A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1

`

INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE:

Back to School

Tips for Parents

(continued)

2

Baton Rouge Zoo

Zoo Fun Run 5K &

Half Mile Fun Run

3

EBR TV News

Segments

4

EBR Health &

Wellness: Go Fresh

Whenever Possible

5

How to prepare

for HURRICANE

season

6

Arm your middle

schooler with

effective study

habits

8

Life Hacks for

EBR Parents

9

May Calendar 10

A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1

Back to School Tips for Parents Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement… and anxiety. Help calm your child’s fears (and your own) with these teacher-approved tips.

Meet the new teacher

For kids, one of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Take advantage of your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails — another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins.

If personal contact with the teacher isn’t possi-ble, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook, so your child can put a name with a face. If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together.

Tour the school

If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with her environ-ment will help her avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet her teacher, find her desk, or explore the playground.

With an older child, you might ask him to give you a tour of the school. This will help refresh his memory and yours.

Power Parent

Connect with friends

A familiar friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. You might try calling parents from last year’s class and finding out which children are in your child’s class this year. Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a play date or a school car-pool.

Tool up

Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help him feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

School supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let him practice using supplies that he’s not used before — such as colored pencils or a protractor

Back to School Tips for Parents (continued)

— so he will be comfortable using them in class.

Avoid last-minute drilling

When it’s almost time to stop playing, give a five-minute warning. Giving clear messages to your child is very important.

Chat about today’s events and tomorrow’s plans

While it is important to support learning throughout the summer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the rigors of school begin. For some kids, last-minute drills can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten instead of what they remember.

Ease into the routine

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful to everyone in the household. Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

SOURCE: PBS KIDS— https://www.pbs.org

Put an end to absences

What’s one simple factor that has a huge impact on

school success? Attendance. Missing as few as 10% of

school days can affect an elementary schooler’s

academic achievement, make her more likely to be held

back and even to drop out entirely.

You have the biggest influence over your child’s

attendance. To help prevent absences:

Create routines—for homework, for bedtime, for

getting ready in the morning.

Schedule appointments and family trips for

non-school hours.

Talk to your child about the value of attending

school on time every day.

SOURCE: C. Robinson and others, “Reducing Student

Absenteeism in the Early Grades by Targeting Parental

Beliefs,” Harvard Kennedy School, niswc.com/out.

The teacher doesn’t work alone to educate your child.

She needs your help. Meet the teacher at back-to-school

night. Then, throughout the year, share information

about your child—such as changes at home or

challenges he is facing in school or out.

Let your child know you respect the teacher and you will

work with her to help him learn. Your cooperative

attitude sets the tone for your child’s behavior in class.

Partner with the teacher

Motivate with praise

Children can spot a fake. Saying “Good girl!” in response

to everything your child does won’t motivate her or make

her trust your opinion. Instead, encourage your child with

praise that is:

Deserved. “Your handwriting has gotten much

neater.”

Detailed. Tell her exactly what she did right so

she know what to do the next time.

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Zoo Fun Run 5K & Half Mile Fun Run

P A G E 3

BATON ROUGE, LA.— BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo will

host its 14th Annual Zoo Run Run event at the Zoo on

Saturday, August 24th on Zoo grounds. The event,

presented by Lamar Advertising, allows participants to

enjoy the scenery as they walk or run through BREC's

Baton Rouge Zoo and portions of Greenwood Park.

All proceeds from the race support the Baton Rouge Zoo

and international cheetah conservation efforts. There will

be food & refreshments for the whole family to enjoy after

the race. As well, any supporter in a participant’s party,

gains free admission to the Zoo after the race. NOTE:

supporters must be on site before admission gates open

to the public at 9:30am.

“We encourage everyone of all ages to come out and

scamper, trot or gallop through the zoo for a fun-filled

family day of adventure for the 14th year. We are thrilled

to be able to host this energetic event year after year,”

said Phil Frost, Zoo Director.

Registration now open: http://www.brzoo.org/events/

special/zoo-run-run/

About BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is a place where people

connect with animals, including tigers, giraffes, rhinos &

alligators. The world-class Realm of the Tiger, Flamingo

Cove, Giants of the Islands, Safari Playground,

L'aquarium de Louisiane, & KidsZoo exhibits offer fun for

all ages.

P A G E 4

Please click on the links below to access EBR TV news segments:

“Bringing the students, programs and places of the

East Baton Rouge Parish School System into FOCUS”

SCHOOL/FEATURED NEWS SEGMENT LINKS

Woodlawn Middle School

Community-Based Field Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKV0y4aI-xY&t=5s

Southeast Middle Magnet School Career Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-qT3i-Texg

Bernard Terrace Elementary Harambee featuring

Elijah Precciely

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8_2mwnVsNk&t=112s

Arlington Prep Academy support Hoops for Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUbUOve2UZk&t=1s

“No One Eats Alone” program visit to Park Forest Middle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcfd23zdaC4&t=39s

Line4Line Literacy Program visits White Hills Elementary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oss4_VLfaeU&t=3s

2019 EBR Early Childhood Extravaganza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZsOreJo1ns&t=3s

EBR, help us to help you tell your story. Please click on the link

below to Request Media Coverage:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9V6hm7O_qcwDpzOzBdxYSGHGF7Icx8fQGay6Xn_24ITIPEA/viewform

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables are always the BEST choice

for snacks and treats. Try to expose children to foods

they may not have tried before. Ask your kids which

fruits and vegetables they love and use that as a basis

when choosing snacks. Keep flavor, color, size, and tex-

ture in mind. Bring children to the grocery store and

involve them in the choosing process. Try some of the

following:

P A G E 5

Promoting Healthy Living for EBR Families

Go Fresh Whenever Possible

Kiwi Strawberries

Raw Squash and Zucchini Bananas

Cumquats Baby carrots

Fresh pitted cherries Celery

Dates Pineapples

Bell pepper strips Cucumbers

Cantaloupe Radishes

Watermelon Broccoli

Mango Cauliflower

Blueberries Tomatoes

Raspberries Craisins & Raisins

Check the Nutrition Label

A healthy option meets the following guidelines

*Less than 10 grams of sugar per serving

*Less than 5 grams of fat per serving

*More than 4 grams of fiber per serving

Mix things up! Have kids build fruit kabobs.

Or blend together their favorite berries, a banana,

and some skim milk for Smoothie Snacks.

One snack serving is 4-6 ounces.

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1

How to prepare for HURRICANE season

Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property.

Being prepared can help you, your family or your

business minimize the impact of the storm. The best way

time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here's what

you need to know.

Don't wait until a hurricane watch is issued, because it

may already be too late to take certain precautions.

Reduce property damage and get through any hurricane

emergency with less stress by preparing before the

season begins.

1. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time

If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may

have to evacuate in the event of a major storm.

While you'll no doubt get instructions from the local

government, it's wise to create your evacuation plan well

before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead

of time about the nearest shelters, take your pets into

account in your plan, make sure to take important papers

and make a trial run.

2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the

stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush

having the following on hand:

Extra batteries

Candles or lamps with fuel

Matches (keep these dry)

Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–

such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer,

etc.

Prescription drugs

A three-day supply of drinking water

Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook

First aid supplies

A portable NOAA weather radio

A wrench and other basic tools

A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you'll bring these supplies with

you. As expirations dates approach (for example, food or

batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency

stash.

3. Take an inventory of your personal property

Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have

purchased enough insurance to replace your personal

possessions. It can also speed the claims process,

substantiate losses for income tax purposes and is help-

ful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event

you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is

among the important documents you take with you.

4. Review your insurance policies

This hurricane season insurance checklist can help you

to understand your coverage and whether it’s adequate

to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, and to

replace your belongings

Keep in mind that your homeowners insurance covers the

cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well

as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and

above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate

(such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school

if your temporary home is in a different community).

However, your homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood

damage, so you may want to consider looking into flood

insurance. If you live by the coast, you may also need a

separate policy for protection against wind and wind-

blown water damage.

If you have questions about what your current policy will

cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact

your insurance professional.

5. Take steps to protect your home

Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into

missiles that can break windows and doors and much of

the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs

after the windstorm when rain enters structures through

broken windows, doors and openings in the roof.

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1

How to prepare for HURRICANE season (continued)

While retrofitting your home to protect against these

possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in

stages.

Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with

shredded bark, which is lighter and won't cause as

much harm.

Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your

house and keep shrubbery trimmed.

Install storm shutters to protect your windows from

breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your

windows, which can be nailed to window frames

when a storm approaches.

Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and

have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is

at least one-inch long.

Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered

glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or

plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable

to wind damage than most other doors.

Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that

is approved for both wind pressure and impact pro-

tection. Wind coming into your home through an

opening this large poses grave problems for the rest

of your home—especially your roof.

Seal outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor

electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations

where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a

high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water

penetration.

If you live in a mobile home make sure you know how

to secure it against high winds and be sure to

review your mobile home insurance policy.

If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor

the trailer to the ground or house—and review your

boat insurance policy.

SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute

https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane

STAY ALERT! BE SAFE!

Encourage your teen to take science and math classes It’s natural to think

about your teen’s

future and whether he

will be able to get a

job. A new study

found one effective

way to make a difference for your teen’s future: Talk

about the importance of science and math.

There are plenty of good jobs in science, technology,

engineering and math. (Together, these fields are often

called STEM.)

STEM related jobs are increasing every year. Some

require only a two-year associate’s degree after high

school. Often, these jobs have starting salaries of over

$50,000 or higher for new college graduates.

Yet, teen often avoid the math and science classes they

need in high school to prepare for these jobs.

That’s where parents can play a significant role. Help

your teen see the choices she makes today can affect

her future.

Then:

Show your teen how her current interests can

lead to STEM careers. If she is always using an app

on her phone, she might want to take computer sci-

ence and develop her own apps. If she’s interested

in how things work, she can prepare for a career as

an engineer.

Encourage your teen to take at least one math

class and one science class every year. Students

aiming for STEM careers, should take a total of four

years of math and four years of science while in high

school.

P A G E 8 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1

Are you ready for a new school year?

A new school year often means trading relaxed summer

habits for more structure. Are you ready to help your

child make the shift to school routines? Answer yes or no

to the questions below:

1. Have you established a regular homework

and study time for your child?

2. Have you set a bedtime that lets your child

get nine to 12 hours of sleep?

3. Does your family have a regular daily read-

ing time?

4. Have you established evening routines—

laying out clothes, packing school bags—to make morn-

ings go more smoothly?

5. Have you reviewed school rules with your

child?

How well are your doing?

More yes answers mean you are providing a framework

to help your child do his best in school. For each no, try

that idea from the quiz.

Arm your middle schooler with effective study habits

Students need strong study skills to be successful in

middle school—and parents play a significant role in

helping their children develop them. The study skills

middle schoolers will learn now will help them succeed

today, in high school and beyond.

To lay the groundwork for your child’s academic success:

Encourage her to break down large projects.

Don’t let your middle schooler get rattled by long-term

assignments. Show her how to divide big projects

into smaller, more manageable parts.

Have your child estimate how long a homework

assignment or project will take and plan her study

time accordingly. Then, have her use a timer to see

if her estimates are accurate. This will help her make

adjustments for future assignments, if necessary.

Increase her self-awareness. Ask your child to

figure out when she’s at her best. Then encourage

her to do most of her homework and studying during

those times. If she needs to let off some steam after

school, encourage her to go for a run or a brisk walk

before sitting down to study.

Turn off the television. Don’t buy your child’s argu-

ment that TV is “just background noise.” Make sure

homework time is free from all distractions.

Promote organization. Help her create a system to

keep track of important assignments. It might be file

folders, a color-coded binder or a desk calendar.

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must

find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen

ignorance.” ...

P A G E 9

LIFE HACKS FOR EBR PARENTS

A collection of life hacks, tips and tricks to optimize your life.

life·hack

ˈlīfˌhak/ Noun Informal noun: life hack 1. a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way.

V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 1 0

August 5th—7th: Employee In-Service

August 8th: First Day of School for Students

August 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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EMPLOYEE

IN-SERVICE EMPLOYEE

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EMPLOYEE

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1ST DAY FOR

STUDENTS

P A G E 1 1

Parent Power is a publication of the

East Baton Rouge Parish School System

H. Warren Drake, Superintendent of Schools

wdrake@ebrschools.org

Marlon Cousin, Community Liaison

mcousin@ebrschools.org

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System and all of its entities (including Career and Technical

Education Programs) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability or gender

in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment), and it is prohibit-

ed from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section

504 (42 USC 794). The Title IX Coordinator is Andrew Davis, Director of Risk Management

(ADavis6@ebrschools.org) - phone (225) 929-8705. The Section 504 Coordinator is Elizabeth Taylor Chapman,

Director of Exceptional Student Services (ETaylor@ebrschools.org) – phone (225) 929-8600. The Title II

Coordinator is Dr. Sandra Horton, Administrative Director of Federal Programs (SBHorton@ebrschools.org) –

phone (225) 922-5538.

All students have an opportunity to participate in Career & Technical Programs of Study including, but not limited

to, areas of Health Care, Construction Crafts & Trades, Automotive Technology, IT Computer Technology, IT

Computer Technology, Culinary Programs, Criminal Justice and Agriculture. Admission requirements for each

course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is

being offered. Please contact the Guidance Counselor at the specific school site for additional information,

program requirements and/or any questions you may have.