http://www.health.mil/blog/10‐06‐24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.  

This Week in MC&FP

Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.

October 15, 2010 ___________________________________________________________

       

          A belated Happy Birthday to our Navy colleagues in appreciation for 235 years of dedicated service. This week on Wednesday, October 13, our nation commemorated the legislation passed by the Second Continental Congress in1775 that authorized the acquisition of ships and the establishment of the Navy. The ‘acquisition’ was humble – “two swift sailing vessels” with ten guns and eighty crewmen. Today, we rely on our Navy for a global mission on board ships, submarines, aircraft, and on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank you for your service! Next week, Saturday, October 23, marks the 20th anniversary of “Make a Difference Day,” held annually on the fourth Saturday in October. Last year, more than three million people volunteered and completed projects in hundreds of communities – including many military communities. It’s never too late to volunteer. Check with your local volunteer coordinator or ServiceNation.org if you’re looking for a project. Have a good week and take care.

Your MC&FP Team

Please note: Some hyperlinks in this text are lengthy, sometimes extending more than one line. For best results, cut and past the entire link into your Web browser. From DoDEA

• Wetzel Elementary School Principal Receives National Recognition Helen Hughes-Balilo, Principal of Wetzel Elementary School in Baumholder, Germany, was honored as the 2010 DoDEA National Distinguished Principal on October 14-15, 2010, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. Hughes-Balilo was selected as the DoDEA 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. More at: http://www.dodea.edu/pressroom/video.cfm

• DoDEA Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

DoDEA joined in the national celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month today, October 15. The date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month is “Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: the Renewed Hope of America" or "Herencia, Diversidad, Integridad y Honor: La Renovada Esperanza de

This Week in MC&FP   October 15, 2010 

América." For more information about Hispanic/Latino culture, please visit the Special Observance section of DEOMI’s public Web site at: http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance

• National Science Foundation Seeks Nominees for Award of Excellence

The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the 2010 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. This honor is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. This program recognizes teachers for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. To apply, teachers must first be nominated for the award. Teachers may nominate themselves or may be nominated by someone else (for example, principals, teachers, parents, and other members of the public). Once nominated, teachers will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access the online application. The application deadline for secondary school teachers (Grades 7-12) is May, 2011. Online nomination forms are available at the following website, www.paemst.org

From the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth

• Register Now for October 27th Webinar on Bullying Prevention You are invited to join in the Oct. 27th Webinar, "Keeping the Momentum Going: A Webcast Follow-up to the Federal Bullying Prevention Summit.” This Web cast follows the successful August 2010 "Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit." The Web cast will bring together organizational, federal, and academic leaders, teachers, principals, school resource officers, students, and parents to continue the national conversation on bullying prevention. The Webinar invites new voices to the conversation to expand the discussion on bullying. The U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, Interior, Defense, and Agriculture have been working on a strategy for the broader administration vision for keeping our children/students safe. This "Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Working Group" has thus far drafted a set of goals to combat bullying and is actively working on action steps to advance these goals. The Webinar will include an introduction to research and prevention strategies by Dr. Catherine Bradshaw from Johns Hopkins University, a leading researcher in bullying and school climate. It will also feature "voices from the field," a panel featuring individuals currently involved in bullying prevention efforts discussing their roles in bullying prevention in addition to their successes and the challenges they have faced. Assistant Deputy Secretary Kevin Jennings (Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, U.S. Department of Education) and Captain Stephanie Bryn (Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will discuss the ongoing work of the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Working Group.

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To register for this Webcast, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register827891504; by Monday, October 25, 2010, to register. This event has a limited capacity, so please register early to ensure a spot. If you have any problems with registering please contact amassengile@icfi.com.

• JC Penney Offers Reduced Prices in Portrait Studios

JC Penney portrait studios are offering two discounts for military families. The first, offered through October 31st includes a free sitting, 50 percent off on all photos and two free 8 x 10 photos – one for the family and one that JC Penney will send directly to the servicemember in theater. See http://www.jcpportraits.com/offers/portraitsoflove.html The second discount, through June 30, 2011, provides for a free sitting, a free 8 x 10 photo, and 50 percent off the total portrait purchase (no minimum order). See http://www.jcpportraits.com/offers/MilitaryOffer.html for more information.

• “Forging the Partnership” Conference Planners Call for Proposals Thinking about presenting at the DoD/USDA 2011 Family Resilience Conference? Proposals for workshops, computer labs, research posters, and program showcase exhibits are due Wednesday, November 3, 2010.

If you haven’t done so yet, mark your calendar now to be in Chicago on April 26 - 29, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency. The interagency conference, Forging the Partnership, will bring together professionals from DoD and USDA and will build connections, competency and the capacity of our agencies and programs.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, current youth and family research presenters, interactive workshops and computer labs. For more information, see http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/service/conferenceandworkshops/fy2011

From Resale

• DECA is delivering the benefit at the following Guard and reserve locations. For more information, visit http://www.commissaries.com/guard_reserve_sales.cfm:

Oct. 21-23 Guard and Reserve Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Ark. Oct. 23 Guard and Reserve San Pedro, Calif. Oct. 23-24 375th Combat Sustainment Support Mobile, Ala. Oct. 28-30 Guard and Reserve Bourne, Mass. Oct. 30 Guard and Reserve Green Bay, Wis.

In the News

• From the American Forces Press Service – New Online Sponsor Program Launched The Defense Department has launched an online sponsor training and resource tool intended to boost the quality of the decades-old sponsor program and better assist relocating servicemembers

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and their families, a defense official said. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61273

• From the Family Matters blog – Free Tutors Ease Homework Woes In her latest blog, AFPS' Elaine Wilson writes about her challenges helping her own children with homework and highlights a free, online tutoring service for military children. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61261

• From the Family Matters blog – Mom Prepares to Deploy With Husband Gone Preparing for your own deployment can be stressful, but imagine doing so while your husband is deployed and making arrangements for your children to stay with your parents. See how one military mom is coping in "Double Duty: Ready? Set? Change!" http://doubleduty.dodlive.mil/2010/09/29/ready-set-change/#more-74

• From the American Forces Press Service – Holiday Postal Deadlines Set The recommended mailing deadline for sending economy-priced holiday packages to servicemembers in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world is Nov. 12, officials at the U.S. Postal Service say. For specific country guidance, see http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61209

Tips of the Week

• Nutrition Tip of the Week – Which grains are whole grains? Some commonly eaten ‘whole grains’ include whole wheat, bulgur (cracked wheat), buckwheat, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, and popcorn. Make half your grains whole. For more information on making healthy and nutritious food choices, check out the Commissary’s Web site at http://www.commissaries.com/

• Parenting Tip of the Week – Teach Telephone Practices for Life Skills, Safety

With an increasing number of American homes with only wireless telephones, children of the cell phone generation are accustomed to speed-dialing from their cell phones. Children, however, still need to know how to use landlines. Parents and guardians should teach children how to use landlines; children should know to pick up the receiver, listen for a dial tone, and, when necessary, dial 1 before the area code and phone number. It is also essential that children memorize their parents’ work and/or cell phone number as well as that of a trusted friend or relative in the event of an emergency.

• Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week – Prevention in Early Care

“Preventing Childhood Obesity in Early Care and Education Programs” is a new set of national standards describing evidence-based best practices in nutrition, physical activity, and screen time for early care and education programs. The standards are for all types of early care and education settings – centers and family child care homes. These updated standards will be a part of the new comprehensive Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, Third Edition (CFOC, 3rd Ed.) to be released in 2011. See http://nrckids.org/CFOC3/PDFVersion/preventing_obesity.pdf

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• Financial Tip of the Week – Five Savings Mistakes that can Derail Your Plans You know that having a savings plan is important. Unfortunately, there are some obvious, and some not so obvious, pitfalls that could cost you dearly. Here are five savings mistakes to watch out for.

Waiting too long. No matter your savings goal, it is important to start now. No more excuses. Waiting too long to start saving, whether it's for a home down payment, retirement or a vacation next summer cost you money in the form of compound interest. The longer you wait to save, the less time the magic of compound interest will be working for you. Neglecting tax advantages. Depending on what you are saving for, there are might be tax advantages to your savings. Retirement accounts come with tax advantages. While you won't get a federal deduction when you contribute to a 529 college savings plan, some states offer state tax deductions for contributions. Consider your savings goal, and determine whether or not there is a tax advantage associated with it. Settling for a traditional savings account. These days, with high yield money market accounts, savings accounts, and CDs, there is no reason to settle for a traditional savings account. While having some of your fund in a traditional savings account can be helpful because of its easy access and liquidity, the bulk of savings should be in the high yield account. If you are saving for college or retirement, you should look beyond savings and consider other types of investment that can help you build your savings a little bit faster (although you will have increased risk). Forgetting about inflation. Remember that inflation can erode your real returns in savings. Inflation is a reduction in your buying power. As prices rise, the amount that you can buy with a dollar decreases. Inflation can eat away at your savings, causing problems down the road. When putting together your savings plan, make sure you account for the negative effect of inflation. Not letting your saving keep pace with your income. Many people forget to increase their savings when they start making more money. However, it is important that your savings keep pace with your income. It is important to start your savings habit early on. You might only be able to set aside a few dollars a week initially. But, as many of us move through life, we begin seeing an increase in income. As this happens, you should re-evaluate what you are setting aside, and increase the amount.

• Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Quick Tips to Prepare Children for Deployment

With planning, you and your family can create special ways to stay in touch during deployment. Try these ideas:

Start a scrapbook and a special box to hold letters, drawings, and other souvenirs you send home. Later you'll be able to tell them the stories behind the objects and photographs.

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Hold a Treasure Hunt. Hide small gifts or notes throughout your home, and jot down the location of each item. Every few weeks during your deployment, send home a treasure map or a clue to lead your family to one of the gifts or notes.

Put your destination on a map. Mark on a map or globe where you will be located, unless the information is classified. Mark the locations of family in other parts of the world, too

Make tapes of yourself reading your children's favorite storybooks. Ask your spouse to play these for your children before bedtime each evening when you're away.

Have your children help you pack, if there's time. This will help them think and talk about your deployment and ask questions they may be wondering about.

Ask your children for a special keepsake to take with you on your deployment. And give your children a photograph of you in a special frame to keep near their beds.

Agree on a phrase you will each say before going to sleep. It could be as simple as, "Sweet dreams, goodnight." Think of your children and spouse while you say it, and ask them to think of you when they say it.

Put your name on the prayer list at your place of worship, if this is your custom. This will give your family and the entire community the opportunity to pray for you each weekend.

Your Family Center can give you information and support on many issues that affect service members and their families. And Military OneSource, a free 24/7 service from DoD, available to all active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families, provides information and referrals plus face-to-face counseling. Call (800) 342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com.

• Spouse Tip – Quick Tips for Spouses of Servicemembers Returning Home Your spouse's deployment return can bring both joys and challenges. These tips can help:

Plan a special homecoming. You might want to make a welcome-home banner or a special meal. Make a back-up plan, just in case. Your spouse may be exhausted, so be ready to adjust your plans if you need to. Understand that it's normal to feel out of sync with your spouse at first. Both of you have grown and changed during the separation. Ease into intimacy. It's not easy to regain physical and emotional closeness after stressful situations.

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Be patient with yourself and your spouse. Fatigue, confusion, and worry can lead to short tempers. Spend time talking together. Sometimes it's easier to reconnect if you talk while doing something else together, like taking a walk or working out. Expect your children to test the rules now that both parents are home. Set aside time with your spouse to come up with an approach you both agree on. Enjoy life. Make time in your schedule for activities you enjoy as a couple and as a family Know when to seek help. If you, your spouse, or other family members are feeling signs of stress, physical or emotional, it's important to seek expert help – the earlier the better. Contact your installation's family center; the VA on-line at www.vetcenter.va.gov, by phone, (800) 827-1000); or Military OneSource on-line at www.MilitaryOneSource.com and by phone, (800) 342-9647.

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