Back to School 2012

by J. Restrepo
Victory Martial Arts
877-797-7988
www.victoryma.com

The benefits of having discipline in one’s life are clear. It is an ever-present trait in the most successful individuals, and a characteristic generally shared by those who become leaders. To have discipline is to behave in accord with a set of rules of conduct. Those who have discipline actually have greater freedom to do and achieve more than those who lack it.

It is hard to imagine that people without discipline would be admired, or students who lack discipline would have good grades. Those who consistently follow a system of rules and have a method of practice are the ones who excel. In the moments when a person lacks energy or resolve, or when it is simply easier to let up, is when discipline takes over and offers the tenacity to follow through.

Similar to other habits, discipline is best learned in the early stages of life. Experts say that by age 5, 95 percent of habits are formed. School and extracurricular activities will contribute to the development of this positive pattern, but nothing is more suited to this end than a martial arts program. A well-run martial arts school can provide an ideal environment for the development of discipline, as well as empower students to be successful in life.

by Tom Marcy, headmaster
Windermere Preparatory School
407-905-7737
www.windermereprep.com

There is a great deal of talk in education about engaging the “whole child.” But what does that mean? In short, the challenge is for schools to function as academic communities.

Schools should engage students in a visible “culture of thinking” that is clearly evident to the students, parents and teachers. Schools can provide students the opportunity to create beauty in many forms, utilizing self-expression and group initiatives in fine arts and the use of technology; and foster an environment that produces graduates who are “cultured young adults” engaged in the exploration, discovery and utilization of their unique talents and gifts.

Schools can establish and maintain meaningful, positive relationships within the school community and assemble a faculty that is collaborative, jointly supportive, collectively committed and mutually accountable.

A diverse student body enables children to learn, develop and practice leadership skills that will equip them for success as future citizens, parents and contributing team members in a global workplace. They gain confidence, persistence and creativity to take their ideas in directions not previously pursued by others and prepare for careers that have yet to be created.
Students can foster a culture of caring that promotes community service and the virtue of civic responsibility, as well as their role to contribute to sustainability efforts regarding the environment.

by Jane Caruso McCullen, owner
LatherLounge at Salon Salon
407-447-9898
www.latherloungehair.com

Summer surf and sun play havoc on people’s hair. The following is recommended to get students’ hair back-to-school ready:

Clarifying treatments will help remove chemical buildup from chlorine and surf, and restore the hair’s natural balance and shine. Those who straighten their hair daily should ditch those flat irons and receive a Brazilian keratin treatment straightening system. It is formaldehyde- and aroma-free. Hair will be left silky, straight and shiny with a minimum of styling effort. Also, students may want to try ombre color melding, which is all the Hollywood rage, according to Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and many of the fashion industry’s top models.

Acne and deep-cleansing facials, along with glycolic botanical peels, will help prepare skin for the stressful school year. Students should remember to book appointments early for homecoming and prom hair and makeup. Eyelash extensions also are quickly becoming a must-have.

submitted by Orlando Eye Institute
407-704-3937
www.eyesandlids.com

Viral conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is a common problem that affects children of all ages. It is generally caused by the adenovirus family, which also causes colds and upper respiratory infections. It is extremely contagious and is spread by direct contact, such as touching contaminated toys or knobs, or from swimming in public pools.

After a child comes in contact with the virus, it is common for him to get a sore throat or runny nose a few days later. Then, one of the eyes can become symptomatic with redness, tearing, mattering of eyelids, a foreign-body sensation, or blurry vision. Severe cases can cause intense light sensitivity, membranes on the conjunctiva, and even scarring. After seven to 10 days, the other eye often gets infected, though the symptoms are usually milder. To prevent rampant spreading, affected children should be kept away from school or day care, and they should wash their hands frequently until the infection passes in 10 to 14 days.

submitted by St. James Cathedral School
407-841-4432
www.stjcs.com

Collaborative Learning Studio is a space schools are opting to incorporate into their learning centers. CLS can be utilized by all teachers and grades to engage students interactively and to foster collaboration. A typical CLS houses three workstations with 46-inch TV monitors, wireless computers, and white boards and glass used by students to brainstorm ideas.

This concept and design originated in higher education at North Carolina State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

by Denise Marc-Aurele, director
Kiddie U
407-345-5550
www.kiddieu.org

As parents and children prepare for the first day of school, it is a good time to embrace a fresh start equipped with new routines and new rules. Early educators are the first to see how modern trends are affecting youth and how, sometimes, just getting back to basics can reap drastic rewards.

In a world where basic social skills are lacking, older generations wonder why that is so. With a huge surge in gaming, texting, social media, online retailing, etc., children do not actually have to “talk” to one another. Bullying, hitting, aggression and lack of emotional control stems from early childhood, when children do not have positive, stimulating relationships and conversations with people they care about. Instead, parents may sit their children in front of a TV or iPad and expect them to build social and emotional skills through technology.

When children are given multiple opportunities to problem solve, talk to their peers, role play and interact, they are better equipped to manage and communicate their feelings.

As parents navigate through the new adventures of the school year, they should establish clear routines or guidelines and get back to basics with a fresh start and more meaningful interactions with their children.

by Traci Allen
Studio 19/Traci Allen
407-963-6266
www.traci-allen.com

Lighter, brighter days translate to lighter, brighter hair color. Warmer weather welcomes highlights of all shades, and summer blonde is always a favorite. All students want to look their best when going back to school, but the process in achieving that perfect color can prove to be disastrous if done at home or by someone with little knowledge of color processing or technique. Stylists and “in-the-know” clients are eagerly awaiting the newly introduced Keratin Complex color line. Keratin Complex’s Blondeshell collection is the latest available of keratin brands used by trained stylists that debrasses and brightens all hair types.

It is also wise for people to keep in mind that “they get what they pay for.” Fixing a bad color job can be damaging to one’s hair and  wallet. Keratin color and treatments are trusted in defrizzing and smoothing many hair textures.

It is possible for students to get perfect hair color and start the school year off on a brighter note.

by Chani Konikov, director
Chai Preschool
407-354-3660
www.chaiorlando.com

Parents of a 6-year-old once approached a big rabbi and asked for advice on their child’s education.

“You are six years behind,” was the rabbi’s reply.

A child’s education begins from the moment he enters the world. At every moment, the child is learning. His future is being shaped by the past and present. The way children react to situations is a product of the way they have been trained.

The earlier one begins asserting direction over this process the more effective and comprehensive influence can be exerted.

Although a child’s character is being molded from his earliest age, an entirely new phase begins when the child’s intellect begins to blossom. He begins tapping and channeling the reservoir of positive energy that has been building up over the course of time.

In this process, the age of 3 reflects a significant plateau. At this age, by and large, a child can think in sentences. They can comprehend a story and be aware of their own identity and that of the people around. As children reach this stage of conceptual development, their education is lifted to a higher rung. From this time onward, not only is the child being educated, he takes a participatory role in his process of education.