What Do You Know About Your Child's Friends?

Your six-year old tells you she’s been invited to a birthday party for classmate Sally. “It’s at her house, and we’re going swimming!” she says excitedly.  But you don’t know Sally and you haven’t met her parents. 

Or, your seventh-grader tells you he wants to attend the school dance – with Francine! Who the heck is Francine?  What’s she like?  And just how do seventh-graders ‘date’?   

Knowing other parents at school isn’t just important to your child’s safety and well-being, it can be a lifesaver. Being able to borrow a book, catch a ride, get information about school assignments . . .  the fact is, both you and your child will benefit from the connections you make with other parents at school. 

Here are some ideas to help get you started.

• Attend school events    Attend the school orientation, the open house, and other events that provide an opportunity to meet teachers and parents.  It’s always interesting to meet your child’s classmates and their parents, and you’ll learn more about the school.

• Have a playdate    If privacy regulations prevent your child’s school from sharing classmates’ phone and address information, you can volunteer yours.  Send a note for your child to give to a friend, inviting them to a playdate. When the new friend comes over, you can invite the parents in and get acquainted over a cup of coffee while the kids do their thing.

• Host a parent party    Many schools accommodate our busy lives with before- and after-school child care. It’s a great convenience, but it doesn’t offer much opportunity to meet other parents or learn about what’s going on at school. You can host a cookout or party for other parents in your child’s class.  No matter how many or how few show up, you’ll become familiar with who’s who, learn the ins and outs of the school, and get caught up on school happenings.

• Volunteer    Most schools have volunteer opportunities where you’ll get a chance to work with, and get to know, other parents. If your schedule allows, become a regular volunteer for bake sales or field trips.  Otherwise, you can join the parent-teacher association or attend a meeting, you’ll learn about issues that may be of concern to you.

You may feel like your child did on the first day of school – a bit shy and reluctant to step out.  Other parents likely feel the same way. Becoming acquainted with others at school will help you and your child feel like part of the school community. You’ll be more relaxed and your child will be happier, guaranteed!

"Lucky 13" Guidelines from FDA for Halloween!

It's Halloween and we know our students are so excited about Trick-or-Treating!
Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following the “lucky 13” guidelines from FDA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

1.Wear costumes made of fire-retardant materials; look for “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.

2.Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping.

3.Wear makeup and hats rather than masks that can obscure your vision.

4.Test the makeup you plan to use by putting a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it a couple of days in advance. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy.

5.Check FDA’s list of color additives to see if makeup additives are FDA approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use it.

6.Don’t wear decorative contact lenses unless you have seen an eye care professional and gotten a proper lens fitting and instructions for using the lenses.

7.Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.

8.Trick-or-treaters should eat a snack before heading out, so they won’t be tempted to nibble on treats that haven’t been inspected.

9.Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.

10.Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.

11.Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

12.Look for the warning label to avoid juice that hasn’t been pasteurized or otherwise processed, especially packaged juice products that may have been made on site. When in doubt, ask! Always ask if you are unsure if a juice product is pasteurized or not. Normally, the juice found in your grocer’s frozen food case, refrigerated section, or on the shelf in boxes, bottles, or cans is pasteurized.

13.Before bobbing for apples—a favorite Halloween game—reduce the amount of bacteria that might be on apples by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

Have a safe and FUN Halloween! ‪#‎tutoringclubjax

International Walk to School Day

A couple of weeks ago was the official International Walk to School Day - and across the country, millions of children, parents, teachers and health advocates hit the streets!

This year, 60 schools in Duval County participated in the ann...ual event and participants promoted pedestrian safety and advocated for safer walking environments for students.

However, as recently as yesterday, here in Jacksonville, a student was hit and critically injured while walking to school.

This is another plea for all people to help pay attention to walking students and pedestrians! Stay off the phone! Be extra alert! Watch for bus stops! Pay attention to crossing guards and safety patrol! Help keep our students safe!

#tutoringclubjax

Safety for our Kids - at the bus stop and beyond

We weren't planning to blog about this topic today, but breaking news just came across social media, so we wanted to highlight this issue in case it's not top of mind!

Our world can be a dangerous place and it's up to all of us to help protect our children.  Read this article via the link below (the picture is NOT associated with the article):

http://www.news4jax.com/news/suspicious-white-van-spotted-3-times-near-school-bus-stops/27739812?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Please be diligent, and watch out for ALL children!  Teach kids to be aware of their surroundings.  Make sure they travel in groups, not alone.  Tell them how to communicate with someone if they sense there is a problem.  They need to be safe from all kinds of harmful and dangerous situations, and this situation is unfortunately only one of many they may face.

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to have frank discussions with your kids.  They need our guidance!

Have you prepared for the first day of school?

School starts in less than a week!  At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we are so excited for our students as they enter their new grades, complete with their new set of challenges!  We are intently determined to partner with you, parents, to make this a fabulous school year for you and for your kids!

Have you bought school supplies?  Has your child finished their summer reading or math packets?  Have you been to orientation?  Have you started that new sleep schedule?  Have you gotten that sports physical or immunizations?

Well, if you haven't, don't panic.  But do at least try to get some of these things done and crossed off your list!  In the end, what matters is that your child is excited about the new school year, excited about seeing friends and taking new classes, and most of all, excited about taking that next step of independence and learning in the process.

Do all you can to help them be prepared.  And give them encouragement!  This really is an exciting time, no matter how chaotic the first week may end up being.  Help them be safe and secure.  Pay attention to school zones and buses, and walkers and bikers.  Be involved in their learning and help structure an environment conducive for homework.

And please, let us help.  Enroll  your child for curriculum that will enable their success in school  Whether it's tutoring for reading, math, study skills, SAT prep, or tutor-up for more advanced studies, we are there for you and your child!

We are looking forward to all the buzz in our center this week and next!  Keep smiling!