KEEP KIDS COOL WITH POOL SAFETY

The following article is from Rachel Olis with Children's of Alabama.

When school is out and the summertime heat arrives, kids of all ages will be
clamoring to spend their time at the pool. While the pool can be a fun and relaxing
retreat for families, in the blink of an eye it can turn into a nightmare. Nearly
1,000 kids die every year by drowning and it is the second leading cause of
accidental death for people between the ages of 5 - 24. It is important to remember
that drowning is preventable if people take the time to learn and utilize the proper
safety precautions.

Supervision for swimmers is the most important element of pool safety. “There really
isn’t an age for someone to swim unsupervised, even when you’re an adult, it is
always best to swim with a buddy,” said Karen Cochrane, RN, patient health and
safety expert at Children’s of Alabama. “In case something happened, there would be
somebody there to help you.”

Here are just a few safety measures that will help keep your family’s time at the
pool enjoyable and safe:

1. Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and
use them whenever a child is near water. Check the weight and size recommendations
on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly. For kids
younger than 5 years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head
support — the collar will keep the child's head up and face out of the water.
Inflatable vests and arm devices such as water wings are not effective protection
against drowning.
2. If you don't already, it's a good idea to learn how to swim, and kids older than 4
years should learn, too (check the local recreation center for classes taught by
qualified instructors). Kids who are younger (but older than age 1) also might
benefit from swimming lessons, but check with your doctor first. Don't assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skill levels. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm's reach to provide "touch supervision."
To learn more about how to keep the pool safe for your family, visit
www.childrensal.org.

Summer 2013 Alabama High School Graduation Exam

If you are going to be a senior in the fall or are repeating the junior year and need to pass any areas of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE), your next opportunity to take the exam is July 8-12, 2013. This is the schedule:
Social Studies - Monday, July 8, 2013
Reading - Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Mathematics - Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Language - Thursday, July 11, 2013
Biology - Friday, July 12, 2013

The summer administration of the AHSGE will be held in the Chilton County High School cafeteria. Bring your photo ID and 2 sharpened pencils. Admission will begin by 7:30 AM each day of testing.

For review or practice materials go to the following website:
http://www.ptc.dcs.edu/schools/hs/ahs/Front%20Page%20Items/AHSGE_Practice_Qs.htm.
You may also check with your local school about remediation.

YoungArts Makes Dreams Come True!

Are you a young artist between 15-18 or grades 10-12 with talents in the visual, literary, performing, or design arts? YoungArts can make your dreams come true. YoungArts identifies and supports the next generations of artists. Applicants are eligible for:
*Awards of up to $10,000 per student
*Master classes with world-renowned artists
*Access to scholarships, career opportunities and professional contacts
*Recognition for artistic excellence in the visual, literary, performing and design arts
*Performance opportunities in the most prestigious venues around the country
*A chance to be recognized as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
*The opportunity to appear in YoungArts MasterClass on HBO

During the past 32 years, YoungArts has honored more than 17,000 young artists with over $6 million in monetary awards; facilitated in excess of $150 million in scholarship opportunities; and enabled its participants to work with some of the most distinguished master artists in the world, including Edward Albee, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Joshua Bell, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Frank Gehry, Bobby McFerrin, James Rosenquist, Robert Redford, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Weber.

Apply through OCTOBER 18, 2013. Visit www.youngarts.org/apply for details on the application and the organization.

ADHD - An article by Rachel Olis from Children's of Alabama

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8 to 10 percent of
school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be
diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why.
“Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive and have trouble focusing,
says Dr. Gigi Youngblood, a pediatrician at Children’s of Alabama. “They may
understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they
can't sit still, pay attention or attend to details.”
Of course, all kids (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly
when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are
present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a
child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home.
The good news is that with proper treatment, kids with ADHD can learn to
successfully live with and manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Because there's no test that can determine the presence of ADHD, a diagnosis depends
on a complete evaluation. Many children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD are
evaluated and treated by primary care doctors including pediatricians and family
practitioners, but your child may also be referred to one of several different
specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists) especially when the
diagnosis is in doubt, or if there are other concerns, such as Tourette syndrome, a
learning disability, anxiety or depression.
Treating ADHD
ADHD can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. Your child's doctor will work
with you to develop an individualized, long-term plan. The goal is to help a child
learn to control his or her own behavior and to help families create an atmosphere
in which this is most likely to happen.
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and
behavior therapy. Any good treatment plan will require close follow-up and
monitoring, and your doctor may make adjustments along the way. Because it's
important for parents to actively participate in their child's treatment plan,
parent education is also considered an important part of ADHD management.
Sometimes the symptoms of ADHD become less severe as a person grows older.
Hyperactivity tends to get less as people grow up, although the problems with
organization and attention often remain. More than half of kids who have ADHD
will continue to have symptoms as young adults
Behavioral Therapy
Research has shown that medications used to help curb impulsive behavior and
attention difficulties are more effective when combined with behavioral therapy.
Here are examples of behavioral strategies that may help a child with ADHD:
Create a routine.Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time
to bedtime. Post the schedule in a prominent place, so your child can see
what's expected throughout the day and when it's time for homework, play, and
chores.
Get organized. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day
so your child will be less likely to lose them.
Avoid distractions.Turn off the TV, radio, and computer games, especially when
your child is doing homework.
Limit choices. Offer a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc.,
or that one) so that your child isn't overwhelmed and overstimulated.
Change your interactions with your child.Instead of long-winded explanations
and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of
responsibilities.
Use goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors,
then reward your child's efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic (think baby
steps rather than overnight success).
Discipline effectively.Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal
of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior. Younger kids may
simply need to be distracted or ignored until they display better behavior.
Help your child discover a talent.All kids need to experience success to feel
good about themselves. Finding out what your child does well — whether its
sports, art, or music — can boost social skills and self-esteem.
Helping Your Child
You're a stronger advocate for your child when you foster good partnerships
with everyone involved in your child's treatment — that includes teachers,
doctors, therapists, and even other family members. Take advantage of all the
support and education that's available, and you'll help your child navigate
toward success.
For more information on this or other health and safety topics,
visitwww.childrensal.org.

Selma University

Selma University has an "Open Door" policy meaning that they do not require "ACT or SAT scores" for admissions. However, a prospective candidate must possess their High School Diploma or GED in order to matriculate into the University. Selma University provides the following financial aid assistance: Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and general scholarships.

Selma University's undergraduate curriculum includes the following degrees: Associate of Arts in Bible and Theology, Bachelors of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Pastoral Ministry, Bachelors of Arts in General Studies with concentrations in Business Administration, Biology, Physical Education, and Christian Education. They also offer one semester Allied Healthcare classes in nursing assistant, phlebotomy, and EKG. The website for Selma University is www.selmauniversity.org.

ARMT Test Schedule for Verbena High School

Students in grades 3 - 8 will be taking the Alabama Reading and Math Tests Plus(ARMT+) on May 7-10, and 13. It is very important for the students to be present each day so try not to schedule appointments which would keep them from being at school. In addition, please make sure that your child does the following things in order to help them do their best on the tests:
1. Get a good night's rest the night before each day of testing.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast.
3. Be at school on time.
4. Encourage them to use the test time efficiently but not to rush through the questions.

Preventing Teen Pregnancy

This article comes from Rachel Olis with Children's of Alabama.

Alabama has some of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the country. As an adult,
you should create a plan for discussing the facts about teen pregnancy with your son
or daughter. Parents are the first and primary educators for their children, so
start the conversation and arm them with the information they need to make safe and
healthy choices.
Some parents may find this a difficult discussion to have. Dr. Tina Simpson,
adolescent medicine physician at Children’s of Alabama, says that “the early stages
in the conversation don’t necessarily involve talking about sex.” As part of May’s
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Children’s of Alabama offers these tips to
help you talk to your child about teen pregnancy:

Keep an open dialogue. This is the best way to prevent teen pregnancy.

Begin talking with them about sexuality when they are very young. Discussing body
parts with your child is very important at this age.

Follow their lead. Your child will have questions, and it’s up to you to answer them
with correct information and age-appropriate language. It’s better that they hear it
from you than other unreliable sources.

As your child gets older, ask them questions that are more developmentally
appropriate. This will help them consider their own changes during puberty as well
as the development of healthy relationships.

Emphasize family values. Go over where you expect your child to be and who you
expect them to be with. Education expectations and career goals are also important
to discuss.

Start to engage in more specific conversations. After the previous steps have been
taken, begin talking about sexuality, contraception, and other uncomfortable but
necessary topics. This will prepare your child for the possible reality of the
unintended consequences of sex, namely pregnancy.
Where to go for support:

The Adolescent Health Center at Children's of Alabama is open to every young person
ages 11-21.

Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy focuses on teen pregnancy prevention and
positive youth development.

Many community-based programs deal with teen sexuality and pregnancy prevention.
Talking with your child is the most important thing you can do to help your son or
daughter prevent teen pregnancy. Many parents regret not having done more once their
child is involved in a pregnancy, so take the necessary steps now to ensure they
grow up at just the right pace.
For more information, please visit childrensal.org.