Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse
might be most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or
child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child
abuse are subtler than others. Since April is National Child Abuse
Awareness Month, the experts of Children's Hospital want to remind you
of the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse of any kind.
"By learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a
huge difference in a child's life," says Deb Schneider, director of
Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services, or the CHIPS
Center at Children's Hospital. "The earlier abused children get help,
the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate
the cycle."
The four types of child abuse are:
* Physical Abuse
* Sexual Abuse
* Emotional Abuse
* Neglect
In Alabama, one in six kids are physically abused every year and as many
as 25 percent of children will be sexually abused by the time they reach
age 18. Physical abuse is the leading cause of death under the age of 3.
Neglect remains the highest reported form of abuse in our state.
The signs of child abuse vary depending on the type of abuse, but there
are some common indicators:
Warning signs of emotional abuse in children:
* Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something
wrong.
* Shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely
demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive).
* Doesn't seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
* Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other
children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking,
tantrums).
Warning signs of physical abuse in children
* Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
* Is always watchful and "on alert," as if waiting for something
bad to happen.
* Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or
belt.
* Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems
afraid to go home.
* Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as
long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
Warning signs of neglect in children
* Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the
weather.
* Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair,
noticeable body odor).
* Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
* Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in
unsafe situations and environments.
* Is frequently late or missing from school.
Warning signs of sexual abuse in children
* Trouble walking or sitting.
* Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to
his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
* Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an
obvious reason.
* Doesn't want to change clothes in front of others or participate
in physical activities.
Fortunately, help for Alabama's abused children is available at The
CHIPS Center. The CHIPS Center provides forensic medical evaluations,
psychosocial assessments, play therapy, counseling for non-offending
caregivers and other support services. All services are free, thanks to
the generosity of the Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Loggers
Council, which donate approximately $250,000 to the clinic each year
through Log-A-Load For Kids.
If you suspect a child has been or is being abused, it is imperative
that you contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, or you can
call the CHIPS Center at Children's Hospital by dialing 205.558.2751.
For more information, please visit www.chsys.org.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Third Nine Weeks Good Citizens for Grades K-6
The following students were chosen by their teachers and classmates to be the Good Citizens of their homerooms for the third nine weeks.
Kindergarten
Deloach: Emily-Grace Holsomback, Kimberly Martinez-Pulido
Pike: Bobby Jones, Kadence Willis
First Grade
Dale: Chloee Cleckler, Kendall Smitherman
Whittle: Jacob Edwards, Junior Duhon
Second Grade
Davis: Mackenzie Graves, Mark Jones
Bryant: Lydia Edwards, Natalie Easterling
Third Grade
Cleckler: Shaniah Pasley, Rowlan Brady
Deavers: Gabrielle Edwards, Maniyah Nunn
Fourth Grade
Easterling: Tyler Abbott, Makinlee Mims
Hauswirth: Rekell Ray, Abby Cleckler
Fifth Grade
Rheaume: Bethany Hancock, Brandon McCullough
Smith: Blake Nelson, Cassidy Manley
Sixth Grade
Childress/Martin: Ethan Lett, Makaylie Kelley
Kindergarten
Deloach: Emily-Grace Holsomback, Kimberly Martinez-Pulido
Pike: Bobby Jones, Kadence Willis
First Grade
Dale: Chloee Cleckler, Kendall Smitherman
Whittle: Jacob Edwards, Junior Duhon
Second Grade
Davis: Mackenzie Graves, Mark Jones
Bryant: Lydia Edwards, Natalie Easterling
Third Grade
Cleckler: Shaniah Pasley, Rowlan Brady
Deavers: Gabrielle Edwards, Maniyah Nunn
Fourth Grade
Easterling: Tyler Abbott, Makinlee Mims
Hauswirth: Rekell Ray, Abby Cleckler
Fifth Grade
Rheaume: Bethany Hancock, Brandon McCullough
Smith: Blake Nelson, Cassidy Manley
Sixth Grade
Childress/Martin: Ethan Lett, Makaylie Kelley
Thursday, April 7, 2011
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AT VHS
Parents or guardians may register their children for the 2011-2012 kindergarten class at Verbena High School during the week of April 11-15. Children must be five on or before September 2, 2011. To register a child for kindergarten, the parent or guardian must bring the child's original Alabama blue immunization form, original birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residence, and proof of custody or guardianship. Registration will be held in the office of the main campus at Verbena High School.
Friday, March 18, 2011
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SURGERY
To view the monthly health and safety video, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPnpV-0a4S8
Preparing a child for surgery is one of the most important things a
parent can do when the child needs an operation. Proper preparation can
alleviate fears and decrease anxiety for both the parent and child.
"No matter what type of surgery the child is having, every child should
be prepared and age appropriately educated. Nothing should come as a
surprise to them," said Linda McAlister, director of Surgical Services
at Children's South.
Parents can begin by making sure they understand the procedure the child
is having, if and how the child will be anesthetized as well as the risk
involved. If you are uncertain, it is okay to seek clarification.
McAllister also suggested:
* Communicate with your care provider. Good communication with
your healthcare provider builds confidence, and a confident parent is a
calm parent. If your children see that their parents are calm, it puts
them at ease as well.
* Make sure you take good care of yourself by eating well and
getting plenty of rest. Surround yourself with a strong support group;
don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help.
There are also several things that caregivers need to keep in mind when
helping their child adjust before and after a procedure, depending on
the age of the patient. The experts at Children's Hospital offer these
tips to better plan for a surgery:
Infants and Toddlers
* After surgery, infants and toddlers need lots of nurturing and
consoling. They are in a different environment, they haven't had
anything to eat or drink prior their surgery and they feel strange from
the anesthesia.
* This age group is generally fussy after a procedure and
sometimes can't verbalize why. For this reason, be sure to administer
the pain medication as the doctor advised you.
Preschool
When children reach preschool, they have a great deal of fear associated
with having surgery. They are afraid of being separated from their
parents and afraid of pain.
* Assure your child that you will be nearby the entire time, they
will have medicine to help the pain and the surgery is to make them
better, not hurt them.
* Preschoolers are comforted by familiar objects. Let them bring
their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to the hospital with them.
After surgery, preschoolers tend to be irritable and require a great
deal of patience from mom and dad. Generally, once their pain is under
control, they are ready to play.
School Age:
The school age child is old enough to understand more of what is going
to happen, yet they still experience a significant amount of anxiety and
fear. The difference is that these children tend to keep their concerns
to themselves.
* Anticipate these feelings and reassure your child with open,
honest communication
* Language choice is also very important. Avoid phrases such as
being "put to sleep" or "they will give you gas." To a child, these
phrases mean very different things than what you may intend. Instead,
explain to them that they will go to sleep, they will not wake up during
the surgery, but they will wake up right after it is over.
* Don't tell your child it is not going to hurt. Tell them, "it
may hurt just a little, but the nurse will give you medicine to make you
feel better."
After surgery, remember your child may not verbalize his concerns, so
reassure him he will get better every day. Encourage visits, when
appropriate, from friends and loved ones.
Adolescent:
The Adolescent child's main fears include the fear of dying and/or
becoming disfigured as a result of their surgery. They also fear a loss
of control.
* This age group needs a thorough explanation of what will be
happening to them, and they need to have the opportunity to ask
questions and discuss their procedure and concerns with their doctor.
* Allowing them to bring personal electronics and other items of
distraction will help them deal with their stress more effectively.
* After surgery, this age group may deny they are in pain or deny
symptoms of complications in order to remain in control or avoid
embarrassment. Look for nonverbal cues that something may be wrong, and
reassure them of the importance of letting you know what they are
feeling.
Last year, more than 7,000 children had surgery at Children's South, and
the facility performs approximately 30 surgeries each day. Children's
South provides the following services: ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental, GU,
Orthopedics, Pediatric GYN and Plastic Surgery.
For more information on this and other children's health and safety
issues, please visit our website at www.chsys.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPnpV-0a4S8
Preparing a child for surgery is one of the most important things a
parent can do when the child needs an operation. Proper preparation can
alleviate fears and decrease anxiety for both the parent and child.
"No matter what type of surgery the child is having, every child should
be prepared and age appropriately educated. Nothing should come as a
surprise to them," said Linda McAlister, director of Surgical Services
at Children's South.
Parents can begin by making sure they understand the procedure the child
is having, if and how the child will be anesthetized as well as the risk
involved. If you are uncertain, it is okay to seek clarification.
McAllister also suggested:
* Communicate with your care provider. Good communication with
your healthcare provider builds confidence, and a confident parent is a
calm parent. If your children see that their parents are calm, it puts
them at ease as well.
* Make sure you take good care of yourself by eating well and
getting plenty of rest. Surround yourself with a strong support group;
don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help.
There are also several things that caregivers need to keep in mind when
helping their child adjust before and after a procedure, depending on
the age of the patient. The experts at Children's Hospital offer these
tips to better plan for a surgery:
Infants and Toddlers
* After surgery, infants and toddlers need lots of nurturing and
consoling. They are in a different environment, they haven't had
anything to eat or drink prior their surgery and they feel strange from
the anesthesia.
* This age group is generally fussy after a procedure and
sometimes can't verbalize why. For this reason, be sure to administer
the pain medication as the doctor advised you.
Preschool
When children reach preschool, they have a great deal of fear associated
with having surgery. They are afraid of being separated from their
parents and afraid of pain.
* Assure your child that you will be nearby the entire time, they
will have medicine to help the pain and the surgery is to make them
better, not hurt them.
* Preschoolers are comforted by familiar objects. Let them bring
their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to the hospital with them.
After surgery, preschoolers tend to be irritable and require a great
deal of patience from mom and dad. Generally, once their pain is under
control, they are ready to play.
School Age:
The school age child is old enough to understand more of what is going
to happen, yet they still experience a significant amount of anxiety and
fear. The difference is that these children tend to keep their concerns
to themselves.
* Anticipate these feelings and reassure your child with open,
honest communication
* Language choice is also very important. Avoid phrases such as
being "put to sleep" or "they will give you gas." To a child, these
phrases mean very different things than what you may intend. Instead,
explain to them that they will go to sleep, they will not wake up during
the surgery, but they will wake up right after it is over.
* Don't tell your child it is not going to hurt. Tell them, "it
may hurt just a little, but the nurse will give you medicine to make you
feel better."
After surgery, remember your child may not verbalize his concerns, so
reassure him he will get better every day. Encourage visits, when
appropriate, from friends and loved ones.
Adolescent:
The Adolescent child's main fears include the fear of dying and/or
becoming disfigured as a result of their surgery. They also fear a loss
of control.
* This age group needs a thorough explanation of what will be
happening to them, and they need to have the opportunity to ask
questions and discuss their procedure and concerns with their doctor.
* Allowing them to bring personal electronics and other items of
distraction will help them deal with their stress more effectively.
* After surgery, this age group may deny they are in pain or deny
symptoms of complications in order to remain in control or avoid
embarrassment. Look for nonverbal cues that something may be wrong, and
reassure them of the importance of letting you know what they are
feeling.
Last year, more than 7,000 children had surgery at Children's South, and
the facility performs approximately 30 surgeries each day. Children's
South provides the following services: ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental, GU,
Orthopedics, Pediatric GYN and Plastic Surgery.
For more information on this and other children's health and safety
issues, please visit our website at www.chsys.org
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Verbena High School Guidance Website
For students or parents who may be interested in checking out the high school guidance website for Verbena High School, the website address is http://sites.google.com/site/verbenahighschool/Home/guidance.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Test Taking Tips
Here are some tips to help when taking tests. Tests make some kids very nervous, even though they know the answers. Today, some standardized tests are mandatory to advance to the next grade. This puts even more pressure on a child. But whether it is a child or an adult, there is something about the quiet, the white paper and blank spaces, the number two pencil and the ticking of the clock that makes our heart race, our palms sweat and our minds draw a blank! So, we all need all the help we can get. The following tips may help the test taker reach his/her maximum potential when taking a test.
1-The night before, get a good night's sleep. Go to bed early. You will perform better if you are wide awake and well rested (so will your brain!)
2-Eat a good breakfast, don't skip it! You wouldn't drive your car with no gasoline. Food is brain power! And if you get hungry during the test, it will be harder for you to concentrate.
3-Listen to or read ALL of the directions BEFORE starting. It won't matter if you get the answer correct, if you didn't do it in the manner the directions stated.
4-Take a deep breath and focus, put everything else out of your mind. Take ONE question at a time, so you don't feel overwhelmed.
5-Work the questions in order. If you come to one you don't know the answer to, then skip it and you can come back to it if you have time. Don't spend too long on it, if you don't know it right away or within a few seconds. Try to make it flow, don't spend too much time on one question.
6-Read the entire question and all of the answers BEFORE you answer. Especially if it says pick all of the correct answers, the BEST answer or one of the answers is "all of the above". These are sort of tricky.
7-Don't be afraid to guess. If you have a feeling that you know the right answer, then use your instinct. Chances are, you are right. And it is better than leaving it blank!
8-Relax. Have confidence in your ability and what you have learned and studied!
9-Use process of elimination. If you don't know the correct answer right away or, you are torn between two answers, then eliminate the ones that you know definitely are NOT the answer, then work your way back.
10-Pay close attention to wording. Some words like NO, NOT, NEVER, and ALWAYS, can change the whole meaning to the question.
This article was downloaded from www.essortment.com/ten-test-taking-tips-39807.html.
1-The night before, get a good night's sleep. Go to bed early. You will perform better if you are wide awake and well rested (so will your brain!)
2-Eat a good breakfast, don't skip it! You wouldn't drive your car with no gasoline. Food is brain power! And if you get hungry during the test, it will be harder for you to concentrate.
3-Listen to or read ALL of the directions BEFORE starting. It won't matter if you get the answer correct, if you didn't do it in the manner the directions stated.
4-Take a deep breath and focus, put everything else out of your mind. Take ONE question at a time, so you don't feel overwhelmed.
5-Work the questions in order. If you come to one you don't know the answer to, then skip it and you can come back to it if you have time. Don't spend too long on it, if you don't know it right away or within a few seconds. Try to make it flow, don't spend too much time on one question.
6-Read the entire question and all of the answers BEFORE you answer. Especially if it says pick all of the correct answers, the BEST answer or one of the answers is "all of the above". These are sort of tricky.
7-Don't be afraid to guess. If you have a feeling that you know the right answer, then use your instinct. Chances are, you are right. And it is better than leaving it blank!
8-Relax. Have confidence in your ability and what you have learned and studied!
9-Use process of elimination. If you don't know the correct answer right away or, you are torn between two answers, then eliminate the ones that you know definitely are NOT the answer, then work your way back.
10-Pay close attention to wording. Some words like NO, NOT, NEVER, and ALWAYS, can change the whole meaning to the question.
This article was downloaded from www.essortment.com/ten-test-taking-tips-39807.html.
Spring Tests
Schools throughout Alabama, including Chilton County schools, will be giving several standardized tests beginning the week after spring break. The schedule for the tests is as follows:
March 23 - ARMT Reading (grades 3-6)
March 24 - ARMT Math (grades 3-6)
March 28 - SAT Reading (grades 3-6 and also Word Study for 3rd grade)
March 29 - SAT Math (grades 3-6)
April 5 - Alabama Science Assessment (grades 5 and 7)
Please help your children to be prepared for these tests. The next article on the Red Devil Hot Line is about test taking tips that could be very beneficial.
March 23 - ARMT Reading (grades 3-6)
March 24 - ARMT Math (grades 3-6)
March 28 - SAT Reading (grades 3-6 and also Word Study for 3rd grade)
March 29 - SAT Math (grades 3-6)
April 5 - Alabama Science Assessment (grades 5 and 7)
Please help your children to be prepared for these tests. The next article on the Red Devil Hot Line is about test taking tips that could be very beneficial.
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