After inhaling all the trimmings and trappings, sugar and spirits over the holidays, you may be a bit worried about the damage all that comfort has done to your hips. If you’re still merrily and blissfully unaware, don’t worry, advertisers will soon have you wondering what diet pills really work and contemplating the latest exercise … Read more
Because of so-called reality shows that promote sex and selfishness and because of moronic pop stars like, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the Kardashians, I began to wonder, are youth today under the impression that these VIP impersonators are good role models? Could our sweet students discern the difference between true role models—hardworking parents, heroic … Read more
The sharing of sweet and scary treats has been around for a long time and is celebrated in many cultures. It is believed to have originated about 2,000 years ago. The Celts, who lived in parts of Ireland, Scotland, and France, would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the United … Read more
Over the lazy summer months it was easy to slack off on bedtime rituals. I am certainly guilty of postponing my tween’s bedtime in hopes of thwarting her inevitable grumblings. Since school has started, however, I have become a drill sergeant at bedtime, barking orders of, “brush, book, and bed!” As difficult as it is … Read more
Parents are often bombarded with advice on how to help their children succeed in school, but one critical factor often gets overlooked: the most faithful foreteller of success at school is very basic—showing up. Research shows the likelihood of dropping out of school skyrockets to 75 percent when attendance drops below 80 percent. This is … Read more
Kids are looking forward to a long summer filled with fun and adventure. Most parents, however, still have to work, which means their children will have a lot more free time on their hands. Whether kids are at summer camps, with babysitters, or at home with siblings, there tends to be less supervision which, can … Read more
School field trips are an important component of children’s education because they offer learning in a real-world setting. Unfortunately, many schools are being forced to eliminate field trips due to budget constraints. The good news is there are plenty of educational excursions within walking distance that can be a valuable learning experience for free or … Read more
The 49ers and Symetra, a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington, teamed up to highlight local teachers who are making a difference in the classroom. Symetra’s “Heroes in the Classroom” is a community program that recognizes 16 Bay Area teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills. Who are these hero teachers? They are … Read more
How different America may have looked if Martin Luther King, Jr.’s magnanimous life was not brutally cut short. We can only imagine what great causes he would have inspired, and the progress he could have made toward his vision of justice, equality and brotherly love. We can, however, reflect on his words and deeds and … Read more
Charles Dickens penned, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many – not your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Attempting to understand the significance of plunging down a fiscal cliff and still enduring the long recession, it’s easy to forget these enduring words. The media often magnifies the doom … Read more