consider gettinga full-size bed.

“But invest in new bed-ding,” Soto advises. “It’swhere you can really havefun with color, and defineyour personality.”

A reversible comforterwith a solid hue on one sideand a pattern on the othergives you style options.

For an all-guy house, con-sider the Discos bed andbath collection from theonline artwear collectiveThreadless; available at Bed,Bath and Beyond, it featuresan LP graphic. IKEA’s gotsome bold, patterned bed-ding like Vannerna andDvala.

Bath accessories withpunch will make 8 a.m.classes easier to face. Kids’departments have whimsi-cal items such as woodland-creature soap dispensersand girly textiles. UrbanOutfitters has city map andbatik-printed shower cur-tains that would suit a uni-sex bath.

Transition spaces likeentryways need decor, too;

get a console or bench todrop keys and mail, with asmall accent lamp for late-night homecomings. Addsome art and a washablerug.

“Floating shelves are oneof my favorite shared-homesolutions,” Soto notes.“Without sacrificing floorarea, they give you extraspace and let you get cre-ative.”

Think about what you’llactually use and don’t over-buy in the appliance depart-ment, or in electronics. Andleave any treasures in a boxor at home with your par-ents.

THE KITCHEN

A full-size kitchen will benew for most college rent-ers. It can either be a super-size, cereal-soda-and-ramendepot or a place where fun,healthy meals come from.Buy items that are durable,microwavable and dish-washer-safe.

Walmart offers a goodselection of stoneware din-ner sets for under $30; Tar-get has inexpensive, practi-cal, white dinnerware andthe Room Essentials’ color-ful utensils collection.

Is someone a buddingchef or baker? Off-pricestores such as Homegoodshave several high qualitybrands for more seriouscooks.

DITCHING THEDORM ROOM:off-campus 101

AP PHOTOS

In this product photo provided by IKEA, a bold, graphic

rug like the ‘Eivor Cirkel’ shown here, can be used to

delineate living space in an off-campus house. The

dense pile is soft underfoot, and helps to soften noise.

In this product photo provided by

IKEA, a stick-on orange Hylkje mir-

ror is shown here. It can affix to

any wall to create instant art and

expand smaller spaces, such as

off-campus housing for students.

The Progress-Index, Petersburg, VA Sunday, August 12, 2012 T3


MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON


Kids, especially girls, havealways hung photos, mirrors orhandmade decorations in theirschool lockers. Now, retailers aregiving them the option of buyingcoordinated locker trimmingsthat would make interior design-ers jealous.

Options include carpeting,chandeliers, wallpaper and avariety of accessories in bold,bright colors. Everythingadheres magnetically so theproducts don’t damage the lock-ers.

The trend gives kids a chanceto express themselves in a venuethat’s more public than theirbedroom.

“The locker becomes an exten-sion of them and their personalspace,” said Christy Clapper, aschool counselor at Quaker Val-ley Middle School in Sewickley,

Pa. “It gives them an opportunityto say who they are and givesthem an outlet for expression.”

Plus, it makes the space moreattractive, added Kira Harvey, asoon-to-be eighth-grader in Albu-querque, N.M.

“The lockers are a disgustingcolor,” she said. The wallpaper“makes it really pretty.”

She and her friends at Albu-querque Academy enjoy choos-ing decorations that suit theirpersonalities. Choices rangefrom lime-green polka dots toaqua zebra stripes to pink chee-tah prints.

“It’s really fun,” said Kira, 13.“We all have our own wallpa-per.”

She also uses some of theorganizational accessories tohold her cell phone and pencils.

Product creators Christi Ster-ling and JoAnn Brewer startedtheir company, LockerLookz, in

2010 after creating some hand-made pieces to decorate theirdaughters’ lockers. Once otherstudents saw the decorations,their parents started calling thewomen asking where they couldbuy them.

The friends decided to test-market a few products and wereoverwhelmed by the response.

“We found that locker decorat-ing is a rite of passage. It’s a real-ly big deal to them,” said Sterlingof Plano, Texas. “They need toshow others who they are.”

Retailers also loved it, addedBrewer, also of Plano. “It’s atime-sensitive product thathelped to drive sales,” she said.

Paul Buckel got the idea to cre-ate magnetic wallpaper when hisdaughter’s friend got in troublefor covering her locker with con-tact paper. Buckel, who runs acompany, Magna Card, in

Decorations make school locker ‘a symbol of me’

AP PHOTO/LOCKERLOOKZ, TERRY SPEARMAN

In this product photo provided by LockerLookz, a clock for use insidea school locker is shown. Locker decorating products are a growingtrend among middle school girls.Please see LOCKER Page 11

Elementary Schools Grades Phone Number PrincipalDinwiddie Elementary School

13811 Boydton Plank Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 23841K-5 (804) 469-4580 Mrs. Trenia Harris

Midway Elementary School5511 Midway Rd., Church Rd. VA 23833

K-5 (804) 265-4205 Mrs. Kathy Burgess

Sutherland Elementary School6000 R.B. Pamplin Drive, Sutherland, VA 23885

K-5 (804) 732-4168 Mrs. Becky Baskerville

Southside Elementary School10305 Boydton Plank Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 23841

K-5 (804) 469-4480 Mrs. L. Michelle Jones

Sunnyside Elementary SchoolP.O. Box 250/10203 Melvin B. Alsbrooks Avenue,

McKenney, VA 23872

K-5 (804) 478-2313 Mrs. Wanda Snodgrass

Secondary Schools Grades Phone Number PrincipalDinwiddie Co. Middle School

P.O. Box 340/11608 Courthouse Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 238416-8 (804) 469-5430 Mr. Alfred Cappellanti

Dinwiddie Co. Senior High SchoolP.O. Box 299/11501 Boisseau Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23841

9-12 (804) 469-4280 Mr. Randall Johnson

“Making the Difference” • Dinwiddie County Public Schools • “Our Children, Our Pride”

R E G ISTE R YO U R CH ILD B E FO R ETH E FIR ST DAY O F SCH O O L

D inw iddie C ou nty Pu blic Schoolsw illno longerreg isterstu dentson thefirstday ofschool.Parentsw ho havenotreg istered theirchild/children beforetheopening ofschoolw illbeableto pick u pa reg istration pack et.Atthistim e an appointm entw illbeschedu led to com pletetheform alreg istration process.Parentsareencou raged to reg isterstu dentspriorto theopening ofschool.

ELEMENTARY MEET THE TEACHER DAY will be held at all ElementarySchools on Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE for all 6th Grade students and for 7thGrade students with last names (A-L) will be held on Tuesday, August 28,2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fees may be paid during Open House.Student fees are $15.00. Gym Suit fee is $13.00.

MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE for all 8th Grade students and for 7thGrade students with last names (M-Z) will be held on Wednesday, August29, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fees may be paid during OpenHouse. Student fees are $15.00. Gym Suit fee is $13.00.

HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2012from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fee Nights are scheduled for Wednesday,August 15, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Monday, August 20,2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fees may be paid in the schoolcafeteria. Student fees are $15.00. Gym Suit fee is $13.00.Permanent Parking Pass is $25.00.

DinwiddieCountyPublicSchools

MMEEEETT TTHHEE TTEEAACCHHEERR



STATEPOINT

Most parents are familiar with traditionalbullying that takes place at school and onthe playground, but as life has gone digital,so has bullying.

“Cyberbullying, bullying that occursthrough technology like computers andmobile devices, is often harder to detect thantraditional bullying. The bully isn’t immedi-ately visible and may not even be known tothe victim,” says pediatrician Dr. GwennSchurgin O`Keeffe of the American Acade-my of Pediatrics (AAP) and author of“CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering inthe Digital World of Texting, Gaming, andSocial Media.”

“Because of this, cyberbullying is oftenmore upsetting to victims, with even moreprofound and long-lasting effects,” Dr.O’Keeffe said.

While the anonymous nature of the digi-tal world does pose a challenge to identify-ing cyberbullies, O’Keeffe notes, parents cantake an active role toward combating this21st century problem.

Here are tips for parents to get a handleon cyberbullying, whether your child is a

victim, a bystander or even participating inthe bullying:

• Monitor your child’s digital technologyuse. Be on the lookout for behaviors likequickly switching screens and having mul-tiple passwords and accounts.

• Teach your child to come forward if heor she knows a friend is bullying others orbeing bullied. Being a bystander helps per-petuate the cycle and continue someoneelse’s pain.

• You may think your child is safely usinga digital device in the next room, but anychild online is at risk for being bullied. Notall children are going to let you know ifthere’s a problem, including teenagers. Ifyour child is acting withdrawn, evasive orunusually sad -- especially after using a digi-tal device such as a computer, video game ormobile phone -- ask if everything is okay.Regularly converse to open the line of com-munication.

• Cyberbullies may think they are actinganonymously, but they can be tracked byauthorities. If your child is a victim, savethe offending emails, IMs, and texts, and get

Protect your children from cyberbullying

STATEPOINT PHOTO

Monitor your child’s digital technology use. Be on the lookout for behaviors likequickly switching screens and having multiple passwords and accounts.Please see BULLYING, Page 9

The State Farm College Savings Plan (the “Plan”) is a joint marketing program between State Farm VPManagement Corp. (“State Farm”) and AIM Distributors, Inc. (“AIM”), pursuant to which State Farm offers aseries of investment portfolios within the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust offers

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Providing Insurance and Financial Services



STATEPOINT

The start of a new school year is agreat time to emphasize the importanceof reading at home. Solid readers per-form better in school and in the work-place, have a healthy self-image, andbecome lifelong learners.

Research shows a whopping 45 per-cent of children ages 3 to 5 are not readto daily, and this lack of literature cantake a negative toll on school perfor-mance. Luckily, there are many thingsparents can do to make kids passionatereaders.

“Reading stimulates children’s imagi-nation and expands their understandingof the world,” says actress Kate Beckin-sale, who is teaming with “The NestléShare the Joy of Reading Program” toraise awareness about the importanceof children’s literacy and support thework of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF),the largest children’s literacy nonprofitin the United States.

If you’re looking to make reading abigger part of your children’s lives thisschool year, here are some great tips to

get them motivated:• Start young. Reading aloud to chil-

dren at an early age is the most effectivewaytohelpthemattaincritical languageand communication skills and instillgreat habits.

• Take advantage of free online toolsand resources that help make readingan engaging, shared experience for par-ents and kids. For example, RIF’s “Lead-ing to Reading” website contains activi-ties for children ages birth to 5. Visitwww.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading formore information.

• Variety is the spice of life! Be sureyour house contains plenty of books tochoose from on a variety of topics.

• Launch a children’s book club withother parents. Take turns hosting yourchildren’s friends for snacks and a livelydiscussion on the book of the month.

• Kids love getting mail! Subscribe tochildren’s magazines so they’ll havesomething fun and beneficial to look for-ward to each month.

• Make sure children have their veryown library cards and become frequent

patrons at your local library.• Be it the morning paper or your

favorite novel, set a great example bymaking reading a daily habit for your-self.

• Many literacy programs supportingunderserved communities are currentlyexperiencing federal funding cutbacks,but everyone deserves a chance to read.Invest in the lives of other children whomight not have the same opportunitiesas your kids. For example, right now,every time you enter a promotion codefound inside specially marked packagesof Nestlé and Wonka candy at www.Cel-ebrationCorner.com/RIF, Nestlé willdonate money to RIF, to fund purchasingbooks for kids.

Almost a quarter of public schoolfourth graders score below even themost basic levels on reading exams,according to National Assessment ofEducational Progress. Don’t let yourchildren fall behind. Take steps thisschool year to help your children andothers to hone this basic tool for suc-cess.

Back to school tips to get your kids to read more

STATEPOINT PHOTO

Reading aloud to children at an early age is the mosteffective way to help them attain critical language andcommunication skills and instill great habits.



LISA A. FLAM


Your son tosses the game-winningtouchdown pass, so of course youwant to pump your fists and cheerlike a maniac. Or your daughter

hogs the ball on the soccer field and you’reinclined to shout your disapproval and ask ifshe could PLEASE pass the ball already.

When you’re the coach, though, it’s all eyeson you. And if you’re sticking your kids inmarquee positions, chances are someone inthe stands is not happy.

It’s a tough line to walk for parents, whomake up the majority of coaches workingwith the millions of kids playing youth sportsevery year. And as these volunteers navigatethe challenges of coaching their own chil-dren, they’re under more pressure than everfrom other parents clamoring for playingtime, improved performance and those hard-fought wins.

“It’s a lot of work and it can be exhausting,especially when you have a parent that’s nothappy,” says Liz Hocker, 41, who has coachedher 10-year-old daughter’s softball team inAustin, Texas, for the last five years in a com-petitive league. “I do try not to play ‘Mommy’ball,’” or showing favoritism.

“My philosophy is that my daughter needsto work hard and show that she should be outthere playing the position I put her in,” shesaid. “I try very hard to treat her like everyother player, as much as I can.”

Parents who sign up to coach appreciatethe experience because it’s (usually) fun andcreates dedicated time with their kids. Often,they’re also trying to ensure that their kidslearn proper techniques and good sportsman-ship.

Ideally, they’ll do it all while treating theirchild like every other player. After all, favorit-ism can cut both ways: For all the grousingabout the coach’s kid getting this or that,coaches are more inclined to treat their ownkids more harshly or demand more fromthem on the field than the other way around,experts say.

“It’s just natural they would be tougher onthem,” said John Engh, chief operating offi-cer of the nonprofit National Alliance forYouth Sports, because a father is used to talk-

ing to his own child more directly and is likelyto use his son as an example for the rest of theteam.

“When you talk about physical contact,screaming on the field, they’re doing it ontheir own kids,” said Engh, who has coachedhis two children in soccer and baseball. “Theyfeel like they have that right. Rarely will yousee a dad grab another kid by the shoulder orthe arm in frustration or raise their voice onthe field.”

Most parent-coaches do a good job beingfair with positions and playing time, saysFrank Smoll, a sport psychology professor atthe University of Washington and co-authorof “Sport Psychology for Youth Coaches,” ahow-to guide due out in September. Whenfavoritism is shown, it “can cause nothing butproblems for the athletes, for the coach andwith the other athletes as well,” he said.

To avoid even the appearance of unfair-

ness, Hocker has benched her daughter in thefirst inning of the first game. Rick Kay, whohas coached his two sons and a daughter, ages19, 17 and 10, in baseball, soccer and basket-ball, also sat his kids out more.

“I went out of my way to play my kids lessthan I felt they deserved to play because Ididn’t want that to be an issue,” said Kay, 47,of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. The other kids “seethat he’s out and hopefully understand thateveryone has to sit out at some point.”

Like other parents, Dan Armstrong, whohas coached three of his four sons in baseballand football, is committed to helping themimprove, and says he’s pushed them a littlemore than the other kids.

“Instead of being biased for your own son, Ithink you’re kind of biased against him andexpect him to work a little harder than maybethe rest of the team,” says Armstrong, 42, ofFrederick, Md.

Having a parent become a coach can beconfusing for kids, and parents should makesure the separation of those roles is clear,says Smoll, also the co-director of an educa-tion program for youth sport coaches andparents. Before the season begins, setground rules with your child, he says, andmeet with the other parents to explain yourphilosophy and expectations.

“Parent at home. Coach at practices andgames,” is Smoll’s motto.

Ask your son or daughter to call you“Coach” on the field. “That helps, in thechild’s mind, to solidify the role separa-tion,” Smoll says.

Armstrong followed that advice, andthinks it helped the other players to see hiskid as one of the guys. “Before practice orbefore a game, it’s always ‘Dad,’ but on thefield it’s always ‘Coach Armstrong,’” Arm-strong said, “so that everybody is thesame.”

Engh suggests a rule against talking toyour kid about practice or a game on theway home. “No one else has to hear it fromthe coach,” he said.

When it comes to positions and playingtime, Smoll says they need to be earned.Relying on statistics can help with the toughdecisions, but there may be injuries orabsences to contend with.

For cihldren, criticism is always difficultto hear, especially when it’s mom or dadtalking. Experts recommend enlisting goodassistant coaches and relying on them totalk to your child if there’s a problem.

“Everybody struggles coaching their ownchild from time to time,” Hocker said, add-ing that she and her assistant coaches“always agreed to help each other.”

When Armstrong’s son makes a goodplay, he doesn’t cheer any louder than he didfor the other boys, or he simply stays quiet.

“I let my assistant coaches be excited forthem,” Armstrong says. “That’s how I takepride in it — that everybody else is proud ofthem.”

And at the end of the game, your kidsneed to know you love them, regardless ofhow they played.

“It’s ‘I love you because you are you, notbecause you’re an all-star,’” Smoll said.

Coaching your own kidbrings pressures, rewards

AP PHOTO/CAROLYN LESSARD

This Oct. 1, 2011 photo shows coaches Jeff Goldman, left, and Jack Russell withtheir team, the Sounders, at the Raynham Soccer complex in Raynham, Mass.Both Goldman and Russell have sons on the team. Parents who sign up to coachappreciate the experience because it’s usually fun and builds dedicated time withtheir kids into their schedule. Often, they’re also trying to ensure that their kidslearn proper techniques and good sportsmanship.



the school involved if possi-ble.

• If you worry your childis in serious danger, or theother parents refuse to helpend bullying, call the police.

• Find out what yourchild’s school’s policies areon bullying, cyberbullyingand digital devices. If therules are insufficient, talk tothe teachers and principalabout establishing sensibleregulations.

• Don’t raise a bully! Fos-ter empathy by talking regu-larly about how actions andwords affect others. Set agood example by alwaystreating others with respectyourself, both online andoffline.

• Help children developconstructive strategies forgetting what they want thatdon’t include teasing, threat-ening or hurting others.

• Don’t assume that a nor-

mally well-behaved child isguilt-free. The faceless digi-tal world makes it easy foreven good kids to sometimesbe mean.

More information aboutcyberbullying can be foundon the AAP parenting web-site, www.healthychildren.org.

With a new school yearcome new challenges. Learnabout the realities of cyber-bullying and what you cando to protect your children.

BULLYINGContinued from Page 5

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STATEPOINT

Anew school year meansnew routines. And if yourchild is one of the millionsof kids who ride the

school bus, you should be encouragedby U.S. Department of Transporta-tion statistics that cite it as the safestmode of transportation for childrento get to and from school.

Nevertheless, riding the school bussafely does require children to beaware and follow specific safety pro-cedures. That’s why the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administra-tion (NHTSA) and Chuggington, theeducational animated children’s tele-vision program, have partnered tooffer parents and children importantschool bus safety tips as part of the‘Think Safe, Ride Safe, Be Safe!’ trafficsafety campaign. The national trafficsafety campaign helps parents teach

their children about NHTSA’s recom-

mended pedestrian, school bus, bike

and car seat safety guidelines.

Below are a few school bus safety

tips from the ‘Think Safe, Ride Safe,

Be Safe!’ campaign for you to share

with your children to make riding the

school bus a safer experience:

• Be especially careful around the

“danger zone,” which is 10 feet in

front, behind and on each side of the

school bus. To avoid this area, wait for

the bus at least five giant steps away

from the road.

• Wait to board the school bus until

the school bus driver says it’s safe to

do so. Kids should board one at a time

and use the handrails to go up and

down the stairs.

• Once on the school bus, go straight

to your seat and remain sitting, facing

the front of the school bus.

• Look out for cars before getting

off the school bus. Once off, take five

giant steps away from the school bus.

• Wait for the driver or crossing

guard to signal it is safe to cross the

street. Always look left-right-left to

make sure no cars are coming before

crossing the road.

Traffic safety education should be a

positive, shared family experience.

Parents can go online with children

and take the pledge to ‘Be Safe!’

together at www.chuggington.com/

safety. In addition to the pledge (to

date, more than 500,000 children have

taken the pledge to ‘Be Safe!’), families

can access a safety game, activities,

downloadable tip sheets and even a

free traffic safety app.

By following the rules, both parents

and children can help make getting to

and from school each day safer for

everyone.

Back to school bus safetytips for parents and kids



STATEPOINT

The beginning of the school year is a great time tomake sure your children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Informed parents know that immunizations savelives. But even those who vaccinated their babies and toddlersdutifully may not be aware that the recommended vaccinationschedule continues through the later teen years.

Research published by the American Medical Associationfound that teenagers age 14 and older were much less likely tosee a pediatrician than their younger-adolescent counterparts.But threats to health don’t go away just because children areolder.

“We live in a busy world and it’s easy to forget to makeappointments for an annual check-up,” says Dr. Robert W.Block, MD, of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).“Let the new school season be your annual reminder to protectthe health of your kids.”

Here are some crucial vaccination tips and facts for parentsof older children and teens:

• Check your calendar. When was the last time your childsaw a pediatrician? If it’s been over a year, make an appoint-ment as soon as possible. In advance of the appointment, talkwith your child and draw up a list of any concerns or ques-tions to discuss with the doctor.

• Store immunization and other medical records in an easilyaccessible place and be sure to keep the records current. Bringthis information to the appointment. When you see your pedi-

atrician, ask directly, “What vaccines does my child need atthis point?”

• Be sure to ask about the HPV vaccine, which is recom-mended for both boys and girls. While protection is most effec-tive for adolescents ages 11 to 13, older teens who haven’t yetreceived the vaccine can benefit from it as well. This cancer-preventing vaccine will safeguard your teen’s health in thefuture.

• If financial considerations are preventing you from takingyour teen in for visits and immunizations, talk with your pedi-atrician. He or she may be able to point you toward resourcesthat can offset the costs.

• All children ages 11 to 18 should be protected against men-ingitis, a deadly bacterial infection that’s spread easily in closeliving quarters. If teens are going to boarding school, collegeor the military, do not delay giving them the vaccine.

• Every year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalizedbecause of the flu and its complications, and 36,000 die. Anannual influenza vaccine is an important part of protectingyour children. Health authorities including the AAP and theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annu-al flu vaccine for everyone starting at 6 months of age.

Your children’s health plays an important role in their aca-demic success. Make sure you take steps to keep him or hersafe from life-threatening dangers and prepare for a healthyschool year.

Make sure kids and teens are fully vaccinated for the school year

STATEPOINT PHOTO

Informed parents know that immunizations save lives.But even those who vaccinated their babies and tod-dlers dutifully may not be aware that the recommendedvaccination schedule continues through the later teenyears.

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DuBois, Pa., that makesmagnetic business cardsand other promotional prod-ucts, saw locker decorationsas an exciting new merchan-dise line.

Dee Tipps, owner of aboutique called a.k.a. GirlStuff in Birmingham, Ala.,says she “started jumpingup and down” when lockerdecorations caught her eye.The LockerLookz decora-tions flew off shelves lastsummer, she said, thanksmostly to middle-schoolgirls.

“It’s like somebody has

opened a safe full of dia-monds,” she said.

Caroline McCormick, 12,remembers walking intoTipps’ boutique. “The firstthing I thought was, ‘Howcan I get this for my lock-er?’” she said. “I wanted tomake my locker be a symbolof me. I didn’t want my lock-er to look like everyoneelse’s.”

She also was happy thatshe could cover the locker’sdreary gray metal interior.

After decorating the spacewith a white chandelier,blue carpet and black-and-white wallpaper, Carolineconsidered her locker “aroom that’s away from myhouse.”

Buckel said schools have

gotten behind the products,especially because theydon’t damage the lockers.Some schools in his areahave hosted decorating con-tests, he said.

The organizational prod-ucts are great for kids, saidClapper, the school counsel-or, who tries to teach stu-dents that an organizedlocker can contribute to aca-demic success.

“We actually spend a lotof time teaching themappropriate ways to orga-nize their lives and theirspace,” she said. “Some kidscoordinate everything. Oth-ers you can only imaginewhat their bedrooms looklike.”

LOCKERContinued from Page 4

AP PHOTO/LOCKERLOOKZ, TERRY SPEARMAN

In this product photo provided by LockerLookz, a variety of locker decorations areshown inside school lockers. In recent years, LockerLookz and other companieshave started making carpet and magnetic decorations designed to spruce up theinterior of a school lockers.

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Register by phoneor appointment

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STATEPOINT

Children spend five times asmuch time outside the classroomas they do in school. With all thistime away from teachers, it’simportant for parents to supporttheir children’s learning.

In fact, children whose parentsare involved with them in familyliteracy activities score 10 pointshigher on standardized readingtests, according to the NationalCenter for Family Literacy(NCFL).

“Learning can happen anywhereand at any time,” advises EmilyKirkpatrick, Vice President ofNCFL. “Go beyond homework helpand find learning moments ineveryday life that fit in with yourschedule.”

Here are some tips for how youcan take a more active role in yourchild’s education:

• It all starts with you. With somepreparation on your part, you canbe a better resource for your child.

Make sure that you, and those whospend time with your child, arewell-equipped to support learning.

• Turn a household shoppingtrip into a fun chance to do math.Take a walk outside to discussnature or the community. Make alesson plan out of the world aroundyou.

• Develop a partnership withyour child’s teachers. Talk withthem about homework and be sureyou understand what is expected.

•Some children need and wanttime to play when they get home,while others may want to get home-work out of the way first thing. Seta schedule for your child thatworks for him or her, and make it aroutine. Just be sure that yourexpectations are clear.

• Reinforce the idea that home-work is not punishment, but achance to practice new skills. Youcan help make it fun by rewardingprogress.

• Ask your children thought-pro-

voking questions, like what theywonder about. For inspiration youcan turn to free online resourcesthat emphasize fun in learning,such as such as www.Wonderopo-lis.org.

• Help set a timeline so thatschool assignments are not leftuntil the last minute. Older chil-dren with assignments that willtake several days or weeks to com-plete may need your help learningto manage their time.

• Checking to be sure assign-ments are complete is great, butdon’t forget it is your child’s assign-ment, not yours. Do not do home-work for your child.

• Read to your children or withthem every night. Not only is thisan enjoyable way to spend timetogether, it will benefit the childand help instill a love of learning.

By getting more involved, youcan help your children make thisschool year their most successfulone yet.

Kids perform better in school when parents get involved

STATEPOINT PHOTO

Children whose parents are involved with them in family literacyactivities score 10 points higher on standardized reading tests.



STATEPOINT

Back-to-school season is the idealtime for families to reestablishroutines and get organized -- bothat home and on the go. But before

hitting the stores for supplies, take time toplan ahead with shopping lists that meetboth your children’s and your family’sneeds.

There are many great tips to help get afresh start on the academic year ahead:

SaveIf you have more than one child, or want

to stock up for the year, save on items likeglue sticks, notebooks and writing utensilsby taking advantage of sales and purchas-ing value packs, which are easy to find atback-to-school time. For better deals on

items like tissues and sanitizing wipes, holdoff until you are also buying these productsfor the home at a warehouse club or withcoupons.

Teach OrganizationTeach kids the importance of starting the

day organized. One way to simplify themorning shuffle is by assigning a color toeach child for easy identification of binders,backpacks and pencil pouches. Assign col-ors before shopping to prepare for easier in-aisle decisions. Five Star products (www.meadfivestar.com), for example, are avail-able in a variety of on-trend patterns andbasic solid color options to complement andcontrast styles. Or use color-coded stickers

Get the wholefamily organized atback-to-school time

STATEPOINT PHOTO

Before hitting the stores for supplies, take time to plan ahead with shopping liststhat meet both your children’s and your family’s needs.

Please see ORGANIZE Page 15

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and labels to maintain consis-

tency.

SynchronizeSchedules

The school year often brings

additional commitments for

families. Creating a “mission

control” in a central location in

the home will improve commu-

nication and ease the stress of

time management.

Look for calendars with high

functionality like meal planners,

“look-ahead” features, magnetic

backings and repositionable

peel-and-stick adhesives. Don’t

forget to include a white board

or cork board where notes can be

left for one another.

Student planners are crucial

to help your children stay on top

of due dates, keep their own

commitments and operate on the

same schedule as the rest of the

family.

Vow to spend time on a weekly

basis reviewing and synching

calendars and discussing the

week ahead.

Manage PapersWith each new school year

comes an overwhelming amount

of handouts, reminders, permis-

sion slips and medical forms.

Parents and children all benefit

from a paper management sys-

tem. Use bins, expanding files

and binder dividers with

“reminder” flags to keep track

of priorities. Flag items needing

immediate attention -- whether

it’s homework or paperwork.

If your children have busy

schedules, make it easier for

them to work on the go. Opt for

binders with writing surfaces,

internal storage pockets for loose

paper and places to stash pens

and pencils. And you can do the

same. Consider using binders

and expanding files in the car to

create a place for last-minute

notes, papers and storage.

With a little planning and cre-

ativity, the whole family can pre-

pare to stay organized through-

out the school year.

ORGANIZEContinued from Page 13

STATEPOINT

Preparing children for anew school year is nolonger just about stock-ing up on pencils and

notebooks. The face of educationis changing, and a well-equippedstudent should know how to usenew technology to personalizethe learning experience and suc-ceed in school.

“Digital resources and applica-tions can stimulate and engagestudents by providing a moreinteractive learning experience,”says Dan Caton, president ofMcGraw-Hill School Education.“Some of the best digital learningtools personalize learning, adaptto children’s individual strengthsand help them overcome uniquechallenges.”

While digital learning maycome naturally to children, par-ents should get up to speed ontechnology as well to better under-stand how new tools and resourc-es can help their children learn.

Here are some great back-to-school tech-tips for parents:

• Talk to your children andtheir teachers about what theywant to accomplish this year andhow they can use traditional andnew learning tools to meet goals.

• Encourage children to usecomputers and other web-enableddevices for more than just gamesand Facebook.

• If you think books are thesame as when you went to school,think again. New digital text-books available for downloadthrough applications like iBooks2,allow you to highlight text, makenotes, or search inside the book.You can even have your tabletdevice read the book to you. Learnhow this technology works so youcan keep up with your kids.

• Some forward-thinkingschools are using innovative pro-grams like CINCH Learning,which makes the complete K-12math and 7-12 grade science cur-

ricula accessible online. Pro-grams like these go beyond thetextbook, so talk to your children’steachers to learn how to maxi-mize the program’s interactivetools and games from home devic-es.

• Nearly half of all high schoolstudents who take AdvancedPlacement (AP) exams fail. Butnew subscription based programslike the ONboard series fromMcGraw-Hill Education are pro-viding students with the skillsand knowledge they need to suc-ceed in these advanced courses.Parents of high school studentsshould encourage teens to take

advantage of such study aidsbefore senior year.

• Pick a regular time each daydedicated to beefing up vocabu-lary, improving spelling, readingtogether and just talking aboutnew topics and ideas. The Inter-national Reading Association(IRA) recommends giving chil-dren choices in what they read --browse the ever-growing selectionof age-appropriate books andperiodicals available for downloadto your e-reader.

• If you’re on a budget, don’tstress. Not all technology willbreak the bank. In fact, with a bitof effort, you can find e-readers

on sites like eBay for much lessthan retail cost. And as moredevices come onto the market,prices will become even moreaffordable. Many public librar-ies offer access to computers soyou can familiarize childrenwith basic technology and arange of digital resources, suchas free ebooks.

For more infor mation onhow digital technolo g y ischanging the way kids learn,visit www.mheonline.com. Helpmake this school year success-ful for your children by learn-ing about new educationaltools.

Tech tips to prepare studentsfor the school year

STATEPOINT PHOTO

The face of education is changing, and a well-equipped student should know how to use new tech-nology to personalize the learning experience and succeed in school.


back to school 2012

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