Back to School 2018

As summer winds down, children’s thoughts across Southwest Orlando will inevitably turn to the first day of school. The school year, which begins Aug. 13 for public schools, is less than a month away, and students and their families can get a head start by preparing now. The beginning of school is an exciting time, but some might worry about what the coming year may hold.

Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 21st annual Back to School section provides a comprehensive look at a variety of school-related topics. In the following articles, area experts offer insights into different concerns often brought about by the start of a new school year. For students, there are articles about makeup tips and homework resources. For parents, there is information about dental hygiene, stress management for the family, and more.


• Nervous Parents & Kids

by Syed O. Quadri, M.D.
Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Psych Pointe of Florida
407-270-7702
www.psychpointe.com

Parents, it’s time to buckle up as children will soon be heading back to school. Some kids struggle with poor grades and behavioral problems because of undiagnosed or poorly treated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD or inattentive/hyperactive/mixed). This is a time for parents to take action.

The following are strategies that can help children and parents succeed:

  • Learn about ADHD and its related mood and behavioral problems.
  • Get an evaluation from a child psychiatrist as soon as possible.
  • Get help from a therapist who can work with you and your child.
  • Be ready to make some changes at home.
  • Get necessary accommodations, recommended by the psychiatrist, at the child’s school. Examples include an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan. There is a law that helps to serve the educational needs of eligible students with disabilities.
  • Rethink all the strategies and medications used in the past.

• Tooth Decay in Children

by Sonia Simmonds, D.D.S.
Simmonds Dental Center
321-558-7635
simmondsdentalcenter.com

Tooth decay in children often results in having a tooth extracted. An extraction can be a cause for alarm for the child, and this alarm could extend to their parents, as well. For this reason, it appears that not all parents are diligent in having their children’s teeth treated, and delaying treatment can lead to a toothache and add disruption to a child’s daily life. This is why back-to-school exams are so important!

A tooth extraction for a child can be a scary procedure since he/she does not know what to expect and will often worry that the procedure will hurt. Dental caries, or tooth decay, could lead to other more serious conditions if they’re not attended to immediately. So, if your child needs to undergo a tooth extraction, but he/she is scared of a dental visit, try going to a caring dentist where your family is comfortable. Seeing a pediatric dentist is also an option. By educating your child, you may relieve some anxiety surrounding the dental experience.


• Quality Family Time

by Susan Gentry, Director
The Classical School of The First Academy
407-206-8762
thefirstacademy.org

As summer begins to come to a close and we approach a new school year, we are reminded of the hectic schedule that will soon ensue. Whether it is shuttling children to and from school or to after-school extracurricular activities, your time with your family is precious. Quality family time is worth every second — take advantage of it. Look for those opportunities to talk with your children about their days at school, asking them about their “highs and lows.”

Give them your undivided attention and ask the same of them. Never accept the one-word answers, but dig deeper. This will not only allow for you to know more about your child’s day, but it will give your child the opportunity to feel valued and heard. Remember that the time we have with our children is limited — make the best of those treasured moments by putting down the electronic devices and connecting with one another.


• Homework Headaches? Let the Library Help!

by Mira Tanna, Assistant Manager
Technology and Education Center
Orange County Library System
407-835-7323
ocls.info/homework • ocls.info/brainfuse • online.infobase.com

Your local library offers a wide array of resources to help kids — and parents — tackle homework problems.

Any parent who has encountered their second-grader’s question about a “10 frame” knows that the way math is being taught these days is different from the way we learned it growing up. Even the easiest math problems can stump parents, because they aren’t familiar with the strategies being used to teach math under Common Core. Luckily, there is help available at the nearest public library or with the click of a mouse.

Many libraries offer access to databases that can help kids with science projects, art and music projects, language learning and more. Students working on science fair projects can find a wealth of ideas in Science Online, a resource available courtesy of the library. Each section — biology, chemistry, earth science, etc. — contains experiments that a student can conduct at home.

Some libraries offer online homework help that can connect kids with resources from home. Library card holders can log onto the library website, enter their library card number, and connect to a certified live tutor. Students are often more receptive to help from an online tutor than from a parent, and parents can feel confident that the tutor is familiar with the current approach used in schools to teach the subject.

The library is still a great place to do research. Kids will find nonfiction books at their reading level that they can use as reputable sources and public computers to access the internet. Online databases on a variety of subjects (such as biography, opposing viewpoints, research in context) are searchable by reading level and make it much easier than a general online search to locate pertinent articles. Citations for each article are formatted to be copied into a bibliography.

As children become more independent from their parents, they can benefit from not only learning the skills taught in school but from learning how to acquire knowledge and skills on their own. Introducing them to the library can provide that foundation for lifelong learning that will benefit them long after they have graduated from high school.


• The Benefits of a Private, Christian School Education

by Joseph Cioffi, Director of Marketing & Communications
Foundation Academy
407-656-3677 • 407-877-2744
foundationacademy.net

A private, Christian school education is built upon high academic standards, positive learning environments, a sense of community, discipline and Christ-centered values.

A private school education stresses the importance of an education that sets high academic standards that will challenge the students throughout their academic pursuits. In addition, a private school has a tendency to foster smaller class sizes, which in turn cultivates an educational environment that has more one-on-one interaction with the teacher and enables the student to receive help for academic challenges, promotes increased class participation, and allows the teacher to really understand the students and identify their weaknesses, as well as their strengths.

A private, Christian school also offers a diverse, yet intimate, community of students and families who share a common set of beliefs, interests and standards that foster a sense of belonging. This enriches the environment that promotes learning and growth that can be done both on an individual basis as well as together.

There also is an emphasis on discipline that is structured around Christian values and is reflected in various traits, including thoughtfulness, kindness and understanding. These elements transcend into the environment, where students feel safe both physically and mentally and that allows students to be dedicated to the process of learning rather than uncertainty and worry.

Lastly, values are perhaps one of the most important elements of a Christian education. A Christ-centered approach to teaching and learning allows a private, Christian school to truly partner with families and the church to build a foundation for life that will serve its students well for the exciting life that lies ahead.


• Makeup Tips for Tweens to Teens

by Debbie Wisner, President, & Debby Tapia, Vice President
Maile Image, Modeling, Acting
407-628-5989
lisamaile.com

Makeup is a way to express yourself. If your skin is healthy and glowing, then any makeup applied over it will be picture-perfect, too. The following makeup tips are for tweens and teens as they head back to school:

  • In sixth grade, wear lip gloss, some mascara and a bit of pale eye shadows; don’t go too heavy, or it will look bad. Keep it natural. You can add a touch of glitter, but don’t overdo it!
  • In seventh grade, you may begin to care more about your appearance, so use a lightweight foundation or powder and a little eyeliner. Don’t use too much. You don’t want to have black eyes! Use a natural eye shadow and a light-colored shiny lip gloss. You also can use a powdered highlighter to give you a natural glow.
  • In eighth grade, you are getting better at makeup, and you know what you like. Try establishing your own style. Liquid or powder foundation is great, but be sure you blend it. Try a bit of darker color for your eyes, cheeks and lips. But remember, natural colors work best.
  • In ninth grade: Welcome to high school! You are around a variety of ages, and you are going to want to look like the rest of your peers. You should, by now, have your own makeup style. Update your look a bit, no one wants to carry the same look they had in middle school. You can wear your usual makeup during the day, and make it up, but not too much. If you go out at night, you can add darker shades to your eyes and lips.

Places like CVS, Walgreens and Walmart Inc. have great makeup lines that are not too expensive. Sephora and Mac Cosmetics have makeup, too.


• Beat the Crowds for Less Stress

by Deanna Gustafson, Director
Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center of People of Faith
407-395-0077
www.childrenslighthousepof.com

The longer days of summer fun and vacationing will turn into a back-to-school gallop next month. Amid the challenges of keeping children occupied, planning vacations and celebrating the summer holidays, parents can help themselves by doing a little pre-planning. While they’re at The Grove, racing from store to store getting daily activities done, parents should keep a mental list or, better yet, put those smartphones to use and make actual lists of the things they know their children will need once school starts.

Yes, each teacher will have their own list of “must haves,” but there are always the basics that are needed, including paper, pencils, pens and backpacks. These items can add up to a big bill when buying them all at once, not to mention all the elbow bumping of parents seeking the same items at the same time. It is a good idea to take advantage of summer sales and bargains at one’s favorite discount store.

If a child is entering a grade where his/her backpack will be holding more books and binders, parents should consider purchasing one of the many great packs designed to carry extra items, so their children will not strain any muscle groups before they even get to gym class. Also, even though it will be August, parents can grab a $1 calendar in the clearance pile and post it front and center, so they can mark off dates that are sure to be on the first papers that are sent home from school. Set those smartphone calendar date reminders, too, for your and your child’s phone. Everyone carries phones today!

If parents can wade into the school year with a little less stress, they can feel good knowing they have avoided some of the inevitable anxiety that comes when a child is starting a new grade.


• A Love for Learning

by Sarah Donovan, Director of Admissions
The First Academy
407-206-8602
thefirstacademy.org

Is your child a lifelong learner? How do you create a love for learning? The following are a few tried-and-true tips for both parents and educators:

First, catch your child’s curiosity. When your child shows a natural interest or passion in something, use it. Once your child shows a spark of excitement and curiosity, help them pursue more resources or information about it. There is an abundance of digital resources, but don’t forget about good, old-fashioned, hands-on experiences, too.

Second, let your child run after the questions. Let them do the heavy lifting to find the answers. When they ask a question, facilitate them in finding the answer. Keep a notebook, whiteboard or digital list of all the questions they have asked and answers they have found.

Next, give choices. Let your child steer the way for a family outing or experience. Giving them the freedom and ownership will pave the way for higher engagement. They chose it, so they own it!

Finally, make the time. It seems cliché, but you can never overestimate setting aside time for exploration. Even a short walk around the neighborhood can open the door to a whole new world.


Orange County Public Schools 2018-19 Student Calendar

Aug. 13⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ First day of school
Sept. 3 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
Oct. 12 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ First marking period ends
Oct. 15 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
Oct. 26 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
Nov. 19-23⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 20 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Second marking period ends
Dec. 21 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
Dec. 24-Jan. 4 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Winter Break
Jan. 21⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
Feb. 18⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
March 14⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅Third marking period ends
March 15⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
March 18-22 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Spring Break
May 27 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Holiday
May 29 ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Last day of school

Before- & After-School Activities

CRANIUM ACADEMY, 4068 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 407-294-6950, www.craniumacademy.com. Cranium Aca­d­emy is a unique and prestigious private school, revolutionizing preschool through fifth-grade education. The campus at Cranium Academy is highly secure, with monitored fingerprint entry and instant checks performed on visitors and vendors to ensure a safe environment. Students benefit from a unique combination of advanced curriculum, featuring custom learning paths, critical thinking, innovative technology and creative play experiences. With small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios, Cranium Academy’s learning environment encourages each student’s curiosity and enhances his/her attentiveness. The highly experienced and well-trained staff seeks to develop lifelong learning advantages and inspire a true love of learning in their students. Additionally, Cranium Academy offers large indoor and outdoor play areas and a structured athletic gym program to develop each child’s gross motor skills, strength and coordination. The fun doesn’t stop there though! The academy also offers educational field trips, summer camps, holiday camps, birthday parties, after-school programs and more.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-656-3677, (preK-sixth grade); 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, 407-877-2744, (seventh-12th grade), invites the public to one of its open houses for the 2018-19 school year: Oct. 13, Nov. 3, Jan. 26 and March 30. The start time is 10 a.m., and a phoned-in registration is required. Experience firsthand the difference in a private, Christian school education and all that Foundation Academy has to offer.

ORLANDO BALLET SCHOOL, orlandoballet.org. Orlando Ballet School provides training that takes students of all ages and abilities to the next level. With American Ballet Theatre-certified teachers, professional company performance opportunities, new musical theater programs, pre-professional training, teen/adult drop-in classes, and much more, there is something for everyone. Fall registration is now open. Reserve your child’s spot in class today! To register, visit bit.ly/2t4QCk6.

ORLANDO PREMIER MUSIC INSTRUCTION (OPMI), www.orlando-premier-music-instruction.com, opmi@opmi-lessons.com, is your place to find the highest quality Orlando music lessons for piano, guitar, voice, woodwind, brass, drums and more, with professional and friendly music teachers, flexible lesson scheduling and lessons that suit each student’s style, ability and personal interests. OPMI offers a variety of programs, including after-school group lessons that range from art classes, musical theater, dance, guitar, piano, drama, voice and even culinary arts! OPMI also offers MusicFirst — infant, toddler and prekindergarten classes. This affordable, researched-based program is fine-tuned to promote the healthy development of a child’s neurological connections, gross and fine motor skills, early language, socialization and emotional development. For the adults, they have a Wine Down Adult Guitar class, as well. Participants can sip vino, while learning beginner-level guitar skills and methods, basic music theory concepts, how to read music and rhythm notation, and care and maintenance of their instruments. OPMI’s mission is to see that all students who have an interest in the arts are able to pursue their passion.

ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE, 1001 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, 407-896-7365, www.orlandorep.com. Orlando Repertory Theatre, known as Orlando REP, strives to create quality theater for families that entertains, enriches and enlightens. Onstage through July 29 and presented by Orlando REP’s Youth Academy, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest … and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife, Sandra. Their son, Will, is determined to find out if there is any truth to the extravagant tales his father tells about meeting witches, kissing mermaids and joining the circus, once and for all. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is richer, funnier and bigger than life itself!

WINTER GARDEN LIBRARY, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-835-7323. Engage with kids by teaching them to make their own healthy school lunches. Yamira Lee Johnson, head chef and founder of Breaking Bread with Mira and a certified holistic life coach, will demonstrate how to make delicious recipes that are kid-friendly on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. Learn to make simple lunches in this hands-on demo. For more information about Breaking Bread with Mira, visit
breakingbreadwithmira.com. Space is limited. Registration required. Register online at ocls.info. ♥