Tips for Parents
Cows, Hens, and Ducks…OH MY!
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on April 7th, 2014
The Importance of Children’s Picture Books in Kindergarten—Grade 12
“Once upon a time…”
I always get chills when I read these first few words contained in many children’s books. The words bring me back to a simpler time when reading was filled with colorful illustrations, playful words, and the promise of happily ever after. Continue reading
Finding Work Life Balance
By Guest Blogger on January 23rd, 2014
Almost a year into my career at FLVS, I would consider myself a work-life balance guru. That has not always been the case.
When I first came to FLVS in early 2013, I had no idea how important work-life balance would become. Coming from a brick-and-mortar school, I was used to working hard for eight hours a day and then walking away from my work once I left to get my daughter from daycare. Imagine my shock when I transitioned to virtual education where the work followed me everywhere.
The phone rang often, even after hours. My gradebook was never empty. At times, my VSA data and student numbers felt overwhelming. Sometimes I felt like the work was overtaking me and that it was overtaking every aspect of my life. And worse, I felt like I was not able to put the students’ needs first since I was so overwhelmed. Continue reading
Get Ready for College!
By Guest Blogger on January 6th, 2014
Now that you’ve survived the New Year and enjoyed some time off from work or school, it’s time to hit the ground running and tackle the world!
While you are in a motivated mindset, let’s make sure you or your student(s) have everything needed to be college-ready.
The Federal Student Aid Office has many resources to help students prepare for college. One of those resources is a handy checklist.
Start by downloading the College Prep Checklist.pdf (other accessible versions and resources are available here) and check out the Your “To Do” List organized by grade. Continue reading
Celebrate Successes in 2014!
By Amy LaGrasta on January 1st, 2014
Every January, about 45 percent of Americans resolve to accomplish a new goal or reform a habit with a New Year’s resolution.
Unfortunately, only about 8 percent are successful in keeping their resolutions.
Did you stick with your resolution for 2013?
What are your goals for 2014?
The Real Win is in Losing!
By Amy LaGrasta on November 19th, 2013
Losing is part of life. In fact, it is one of the most valuable lessons one can learn.
We don’t get everything we want all of the time. We can’t win every race. Tasting defeat only allows us to savor victory and try harder the next time. Learning how to lose teaches us how to win.
If a child knows they will automatically get a reward for showing up, what motivation is there to try? If our students’ walls are adorned with ribbons and trophies for participation, we have done them a disservice. We are teaching them that a promotion will be handed over on a silver platter, not earned. Grades will be given based on attendance, not effort. Continue reading
What Five-Year-Olds and Teenagers Have in Common
By Guest Blogger on November 7th, 2013
Twenty. Nineteen. Eighteen…
Every morning, my son Sawyer reminds the whole family how many days are left before he turns five. Yesterday, on day 15, Sawyer flashed his best 1,000 Kilowatt smile and announced what he wanted for his birthday: one Lightning McQueen race car, four other race cars from the Cars franchise, and one tank.
Sawyer couldn’t know it, but his request was actually pretty modest; I could buy all those toys for under $30. But I looked around the living room and saw the hundreds of toys that Sawyer already had – toys he never played with. So I made a reasonable request: we would buy him his birthday toys, but we had to give away some of his old toys. Continue reading
Red Ribbon Week 2013
By Amy LaGrasta on October 25th, 2013
Although many of us know that Red Ribbon Week is recognized annually during the last week of October to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, you may not know the history behind it. It all started with one man, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Kiki joined the Marine Corps after high school. After his discharge, he worked as a fireman, police officer, and narcotics investigator. Kiki’s devotion to keeping drugs off the streets and out of schools led him to join the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Kiki was assigned to the DEA office in Mexico and his mission was to stop the drug trade from crossing the borders into the US. Continue reading
Take Action to Stop Bullying
By Amy LaGrasta on October 8th, 2013
As the following statistics show, bullying is widespread and touches someone we all know. It is increasingly important that parents and educators talk to their students about bullying.
Be aware of the signs of bullying, pay attention to your students, and check in frequently to ensure their safety. One of the best ways to prevent and reduce bullying is to talk about it. Continue reading
Planning and Paying for Post-Secondary Education
By Guest Blogger on July 18th, 2013
As a School Counselor, I always know when summer is near by the number of seniors requesting guidance in preparation for the next stage of their lives. Whether it is reviewing transcripts, offering resources to research financial aid options, or discussing opportunities for college or technical schools, we delight in helping students transition into early adulthood! Recently, there has been a noticeable spotlight shined on the rising cost of post-secondary tuition and the rapid accumulation of student loan debt. Continue reading
Road Trip to the Next Exit!
By Guest Blogger on June 24th, 2013
Photo Credit: Next Exit History App
About four years ago, Apple launched the iTunes App Store and a little word that never existed in the Dictionary is something you now hear people of many generations saying…“there’s an app for that.”
If your family is like mine, your children are using the iPad (or a similar tablet) more and more each day. My now 5-year-old son was about 3 years old when he first picked up the iPad; it amazed me how he could not read, but could figure out how to play. I am always looking for fun apps that help my children learn without them realizing that they are learning. If you are like me, you are going to love this new app! Continue reading