Why You Should Volunteer at Your Kids' School

Earlier this year, I volunteered at our elementary school for our annual spring book fair. This is one of my favorite school volunteer opportunities, and I typically clear my calendar for the entire week to help out - from set-up to take-down and all the selling days in between. Why do I enjoy it so much? First of all, it's books, so duh. Secondly, it's just plain fun, and I know it's good for both me AND my kids. for me to be present in their schools.

No matter what grade your kids are in, volunteering is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause. Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community, while showing kids the importance of participating in the larger community. Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's never too late to start!

Hot Books for Elementary School Kids

It's Book Fair time in our School District. I love when the Scholastic truck drops off all of those carts and boxes of books. Book Fairs can be a great opportunity for schools to get kids excited about reading, get books into the hands of children AND raise necessary funds for school programming.

If you've never volunteered to help out with your school Book Fair, consider it! Scholastic has a website (called the toolkit) with ideas for advertising and activities to make your fair even more exciting!

Keep Up Your Kids Math Skills Over Summer Vacation

Do your kids get "Summer Packets" from school? These packets are intended to keep kids' skills sharp during the summer slump. Research indicates that kids can lose 2 months of grade level equivalency in math computation skills over summer vacation. 2 months - that's a lot.

One way to combat that slump is to keep learning through the summer months, but let's face it, no one wants to feel like they are in school over summer vacation. That's why we have to employ some fun ideas and strategies to keep learning going, but make it fun. We have a pretty great reading strategy for the summer already, but ee received a pair of Bedtime Math books to review, and it dawned on me that these are the perfect antidote for summer math slide for BOTH the kids.

These books have activities for all ages - but don't have listed ages - they refer to the challenges as for "Wee Ones",  "Little Kids" and "Big Kids". The second book, includes a bonus question for each challenge. Oh and don't let the name fool you - you can play these math games any time of the day! And if you need help with your own math skills, the answers are on the pages (tiny print and upside down).

Here's a peek into one of the challenges:

So you can see how fun this can be and how much creativity you can have with your kids! There's no doubt that we need to be thinking about the next generation of adults, and ensuring that we are giving them a well-rounded educational background. Learning really can be fun, and these books can help you get started and inspire you. Want to try a problem and see? Watch this:



What do you do to keep your kids learning over the summer break?

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How To : Starting a Green Team at Your School

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net / tungphoto

Everyone is going "green" these days, and our schools are no exception. Greening our schools can be good for the environment, good for education and good for the bottom line, as well. If you are a fan of the TV show, Parenthood, you may recall Julia's Sustainability Committee duty.  But if you don't already have a program in place, how can you suggest that your school get its own Green Team in the game?

Start by asking your Parent-Teacher organization, they may welcome the opportunity for a new committee and new volunteers. Check with your administrators and be sure to get clearance for any projects or programs you want to start. Once you get the "green" light - you're all set.

Now, the fun part begins. Your team can develop a mission or vision statement to set the tone and consider inviting teachers, staff and parents to participate on your team, as well. Decide if your team wants to set a few goals to get you started. For instance, you could start a recycle program, such as Terracycle in your lunchroom. Terracycle can be a great place for ideas and inspiration.

We are getting started with this in our school district, and the team is focusing on three primary areas: Reducing Waste, Education and Grounds and Greening. Something to keep in mind, is that when you are just getting started, it takes time to learn how things are currently being done. Once you figure that out, your team can come up with a strategy to improve and green your processes. I keep my ideas on a Green Team Pinterest Board if you'd like to check them out.

The possibilities are endless, from hosting a swap meet for clothes or toys to a clean up the grounds day, to planting a school garden to share with the community or lunchroom. All it takes is a little time and some volunteers to get started. And look around, there are grants and other programs available to help you out as well.

Does your school have a Green Team? What are your initiatives for this school year?

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Getting Your Kids to Read this Summer & Book Ideas for Middle School Kids

It's that time of year again. . .summer. . .when all we (parents AND kids) want to do is be free of homework and school and be outside and at the pool. But studies show that if your kids take the entire summer "off", they can suffer "summer slide" and fall behind for the upcoming school year.

One of the ways to combat summer slide, is a regular reading period. Just 20-30 minutes a day, can make the difference. Our school district sends home both reading and math summer work that is due the first week of school. Since reading is part of that, I thought, why not make it family reading time - you take a reading break and enjoy too.

That's our plan around here. With camp starting this week, they get a half hour of down-time/TV/snacks when they get home, then 30 minutes of reading. The rest of the afternoon and evening is theirs.

Check out your school, local library or even bookstores for reading programs. Many offer prizes as incentives for recorded reading.

Stumped on something for your 12-14 year old? Here are some book choices for your Middle School reader (6th - 8th grades):

"Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini" by Sid Fleischman

"Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer" Series by John Grisham










"The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton

"Titanic: Voices From the Disaster" by Deborah Hopkinson









"Schooled" by Gordon Korman










"Wonder" by R. J. Palacio










"Virals" by Kathy Reichs









"Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan










"Say Goodnight Gracie" by Julie Deaver








What are you (and your kids) reading this summer?

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This post is linked up for Summer Family Fun. 

The Upside of the PSSAs - No Homework

This week all over the state of Pennsylvania, public school kids are taking the PSSAs. For those of you in other states (or countries), the PSSAs are the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics are given to children in grades 3 through 8 and 11, while students in grades 4, 8 and 11 are administered the Science assessment.  There is also a written assessment for students in grades 5, 8 and 11.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website, "The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAs include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.  The Science PSSA include items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology."
 
The purpose of the tests are two-fold, to assess the proficiency of student attainment of academic standards and also to determine the degree to which school programs enable students to obtain proficiency.

There is much debate on whether these tests work. Whether it is fair to judge a teacher's performance or acumen in the classroom, on their student's scores.  There is evidence to support both sides of the story, personally I'm anti standardized tests. However, I have not opted to exempt my children from taking them . . .yet. Despite much press on schools with parents that have exempted their children, and in NJ, where teachers refused to give standardized test; my oldest is taking them this week.

Our schools provide pep rallies, assemblies, and  have even held a teacher served breakfast to students before the "big test".

The one shinning light in all this? There is no homework.  For one week, teachers and schools get together and promote learning and education and good study habits - and do not detract from having a peaceful evening at home, after a stressful and busy day at school.

My question is, why does that scenario ONLY happen during the PSSAs?

Do you kids take standardized tests in schools? What kind of things does your school do to prepare your kids?

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Thank-a-Teacher Day 2012

For every teacher I have ever had. . .for all of my children's teachers; past, present and future, I thank you.  For everything.

Today, inspired by my friend Julie over at The Julieverse,  I am celebrating teachers and giving thanks for their dedication and hard work.  In honor of the teachers that selflessly gave their lives to protect their students, I hope you will join me in saying THANK YOU.

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How-To: Set Up a Home Library for Your Kids

Today, I am volunteering at Owen's school for the Fall Book Fair.  I love the Scholastic Book Fair, and I'm glad that we only had a small postponement after Hurricane Sandy.

While I was helping Owen make book selections, I started thinking about our own library here at home, and what "type" of books are important to have on hand, and most importantly, how to do it on a budget.

American Education Week

This week, our school district is celebrating American Education Week in each of our schools.  Each school; both elementary schools, the middle and high school, have various programs planned, as well as school spirit activities.

This morning parents (guardians, aunts, grand-parents, etc) were invited to have breakfast with their Kindergartners, and then visit the classroom, for a glimpse into their morning routine.  I've forgotten how exciting kindergarten is.  It was fun to stand with Owen this morning, waiting in line for his mini bagel, and seeing his friends say hi and wave.  Having the opportunity to meet parents I haven't yet met.

After breakfast, we made our way up to Owen's classroom.  Kindergarten classrooms are such happy places.  Full of shiny eager faces and bright colors.  Word walls, and number lines fill the spaces around the smart board (no longer a blackboard in many classrooms).

This is public education at it's best.  A caring teacher, surrounded by eager students waiting to share information.  I am always amazed at how much material they cover so quickly in the morning.  How much knowledge is shared in simply looking at the calendar and the weather.  Owen's teacher has jobs for every child in the classroom, teaching them responsibility and giving them each a chance to participate. 

This week, Owen is the Star of the Week.  While I was there, he got to sit in a special chair during morning circle time.  There is no price for the pride on his little face.  Looking around the hallways and the classrooms, I can see that they have discussed things they are thankful for, as well as what they would do if they were the principal of their school.

Many would agree that that our public education system is broken.  There are many days when I agree with that statement as well.  But this morning, in that that classroom, everything was just perfect.

Do your schools participate in American Education Week?

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Keeping Your Kids Fit

Have you seen the latest statistics on childhood obesity?  Nearly 17% of children are considered obese.  It's downright scary.  And everyone from the First Lady to the Nickelodeon Network, are encouraging kids to move more.

While we currently do not have weight issues with our kids, teaching them healthy habits that will last their lifetimes is important to us.  I recently learned about a website, started by WebMD, Discovery Education and Sanford Health, designed to help teach kids to be healthy.  The website is called Fit 4 the Classroom, and has resources for teachers and parents alike.  Fit 4 the Classroom is designed to move nutrition and wellness education from the gymnasium and the cafeteria, into the classroom.

What's so fascinating is that Discovery, WebMD and Sanford Health have looked at where this type of education has failed in the past, and designed tools for teachers - such as dynamic lesson plans that play on health-related STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) subjects backed up with compelling digital media.  It encourages our kids to become the gatekeepers of their own health.  

There are four main sections:  food, move, recharge and mood. In each section, there are lesson plans, videos and activities.

I am planning to pass this information along to my Parent-Teacher groups at both the boys' schools.

The partnership also includes a national sweepstakes for elementary school teachers, awarding one grand prize winner a school assembly, a $5,000 prize and $5,000 in funding for the teacher's school to extend programs that benefit student health and wellness education.  There's plenty of time to enter, the deadline is February 14, 2013.

How does your school (even home-school) teach your kids good health and fitness habits?



catch you soon -

note - I did not receive any compensation for this post; and as always all opinions are my very own.

Moms 4 Education: The State of Public Education in the state of PA

It seems almost like an epidemic. . .every time you turn around, another school district is in the news:  cutting teachers, cutting programs, unable to meet payroll, budget deficits.  The list is endless.

In order to move towards a balanced budget in the state of PA, Governor Tom Corbet has cut funding to public schools across the state.  School districts rely on that funding, and are now scrambling to meet their own budgets.  In many cases. . .unsuccessfully.

What does all this mean for our children?

We all know how difficult it is to budget - especially in recent economic times.  It's a constant struggle of give and take.  Deciding what we can "do without" this month or this year.  How do you decide what a school can do "without"? Healthy lunch choices? (our country faces a childhood obesity epidemic) Transportation? (there have been several school bus accidents in the local news lately) Gym? Art? Music?

Here's an interesting bit of data. . .according to several sources, it costs the state of PA approximately $30 million to administer the PSSAs. Money well spent? I don't know one parent (or teacher) that would say yes.  There is talk of adding a new test - the Keystone Exam - this test is expected to cost another $100 million.  Imagine if we cut up that $130 million and distributed it right to the school districts.

Many parents are stepping up and organizing.  They are attending School Board meetings, joining the Parent-Teacher group, and creating Facebook groups to exchange information.  They can see the writing on the wall - they know our children are at risk. 

Is that what Governor Corbett and other politicians want for their grandchildren? Oh, they will probably go to private school because of the state of "public" education. (just like healthcare right? It's fine for the "general public" but not the government employees). It needs to stop now.  Public education and programming is TOO important to EVERYONE'S future.

I am a strong believer in public education.  I have the pleasure of knowing many dedicated teachers that have made educating children their life's work.  They work tirelessly on their own time and with their own money - to give their students the best.  And I applaud them and thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Let's get smart with school budgets.  Let's stop blaming teacher's salaries.  Let's look at duplicate and unnecessary administrator costs.  Let's look at fees, maintenance costs and upkeep for things we no longer use or even have in the district.  Can we get a better rate somewhere else? Are we sending full sized buses to pick up one child? With or without money from the state - we need to run our schools smarter.

There are ways to save money that don't take anything away from our kids or their educations.  We need to work together to find them. 

Be heard - VOTE - the PA Primary Elections are Tuesday, April 24th.   Show up - let your voice be heard.  Let them know that cuts to our future and our children's education WILL NOT be tolerated. I know it seems insurmountable and as if there is nothing we can do - but it's TOO important to sit back.  It's our children . . .it's our future.

I'd love it if you would leave a comment including any good money savings ideas or other great things your school district has done in these tough times.

And please - make your voice heard - join us on Twitter with #heytomcorbett or contact Governor Corbett at:

Phone
717-238-4009
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1145
Harrisburg, PA 17108

catch you soon -

How-To Raise Money for Your School

Whose school couldn't use a little extra money these days? And how many of us are tired of fundraisers and buying things we don't really need?

The Box Tops for Education program offers an easy way to raise money for your school, without you having to do anything extra (except a little cutting).

I was recently invited to attend a local Box Tops for Education University event, along with some other area bloggers.  While I am not the coordinator for my school, our schools as well as myself do participate in the program, so I was excited to learn more about the program.

With @decloPAMoms and Emily Eppig

The Box Tops for Education program has been around since 1996, and the schools that participate have earned more than $445 MILLION!  There are more than 90,000 schools enrolled in the program, and the program is for grades K through 8 - so you middle schools out there need to participate!

It's super easy for your family and your school to participate. You can earn money for your school in two ways:

• Through clipping the Box Top coupons from hundreds of products sold at your favorite stores.
• Through the Marketplace, an online shopping program where you can earn eBoxTops on purchases from a variety of national and specialty stores.

After your School Coordinator sends the Box Tops to General Mills, your school receives a check, equivalent to 10 cents for every Box Top redeemed.

There are also webinars and events like the Box Tops for Education University that School Coordinators can participate in to get ideas for running their programs.

Is your school participating?

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note - I received a Gift Card and a bag for attending this event.  As always all opinions are my very own.

why an active education is a good education. . .

i have always been a fan of hands-on learning. . .for both myself and my children.

we try to take our kids to many different places and let them experience many different things - it's part of our parenting style.

i've had the opportunity to see it in action this week - Ryan went on his first "BIG" school field trip - to somewhere he's never been with us.  The entire 4th grade went to Harrisburg as part of their social studies curriculum studying Pennsylvania.

Ryan has talked NON-STOP since I picked him up yesterday . . . he wrote more than 4 pages in a journal (something he has never done before)about all his experiences and what he learned.  He has been constantly informing his and me about various tidbits of PA history and government that he picked up yesterday.

In other words - he has immersed himself in learning - and that is always a good thing.

so if we sit our kids in over-crowded classrooms and drone on about topics that will be covered on a test with tiny words, confusing directions and little circles. . .what kind of critical thinkers will they become?

and don't we want critical thinkers to become our future leaders?

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advocating for your child. . .

i just came from a meeting with the OT at our school district.  ryan has been receiving services for help with his fine motor skills - mostly in hand-writing.

she complimented me on being such a great advocate for my child. . .which made me so proud and filled me with such joy, because one of my insecurities is feeling as though I am not a BIG ENOUGH advocate for my kids.

you know from my blog and twitter that i've seen Race to Nowhere and that it's had an impact on how i view education.  it's clearly had an impact on what i bring to the table in discussions with school personnel and how i react to situations as well.  it's allowed me to be a little more "big picture" and not get too caught up in all the details.

having healthy happy kids is my #1 priority. what is so hard to remember is that those 2 things come in many many forms - not just one.

catch you soon -

the state of education. . .

Last night i had the privilege to watch a screening of the new documentary, Race to Nowhere - The Dark Side of America's Achievement Culture.

All I can say is OMG. . .it's been 12 hours since I got out of the film, and I can't shake the images and ideas from my mind.  It impacted the pep-talk I gave my 4th grader before school today.

There were so many amazing ideas and observations.  Listening to the kids talk about school and the way it makes them feel - was heartbreaking.  One image that touched me the most was the footage of little children, in preschool, playing and learning and laughing - bright, shiny faces eager to learn. . .then older kids, in middle and high school. . .not smiling, heads on their desks, worry lines on their foreheads, frantically taking notes. . .not even a glimmer of enjoyment on their bright faces.  It was heartbreaking. . .

Two themes that stuck with me were over-scheduling and homework.  Kids these days (in order to stay competitive to get into a "good" school) must play an instrument, get perfect grades, do community service, have extra curricular activities and play a sport.  When are they just a kid?  Add to that an hour (if you are lucky) or more of homework every night. . .and don't all the "Good Parenting" guides tell us to have family meal time together - not only that - one that includes raw, healthy, made-from-scratch food. . .how does it all fit in??

The experts interviewed in the film were wonderful - the teachers they spoke with - were AMAZING - truly talented, enthusiastic, caring teachers.  An interesting segment brought up how much teachers are revered in other countries - how they are held in such high regard. . .as compared to America, where it's an admirable, albeit necessary job. . .that pays "not that great" in the grand scheme of things.

Where would our country be if Teachers were paid like Football Players? Or Rock Stars? Or CEOs?  Could it possibly make a difference if our priorities were re-aligned?  I'd be willing to bet the farm it would make a huge difference.

I hope if you get the opportunity to see the film, you will.  It takes a village right - and we all benefit from living in that village.  If you are unfamiliar, here is an excerpt from the film's press kit:

A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded Americaʼs schools. It is destroying our childrenʼs love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.
 

This remarkable new film shines a light on the price our kids pay for this “race to nowhere.” Cheating is commonplace, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and ironically, young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.
 

Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students arenʼt developing the skills needed for the global economy, RACE TO NOWHERE points to the silent epidemic running rampant in our schools.
 

RACE TO NOWHERE is a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become the healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens in the 21st century.
 

Among many others, RACE TO NOWHERE features Dr. Madeline Levine, author of the best- seller, The Price of Privilege, Dr. Deborah Stipek, Dean of the Stanford School of Education, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, an adolescent medicine specialist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Wendy Mogel, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, Denise Pope, author of Doing School, and Sara Bennett, author of The Case Against Homework.

I came right home, went online, registered with the site and signed the petition.  You can do the same here.

If you see it - I'd love to have a discussion on your thoughts.

catch you soon -

note - while I did not have to purchase a ticket, it was not provided by the film, or anyone associated with it.  I was not asked or influenced in any manner to write this post.  As always the opinions here are my very own.

Dance For All

I had the pleasure of attending a dance program at Owen's preschool this week.  Prior to attending, I only knew they had an "outside" program that came in and taught the kids dance.

if you follow my blog, you know that the preschool my kids attend(ed) is a very diverse program that includes both typically developed and special needs children.  if i haven't said it enough - i LOVE this program.  The feelings of inclusion and the exposure it give my children is priceless.

one of those moments is the Dance For All program.  The Program Coordinator, Chloe Davis gave a little presentation yesterday before the program, letting us know what the program was all about.

"Dance For All" Creative Expressions for the Disables was created for those with disabilities to have an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic expression in a positive and encouraging environment.  The program is geared for both adults and children and besides our preschool, they offer instruction at 2 additional locations in our area.

It was an adorable program - Ms. Chloe's enthusiasm and warmth were contagious.  She made sure that every child had the opportunity to show their stuff for the audience. The room was full of smiles, singing and clapping - and every child that wanted to participate - got that chance to do so in a way that was comfortable and supportive for them.

you can check out more information about the program here.  Dance For All is part of Tigerlily Events, LLC Arts & Education Programs.

catch you soon -

note:  this post was not requested or endorsed by any parties nor did i receive anything in return for my review.  As always, the opinions expressed on this blog are my very own.