As summer winds down, children’s thoughts across Southwest Orlando will inevitably turn to the first day of school. The school year, which begins Aug. 22, is only a month away, and students and their families can get a head start by preparing now. The beginning of school is an exciting time, but some might worry about what the coming year may hold. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 14th annual Back to School guide provides a comprehensive look at a variety of school-related topics. In the following articles, area experts offer insights into different concerns often brought about by the start of a new school year. For students, there are articles about making friends, fall fashions and building self-esteem. For parents, there are tips about saving for college, preparing first-time preschoolers, and helping children reach their fullest potential.
| by John E. Russi, CPA, P.A. 407-345-1191 www.russicpa.com |
It is highly likely that future children or grandchildren will pursue higher education goals. Contributions to a 529 plan can also qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion if provided on behalf of a beneficiary. Advantages of the 529 plan are that there are no income limitations; assets in the plan can be used to pay for higher education expenses, including tuition, room, board, books, supplies, and other fees and expenses; the funds can pay for qualified educational expenses at any eligible place of higher education, not just schools in the state sponsoring the plan; and funds grow tax-free. Withdrawals are free from federal tax unless withdrawn for purposes other than higher education. Participants can frontend load their contributions into a 529, effectively contributing the equivalent of five years’ worth of contributions with no gift-tax consequences. The gift is treated as spread out over a five-year period. For example, a married couple could together contribute the maximum $130,000 — five times $26,000 — on behalf of a grandchild this year without paying any gift tax. |
| by J. Restrepo Victory Martial Arts 877-797-7988 www.victoryma.com |
Communication technology is one of the fastest-growing global trends. Every day, more people have access to the Internet, and the use of cellphones, computers, laptops and other communication gadgets continually increases. The irony is that these apparent improvements in communication — aimed at facilitating and improving connections — seem to actually conspire against the ability to socialize. It has become a common scene: A man, woman, or even boy or girl, mesmerized by a small screen, their thumbs scurrying across a tiny keyboard. It seems clear that the tendency is for people to communicate via text message, cellphone or email, rather than person-to-person. It seems equally clear that people of all ages spend an increasing amount of time on the Internet gaming, visiting social networks, texting, tweeting and so on. This leaves less time for face-to-face interaction. South Korea, the country with the most broadband access in the world, has a growing number of communication technology addicts. The average person will use one gadget or another for up to 16 hours a day. The result is an inordinate number of mainly young people suffering from a new type of malady that includes symptoms of social alienation, withdrawal, introversion and physical inactivity. A growing number of South Koreans receive medical and psychological treatment for this condition. The U.S. could be headed in the same direction. One of the best ways parents can protect the younger generation from falling into this trap is to involve children in social activities. Organized sports, ballet and martial arts training are some of the best options for keeping children in contact with peers and away from their hypnotizing screen of choice, whether it be the Internet, TV or video games. This is perhaps the best way to prevent children from becoming ill with this new disease of social retraction and help them develop the social skills that will contribute to their success in life. |
| by Donna Montague-Russell, headmaster Windermere Preparatory School 407-905-7737 www.windermereprep.com |
The train has left the station, as the saying goes, and there is no turning back. Students today are connected. They are connected to online global learning networks and communities across cities, states and nations. They have literally hundreds of connections willing to share ideas, give advice and provide feedback of all kinds. It is a new learning world, one where students can find a teacher that comes in many different forms. The traditional educators of today must be aware of the fact that the students in their classrooms have access to specialists and experts in any content area, at anytime, in anyplace. The question is, how do modern-day educators meet the needs of these students in this quickly changing world? The answer is that teachers must be technologically engaged themselves. Teachers can teach only what they know. Students today and beyond must be networked learners, and this requires a fundamental shift in the way education occurs in the classroom. As is always the case, good, sound education is predicated on savvy teachers who are current in the latest techniques of instruction. The future demands it. That is where the next generation is heading. It is OK if the train has left the station — as long as everyone is on it. |
| by Amber Eastwood, A.R.N.P. Windermere Pediatrics 407-297-0080 www.windermerepediatrics.org |
When preparing breakfast for their children, parents should choose protein and fiber from whole grains over sugary cereals. This will help to provide the energy that the brain and body need for learning and daily activities. Eating a healthy lunch keeps children’s minds sharp and ready to learn throughout the afternoon. If eating a school lunch, children should be taught to make wise, healthy choices, such as choosing salad over french fries and water over soda. If packing a lunch, children should be involved in the preparation, so they will be more likely to eat the food that was packed. Eating dinner as a family should be a priority. Studies show that families who eat dinner together have children who perform better in school, enjoy better nutrition and build stronger family relationships. One of the most important ways that parents can encourage their children to make healthy eating choices is by modeling that behavior. Children are great imitators, so parents who make healthy choices and are open to trying new foods usually have children who make healthy choices and are open to trying new foods, as well. With today’s busy schedules, it can be difficult for people to choose healthy meals over convenient foods, but it is well worth the effort when a child’s health and school success are at stake. |
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