Many students of all ages will be making the return back to school this month. Back to School preparation has likely already begun for many of you, and will continue on throughout the rest of the month. However, no matter how old you are or what educational institution you attend there is no better feeling for parents, kids and adult students than having all of the bases covered prior to the first day of school.
New School Year, New Wardrobe
For many, one of the best parts of going back to school is getting brand new stuff! Furthermore, as the saying goes, “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” Nouvelle Eve is a boutique in the Old Market that offers unique ladies clothing in flattering styles, as well as great accessories, for high school and college students of all ages. Susie Keuck, owner of Nouvelle Eve, says, “Remember to start with the basics! Everyone should have their favorite denim, favorite tees and tanks, a couple fun, easy to wear, day dresses and, of course, accessories! Whatever you do, have fun and be confident! As far as trends for this fall, some elements of the nineties will be making a comeback–look for bold graphic prints and assorted plaids. Not only will you see this impact in tops you will also find it in shorts and skirts. Pick up a Rails top or a unique piece by Free People at Nouvelle Eve. Also look for the chunky necklaces and fringed bracelets to be on the scene, and don’t forget to get on board with a Kimono. This piece is easy to wear, light and flowy, comes in exciting prints, and adds style to something as simple as jeans and a tee. Stop by Nouvelle Eve and let us help you find a couple new pieces to get you excited about back to school!”
She adds, “Just remember if you look good, you feel good and that can give you the confidence to take on the world–or at least another year of high school or college. Have a fun and safe 2014-2015 school year! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and if you’re not a big fan of social media go to our website nouvelleeve.com and click on the news tab for in-store promos and new arrivals.”
A new back to school wardrobe is just as essential for the students as it is for the teachers. Local boutiques offer clothing and accessories that can be combined for professional yet unique and versatile looks. Located in Papillion, Kajoma’s Boutique receives unique merchandise daily which means there is a continuous flow of new fashions and accessories to choose from! Kim Ahlers, owner of Kajoma’s Boutique, says, “In addition to many other great finds, Kajoma’s currently offers a nice selection of beautiful Brighton handbags, jewelry and accessories that incorporate fall colors and trends. We pride ourselves on being a sassy little boutique that carries a wide range of styles, sizes and prices which appeal to many women. Kajoma’s has everything that teachers need to feel comfy while still looking fabulous!”
Put Dental Visits on your Back to School List! Save Teeth, Time and Money!
Dental disease is the most prevalent childhood disease. Dr. Piper Larson of Premier Dental states, “Parents should be sure to add dental check-ups to their back to school list, along with the annual physicals, school supplies and backpacks. A visit to the dentist ensures that your child’s education and development won’t be interrupted by oral health problems.”
Recent studies have shown that the sooner children begin receiving regular check-ups, the healthier their mouths will be throughout their lives. Early childhood check-ups are essential in preventing tooth decay, which leads to pain, difficulty eating, and other medical issues. The American Dental Association recommends that every child should visit the dentist by age 1, or as soon as their first tooth appears. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control, the number of cavities found in children between the ages of two and five has increased 15 percent over the last five years. More than 40 percent of kids today have tooth decay by the time they start kindergarten. Kids should eat a balanced diet that naturally supplies all the nutrients they need to grow. Kids need a balanced healthy diet for their teeth and gums to develop properly.
Here are some tips to promote good oral hygiene for your child:
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste. If your child is under age 7, use only a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush.
It may help prevent cavities.
• Make brushing teeth a fun activity by making up a song or dance.
• Pack healthy snacks such as carrots or celery rather than foods high in sugar content
• Buy flavored floss to make it more appealing to your child
• Teach your kids not to fear the dentist. Visit your family dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings.
Remembering to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day is just as important for children as it is for adults. Turning good dental practices into habits early can help avoid problems such as cavities and gum disease down the road. Good oral hygiene can help ward off bad bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities in children, and can positively impact your child’s overall health.
It’s estimated that dental sealants will prevent up to 70% of cavities. With a thin sealant coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, we can protect those impossible to reach pits-and-grooves from decay-causing bacteria. The process is quick, painless and very affordable! It’s proven to help prevent more costly dental fillings later on.
Premier Dental is “kid friendly.” In fact, they recently added a waiting area specifically designed for their younger patients. Additionally, Premier Dental offers iPad minis to distract kids while at the office, which also helps keep their experience a positive one. They offer incentives and contests for their younger patients, including a cavity free club. By educating your children about the proper care of their teeth, Premier Dental makes your job as a parent easier…and helps you save time and money by preventing the need for extensive dental treatment and related costs down the road.
Dr. Piper Larson states, “It’s never too early to commit to keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright and confident.” You can schedule your family today at (402) 718-8741.
Preparing to Return to the Classroom
Going back to school can create a lot of different emotions for anyone, especially if it has been awhile since you have attended school,” says Amanda Hebner of Focus C3 (Counseling, Coaching and Consulting). “Some individuals who are considering going back to school may be unsure of what to go back school for but know that they want something different. Our coaching services are a great opportunity to gain help in figuring out what a person wants to do and how to go about reaching their goals. Others may have quit school or failed to finish the next level of schooling because of things like anxiety or other mental health issues. Our staff can offer a number of different options to help someone overcome any barriers they may have encountered before. One particular product that we offer which can help all ages in school with working memory is called CogmedTM. This is a computer training with coaching that helps individuals increase working memory that in turn can help with executive function, concentration, reading comprehension, following directions, and math skills. For many people, young and old, these skills play a large part in a student’s success. For more information on how CogmedTM can help students visit www.cogmed.com/amanda.hebner.
Whether it is an adult returning back to school, a college kid considering continuing in school, or a younger student struggling to complete school, it is important to find help if you are struggling. There are a lot of different resources that are out there to help students of any age and learning style but many times one must ask. If you are a parent of a child who has anxiety about school or an adult that experience anxiety in the class room, it may be important to seek out help from a professional for that child so they learn why and how to deal with that anxiety. School does not have to be something that anyone dreads.”
She adds, “Many people never start things because they are afraid they cannot finish them, but a lot of times starting is the hardest part. However, it is important to know what it is you are trying to accomplish before you start. Some people may think that what they want to accomplish is out of their reach because of past failures, or current situations, but if they take the time to understand where they want to go and research their options they may realize that it’s easier to accomplish than they once thought. It may also be important to enlist someone to help them stay accountable if they do not have that person in their life. It is very easy, especially for adults, to get caught up in all the things that happen in life and thus not finish what they set out to do. If they have a fear of going back to school it might be helpful to start with just one class, or to try some type of short training first to find out how they will do and what types of things they may need help with. Most of all don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
Lisa Jorgensen, District Manager for La Petite Academy, provides the following tips for parents who are preparing to send their children back to school:
“Our La Petite Academy locations in the Omaha area are still enjoying the summer sun and fun, but a new school year is fast approaching! Now is the time to start preparing to make the switch. You can help excite your children about the school season and avoid a last-minute back-to-school frenzy by trying these tips.”
1. Talk it up! Talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Be positive and encouraging. Help your child get excited and feel confident about what’s in store!
2. Move up bedtime. About two weeks before school starts, ease into a school-friendly schedule by moving your kids back to an early bedtime and early rise time. This can be challenging when it’s light outside. Don’t let failed attempts frustrate you. Keep trying!
3. Re-establish routines. Reintroduce regular meal times, healthy snacks, and other regularly timed activities to give your child time to adjust to a school-day routine.
4. Keep morning madness in check. Start tackling the morning routine the night before to make the whole family’s day go more smoothly. Get your child involved in the planning process – by having her create her own morning checklists or by having him choose a clean outfit to wear for the next day. Make lunch the night before. Pack schoolbags.
5. Get the essentials. Ask your school for your child’s classroom supply list before going shopping for school supplies. Involve your child in key decisions such as choosing a backpack, lunch box and shoes.
6. Attack the closet. Go through your children’s closets with them. Decide what goes, what stays and what gets handed down. Work together to find a system of keeping things organized.
7. Plan before you shop. Once you’ve identified the holes in your child’s wardrobe, you can shop accordingly. You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe all at once – just what you need to get started.
8. Take the stress out of dressing. Let your child help pick out what he will wear. Plan out a few outfits together, mixing and matching new clothes with other items from your child’s closet.
9. Find a friend. Get together with other families with children. Arrange play dates with children from your child’s class.
10. Do a dry run. Take your child to visit the school before the school year starts. Tour the building, meet the teacher, get acclimated.
11. Parents, do your homework. Find out about your school’s registration protocol. Be prepared with documentation on immunization records, medical exams and other school requirements.
12. What to choose? Find out about available after-school activities. Involve your child in the decision making. Don’t overschedule.
13. Do you have an appointment? Schedule appointments with your doctor, dentist and hairdresser.
14. Set up a “launch pad” and study station. Create a drop-off depot near your front or back door where each child has a designated basket from which to collect lunches, permission slips, backpacks, gloves, hats and other essentials. Designate a study station someplace that’s quiet, well-lit and free from distractions.
15. Prioritize family time. Be sure to set aside plenty of family time each week to enjoy Game Night, an outing or just a quiet evening at home together.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
While you’re evaluating your options for child care, be sure to visit the provider and observe the activities under way for your child’s age group. Prepare some questions in advance and take a checklist with you. Tour the entire facility. Meet the staff members, including those who would be working in your child’s room. What are their qualifications? Are they accredited? Do they treat you with respect, compassion and understanding? Envision your child in the setting while you’re touring to help determine whether the school is a good fit for your family. Better still, visit with your child and see how he or she responds.
In evaluating the environment: Look for cleanliness, a warm and inviting environment, appropriate room lighting, and an outdoor playground. For all ages, health and safety are going to be key factors in the decision-making process.
Parents can evaluate the overall program offering and curriculum by looking at the educational materials and by watching to see if there is creative activity taking place in the classrooms. Consider whether the children appear engaged in their activities.
All options aside, the best providers have some very important factors in common: respect and emotional support; a nurturing and stimulating environment; a teacher who encourages your child’s curiosity; an opportunity for your child to develop his or her own unique gifts; and reading time every day – because a child who learns to love reading grows into an adult who loves to learn. Ultimately, the place where you and your child feel the most comfortable is the best place to start. If things change during the year and concerns arise, families should never hesitate to speak with the director or even consider switching providers. Trust your instinct and select the program that works best for your family.
Every child is unique. As a parent, you want to ensure that your children have outstanding education and care that helps them reach their full potential. At La Petite Academy (7 locations in the Omaha area) the before- and after-school program for ages 5 to 12 provides the perfect combination of recreation and education. It gives school-agers a break from the busy school day while helping develop skills and build relationships. In our safe environment, children have plenty of opportunities for fun, socializing and learning. They do their homework, get some exercise, create projects, participate in group activities and more.
La Petite’s school-age curriculum focuses on helping children develop and practice critical thinking skills as they engage in a variety of projects. As part of Literature Circle Time, children are invited to explore different chapter books over the course of the school year, and to participate in fun activities related to each book. School-agers at La Petite experience many social benefits as they come together and work on projects and activities as a valued member of a team.
Our NECPA accreditation, convenient hours and transportation to and from school make it easy for kids – and their parents – to get into a routine and get quality care. Through activities such as field trips, reading, cooking, music, and art, school-age children explore themes like animals and the environment, science and experiments, world cultures, fitness, cultural events and more.
La Petite Academy also offers school-age programs during holidays and other breaks from school. For more information about La Petite Academy or to schedule a tour at one of our many NECPA accredited schools, visit www.LaPetite.com or call 877-704-6313 today.
We wish all of our readers the best of luck with the first day of school, as well as with all of the necessary preparation that takes place beforehand. And as always, we encourage everyone to utilize local resources with all of your Back to School needs!