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. 20, 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 15th 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 becoming confident, getting a new look and building self-esteem. For parents, there are tips about educational tax credits, protecting against illness and helping children reach their fullest potential.
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by Tim Euler, M.Ed., head of school |
Every organization rises and falls on those who are the heartbeat of the organization. In schools across America, teachers are the heartbeat. Children will spend nearly 16,000 classroom hours from the time they start kindergarten to high school graduation. It is important that the teachers children spend time with love being teachers. |
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by Keri Cormier, office manager |
Surprisingly enough, school will soon be back in session, and so will the germs that come with it. Being prepared with some basic things that children can be taught is very important, and everyone can use a reminder now and then. As most people know, hand washing is the best, most effective way to keep both adults and children healthy. It is important that this practice is stressed to children. When at school, children should be encouraged to wash their hands whenever possible, especially after using the restroom. |
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by Neena Dhanji & Sandy Graf, principal |
Online gaming, online chatting and online TV are all trends of this generation. It is difficult to keep even the youngest child off some electronic device. So what can one do to focus young minds on education rather than games? |
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submitted by Children’s Lighthouse Child Care Learning Center of People of Faith |
Some parents may be concerned about the growing size of school classrooms. Lawmakers and school administrators faced with massive budget cuts are struggling to keep class sizes small, but these days it is a difficult task. Until they find a solution, parents can take the following steps to ensure their child gets attention in the classroom: |
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by Debby Tapia, vice president, certified |
Proper etiquette and manners are important. |
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by Katherine Nash |
Once a child begins to learn how to read, many parents are confronted with a disparity in their child’s learning ability. A child, who may even be considered bright by comparison, may struggle with reading. This can lead to teacher frustration, parental angst and, most critically, the child’s diminished self-esteem. The tragedy is that, but for the lack of awareness, the collective stress is unnecessary. |
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by Carol Grosshans, middle school principal |
Parents are filled with joy when handed their newborns, believing they are beautiful, smart and have the most potential of any other child. It is hard for them to imagine anyone would think any less. However, in many schools, children are physically hurt, emotionally scarred and socially isolated. |
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by Gail Hatmaker, middle school principal |
What does it take to help a child become successful in school and life? |
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by David L. Goldstein, D.M.D. |
According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral |
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by Scott Bergin |
Parents and children look forward to summer and a break from the school-day routines — vacations, camps and free time are all part of the fun. However, the skills required for success in school become duller by the moment. Experts agree that up to 30 percent of what students learn during the year is lost over the summer. |
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