Back to School - The US Department of Education offers a vast array of resources for parents, children and families at their web site. CLICK HERE to visit. Be sure to view their Helping Your Child series, including Helping Your Child Become a Reader, Helping Your Child With Homework and Helping Your Preschool Child as well as their page on Ensuring My Child's School Success.

Let's Be Healthy! Following good health practices will help children be ready to learn

Good health comes from good habits and wise choices. To enjoy good health now and in the future, youngsters must learn how to exercise, control stress, be clean, and reduce the risk of disease. They must get into the habit of eating nutritious foods, having plenty of sleep, and understanding how physical and emotional health are related. Children also need to know what to do in an emergency and when to say "no." When children are healthy they will probably do well in school.

• Pick nutritious foods and limit sugary snacks and fatty foods, particularly before meals. Set a good example by eating healthy foods, too.
• Have your child start the day by eating a healthy breakfast at home or at school.
• Check on the food programs at your school and ask for improvement if you think it is needed.
• Teach your child how to stop the spread of germs by keeping clean and washing hands before meals.
• Make sure your child is vaccinated against disease at the right age. Keep a chart of the shots your child has already had.
• Encourage your child to exercise: jogging, walking, jumping rope, bicycling, roller-skating, dancing, swimming.
• Teach your child how to handle stress through exercise, getting enough sleep, discussing problems, and breaking jobs down into small parts.
• Teach your child how to protect him/herself by saying "no", walking away from fights, or talking about dangerous situations.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement

Prepare My Child For School - Helpful Information from the US Department of Education on Starting School, Schoolwork, Homework, Preparing for a Career, Safety and Family Education.