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Making the Grade

Olympian makes school her top priority The reigning U.S. ladies figure skating champion didn’t win an Olympic medal this winter, but she wowed us with her ability to balance an elite sport and school. Rachael Flatt worked on a school paper about Pride and Prejudice right up until she took the ice in Vancouver. In this interview, she details the planning strategies that keep her at the top of her sport and in the running for admission to a top college. Vivogs.com Doing homework in the car This family discusses a homework strategy that works for them: knocking it out in the car. While not everyone spends as much time in the car as this mom, the story shows how finding a routine that works for your kids can eliminate many homework struggles. In this case, siblings are happy to help each other with schoolwork because they are free from other distractions. WTVM.com Help kids improve their writing skills Many parents want to help their children improve their writing, but they aren’t sure how. In this article, a college professor suggests focusing on the revision stage of writing. Instead of looking at revision as drudgery, encourage your child to view it as an opportunity to improve. You don’t get a second chance at everything in life, but in writing you do. Embrace it! SchoolFamily.com

SchoolFamily.com Community

Our community is growing. Join the conversations!   Have you ever had a disagreement with a teacher? Share your tips for talking it out. What rules do you have about after-school playdates? Summer is almost here. How do you keep your kids’ minds active when school’s out?

Healthy Family

Managing ADHD at school It’s not unusual for kids to have a hard time sitting still and focusing during the school day. But for children with ADHD, hyperactivity and the inability to stay attentive can hurt their academic performance. This story describes what to do if you suspect that your child has ADHD, from the initial evaluation to working with the school to help your child if needed. SchoolFamily.com Singling out overweight kids A South Dakota school district is planning to test kids for physical fitness and refer those who don’t measure up to community wellness programs. Some worry that children who get labeled “fat” will be humiliated. Supporters say it’s no different than referring a child to a speech pathologist or math tutor. Argus Leader Food revolution in the cafeteria You’ve probably heard about British chef Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, a TV show set in a West Virginia city labeled the nation’s unhealthiest. In early episodes, the show focuses on the school cafeteria and the resistance the kids and cafeteria workers put up when healthy food is offered. A newly released survey confirms that the healthier foods were a tough sell—the number of kids buying school lunches declined after Oliver’s dishes were introduced, and they drank less milk after strawberry and chocolate varieties were taken away. The good news? Most students had tried new foods as a result of the changes. CBS News

 

Parents & School

Parents struggle with homework If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one who has trouble helping your child with homework. In a British government survey, 83 percent of parents with kids ages 9 to 13 admitted that they have been unable to explain assignments to their kids. Math was cited as the hardest subject, followed by science. The Guardian Understanding report cards For some parents, decoding the letters, numbers, and written descriptions on their child’s report card can be quite a chore. This story will help you understand common grading systems and use your child’s report card to figure out how well she’s doing. SchoolFamily.com Parent-teacher-interpreter night Imagine what parent-teacher conferences would be like if you spoke a different language than the teacher. At this high-achieving New York City school, volunteer interpreters help parents communicate, understand the teacher’s concerns, and get a better picture of how their children are doing in school. New York Times

Bulletin Board

Online course pitfalls More and more high school students are taking college courses online. This story outlines mistakes students might make when they commit to an online course, such as not making sure the school is accredited and not budgeting enough time to spend on the course. U.S. News & World Report Netbooks for all Here’s a detailed look at a school that is boldly issuing netbooks to students in 4th through 6th grades. Even more shocking: The school is letting the kids take home the lightweight (and breakable) computers. Critics worry children will get distracted with Internet sites like Facebook. A parent just worries her kid will drop his. Dallas Morning News

Quick Picks

Reinforce math and writing skills with Easter-theme worksheets     Our coloring pages and activity sheets help kids learn about the U.S. census

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