7 Tips for a Healthy School Year
Get organized, get the kids to bed - and get everyone breakfast

It's back to school time, the perfect time to set up healthier school-day routines at home. Consider these your "new school year resolutions" for minimizing stress and maximizing well-being. Here are seven strategies:

1. Organize the night before.
A mad morning rush gives everyone's day a stressful start. Skip the drama by taking a few unhurried minutes in the evening to load backpacks and lay out school clothes. Are there forms to be signed? Do snacks or lunches need packing?

2. Set a bedtime and stick to it.
School children need nine to 11 hours of sleep. Kids who don't wake easily, often seem irritable or lack daytime energy need more sleep. Sleep is important for many things, from overall growth to learning and concentration at school. Help kids wind down quietly before lights-out.

3. Make Breakfast.
If your child hasn't eaten since dinner the night before, there's no energy to draw from - the gas tank is empty. Kids learn better with food in their stomachs. Kids who eat breakfast are leaner because they're not as likely to snack on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods later in the day.

4. Learn what's up.
Ask open-ended questions, such as: "What were the best and hardest parts about today?" or "What things stress you out?" Kids are more apt to open up about problems if you show interest.

5. Teach Safety.
Think through your child's day from the moment he or she leaves for school to the time he or she gets home. How can he or she be safe? - from wearing a bike helmet to avoiding strangers and keeping doors locked at home?

6. Spell out expectations.
Discuss appropriate classroom behavior, a homework policy, balancing social time and schoolwork, and grade goals. Set the path for them and they'll know when they are on track.

7. Practice relaxation.
It's important for everybody to have some downtime, even children. As you sign kids up for sports and other activities, ask yourself: "Whose needs are being met - mine or my child's?"

HELPFUL WEBSITE'S for Parents & Students

From www.RIF.org: Research and practice show that one simple activity — reading aloud — is the best way to prepare children for learning to read and to keep them reading as they learn and grow. Reading aloud helps your children develop the language skills that they will use in school and throughout their lives.

Helpful sites:

A+Math

AAA Math

EZ School
(Math & Language arts activities)

Learning Planet

For cool science experiments
CLICK HERE
Reading to children, even for a few minutes each day, prepares them to read
and encourages a positive attitude toward reading. Children who are read to at
home learn to read more easily, have a higher vocabulary, and are more likely to
develop a love for reading than those who are not read to on a regular basis.
Simply put, this cannot be done too early or too often.

PARENTS:
There is a great website to encourage reading!
www.bookadventure.com.
It’s user friendly and there is an opportunity to win great prizes.
This is part of the Sylvan Learning Center site.

Michigan CSI
(Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative)

10 Internet Safety Tips

1. Create clear and simple ground rules for children to follow.
2. Place a computer with Internet access in a location that is visible to other members of the family (not in a child's bedroom).
3. Explain to your children that they should never give out identifying information: name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a public forum such as a chat room or a bulletin board (newsgroup) or to people they do not know.
4. Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if someone ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused while online.
5. Get to know the Internet and any services your children use.
6. Become familiar with blocking and monitoring programs.
7. Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission or accompaniment.
8. Tell you children never to respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable.
9. Report messages that present a danger to local law enforcement.
10. Remind your children that people on the computer may not (and are likely not) who they seem; and that everything people say online may not be true.

Help keep your child save on the internet!!!
Visit the
Internet Keep Safe Coalition

KEEP SAFE - KEEP AWAY - KEEP TELLING

I keep safe
my personal information - all of it! I never give my real name, address, phone number,
the name of my school, or a picture of myself to anyone online.

I keep away
from Internet strangers - no matter what they tell me because I have no way of knowing who they really are. I don't talk with them online, and I never meet them face-to-face.

I keep telling
my parents or a trusted adult about anything that makes me uncomfortable.

MEAP Testing
What is the MEAP?

MEAP stands for the Michigan Educational Assessment Program. It is a statewide testing program initiated by the State Board of Education, supported by the governor, and funded by the legislation.

MEAP consists of a set of tests that assess reading, mathematics, writing, science, and social studies. The tests reflect the Michigan Essential Goals and Objectives in these five content areas. The state requires that all Michigan public schools administer these tests each year to students in selected grades.

How to prepare your child for the MEAP Test:

• Be sure they get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast and dress comfortably.

• Remind them to listen to the directions and focus on the test questions.

• Make sure they leave home with a
positive attitude.

• Encourage them to take a few deep breaths before starting the test.

1. Attend School Every Day - On Time
-Attend physically and mentally - Be prepared for class (take your books, pencil and paper with you) and pay attention when you are there.
-If you have to be absent and know ahead of time, talk to your teachers ahead of time to get assignments and let them know you will be gone.

2. Be Organized
-Use your planner to keep track of tests, quizzes, and assignment due dates.
-Keep all notes and assignments for the same class together. It may help to have separate folders and notebooks for each class.
-Keep all of your returned assignments to review for tests and quizzes. If there is a question about your grade later, you can refer back to the assignment in question.

3. Manage Your Time Wisely
-Use class time and seminar to work on your schoolwork.
-Do your homework the same night it was assigned. Do not put it off until the next day because you forget how to do the assignment.
-Choose a block of time to designate each night for studying and homework.

4. Pay Attention in Class and Ask for Help if Needed
-Don't sleep or talk while the teacher is teaching. Try your best to pay attention and take notes on what is being taught.
-Ask questions if you do not understand what the teach said.
-Use seminar time to get additional help if you are still having trouble with the homework or what was taught in class.
-You can also seek help from your peers in the same class. Be sure that they understand it themselves and can explain it to you in a manner that is easy to understand. Otherwise see the teacher. Do not just copy answers from a peer, as this will not get you very far when it comes to test time.

5. Take Good Notes
-Learn to recognize what is important and write it down.
-Write your notes neatly and in an organized fashion so you can read them when you look at them later.
-Take notes from the textbook when you read the assignment.
-If you are absent, borrow and rewrite someone else's notes.

6. Complete All of Your Assignments on Time
-Make sure you complete each and every assignment and hand it in on time.
-Make sure you complete each assignment before you turn it in.
-Be sure to make up any assignments when you are absent. It is your responsibility to get the assignments from the teacher.

7. Practice Good Study Habits
-Find a quiet table where you can study without distractions. Do not study while lying down, as you are more likely to feel tired.
-Don't wait until the last minute to study, study a little bit each day leading up to the test or quiz.
-The more focused you are when you study the less time it will take to learn the things you need to know. When studying, do not have distractions around you like the phone, music or food.

8. Test-Taking Strategies
-Read the directions before you begin.
-Relax. When you are properly prepared, it is easier to relax for the test.
-Answer every question with as much information as you know. This may get you some partial credit even if you have the wrong answer.
-Make a note next to the questions you may want to revisit after you have finished the other questions. Then if you have time, you can go back and spend more time on those questions.
-Take your time and use all of the time available to you. Check your answers when you are finished.
-Go over all returned tests to learn from your mistakes and to ensure that the teacher has graded it properly.

Public Notification of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Opportunities

Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools offers Career and Technical Education programs at the high school. These programs are designed to prepare students for a broad range of employment and training services and are offered under the guidance of certified teachers. The following is a list of programs that are currently offered and the criteria for admission.
Program ....................................................................Admission Criteria
Business Administration..........................................No prerequisite
Construction Trades................................................No prerequisite
Drafting and Design Technology...............................No prerequisite
Family and Consumer Sciences.................................No prerequisite

All career and technical education programs follow the district's policies of non discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status in all programs, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.

For general information about these programs, contact:
Mr. Curt Chrencik, High School Principal
Johannesburg-Lewiston High School
10854 M-32 East
Johannesburg, MI 49751
989-731-4420

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools
10854 M-32 East
Johannesburg, MI 49751
989-732-1773

*Help your student identify and strengthen academic areas that need improvement.

*Find out how much college costs (the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies,
transportation, and other personal expenses).

*Students who have received Medicaid benefits for 24 months within a 36 consecutive month period are eligible for the Tuition Incentive Program. This program will pay college tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. Students may become eligible as early as sixth grade. The Michigan Department of Treasury will send an application form to the home of each eligible student. Parents need to send back the form before the student graduates to maintain eligibility. If you need another confirmation letter, call 1-888-447-2687.

*Start saving for college.

*Consider visiting a financial advisor to help structuring your college savings.
There are specific programs out there to help with saving for college, such as MESP (1-877-861-6377) and MET (1-800-638-4543).

*Emphasize to your teen the importance of taking "college prep" courses - 4 years of English, Mathematics (Algebra or higher),
Natural Sciences and Social Studies, and 2 years of Foreign Language.

*Continue saving money for college.

*Ensure your teen continues taking college prep courses.

*Start visiting college campuses.

*College-bound sophomores may want to take the PLAN. This is a pre-ACT that is given in October. The results will help your student estimate how they will score on the ACT and give them ideas about careers. If your student is interested in taking dual enrollment courses during their junior year, they must take the PLAN. These scores will be used to determine dual enrollment eligibility.

*Continue saving money for college.

*Learn about different types and sources of financial aid.

*Investigate financial aid resources.

*Ensure your teen is taking appropriate college prep courses.

*College-bound juniors should take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. This test is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, and if your student scores in the top percentiles, he/she could be eligible for scholarship money. Also, if your junior did not take the PLAN last year and wishes to dual enroll as a senior, the PSAT is required for dual enrollment eligibility.

*Attend the college fair in Gaylord in the spring. (Letters will be sent home with details.)

*Visit college campuses with your teen. Students can use "college days" if they must miss school. Contact Mrs. Nowak for details.

*Students planning to go into the military should sign up to take the ASVAB in February.

*Juniors will be taking the Michigan Merit Exam in the spring. This is the new test that is replacing the MEAP. One component of this test is the ACT. By taking the MME, it may not be necessary to take the ACT on the national test date.

*Juniors may register to take the ACT on the national test date in April. The ACT is given in Johannesburg in April and October.

*Let your teen know how much you can afford to contribute toward his/her schooling.

AUGUST-NOVEMBER
*If your senior still has not taken the ACT, he/she should sign up to take it in October, or December at the very latest.

*Have your student obtain college applications from Mrs. Nowak or print one from the college's website.

*Help your teen track college applications and decision deadlines.

*Students who still need to pass a portion of the MEAP to earn the Merit Award will have an opportunity to retest in November.

NOVEMBER
*Keep an eye on the Scholarship Newsletter. This is updated the first of every month with new scholarship opportunities. These newsletters are available from the high school office and by clicking here.

*Watch out for scholarships and financial aid scams -avoid any service that charges a fee to help you find financial aid.

DECEMBER
*All college applications should be in by now. This good practice measure ensures your student top consideration by their schools of choice. It also simplifies the process of applying for financial aid and scholarships.

*Help your teen make their final decision about which college to attend. This decision should be based on programs offered, affordability, location and size.

*Start collecting the documentation you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

*Save your last pay stub for this year to help you complete the FAFSA.

JANUARY
*Make sure your teen gets a FAFSA. These are available from Mrs. Nowak.

*Complete and file the FAFSA form as soon as possible after January 1st. (The sooner the better - federal aid can run out.)

*If you need help completing the FAFSA, attend the Financial Aid meeting after the January Parent/Teacher Conferences. Information will be sent home about this just after the new year.

*Prepare and file your federal income taxes as early as possible; schools may ask for them as verification of income.

*Be sure to keep an eye on the scholarship newsletter. Most local scholarships come out just after the first of the year so students should be busy completing scholarship applications.

FEBRUARY - MAY
*Be sure to keep an eye on the scholarship newsletter. This is the busiest time for local scholarships.
Most deadlines are around the first of April.

*Students planning to go into the military should sign up to take the ASVAB in February.

*Students who still need to pass a portion of the MEAP to earn the Merit Award will have one more opportunity to retest this April.

*Letters of admission and financial aid offers will usually arrive by April.

*Seniors qualifying for the Merit Award should be receiving a letter of confirmation from the Michigan Department of Treasury this summer. Seniors must certify to use their money for the upcoming school year by November 15. This can be done online or through the mail.

*Read, sign and send in a promissory note if your borrowing money.

Some of this information was taken from ACT's website, this website is a helpful resource for parents of college bound students.