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This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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DoDEA Announces Distinguished Principal Nominee Principal Helen Hughes-Balilo at Wetzel Elementary School in Baumholder, Germany, was selected as the Department of Defense Education Activity's nominee for the National Association of Elementary School Principals' 2010 National Distinguished Principals of the Year for Elementary and Middle Level through the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Hughes-Balilo will be honored as the 2010 DoDEA National Distinguished Principal on October 14-15, 2010, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. She has been the Principal of Wetzel Elementary since 2005. The National Distinguished Principals Program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. Doors to Open at Three New DoDEA Schools With the start of the new school year, DoDEA will open three new schools. Casey Elementary School will serve families on Camp Casey in Korea. Vicenza Middle School in Vicenza, Italy will now offer a separate middle school program instead of a Grade 7-12 operation. At Fort Campbell, Kentucky, DoDEA will open a new elementary school in January 2011 for the start of the second semester. Say Good-bye to Summer School Principals and staff around the world are preparing for the start of the new school year. Stateside locations will open as early as Thursday, August 5th. The majority of schools in overseas locations will begin welcoming students back on Monday, August 30th. To learn about exciting new developments in curriculum in DoDEA classrooms, take a look at the new video product, “What's New in Curriculum,” posted on the Web at http://www.dodea.edu/curriculum/walls/Wall_Curriculum/index.html Meet the 2010 DoDEA Teacher of the Year You can meet the 2010 DoDEA Teacher of the Year, Susan Morris, and celebrate the many contributions of DoDEA teachers by viewing the most recent edition of the Chat Room, a monthly DoDEA video production. http://www.dodea.edu/home

Navy Bureau of Medicine – BuMed – Launches FOCUS State-of-the-Art Family Resiliency Services FOCUS is excited to announce the launch of www.focusproject.org, a redesigned family friendly Web site that provides an overview of FOCUS services for military families. Upon entering the homepage visitors are greeted by a video describing the FOCUS program. They can continue into the site to learn about the program’s history and mission, read detailed descriptions about FOCUS resiliency training, and link to important resources for military families. In addition, the site contains information about common challenges families face before, during, and after deployments. There are different resources and helpful links for parents, children, and service providers. Current events and local information for each FOCUS sites are easy to find on our contact pages. Testimonials from former FOCUS participants help to describe what families can expect when they enroll in FOCUS resiliency training. Visitors can also sign up for our quarterly newsletter to help maintain awareness of the unique needs of military children and families.

This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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In the coming weeks, military families will be able to use the website to access FOCUS World, an interactive website experience that teaches families resiliency training skills. Announcements about FOCUS World launch will follow in the next few weeks.

States Continue to Address Quality of Life Concerns of Military Members and their Families Because many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states, the USA4 Military Families initiative, worked through the DoD-State Liaison Office, engages state policymakers about the needs of military members and their families. Governors are now signing many of the bills passed by their legislatures during their 2010 sessions. So far this year, states have adopted positive legislation supporting our service members and their families:

• Nine bills improving child custody protections • 11 bills joining or reauthorizing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military

Children • Two bills expanding unemployment compensation for trailing military spouses • Two bills enhancing predatory lending protections • 19 bills recognizing the DD Form 93, “Record of Emergency Data,” as the authoritative

document for PADD identification (a “PADD” is a person, usually primary next of kin, who is authorized to direct disposition of human remains)

• 25 bills enhancing absentee voting procedures Although most state legislative sessions are winding down, there are still 21 active bills, with six of these having passed one legislative chamber and two having passed both. For more information on these three issues and other issues impacting the quality of life of our service members and their families, visit usa4militaryfamilies.dod.mil or usa4militaryfamilies.org.

MC&FP Joins Observance of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Isabel Hodge from the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs attended the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 19, 2010. The event was hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the White House, and the Federal Communications Commission and highlighted assistive technology that has been developed to accommodate and empower Americans with disabilities. The program included the launch of the FCC’s new Accessibility and Innovation Forum and included a presentation of a video chronicling the impact of technology on the lives of people with disabilities. See http://www.ada.gov/ Special Needs Briefed to Military Child Education Coalition Conference Attendees Dr. Rebecca Posante, deputy director of the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs, briefed more than 200 participants at the MCEC conference on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2010 (U.S.C. 10, section 1781c) -- landmark legislation for military families with special needs. Dr. Posante provided an overview of the legislation and an update on the progress being made to establish the required office and to fund Exceptional Family Member Program staff at installation family centers. She also provided an overview of studies that will be conducted to learn more about the accessibility and availability of services for military families with special needs, the first being a study of Medicaid services and a study of services for children with autism. See http://www.militarychild.org/annual-conference/

This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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'Be Food Safe' With Reusable Grocery Bags The popularity of reusable grocery bags among commissary shoppers is huge. But it may mean we're putting ourselves at risk of picking up an assortment of germs, some of which could potentially cause food-borne illness. This is not an issue to be alarmed about - it's just an area that needs an application of some good common sense. Like any other item that gets plenty of wear and tear, reusable grocery bags need regular maintenance, too.

• Keep your reusable grocery bags clean. Put them in the washer with hot water and laundry detergent, if possible and hang to air dry.

• Spot-clean any bag that is not washable with a clean cloth and soap; rinse well with clear water and dry thoroughly before using or storing.

• Store reusable bags in a clean, dry location. • Dedicate certain bags or totes for groceries only and try to designate one for produce only and

another for raw meats and poultry. Use plastic bags provided in the produce aisle and at the meat case to enclose any raw products before placing them in the reusable bag.

• After emptying your bags at home, wash off the table or counter surface where the bags were sitting.

DeCA Delivers DeCA is delivering the benefit at the following Guard and Reserve locations: July 30 One Coast Guard Island Alameda, Calif. July 30-31 Otis Air National Guard Base Cape Cod, Mass. July 31-August 1 Gen Woods King Armory Cleveland, Ohio July 31-August 1 National Guard Armory Keyser, W.Va. In the News

From the American Forces Press Services – “Dr. Biden: Military Children Deserve America’s Support” The Departments of Defense and Education are working together to ensure that quality education options are offered to all military families, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, said here today. Biden, a community college professor who holds a doctorate in education, said department officials are working together to collect data and research military children and their schools. They aim to support quality education, address the impact of the stresses of military life on school children, and hear from military families about changes that would best serve them. http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60156

From the American Forces Press Service – “Service Chiefs Gather to Address Children's Conference” It's no small feat to gather the service chiefs at one event, yet that happened today when the leaders came together here to lend their support to the cause of helping military children. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr.; Navy Adm. Gary Roughead; Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz took part in panel and service-specific discussions, as part of The Military Child Education Coalition's 12th annual conference. http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60153

This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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From the American Forces Press Service – “Spouse Jobs Program to Re-launch in October” The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced today. http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60081 and http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/07/a-restructured-mycaa-set-for-fall-restart/

From the American Forces Press Service – “Criminals Use Romance, Patriotism to Steal Money” Shelly is a smart, successful business owner, but a brief liaison with a man claiming to be a servicemember nearly cost her everything. http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60134 From DoD Live blog – “Family Focus: What is a Will? Do You Need One?” A will is a legal document you use to dispose of your property upon death. It also names who you want to take care of important jobs related to your death. For example, you can name who you want as your personal representative or executor. You may believe you don’t need a will, but before you make that decision, you should sit down and talk with an attorney. If you die without a will, your property will be distributed in accordance with state law. See http://www.dodlive.mil/ Financial Tip of the Week $AVING$ TIP$ – Common opportunities to teach teenagers about money • Encourage interest in reading the newspaper (money/business section) or watching a program on

one of the business channels. • Introduce the concept of a job/working if they have time from their schooling (for example. chores,

mowing lawn for neighbors, to getting a part-time job after school). • Introduce them to financial terms such as the stock market, IRAs, investing, etc. • If you follow the stock market, teach them how to read a stock page. Help them follow news about

companies that they like or recognize. Share with them how a business runs. • Talk to them about what is entailed in paying for college. • Teach them how to use a savings account; how to fill out a checkbook; how to responsibly use a

credit card. • Start preparing them to live on their own in college/leaving the nest (for example, budgeting,

getting a job, not going into debt, responsibly using a credit card, living with roommates, etc.). • Set an example by the way you handle money. For example, when kids are young, you do not

have to buy them designer label outfits that are over-priced. Even if you have money at your disposal, do not send the message that the most expensive item is necessarily the best item or that it will buy happiness. Your kids will not notice the label on the back of their shirt.

• Consider rewarding your teen’s savings efforts by providing some kind of incentive program. You can match all or part of your kids’ savings.

• Talk openly about money with your children. Encourage them to ask questions. • Children learn directly from watching their parents. Parents must walk-the-talk when it comes to

managing finances if they expect their kids to understand and appreciate the value of money, saving, and preparing for their financial future.

• Consider taking a class on financial planning with your teen at your local community college or some other community venue that offers courses.

• Consider hiring a financial planner if you are in a position to do so and feel that they are in a position to really help you manage your money (do your research).

This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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Parenting Tip of the Week – Prepare Your Child for College Early The Department of Education has several resources for parents, including tips on helping children prepare for education beyond high school. Parents can begin to prepare their children for college early by:

• Helping them take the right junior high and high school courses based on the type of school they wish to enroll in after high school.

• Helping them decide on the right school by researching the school's curriculum, the size of the school, the type of school, and a school's affordability. Parents should also encourage campus visits.

• Helping them obtain and complete admissions applications. • Assisting them with essays and preparing for admissions interviews.

Source: The Department of Education. For more tips, visit the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Web site at www.studentaid.ed.gov. Fitness Tip of the Week We all know that physical activity is good for us, helps us maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. What we often don’t know is how much do we need? Here’s some exercise guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on maintaining a healthy weight:

• Up to 150 minutes of moderate intense aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or an equal mix of the two per week. Moderate aerobic activity includes things like a brisk walk, dancing, light yard work, and casual biking. Vigorous aerobic activity includes jogging, swimming laps, rollerblading and most competitive sports.

• Up to 60 minutes of strength training each week. This can include lifting weights, using

resistance bands, using your body weight for resistance (push ups, sit ups), and yoga. Need some help getting started? Log on to: www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity for tips and exercise options. Military OneSource Tip of the Week – “Preparing Your Kids Emotionally for the School Year” Part One in a Series, “Back to School” With several challenges looming before military families as the new school year begins, finding the right support can lubricate the transition to the new school year. Parents who prepare their children emotionally for the new school year will enable them to adjust better and more quickly to the new routines.

• Start by establishing a school day wake up routine. A good, age-appropriate alarm clock may be right for your child. Streamline morning prep time by having clothes laid out the night before, breakfast simple to fix, and lunches made or lunch money at hand. This will lessen the inevitable stress of change from summer to school.

• Confront childhood (and teen) anxiety by talking with your kids. Maybe the real concern is encountering a bully, fear of failure, or distance from parents and home. This could easily be the

This Week in MC&FP July 23, 2010 

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case with frequently uprooted military kids. A good place to start is with art work that allows the kids to express their concern. Parents can use this as a springboard to assess the depth of the challenge, determining whether outside help may be justified.

• Emphasize the positive aspects of the new school year: all that will be learned, re-acquaintance with school friends, and the fun of autumn activities like football games, changing leaf colors, and the winter holidays. This gives hope of good things to come, and shifts the focus from the loss of summer fun.

• For further assistance, consult a helping professional: pediatrician, school counselor, social worker, counselor, chaplain, or www.militaryonesource.com and toll-free at (800) 342-9647.

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