Tuesday, August 31

Here's a final tip for you as the new school year begins:

When it all boils down, what is most important in sending our children off to school? That they are spiritually equipped.

If you are only able to take away one or two tips from the month, I would encourage you to stick with these essentials:

Pray over your child on their first day of school and choose a verse for the year.

(Our family's school year verse this year is Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV)

Choose whatever verse you find that covers your own children's needs.

Have a great school year!

Monday, August 30

Brittney’s Bucket List

*Write thank you notes to teachers and people who made a difference in my life.

*Visit Times Square on New Year’s Eve or Visit Punxatawney PA on Groundhog Day

*Go to a department store and buy an outfit at full price, get the full treatment at a day spa and then go on a date with Drew to a fancy restaurant

*Go to the airport and take the next direct flight to anywhere

*Run a mile (I've struggled with asthma my whole life and now my doctor has given me the "all clear" signal! PTL!)

*Get a book published (Manuscript written)

*Learn to swim

*Go on a missions trip with Compassion International or World Vision

*Do a Bible study for every book of the Bible (Three down, 63 to go!)

*Read and finish a book that is over 300 pages in length

So, what's on YOUR "Bucket List"? Let me know! Email: bswitala@wolc.org

Friday, August 27

BACKPACK SAFETY

-Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.

-Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.

-Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

-Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

For more information, click here.

Thursday, August 26

Another "Back to School" thought:

If you are responsible to bring your own padlock for your locker, practice opening and closing it now!

LUNCH FOR A BUNCH: Congratulations to the staff at the U.S. Postal Service Office in Mardela Springs!

Wednesday, August 25

Here's another tip for you:

Join the PTA or other parents' organization at school to make an impact.

*Don't forget, tomorrow we'll draw our weekly "Lunch for a Bunch" winner at 12:05pm, so if you haven't registered your office yet, there's still time to do so!

Tuesday, August 24

Today's "Back to School" tip:

Designate a route to and from school. This is the route where you'll know to find your kids in case there is an emergency--or they forgot something.

Knowing this route will also help you know how long to anticipate it to take your children to get home in the afternoon.

Friday, August 20

Happy Friday!

Today's tip:

"Hang time"- that time between when the last school bell rings and the time kids arrive home... Have a talk with your child about when you expect them to arrive home each day, if they are not riding the bus. As students get older they desire more freedom so discuss a length of social time after school you can both agree on.