Family Engagement Newsletter

Welcome back to another exciting school year and to the first edition of the Family Engagement Newsletter. Every month we will send home a newsletter to all our families highlighting ways to help your child(ren) have a successful school year, ways to engage/connect with your child(ren), learn about fun and exciting happenings in your area and much more.

In order to be successful in school it is important that all students have the necessary tools to do work at home and being able to connect to the internet is one of those tools. Here are some resources on affordable internet.

Internet Essentials provides home internet for $9.95 a month. To learn more about this program please click here or call 1-800-934-6489.

Lifeline Support is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. To learn more about this program and to see if you qualify, please click here or call 1-800-234-9473

Ensuring regular school attendance sets the foundation for lifelong learning, personal growth, and success in future endeavors.

Learning Fun with Board Games (Pre K-6th Grade)

• Qwirkle (or Set for upper grades): A matching game in which students have to match colors or shapes. Players practice spatial reasoning and identifying and classifying characteristics (color and shapes).

• Blokus: A game in which players put shapes on a board according to color. It’s great for developing logic skills and spatial perception.
• Yahtzee: The object of the game is to roll five dice in order to score combinations and get the highest total score. This is an excellent game for grades three and up to practice fluency with number combinations and to explore deeper understanding of basic operations.
• Battleship: Players have to guess the positions of an opponent’s ships on a grid. Students can work on the coordinate plane, spatial relationships, and logic skills.
• The Game of Life: A classic board game that offers lessons on money and budgeting and creates opportunities to practice basic math operations.
• Uno: A matching card game that can help with number recognition.
• Dominoes: This is also great for practicing number recognition and counting.

Tired of fighting with you child regarding their homework or just not sure how to support or help your child? Below are some strategies to help your child based on age.

Elementary Students:

• Create a Routine: Establish a regular time and place for homework. Consistency helps children know what to expect and builds good habits.
• Be Positive: Encourage a positive attitude towards learning. Praise effort, not just results, to build confidence and perseverance.
• Break it Down: If a task seems overwhelming, help your child break it into smaller, manageable parts. This can make it less daunting and more achievable.
• Stay Involved: Check in on their progress, but don't do the work for them. Ask questions that guide them to think critically and solve problems on their own.
• Provide Resources: Ensure they have the tools they need, like pencils, paper, and any necessary textbooks or digital resources. If they're stuck, suggest looking up information together.
• Limit Distractions: Create a quiet, distraction-free environment. Turn off the TV, and limit access to phones or other electronic devices during homework time.
• Encourage Breaks: If your child is working on a long assignment, encourage short breaks to refresh their mind and avoid burnout.
• Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to understand expectations and any areas where your child might need extra help.
• Set Goals: Help your child set short-term goals, like completing a certain amount of homework before dinner. Achieving these goals can build momentum and motivation.
• Model Good Behavior: Show your child that you value education by engaging in your own learning activities, like reading or discussing new topics.

Secondary Students:

• Promote Independence: Encourage your teen to take ownership of their homework. Offer support when needed, but emphasize the importance of managing their responsibilities.
• Time Management: Help them develop strong time management skills. Suggest using planners, calendars, or apps to track assignments, deadlines, and study times
• Create a Productive Environment: Ensure they have a quiet, organized space for studying, free from distractions like TV or excessive phone use.
• Encourage Breaks and Balance: Remind them to take regular breaks during long study sessions to stay fresh. Encourage a balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and relaxation.
• Be Available for Help: Let your teen know you're available to help if they get stuck, but encourage them to try solving problems on their own first.
• Provide Resources: Point them to resources like online tutorials, study groups, or additional reading materials that can help deepen their understanding of a subject.
• Discuss Goals: Talk with your teen about their academic and career goals, and how their current work ties into their future aspirations. This can motivate them to stay focused.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with what they’re learning in school and any challenges they might be facing. Communicate with teachers if necessary to get a better understanding of how you can support your teen.
• Model a Balanced Lifestyle: Show your teen the importance of balancing work, rest, and social life by modeling it in your own life.
• Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your teen to communicate with their teachers or seek help if they don’t understand something. This builds confidence and self-reliance.

Good nutrition is key to helping your child stay focused and energized during the school year. Here are some nutrition tips for back to school:

• Balanced Breakfast: Start the day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Examples include whole-grain toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit and granola, or scrambled eggs with vegetables.
• Pack Nutritious Lunches: Include a variety of foods in your child’s lunchbox, such as lean proteins (chicken, turkey, tofu), whole grains (whole wheat bread, quinoa), fruits, and vegetables. Add a healthy fat like avocado or nuts for sustained energy.
• Healthy Snacks: Provide nutritious snacks like cut-up veggies, fresh fruit, whole-grain crackers, or yogurt. Snacks that are rich in protein and fiber can help keep your child full and focused throughout the day.
• Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for concentration and overall health. Pack a reusable water bottle in their backpack.
• Limit Sugary Foods: Reduce the intake of sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to energy crashes. Instead, offer naturally sweet options like fruit or snacks with a balance of protein and carbs.
• Involve Your Child: Let your child help in planning and preparing their meals. This can make them more likely to eat what’s packed and helps them learn about healthy food choices.
• Portion Control: Teach your child about portion sizes, especially when it comes to snacks. Pre-portioning snacks at home can prevent overeating.
• Include Brain-Boosting Foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, chia seeds, or walnuts), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and vitamins can support brain health and improve concentration.
• Meal Prep: Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time to make mornings less hectic. Pre-chop veggies, cook proteins in batches, or make sandwiches the night before.
• Be a Role Model: Set a good example by eating balanced meals and making healthy food choices yourself. Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they see them practiced at home.

How much sleep does your child need?

*Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep

*School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep

*Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep

To help you child get the amount of sleep needed, please see the helpful hints below.

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

• Same Bedtime Every Night: Aim for the same bedtime each night, even on weekends. This helps regulate their internal clock.
• Wind Down Activities: Incorporate calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music before bed.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

• Comfortable Bedding: Ensure the bed is comfortable, with appropriate pillows and blankets.
• Dark Room: Keep the room dark using blackout curtains or a nightlight if they prefer.
• Cool Temperature: A slightly cool room temperature is ideal for sleeping.
• Quiet Environment: Reduce noise as much as possible. Consider white noise machines if needed.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

• No Screens Before Bed: Avoid screens (TV, tablets, smartphones) at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with their ability to fall asleep.

4. Encourage Physical Activity

• Daily Exercise: Ensure they get enough physical activity during the day, but not too close to bedtime, as it can make falling asleep harder.

5. Watch Their Diet

• Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed: Offer a light snack if needed but avoid large meals close to bedtime.
• Limit Caffeine: Ensure they’re not consuming caffeine in the afternoon or evening (this includes soda, chocolate, etc.).

6. Manage Stress and Anxiety

• Talk About Their Day: Allow them to share any worries or anxieties before bed. A calm mind promotes better sleep.
• Teach Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises or visualization can help them relax.

7. Make Sleep a Priority

• Model Good Sleep Habits: Show them that sleep is important by prioritizing your own sleep.
• Set an Example: If the whole family adheres to a routine, it's easier for the child to follow.

8. Be Mindful of Naps

• Appropriate Nap Length: If they still nap, ensure naps are not too long or too late in the day, as this can affect nighttime sleep.

9. Monitor Sleep Duration

• Age-Appropriate Sleep: Elementary school children typically need 9-12 hours of sleep per night. Make sure they’re getting enough rest.

Pumpkin Fest

Vendors, Food, Fun for Kids, Live Music and Entertainment

Free Admission and Parking

Saturday, October 12, 2024

9:30am-5:00pm

Sunday, October 13, 2024

11:00am-5:00pm

Adams-Ricci Park

100 East Penn Drive, Enola PA

Choctoberfest

Offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy and is free and open to the public, with food and beverages available for purchase.

Saturday, October 12, 2024

11:00am-5:00pm

Chocolate Town Square Park

Corner of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues

CAIU Fall Fest

Vendors, Kid Events/Activities, Food Trucks

October 26, 2024

11:00am-2:00pm

55 Miller Street, Enola PA