Cool Thoughts: September 25, 2008

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fridav, Seutember 26 PTO Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser 9:00 Third Graders 9:30 Fifth Graders 10:OO Fourth Graders 10:30 Second Graders 11:W Morning Kindergartners and Rooms 102 and 103 1:30 Afternoon Kindergartners and Rooms 106 and 107 3:00400 Franklin Eunwear on display in the Reading Garden

Sentember 29th & 30th

DZBELS TESTLVG GRADES K-5

Thursdav. October 2 200 p.m.

PTO Meeting in LRC

Fridav, October 3

Last Day for Noon Hour City Employed Crossing Guard

Mondav. October 6

9:OO-200

Mondav. October 13

Fifth Grade Field Trip to IMAX Explorer Presentation Cool Thoughts... Distributed

NO SCHOOL

Tuesdav, October 14 9:00-1:15

COLUMBUS DAY

Kindergarten Field Trip to Gobbette Pumpkin Farm

Fridav, October 17 3:OO-rk00

PTO Market Day Pick Up

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL From the desk afthe Lirtrm As we begin to move away from paper and more online communication, it is important that every family join the ~ i u L i r t r e r u Please go into the district webpage and then enter the "schools pull down tab" and enter Franklin, Once in the Frankin page please enter the 'Click here to join Franklin's Listserx" You can join from any email system; many families will join from home, work, etc. When we begin to fully implement the online communication, you will rmive email notices at d the email addresses that you have subscribed.

P b s e ba w u t c ~ l j 5 r b c a d l i c -e cqvalopportunity nn&mmm As children return to school from a variety of summer experiences and emosures, it's i m ~ r t a nto t be dert for signs of head lice. Please remimber to check $nuchild periodically for head& now and throughout the yeat. Advise your school health office immediately if you become aware of this contagious problem, and we will do eve?rthmg possible to assist you in eliminating it from your home. Remember, head lice are an equal oppommiy nuisance! Having head lice is not a reflection of your home environment or personal hygiene. Please remind your child not to share hats, combs aud hair accessories. For h h e r information, please see page 35 of the 2008-09 StudencParent Handbook or the "Health Servicesninformation page on the District 64 Web site: -d6+org.

I I ~ ~ O u t S i ~ l c b r a u N o W D m AU Disvict 64 familes wen mailed home in Angnst a copy of the 2008-oy Student-Parent Handbook. It contains many important announcements as well as useful informationfor your family Included in the back of the handbook i s a form that mwt be signed and returned to your child's classrdommomeroomteacher acknowledging that you received and reviewed the handbookwith your student. If you have m d y returned t heso as soon as possible. Re . . out out October L If youwould rather download a copy of the tearout form, you will find it on the "Studen~Parent Handbook" page of the District 64 Web site: ~~war6korg.The entire handbook is available on line; a limited number of replacement copies also are available at school or District 64 ofkes.

All parents in the community navigating through the 'tweenyears with their adolescents are invited to attend one or both of these October workshops. Sponsored by the Civil Behavior Parent Committee, the "Raising Good Adolescentsa evenings offer strategies to help Localparents maintain communication and stay involved as their students test their independence and gain maturity moving through grades 5 4 .

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Parents may attend one or both; no registration is required. The Wednesday sessions will be held at Emerson Middle School, 8101 N. Cumberland, Niles, fiom 7:30-9 p.m. October I - 'W&o'rPlubing Whose BW~~OILP?" Topics include: e x a m h i -q thoughts, feelings and actions: yours &d theirs - pushing each oihers' buttons - encouragement. A presentation by Bob Campbell, co-director of the Wdow Wellness Center, will be followed by a small group discussion (divided by age of students) facilitated by a trained leader, and time for questions. October 15 - "RiskyBusinesr?'' Topic: recognizing and respondmg to at-risk behavior. The final evening will be led by Char Wenc, author of "Parenting -Are We Having Fun Yet?" and "Cooperation - Learning through Laughter."

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Parents do need to have participated in the "Raising Good Kids" program offered previously for elementary school parents. October3 isFiMCDqyfor CrarsingGuardsat Mid-% The final day for crossing guards who assist a few elementary school students traveling home to1 from lunch will be Friday, October 3. This change is for the lunch hour only; crossing guard schedules remain the same before and after school.

If your child is c r a e d bv a mard at mid-dav eohz tolfrom home for lunch. either dailv or just occasionallv. please c o wt our school secretary imrnediately District 64 will add your child at no charge to the existing mid-day bus route if he or she was normally assisted by a Park Ridge crossing guard. RedRibbotz Week October27th -3rst Please see the enclosed information about Red Ribbon Week. This is a very postive and effective way to promote a healthy lifestyle and heighten awareness to alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. Our PTO has put together a great program involving Student Council to heighten awareness throughout this week in October.

PTO WALX-A-THONIS FRIDATSEPTEMBER 26TH

How to Sign Up for "LISTSERV" District 64 in a continued effort to save costs and be conscious of the world's environment our Bi Weely Take Home will be distributed by email. Please sign up by going to the District website at www.d64.org On the left side of the screen is a menu, Choose: Our Schools pull down the list choosing Frsnklin Elementary scan the information anddouble click on the blue: "C1Sek here to join the Frrrnklia School Listserv" You will be able to sendyour informc~tionand receive District information and the FrmuUn Take Home.

Grandparents as Caregivers If you are a grandparent who is babysitting or raising grandchildren, you are invited to a morning gatking of caregivers. This is an opportwity to meet others, share concerns and talk about interesting topics that will help you care for the children you love. Topic: Grandpamt "Lifesaver"pgram Date: Wednesday,October 1,2008 (l*Wed.of eachmonth) Time: 1O:OOem-1l:30am Place: Niles Public Library 6960 Oaldon St. Niles, IL

Free Child Care, Free Books Susanne Barker,nurse educator will discuss the CPR procedure and talk about gentral fust aid such as what to do about burns, nosebleeds, bites and cuts. Eveyone will make and take home a k e first aid kit. Ongoing, monthly meetings For information, call Linda at 847-640-9590 Sponsored by Maine Township and Children's Home + Aid

NEW Buddy Kickball program! Location: Grennan Heights,Niles. 6:30 D . n Dates: Seut. 24 - Nov. 12 @To . m - o- m Oct 8). . ... IS: Ancudon ckiklnn who haw-St0

DayiTime: Wednesdays 5:30 -

Grab your buddy and meet us at this action-packed program! Work as a team to kick, run and score your way to victory. This unique kickball program is a fun sport targeted toward3 individuals with special needs, and it can be adapted for everyone. All players must register through M-NASR.Fee: $35 In-District; $63 Out of

District

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AltsAtion arem opes 9 19:

We need YOU! We're looking for outstanding volunteers to share their love of kickball with our Buddy Kickball players. Help ow players with special needs with fielding, kicking, nmning the bases, and of course support. Note: There is no fee for Buddies. All buddies must register through M-NASR M a i n e - X i Assoelation of Spdal Recreation 6820W. Dempster Street, Morton Grove, IL 60053 Phone: 847-966-5522 TTY: 847-966-8897-Fax: 847-966-8340-www-.org -An extension oE Des Plaines. Golf-Maine. Morton Grove. Niles. Park Ridge. Sknkie. and Lincnlnwd Park Districts. For more information or to register, please cantact Tracy Gdlingham at M-NASRor [email protected].

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Franklin Funwear Order Form ORDER PLACEMENT DATE: SEPTEMBER 30.2008 Student Last name

Student First name

Room #

Teacher name

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PLEASE CHECK SIZES CAREFULLY ALL W (now if minimum order quantity is not met for certain

General Items Red canvas shopping bag Total General Items (C)

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l~otal Quantity ordered:

phone

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Price Each $8

S ARE FlNALIll amount will be refunded)

Extended Total $

xXXXX$ Total Cost (A)+(B)+(C)=: $

Method of payment: cash check made payable to Franklin PTO Questions? call Teri BergthoMt 847-910-4620 or email [email protected] * Milable in xxl please add $2 to price please write xxl on order f m

Date Ordered:

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NEWS ::

COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 64 Park Ridge-Niles 164 S. Rosped Avenue

Park Ridge, I L . -

(847) 3184XW

FAX: (847) 318-4351

For information, contab: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SuperintendentSally Pryor, 847-318-4300 September 23,2008 Bernadette Tramm, Public InforlnationCoordinator, 847-318-4343

Student fees among this year's District 64 Community Finance Committee topics The District 64 Community Finance Committee (CFC)will help review student fees this year as part of an ambitious schedule of studies, according to Superintendent Sally Pryor. Over the summer, the CFC reported to the Board of Education on its 2007-08activities and received Board d i c t i o n on a 2008-09slate of projects for its four subcommittees. More than 30 local residents and staff members serve on the volunteer advisory group, which will return to work officially on Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at the District 64 Educational Service Center. Among this year's CFC projects are: Student Fees Review The CFC will review how other local districts set fees and how waivers are handled. Comparative data will help the Board of Education explore the purpose and guidelines for how and when fees are charged. The CFC also will help analyze the current fee schedule and recommend adjustments for 2009-10. Long-Range Financial Model and Revenue Ideas The assumptions used in the District 64 planning model to forecast Operating Funds balances will be reviewed, and the CFC will suggest adjustments m advance of the Board's scheduled annual review in Febmary-March 2W9. CFC also will explore "brainstorming" ideas contributed by community members to generate revenue or control costs. Legislative Watch A new legislative subcommittee will monitor state and federal education funding legislation to determine the potential impact on District 64 finances. A briefing for local legislators on education finance issues will be planned with neighboring school districts. Communications Outreach Additional chapters are planned for the Web-based Education Finance Fact Book along with assistance on community outreach for a new strategic planning process getting underway this year. Complete CFC reports and meeting minutes are available on the District 64 Web site: www.d64.org.

NEWS COMMUNIWCONSOLIDATED S CHOOL EfSTRICT 64 Park Ridge-Niles 161S.Prospect Avenue

Park Ridge, IL60068-4079

For information, contact: Superintendent Sally Pryor, 847-318-4300 Bernadette Tramm, Public Information Coordinator, 847-318-4343

(847) 318-4300

FAX: (847) 318-4351

FOR IMMEDIATE PdLEASE September 22,2008

District 64 Begins New Strategic Planning Process; Community Invited to Informational Meeting on Monday, October 6 The Park Ridge-Niles Board of Education recently authorized the development of a new strategic plan to guide District 64 schools well into the next decade. To kick-off this effort, the Board has scheduled a special Committee-of-the-Whole on Strategic Planning on Monday, October 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Washington School. All members of the community are invited to come and learn more about the planning framework and timeline that will be followed as the process gets underway during the 2008-09 school year. "The development of a strategic plan is an exciting opportunity for a community to come together to create its vision for the future education of its children," according to Superintendent Sally Pryor. "Our goal is to conduct this process in a totally open, inclusive manner to ensure strong community involvement," she added. Facilitator Dr. Howard Feddema of the Cambridge Group will conduct this awareness session for the Board and the community to describe how the planning process will unfold this year. He will lay out the framework and discuss why this specific approach is being followed. He will talk about the different components of the strategic plan and present an overview of how those components will be developed. Time will be reserved for an in-depth Q & A session to ensure that all questions from the Board and those in attendance are addressed. "Knowing that this new strategic plan will impact our schools and community for many years to come, we encourage interested parents, staff and community members to join us for this kick-off awareness session," Dr. Pryor added. Information from the meeting also will be summarized on the District 64 Web site.

COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED 164 S. ProspectAvenue

s CHOOL mTRICT 64 Park Ridge-Niles

Park Ridge, UtWSWW9

(847) 318-43Ml

FAX:(847) 318-4351

Health Office - Head Lice Guidelines for Parents

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Realize that head lice occur among children, with no regard for living environment or personal hygiene. Recognize the signs and symptoms (presence of nits and occasional to intense itching of the scalp) of infestation and be vigilant about checking your child frequently. Notify the &ool immediately if your child has head lice, or bring them in to be checked if you suspect head lice. Also, notify friends and family members that your child has been with recently if they are identified to have a case. Treat your child and all family members with an appropriate product, recommended by your physiaan or pharmacist. Read and follow directions carefully, regarding duration and frequency of application. The District 64 Medical Advisory Board recommends the product NIX for effectively killing live lice. It is extremely important to follow the directions on the packaging in order to completely eliminate this nuisance from your home. Remove all nits before returnine to school. Nit removal is time-consuming and tedious work, but it is critical to eradication of this parasite from your home and school environments. Nit removal means grasping the egg between thumb and forefinger and dragging it off each hair shaft. Adult head lice are about 1/16" long and can be seen. The nits are pearly white in color and ding to the shafts of hair. They are usually found around the nape of the neck and hairline around the ears. Once an infestation occurs, intense itching usually is noticeable. Accompany your child to the health office upon their return to school. Health office staff will do a cursory head check. Children will be permitted to Rtum to the classroom if no live lice are found and they are determined to be sufficiently nit free. Discard or soak all combs, brushes, barrettes, headbands, etc. in hot soapy (lice product) water (130 degrees F.)for 20 minutes. Launder all washable clothing and bed linens and then dry in clothes dryer for at least 30 minutes. Non-washable clothing can be dry cleaned or isolated in plastic bags for two weeks. Cloth toys and stuffed animals should be placed in plastic bags for two weeks, or tossed in clothes dryer for 30 minutes. Thoroughly vacuum ca'pets, floors, furniture, and the interior of your automobile. Instruct your child not to share combs, brushes, or hats with friends. Re-treat your child in 10-14 days as diiected by the product instructions, continue to check your chilo

weekly, and volunteer to help in your school when parents are needed to screen classrooms. August 2008

Thanks t o the following volunteers who helped out on Health Screening Day. We couldn't have done it without you! Nancy Torre, Jen Marshall, Suzie Fleita, Alexandra Cuk, Maura Campbell, Moni Ryczek, Lorraine Chisari, Tina O'Brien, Sara Katayama, Gina DeMeo, Sue Bulatek, Kathy O'Reilley, Michelle Navarra, Leah Zarnora, Linda Peterson, Ilyse Brogan, Teri Bergtholdt, Michelle Staerzl, Roy Piraino, Sylvia Sagat, Renee Rogals, Christina Noggle, and Sheri Smith. Also thanks t o our photography helpers: Kim Harris, Julie Cleary, MaryBeth Anderson, and Vickie Foldvary.

Donuts with Dads Thank you for coming and making it a huge success! A special thanks to all who made it happen: Kim Conradi, Kim Harris, Laura Hauser, Teresa Inael, Michelle Staerzl, Matt and the Custodial Staff, the Franklin staff and the Before School Program. We're looking for a few dads to volunteer for Mornings with Mom-more to come this spring!

New Take Home Deadline! Please have all submissions for the take home in the office by Wednesdav 9AM. Submissions may also be emailed to Babs at [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH IS THE RETURN OF FRANKLIN'S

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FAMILYFUN fiom 6:30-8:30p.m. NIGHT!!!!@

in the gym Join us for pizza, dancing and prizes! Fun for the whole family! Watch the next Flyer for more information!

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**-*.a # *"'~ttention l *v.

5th grade

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paCents: ;lb0 0 deadline is approaching qul-k. -m.t r n byour childs opportunity t o ? O, shiv@!Send in those #g *

,'our p h o t o

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baby photos.

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Franldin School FTO Meeting Minutea September 11,2008

Paoel I.

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Vickie Mellcma called the meeting to m k at 7:02p.m. There were 26 people in atkmbw. Everyone introdwad tbemsclvee. The May. MIOB meeting minutes w m reviewed and appmved. Vickie Nelson was inatdled as a &-Reading Secrtlary. 11.

Mr. Walsh thanked the PTO for a great start to the school-year (PTO W a s t , refreshments on teambnilding day, baek-to-school picnic, helpers on picture day). Heexplainedthatmany t e a c h h a v e b a e n i n t r a i n i n g f o r ~ t o ~ d E a t i y ~ Semias. Initially, the focus will be on suppating students' core skills in reading and later will be expmded to shldsnt sociavbehavioralskills and math.

Mr.Walsh a n n o d that the ISAT rawer are in and will be distributed to stdents h u g &the ad.

Mr. Walah has noticed that muny mdmts have not bwnwearing their helmets to school when riding their bikes or scootem. Parents, please maLF. sure they -their helmets! Also, plcrrse be eapecidy d d driving tdfrom school when it rains. No double-parking. Also, children must be escoRed across the atmet to theii car. Do not call your children across the streat.

He explained that the District is e i b b t h g cmdng gaarib during the mid-day shiR effective Monday, Octobss 6.200g. This will affect mdmts gaing to/from home for l d either daily orjust OoCesionaUy- If csomeone hes a student that needs crocrsing guard ssrvicss at lunchtime, please amtact the school f l ~ c e . He also mentioned that the district's R&bg Good MolewensProlpPm is stadq this FaIL The school diatiict is looking for pamntal help. If intemsted, please call Mr. Walsh. 111. Mr. Phil Eichamn, chaimran of the School B d Caucus, iModwcd himself. He explained that the ~ t m r pis local and non-, amd its pqmae i s to recruit school bead members. There &4 openings for thc 2009 school-yssr for District 64. Franlrlin School is eligible to have 2 delegaka to the School Board Csuars. Delegates attend mwtings in November, Demmber and January and liJten to caudidate pm6entations. The gmup then endorsea candidates. The election is in April, 2009. Each school board member smves a Qyear term. IE interested in running for the school b o d , plesse wntact your no.

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1Hr* Msj&i thanked the FTO for the incnased teacher allotment. She htmbad hemelf as a 3rd grads teacher with 26 children in her class. In Science,hex class is beginning a unit on S o d and the cumnt unit in Health is Safely. Her students are gpto take the MAP test. Mn.Milk introducedh d f as a new 3rd grade teachcr. In LA, h a students started with the Writing Wmkdmp- In Math, they're working on place valw, aad in Social Studiea, they're wOrting on map WW. intFoduesd himsel€as a 4th year pbys ed teacher at Franklin. This year, he nxdved a p u t for a large heart model. He said that all atudemtp cunantly begin gym class by taldng thcjr own hemt rate. BPrb Gbm is the Social Warker at FranLlin. There are 27 new studa~tsthis year and she helps them acclimate to school. She also helps Kindergarhers adjust, and follows up with last years children to monitor their pmgmskm Mrs. Glass helps struggling familiea obtain f d assistance with luach fm, book fees, etc., and works with the Human Needs Task Fom to help families outside of school as wd,

Franklin School PTO Meeting Minutes September 11,2008 Page 2

v. Dr. John Bello, Chainnan of the PRPHC gave a presentation. The Commission deals with substance and alcohol abuse with teens and adults in Park Ridge and tries to spread awareness and educate the community. There are 10 Board Members, and they meet on the 4th Thursday of each month. They are a resource if any parent has a question or concern. They are trying to present to smaller groups of people by having "coffees". People invite a small group of friends to their house and have the Commission make a presentation and field questions. Dr. Bello emphasized that you can never start teaching children early enough about drugsMcoho1. He emphasized that parents need to empower themsevea. If anyone is interested in hosting a coffee, please contact Dr. Bello directly (office) 773-75-9755 or (cell) 847-877-9914.

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Jennifer Meyer conducted the audit on the PTO. She indicated that the controls are strengthening and added that the requests for checks had necessary backup. She had no material findings to report.

W. m-UW)8-2009-BUDGa Nancy Manolis (Treasurer) presented the proposed UW38/U)09 budget. She said we came into this year with $33,000 in the bank. As a result of the abundance of $$ in the bank (and lack of participation andlor la& of profit) the following fundraisers have been removed: flower sales, manna gift cads, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, wrapping paper sale, fall book fair. The line item for "teacher grantsnwas reduced to $4,000 based on last year's usage. The following line items were added or were given more $$. Room parent allocations wre increased to $5 per child. Filtered water in the teacher's lounge was added as an annual expense. Teacher allocations were increased to $200 for fulltime teachers and $100 for par-time teachers. A lime item called "family assistance" was added to help needy families with hot lunches, school pictures, etc. The "High TouchRIiTech" presentation was made its own line item for $2.000 (it was previously under "Cultural Arts"). A motion was made to pass the budget and it was seconded. The budget was passed unanimously.

Parent question -If we have teacher allocations, why can't the teachers use this money to buy Kleenex so we don't have to donate it? Anewer - Teachers use their allocations for books and supplies that directly benefit the education of the children. Most schools traditionally have students donate kleenex at the beginning of the year. Parent question -Why do students need 2 pair of gym shoes? Mr. Ceaey - Kids are coming to school in their own shoes (which can be dirty). The gym floor gets dirty very quickly from all the childrens' shoes and the floor can become slippery and hazardous. Parent question If they come to school in clean shoes, is it okay to wear them for gym? Mr. Casey -We suggest a second pair - its not a rule -but if they're dirty-, they might have to sit out of class. Parent q d n -What about lunch time, doesn't the gym floor get dirty then? Mr. CIsey It is washed right after lunchtime.

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BUSINESS sts for PTO FUpdipp - Mr. Casey sent in a proposal for $750 to purchase @ 30 ~ t ofsinline skating pads. The Inline Skating Unit lasts 2 weeks for second through fifth graders. The school district buys a a amount of skates-and pads for the program which rot& from school to school. This equipknt lot of use and is worn our The new pads would be for Franklin School's use only. A motion was made m spend $750 on inline skating equipment. It was seconded and passed unauimously. WI.

Franklin School PTO Meeting Minutes September 11,2CKB Page 3

rnMr. Walsh requested $6,500 to purchase 300 new folding chairs with storage racks. Many of the exisitng folding chairs were donated to Frankti from older schools. The new chairs will be comfortable, lighter and more stable. Since the auditorium only seats 300 people, Mr. Walsh wants to have the holiday sing performances in the gym. The new chairs would be needed for this, as well as other assemblies. A motion was made to spend $6,500 on folding chairs. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

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a the m - Vickie Mellema announced that it is proposed that our PTO join the Pamt Teacher Association (PTA). One of the many bendts would be ow participation in their tax exemption stab~s.The proposal to join the FTA will be p to a vote at the next PTO meeting (October 2nd). and a PTA representative will be present. (Pfeaserefer to the May 6 . m meeting minutes for historical explanation of the.situation. They can be found online at benfrankliupbarg)

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Woween Parent q d n - Will the kids be able to dress-up at school for Halloween? Mr. W&h no, I am not in support of this because it disrupts the day. The school has a Family Fun Night scheduled for Friday, October 24th. This party has a Halloween theme and families are encouraged to dress up for this event. Parent qnestEon -Why don't the kids have a Halloween party dming the day? Mr. W&h -The district allows each elementary shoo1 2 morn parties per year. fianklin has chosen a holiday ~~IIJJ in December and a Valentines party. If the PTO is in favor of changing the parties, this issue could be raised again at a later date.

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There was a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded Vickie Mellema adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 2,2008 at 7:00p.m. in the LRC.

Minutes submitted by Dana Wessel (Co-Recording Secretary)

OR SULY PRY#@,Superintendent of District 64 will be speaking and available for questions; as well as the F I l W l€m and MW. m#€W777. In addition, we will be discussing and voting on whether to join the ?AWml ' E H € R dBWWlM. All parents are welcome.

CUB SCOUT PACK 105 N E W S W R

Mark Your Calendars Today!!!

New Prospective Cub Scouts are Welcome to Attend!

Our next pack meeting is Thursday, Oct. 16th at the Totem Pde next to the Park Ridge Community Center on Touhy and Western at 6:W PM. Please remember to bring chairs and dress for the weather. We are having a camp fire style meeting Please remember to bring your puppe!ts (which you made at the Sept pack meeting). You and some of your den members can make up a mall skit to present to the pack that evening. Smores and drinks will be served.

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Here are a few of the exciting activities we are planning on doing this year: Archery, Slot Car Racing, Camping (Webelos Scouts), Pinewood Derby Contest and Rock Climbing. Everyone interested in learning more about cub scouts (both parents and children) are welcome t o attend.

Home&School Working Together for School Success

'CONNECTION"

November 2008

-ej Music mlx

Introduce your child to a variety of music by listening to different radio stations in the car or at home. Try rock counay, classical, big band. and Latin. Ask him to keep a list of the station numbers and the music they play. What kind of music does he like best? Homework plan If your youngster struggles to complete homework on time, consider writing out a homework contract together Spell out the details, such as when and where she will work. Have her agree to check off her assignments each evening and turn them in to her teacher every morning. Watch for the blues Did you know that children can suffer from depression? One red flag is a loss of interest in play. Other signs include being tearful and grouchy, changes in eating and sleeping, low energy, and worrying about death. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your youngster's doctor right away Worth q U n g "If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything." Mawa Collins

I a which fish is the richest!

Franklin School Dan Walsh, Principal

Behaving school When kids behave well at school, they have more opportunities for learning. They also show respect for their teachers and classmates by following the rules. Encourage good behavior at school with these suggestions. Communlcatlan

teacher. Ask if there are rules your chid struggles with (worldng quietly, keeping hands to herseB. Togethe&come up with ideas for improvement Then, mark your calendar to follow up with the teacher by phone or e-mail. Note: Fall parent-teacher conferences are an ideal time to find out about your youngster's behavior in school. ?glk to your youngster's

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consistent at home will help your youngster follow rules at school. If she leaves the kitchen table without bang accused,you m&t say, "Our rule at home is that we stay at the table undl dinner

ends. What's the rule for staying seated at school?" Or remind her that she's working on ireepi her classmom desk neater and have her practice by straighteningher room more often at home. Teamwork Show your child that you and her teacher are a team. If you are confused discipline, conat the by teacher rather than questioning her judgment to your youngster. For example, if your child is kept in at recess but says she "didn't do anything," ask the teacher what happened. Then, talk with your youngster about her behavior and the importance of respecting her teacher's decisions.V

Have your youngster toss a die and multiply the number rolled (say, 2) by the date (the 6th). He can write the number sentence in a notebook (2 x 6 = 12). At the end of the month, look back to see which day had the highest answer.

HS EE 107912 IS7743 1845

Home & % ~ O O ~ C ~ I N E ~ ~ O N @

November 2008

Learning from collections

z Clear a bookshelf or table-

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top for your youngster to display his items. He can practice writing by d d n g a smaU sign for each one. Let him use an indm card folded in half ("The pnnosaurus rex was a large, meat-eating dinosaur").

Childrrn are nanual collectors. Some collect snow globes or seashells,and others love baseban cards or miniature din-. Here are three ways to use your child's favolite items to i m p m his 3. Suggest that your child keep reading, writing, and research skills crack of the collection He might I. Encouragehim to learn more. V i the library make an alphabetical list in a me to ehedc out book-he%p d c e readmg for inforfolder Or have him take pictures of mation. For instance, a shell collector might read What Liva in a the items and put them in an album. He can a mailing Shell? Kathleen take an outing for some label below each photo and write a capdon. handson researrh. b u might visit a coin shop or a s p t s memoIdea: Let your youngster share his collection by havi~e rabilia store.

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Create a country Encourage your child to invent a new country and d* a flag for it. She'll build imagination and leam that each land has tradiriom that make it special. her

Q: M y daughter i s stnrting herfint She picked a topic-figcre-rkoting

an island full of horse lovers. Perhaps the ,.ide horss instead of &i"ing cars,and Lhey celebrate the animais' birthdays with gifts and cakes. Ask her to name the island and tell you about its language, sports, and foods. Give your youngster poster board to create the flag. Explain that a flag n-&+es a statement about its counay. did it mydfl America's, for instance,has 50 stars to reptesent 50 states. She might get ideas We visited my 1 decided to nv it. I told mv child he by looking up world flags at the library sister recently, and I was surprised b; was old enough to pack his o& school how independent her children seemed. snacks.Ourfustnepwastowri~ or online {aywww.+Pluw.can/4M/ AM01477.hhnl).Maybe her flag wUI She said that when she wants them a snack menu. Second, he hwe a stable, a saddle, or a picture of LO take on something new, she placed snacks into apper a horse.* b& the rask into chm steps. bags. And third, I reminded Por example, when her son him for a few days to was old enough to walk to put the snack in his school, they 6rst discussed backpack safety rules. Then. she Man was so proud walked with him for of himself that he ddays. Finally, decided to s m he was ready to walk making his own with fiends. breakfasr too!*

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