Magical 7

 

We have all heard of the magical, mystical powers associated with the number 7. From the seven wonders of the ancient world, Snow White and her 7, 007, seven hills of Rome,  seven layer dip, 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 7 year itch, 7-11, 7 deadly sins.......

Allow me to introduce you to the new 7 -- The Seven Keys to College Readiness from Montgomery Public Schools in MD. 

You may know that college and career readiness are the new buzz words in education. What does it mean? According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), College and Career Ready means that an individual has the  knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for success in postsecondary education and economically viable career pathways in a 21st century economy.  Sounds great, not so sure??? Read these Seven Keys.

Key One: Advanced Reading in grades K-2 and give them the foundation upon which higher level skills will be built.

Key Two: Advanced reading skills in grades 3 - 8. Watch the MCAS results and read the item analysis. Advanced readers will stay on the college path-way and have better problem solving and thinking skills. Good readers read!!

Key Three: Advanced math in grade 5. Stay ahead in math and develop conceptual thinking skills. Go from 2 dimensional to 3 dimensional shapes, use manipulatives and have some fun with math! If you're not at that level, seek remediation from after school programs or  a tutor.

Key Four: Algebra I in grade 8. Pass with a C. This is a benchmark for better scores on SAT's and is a great predictor of college success.

Key Five: Algebra II with a C or above. Students who complete Algebra II are TWICE as likely to graduate college in a timely manner.

Key Six: Take AP Classes. AP classes are college level classes and entail more thinking, reading, writing and discussing. Encourage your child to take at least one in high school.

Key Seven:  1650 on the SAT's or 24 on the ACT. These scores allow the student to be competitive with others for top colleges and / or get the edge for any career choice or community college and you won’t have to take remedial classes in college.

For more info http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/keys/

Think about these figures.........

• In the next 10 years, 1/2 of all jobs will demand some college.
• 1/3 of freshmen entering college need remedial classes.
• 30% of students enrolled in a four year school earn that degree within 4 years!
• $1,200,000 -- average lifetime earnings for a high school graduate.
• $2,100,000 -- average lifetime earnings for a college graduate. (Almost TWICE)

Half-Way Through the School Year

OK... Into the winter doldrums we go... Maybe not!! If you're depressed, stress-out, or tired of school try to remember why you are in school....What are YOU going to get for getting good grades??? What is school for???

Take stock and look at your grades. Are you happy with them? Chances are the best predictor of future grades is past grades...  Poor grades or grades that drop  is a certain sign that someone is heading for trouble. Don't ignore this! Future grades and assignments are often predicated on what has been learned....   Extra attention is needed. Call us for some remediation!

Attitude can be our best ally or our worst nemesis. How's yours? Our attitude impacts our focus, our homework, our study skills, our motivation, our life! Is the homework schedule still in place? Is it working? Remember you can start your day off anytime... If you seem to be having a bad day, take a moment to quiet yourself, and change your attitude.

Finally, talk to your child. What goals did they set? Are they achieving them? Do they need support or extra resources to reach their goals? Ask them.

Finally, remember to praise your child, listen to them, and find their hobbies and interests. Are there  better ways to demonstrate their importance and build their self-esteem!

Flu Attack! To Vaccinate or Not???

I am not paranoid....... More people I know have the flu -- even some -- like my husband -- who had a flu shot. The flu has reached epidemic levels in the United States and has spread to 10 other countries. So we ask... To vaccinate or not?  My primary care physician, whom I just love and respect, answered, "Absolutely." So why did I?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serious side effects or complications from vaccines are exceedingly rare; most vaccines cause only mild side effects like soreness at the injection site.

Community immunity concept. Vaccinating large numbers of people against diseases keeps the number of infections in a community low, reducing the risk of infection for others, like young babies who are not yet old enough to receive certain vaccines. Catching a vaccine-preventable disease not only makes you likely to spread it throughout the community, but there is also the risk of developing rare and serious complications.

I had the MMR series, the polio vaccine, booster shot. I would also have the  HPV vaccine if it were suggested.  Why are outbreaks of measles and the whooping cough seem to be rising? Public health authorities say one possible reason is a growing number of people refusing vaccines.

Another factor to consider whether to have  a flu shot are travelers. We are a mobile people. Travelers to and from other countries may be exposed to and bring the disease home.  Many vaccine-preventable diseases are rare in the United States.

What about  the argument that vaccines cause autism? That argument was retracted after its author, whose medical license was revoked, was found to have altered patient data.

Although my husband did get  the flu and was bed ridden for a weekend, I did not.. His primary care physician stated  that he would have had a more severe case of the flu  had he not been vaccinated. I have been lucky... I credit receiving  the flu shot,  constant hand washing,  and walks outside with my German Sheppard, Shila. Have a flu-free New Year!

For more info....
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/health/flu-widespread-leading-a-range-of-winters-ills.html?_r=0