Letter from the Publisher
News from Clark County School District
Go Back-to-School with Magic Lunchbox
What To Do For Your Child As School Reopens
The Mystique behind the Montessori Experience
See it; achieve it!
The Allowance Debate
Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins
Savvy Moms Know… As They Grow
Light Summer Fare at Fair Prices
Back to school. Three words parents love to hear. As fun as it is to have the kids out of school for the summer, there is something almost primal about wanting to get the kids back in school. At the same time can be a little bit of stress going back to school for both kids and parents. A new teacher, new friends, and in some cases even a new school.
Whether this is the first year of school for a child or the last, the routine of life for so many families begins with the start of a new school year. The old Chinese proverb says “The longest journey begins with one step”. As you plan for another nine months of homework, projects, plays, fundraisers, sports, etc., take the time to enjoy the journey.
Best,
Mark Sherwood
Publisher
Henderson’s Parks and Recreation Department and KOMP 92.3 are co-sponsoring Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive now through August 20. The collected items will be donated to schools in Henderson. School supplies may be dropped off at any City of Henderson recreation center in specially marked boxes.
The CCSD Finance Department, in accordance with state law, has posted a report on the district’s use of consultants. The report is available at http://ccsd.net/directory/finance/. This website also includes the negotiated agreements with the district’s labor unions.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation will award a grant of up to $2,500 to Schorr Elementary School for promoting healthy eating and increased physical activity for students and staff members. The funding is provided by the Lincy Foundation.
Faiss Middle School choir director Amanda Hallam organized a three hour benefit concert for Makinzie Saca which raised $4,750.00. Makinzie is a Faiss Middle School sixth grader who suffers from brain cancer. The concert included performances by local artists and Faiss Middle School music teachers and students.
Green Valley High School teacher and baseball coach Nick Garritano was selected as an inductee to the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame. Nick is the second leading scorer in UNLV football history. He kicked for the Rebels from 1991 to 1994.
The Clark County School District invites parents to enjoy Summer Fun Learning Activities with their children. Parents may visit http:// ccsd.net/learn online and click on their children’s most recent grade level to find activities to help reinforce the skills that contribute to educational success and prepare for the upcoming school year.
For more information about any of the above events, please visit www.ccsd.net.
Comedy-magician Mac King announces the next installment of his Magic-in-a-Minute retail brand with the release of Lunchbox- o-Magic. Lunchbox-O-Magic contains more than 50 funny and easy-to-do magic tricks that will make your kid a lunchroom superstar.
“Kids get bored eating the same ol’ sandwich and banana for lunch everyday” said King. “With Lunchbox-O-Magic they can have fun turning ordinary lunch items into mealtime magic shows that will astound their friends.”
Created by Mac King and his cousin Bill King, Lunchbox-O-Magic is a real lunchbox containing a trick thermos, flatware and sandwich bag plus other magical lunchtime props. Also included is an instruction book and DVD featuring easy how-to-do videos for tricks like Water Weight, Steel Appeal, and Salt & Pepper Separator. Lunchbox-O-Magic is available online at www.mackingshop.com, or in retail stores exclusively at Barnes & Noble across the U.S. for $16.99.
King debuted his first book Great Big Ol’ Book-O-Magic in 2007, a magic book which quickly became a hit among children. In 2009 Suitcase-OMagic – a miniature suitcase filled with magic tricks and instructions – hit store shelves. Continuing the success of his bookstore endeavors, Mac King released his latest book Mac King’s Campfire Magic in March 2010, followed by Mac King’s Campfire Magic App for iPhone and iPad. Released in the end of May 2010, Lunchbox-O-Magic is King’s latest magic set to hit store shelves.
King, one of today’s brightest and most talented magicians, takes the stage twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday, at Harrah’s Las Vegas at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Showroom Theatre. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax. Additional information on The Mac King Comedy Magic Show can be found by visiting www.mackingshow.com.
Harvey J. Simon, M.D., F.A.A.P.
As the new school year begins, you should concern yourself with your child’s health and safety.
If this is the first time your child will be attending school, speak with her about her feelings. Let your child know it is normal to be nervous. Visit the school with your child before the first day of classes. See if your child knows or can meet someone else in the class before school starts. Discuss some pleasant activity which your child can do at school.
If your child will walk or bicycle to school take your child on the route before school opens. If your child bicycles, make sure he wears a helmet. If you drive your child be sure to use a child seat or seatbelt.
Teach your child what to do if approached by a stranger. Your local police department can give you advice about this. If your child has a health problem or will require medication at school, be sure the school nurse and the school administration are aware of the problem. Be sure the school knows who to contact for a medical problem.
Be sure your child has all her immunizations. This will keep both your child and the other children healthy.
Be sure your child has everything required by the school; i.e. books, paper, writing instruments, calculator, clothing, etc.
If your child must carry heavy books, use a backpack with wheels or see if the school can provide a second set of books to be kept at home.
Discuss healthy nutrition with your child, especially the importance of vegetables and fruit. Provide him with a healthy lunch or be sure the school has healthy foods available.
Encourage your child to participate in age-appropriate physical activities and sports teams. Be sure your school offers the opportunity for your child to be physically active every day.
Discuss with your child what to do if another child is verbally or physically abusive. Be sure to encourage your child to speak with you if this should happen.
If your child will not return home immediately after school be sure she knows where she will be going and who will pick her up.
Be sure an emergency plan is in place in case of a disaster. Be sure the school can contact you or another responsible adult. Know where you will be able to get your child.
Hug your child when she leaves for school and when she returns.
Visit the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org for much more information about school and your child.
Dr. Simon is Chief Medical Director of Good Night Pediatrics, which provides urgent care for children every night of the year from 5 PM – 5 AM