County Parents - December 2010

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MARCH 2010 • FREEGIFT GUIDE TOYS & GAMES FOR KIDS PAGE 7

Calendar of EventsRidge Runners Making the Grade Calendar of EventsRidge Runners Making the Grade

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DECEMBER 2010 • FREE

Calm

Holidays

Holiday Gift Guide

GIFT GUIDE TOYS & GAMES FOR KIDS PAGE 7

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FAMILY CRAFTS’CRAFTINGTis the Season for

TOY & GAMES

Keeping the

For Kids

HolidaysCalm

For KidsHoliday Gift Guide

KIDSDuring the

KIDSDuring the

Tis the Season for

CRAFTING

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2 www.COUNTYPARENTS .com

FEATURE11 Keeping Kids Calm

During the HolidaySeasonBY DENISE YEARIAN

GIFT GUIDE

7 Toys & Games for Kids

www.COUNTYPARENTS .com | DECEMBER 2010 3

C O N T E N T SDECEMBER 2010

PAGE7

PAGE11

DEPARTMENTS5 Noodles

Cool Kids: Ridge Runners;Community Connections:Mason-Dixon Community Services

BY STACEY ALATZAS

Reading Corner

BY HARFORD COUNTYPUBLIC LIBRARY

14 Healthy FamilyPreventing the FluAn Ounce of PreventionIs Worth a Poundof Treatment

15 Family Fun GuideFamily Crafts: ‘Tis the Seasonfor CraftingBY DENISE MORRISON YEARIAN

Calendar of Events

25 Making the GradeBuilding Blocks for High SchoolBY STACEY ALATZAS

PAGE15

PUBL ISHER’S MESSAGE


Contact Us:Mail: Delta Graphics & Communications

P.O. Box 1666Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone: 410-893-1511

Fax: 410-893-2727

Email: [email protected]

Web site:www.CountyParents.com

Advertising:Peter Fernandez,ext. 107, [email protected]

Editorial:Joan Fernandez,ext. 105, [email protected]

ContributingWritersStacey AlatzasDenise Morrison Yearian

Calendar/Resource listings:Visit www.CountyParents.com tosubmit events via an online form in theCalendar section, fax 410-893-2727 ormail to Delta Graphics, Inc.,P.O. Box 1666, Bel Air, MD 21014

County Parents is published monthly by Delta Graphics &Communications. Copyright © 2010 Delta Graphics, Inc. All rightsreserved. County Parents is distributed free of charge in family-friendlylocations as well as direct mailed.

Submissions and Letters to the Editor are welcome. We reservethe right to edit, reject or to comment editorially on all materialsubmitted. Unsolicited material cannot under any circumstancesobligate this publication to claims for charges. Enclose a SASE forany material to be returned.

County Parents reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement ofthe products or services herein. Although every effort is taken toensure accuracy of published material, Delta Graphics, Inc., itsprincipals, employees, or any of the authors presenting informationwithin the County ParentsTM magazine and web site cannot be heldresponsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.The contents of the magazine and web site are for informationalpurposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Slide into Holiday Fun!Slide into the fun of things this month by using this issue to find a fun event, family

craft or great gift idea.

Each month, in our Show ‘n Tell section, we feature product reviews from Parents’Choice Foundation, the nation’s oldest non-profit guide to quality children’s media andtoys. In this issue, we’ve gleaned some of their recent award winners and put together aGift Guide of Toys and Games for Kids. There are a dozen choices most priced $25 or lessfor all ages.

In Tis the Season for Crafting there are three simple and fun festive crafts that kids(adults) of all ages can enjoy. Plus, a brief and interesting history on the creation ofRudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

So in the midst of all the holiday excitement, do you find your kids bouncing off thewalls or being prone to meltdowns? Check out some Tips for Keeping Kids Calm duringthe Holiday Season. While much is common sense, such as maintaining a schedule andplanning ahead, it helps to think about these pointers now.

Our calendar is stuffed full of affordable, festive events for the season. Use the holidayseason as a time for a special outing, such as to a local play, live nativity or an open houseat a historic locale.

Don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE for the 5th annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration heldfrom 10:30 – 12:30 at the Bel Air Athletic Club. There’s entertainment and light refresh-ments along with the highlight of the day — a “snowball drop” at noon.The event has sold-out early in past years and so make your reservations now by calling

410-838-2670.


Ridge Runner ClubBY STACEY ALATZAS

(410) 879-3566 (410) 838-1114 www.tots2teensdental.com

NEW PATIENTS! Mention County Parents Magazine and receive Toothprints FREE!

C OO L K I D S

O regon Ridge Nature Center inCockeysville offers an opportu-nity for middle school age kids to

get in touch with nature and learn aboutresponsibility. The center’s Ridge Runnerclub provides students ages 13 and olderthe chance to help the center care for itsanimals and assist in center festivals andevents.“They help us by doing things like

feeding the animals and cleaning tanks,”says the center’s administrative assistantand weekend naturalist Todd Thropp.Ridge Runners get to work in the

Nature Center’s wildlife exhibits. Theyfeed the center’s snakes and fish and helpclean the new aquatic turtle exhibit, which

is home to 15 turtles. They adhere to aregular weekly work schedule.“You definitely see them grow,” says

Thropp of the club members who take onthese responsibilities.“Ridgies” also help out at the center’s

special events including PrimitiveTechnology Weekend, Maple Sugar Days,the Honey Harvest Festival and HalloweenHike. They also get together for an adven-turous field trip every other month.They’ve gone canoeing at Oregon RidgePark and taken hikes at other nearbynature centers.Teens with an interest in nature who’d

like to be considered for the RidgeRunners, should contact center director

Courtney Peed at 410-887-1815. Teensmust interview with Peed in order to earna spot with the group. The center signs offon community service hours for studentswho commit to the program for a year .It’s up to the individual schools to approvethe hours.The Oregon Ridge Nature Center,

which features exhibits explaining thehistory, wildlife, and natural environmentof Oregon Ridge Park, is at 13555 BeaverDam Road, Cockeysville. For more infor-mation, visit www.oregonridge.org..


Edible: A Celebration ofLocal Foodsby Tracey Ryder

An inviting and beautifully photographedbook celebrating local foods and thesustainable food systems in the UnitedStates. Profiles of farmers, and foodartisans who are making a difference!Seasonal recipes included.

—Courtesy of Harford County Public Library

Holiday time is a great time for kidsto learn the value of volunteeringat Mason-Dixon Community

Services. This organization in Street helpslow-income residents with emergencyfood and energy assistance. Donors areparticularly generous during this time ofyear and community outreach coordina-tor Theresa Perry says the organization isoften in need of young people who canhelp them sort through all the cannedgoods and personal care items that getdropped off at their offices.We have a lot of volunteer opportuni-

ties in December and January,” saysPerry, “We get a tidal wave of food.”The John Carroll High School football

team helped sort items for the organiza-tion this past August and Perry says sheoften gets help from school and scoutinggroups. Perry says anyone interested inhelping should contact her to set up atime. She says children 12 and undershould be accompanied by an adult. Mostof the sorting is done at their facility at708 Highland Road in Street. Anyoneinterested can call her at 410-452-9025 toset up a time.Besides the sorting, Perry says she wel-

comes other types of fundraising projectsfrom young people. She says a Boy Scouttroop recently made up little “shoppinglists” that included items like “small can oftomato soup” that they passed out toshoppers at local grocery stores and askedif they might purchase the items for fami-lies seeking Mason-Dixon CommunityServices’ help. She says Fountain Green

Elementary School does a mitten drive forthem.“Kids just are so drawn to this,” Perry

says.She says the need for volunteers to

help with the sorting extends beyond theholidays. She says they are particularly inneed of help in the weeks afterChristmas.“We have a big mountain of stuff to go

through.”She says a little post-holiday volunteer-

ing is a good way to start the new year.“It’s a nice lesson to teach kids,” she

says. “They can say, ‘We had a niceChristmas, now we can help someone inJanuary.’”For more information on Mason-Dixon

Community Services, visit www.mason-dixon.org.

Mason-DixonCommunityServicesBY STACEY ALATZAS

C OMM U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N S

Winter Wonderlandby Jill Esbaum

A vibrant tribute to wintertime tradi-tions! Celebrate the snow and cold thatmake for outdoor adventures of skatingand sledding. Feel the warmth of familyHoliday gathering behind frost coveredwindows. Share this wonderful picturebook with beginning readers!


E ach month we include productreviews from the Parents’ ChoiceFoundation, the nation’s oldest

nonprofit guide to quality children's mediaand toys. Parents’ Choice Foundationstrives to provide parents with reliableunbiased information about tools to helpyour children learn, to explore new chal-lenges, to discuss ideas and to pursuedreams. For this year’s gift guide, we’veselected a few of their recent award win-ners. Use this as a jumping off point andvisit their web site, www.parents-choice.org, for more reviews of books,toys, music, television, software,videogames, websites, and magazines forchildren and families.

Toys &Games for KidsFirst Snaps & First PopsThe easy-to-manipulate colorful and texturedpieces are fun to grab, grip, and pull.Snapping together and pulling apart helpdevelop manual dexterity. With a littleguidance and practice, young testersmastered linking several pieces together.Mom can then cleverly introduce twogames: sorting the shapes by color, andputting all the pieces back into the handy

storage container.Parents’ Choice SilverHonor

Ages: 6 months& UpManufacturer:ALEXPrice: $17.99

My Take Along Puppet TheaterMy Take Along Puppet Theater is a wellconstructed theater made by Playmobil. Thetheater houses seven figures and a varietyof other props including a sound effectmachine that plays four different sounds.Our testers like how easily the scenes couldbe changed using cardboard sets. Whenthey are finished, everything fits nicely intothe theater which closes up into a carryingcase. This helped keep the small piecestogether. Other families will enjoy this toyand the imaginative play that it promotes.Overall, this is an excellent product that willfoster imaginary play and creativity.Parents’ Choice Gold AwardAges: 4 & UpManufacturer: Playmobil USA, Inc.Price: $49.99

Eco Kit TyrannosaurusTo a child, a 3-D puzzle is not just a puzzleyou assemble and display, but a model youcan build and re-build and use for imagina-tive play in between. The kit comes withdirections and pieces to construct aTyrannosaurus (made from environmentally-friendly materials) in multiple poses. Ourtesters tried the designs they proposed, thencame up with several of their own ideasand set the dinosaur into all kinds of mon-strous play scenarios. Children enjoyed theset so much that they talked excitedly ofexpanding their puzzle collection andbuilding more dinosaurs.

Parents’ Choice RecommendedAges: 6 - 12 yrs.Manufacturer: iLot 307Price: $19.99

SUMOKUThe game starts with the roll of a die thatdetermines the key number for the entiregame. Players collect points by arrangingnumbered tiles in a crossword style pattern,so that each row and column adds up to amultiple of the key number. Everyone con-tributes to one common crossword-stylepattern in the middle of the playing area. Aplayer who adds to (or links to) an existing

combination scores the existing numbers aswell as the newly added ones. This is astrategic play to attempt. The tiles come insix colors, none of which can be repeatedin a row or column.Parents’ Choice Gold AwardAges: 9 & UpManufacturer: Blue Orange GamesPrice: $14.99

Itsy Bitsy SpiderPoke, poke. Slide. Slide and poke. No,these are not new dance steps. They're thekeys to unlock the sheer joy in this 21stcentury version of the classic nursery rhyme.Move the spider up the water spout. Tap a

Toys & Games for Kids


cloud and see the wind blow. Tap thespider to launch an umbrella so the spidercan float down as it rains. Tap next time,and the spider gets a parachute. A bananafalls onto a slug and it becomes - a zoologylesson. Hop around the screen and uncoverthe treasures and treats that await. EvenMiss Goody Two Shoes creates a littlemischief.Parents’ Choice Gold AwardMobile AppsAges: 3 - 5 yrs.Designer: Duck Duck MooseDeveloper: Duck Duck MoosePlatform: iPhone/iPod Touch9

SumsStackerDeceptivelysimple, thisaptly namedgame holdscontagiousappeal formany agegroups.Thereare three stacksof numbers onthe screen. At the bottom of each stack is atotal and an assortment of numbers sit ontop of the three stacks. The goal is to dragthe numbers from one stack to another soeach stack adds up to its target sum. Startby choosing one of the nine ways to havethe numbers displayed: dice, fingers on ahand, a honeycomb, numbers, coins,English words, Spanish words, Romannumerals, or a surprise display. Select thesolve or race mode and choose to play atthe "easy" or "hard" level.

Parents’ Choice Gold AwardMobile AppsAges: 7 & UpDesigner: Daren CarstensDeveloper: Carsten StudiosDownload Price: $0.99Platform: iPhone/iPod Touch9

Toys forChildren withSpecial Needs

P arents’ Choice partnership withKennedy Krieger Institute ensuresthat licensed occupational, physical,

and recreational therapists test each toyand game in multiple therapy sessionswith children who have a variety of specialneeds. The key below identifies whichcharacteristics are important when consid-ering toys for children with special needs.For more a more detailed description ofthe properties and for additional toys visitwww.parents-choice.org.

OballAn affordable,well-made, funtoy that aids inteaching basicskills. Infantsand toddlerscan learn easily,happily, and safelyto throw andcatch a ball.The colorfulhollow O-ballis devoid ofunnecessaryembellishment.Bravo, Rhino!Ages: All AgesManufacturer: Rhino Toys, Inc.Price: $6.95Secondary Properties: FM, S

GM - Gross Motor FM - Fine Motor SM - Sensory Motor S - Socialization SP - Sensory Processing C - Communication TS - Thinking Skills VM - Visual/Visual Motor

T O Y S & G A M E S F O R K I D S


GigglesComputerFuntimeFor BabyThis lapwareis designedas fun andmarketed asfun. It doesnot claim toswathe the

under two set in a shroud of brain buildingexercises. Its promise and its well-executeddelivery is this: put your baby on your lap,let her bang on the keyboard and watchwhat happens.The age-appropriate visualactivities change when a child gingerlypresses one key, or joyously delivers apalm-wide smack on many.Ages: 6 months - 2 yrs.Manufacturer: Leveractive, LLCPrice: $24.95Secondary Properties: SP, VMSecondary Properties: GM

ELEFUN GameThe aptly-named Elefun extends its trunk fourfeet high and blows out 30 colorful "butter-flies." Players scramble to catch them withtheir butterfly nets, or they can pick up thosethat have fallen to the floor and place themin their nets. Children like the fact that theynever have to wait their turn, becauseeveryone plays at once. Best playedindoors (unless the outdoor air is very calm),this game offers a physi-cally activealternative tocouch-potato playon bad-weatherdays.Ages: 3 - 6 yrs.Manufacturer:HasbroGames/MiltonBradleyPrice:$21.99Primary Properties: GM, FM, SM, VMSecondary Properties: SP

All reviews are ©2010 Parents’ Choice. Parents’ Choice is the nation’s oldest nonprofit consumer group dedicated to reviewing children’s toys, books, video, software, audio, magazines, television and websites.The Parents’ Choice Award seal is recognized throughout the country as the premier mark of children’s media that educate, entertain, and instill positive social values. Learn more about Parents’ Choice atwww.parents-choice.org.

StockingStuffersHand Tattoos- Animal,Monster, Dino,Robot,Farmyard,and ScaryParents’ Choice Gold AwardAges: 3 & UpPrice: $7.95

City Rides 10Model BuildingSetParents’ ChoiceApprovedAges: 5 & UpPrice: $9.99

Crayola ModelMagic Presto DotsMega PackParents’ Choice Fun StuffAges: 5 & UpPrice: $6.99

Nerf Curve Pitch Baseball SetParents’ Choice Fun StuffAges: 8 & UpPrice: $9.99

Crunch ArtMega SetParents’ ChoiceFun StuffAges: 4 & UpPrice: $9.9

T O Y S & G A M E S F O R K I D S


At the Preparatory’s Towson campus on Dulaney Valley Road, instruction is o�ered in all orchestral instruments, voice, and piano.

Children’s chorus, dance, and early childhoodclasses are also available.

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View catalog and register online at www.peabody.jhu.edu/register or call 410-234-4630 for more information

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Bonus EditorialLook for additional resources and

articles not found in the print edition.

Bonus EditorialLook for additional resources and

articles not found in the print edition.

DIGITAL EDITIONDIGITAL EDITIONYou can read a digital edition of County Parents Magazine.No additional software needed. Click the “Flipping Page” iconon the web site and use your browser to read the publication.Get each issue faster than you now can in the rack. And, helpus all to “go green” by saving paper.

Visit www.countyparents.com to view.

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F E A T U R E

Keeping Kids Calm Duringthe Holiday SeasonBY DENISE YEARIAN

For many families the holidays areaccompanied by a long list of events,activities and preparations that can

leave them feeling frazzled and fatigued.And children are no exception. If theseason’s clamor and commotion arecreating chaos in your home, align youragenda with your child in mind.“There are a number of reasons why

children get keyed up during the holidayseason,” says Elementary SchoolEducator Tara Sutton. “First there’s an

underlying air of energy and excitementthat children feel but may not totallyunderstand. Second is an altered environ-ment. Trees and other decorations go upand the media promotes must-have toysand holiday specials. Third and mostimportant is a change in routines. Oftenadults are so busy trying to cram thingsinto their days that they alter their child’sschedules.”What was once safe and predictable

may, for a season, be filled with inconsis-

tency and unfamiliarity. And for young-sters trying to make sense of it all, thiscan lead to insecurity, over excitabilityand unwelcome behaviors.Jennifer Clark, mother of six, found this

to be true during a shopping excursionlast year.“It was nearing Christmas and I had

Laurel and the twins at the mall,” saysthe mother of her then 1 ½ and two 4-year olds. “I thought we’d get somethingto eat and then go to the store.”

BUT ONE STORE LED TO ANOTHER.“I knew I was extending Laurel’s

afternoon nap, but I was hoping she’d fallasleep in the stroller,” Clark continues.“Then she started showing signs ofdiscontent and it was a downward spiralfrom there. In the end, Laurel had thismajor meltdown and I was angry withmyself for not taking her cues.”“Different ages, temperaments and

personalities are all factors that affect howkids deal with routine changes,” saysLaura Morris, associate director of a localpreschool program. “Parents need to lookat what has and hasn’t worked for theirchild and then align their expectationswith that.”If you know it’s going to be a busy day,

keep some rituals, such as mealtime andbedtime routines, intact. Or if one day ishectic return to a normal schedule thenext. If possible, brief your kids onupcoming changes and events so theyknow what to expect.Michelle Flanagan does this year

round, but the holidays present an addedchallenge. Last December her twopreschoolers had a special program atschool the same day her husband was outof town, and the morning went amok.“I let the kids know ahead of time what

to expect and planned to get there 45minutes early. But I had to get my oldestoff to school first,” says the mother of


TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS CALM DURING THE HOLIDAYS

� Recognize your child’s holidaystress factors—changes in routine andthe environment, underlying air of excite-ment and energy, media hype, parents’attitudes, duration of the season (i.e. a

week can seem like an eternity to achild)—and keep things low key untilcloser to the actual holiday.� Consider how he has handledpast situations. Different ages, tempera-

ments and personalities can affect howchildren deal with changes in routines.� Watch for signs of stress—upsetstomach, headache, clinginess, regressivebehaviors, insomnia, belligerence orcrying—and consider ways to reduce it.� When challenging behaviorsoccur, stop and think about what yourchild is telling you: “I’m tired,” “I’mconfused,” “I don’t understand why thingsare different,” “I want attention.”� Plan ahead. Think about how eventswill impact your child and prepare himahead of time. Spell out realistic expecta-tions.� If you are going out, bring alongitems that will make the trip easier: a favo-rite toy, familiar foods, comfort items, etc.� Monitor your child in social situ-ations. If he’s having a difficult time or ischallenging adults, be willing to leavebefore his behavior spirals out of control.� Plan shopping trips when yourchild is rested and watch for cues that he’sgetting tired. If you need to shop all day,

four. “The girls were overly excited abouttheir concert and one of them threw up inthe car. We arrived five minutes beforethe program began. I sat in the back ofthe room, couldn’t see a thing and justtried to keep the baby quiet.”

OVEREXCITEMENT IS NATURALTHIS TIME OF YEAR AND MAYMANIFEST ITSELF IN A VARIETYOF WAYS.“If your child is experiencing an

upset stomach, headache, clinginess,regressive behaviors, insomnia or isbelligerent take a step back and thinkabout what he’s trying to tell you,” saysSutton. “Then do what you can to keephis world as calm and consistent aspossible.”“When I know we’re going to have a

hectic schedule or be up late one evening,I try to allow some down time during theday,” says Clark. “I’ll let the kids watchsomething calm on TV, look at a book orlay across their beds. Even if they don’tfall asleep, they’re resting.”

For some children unfamiliar events,such as visiting Santa, are accompaniedby fear and trepidation. If this is the case,do a dry run.

“Look at Santa from a distance and talkabout what you see,” says Morris. “Use ‘Iwonder’ statements: ‘I wonder if it’s kindof scary to sit on someone’s lap you don’tknow? What do you think?’ This validatesyour child’s feelings, encourages dialogueand may help him work through it.”Perhaps the best way to help your child

cope with holiday stress is to spendquality time together. Maintain cuddletime routines, schedule visits to the parkand make him an active participant inholiday chores—in the kitchen, whileshopping and wrapping presents.Most important, watch your own stress

level. Children look to adults to modelbehaviors and if parents are uptight, kidsare going to pick up on that. Take care ofyourself so you have the energy andpatience to manage your child. Andwhatever you do, roll with the punches.“Every year we do a photo shoot with

the kids so we can send out Christmascards,” says Flanagan. “With four kidsand a dog, it’s quite an event. SometimesI find myself getting upset, but then Iremember the holidays are supposed tobe fun, so we take a hundred photos andhope for at least one good shot.”

Keeping Kids Calm During the Holiday Seasonfrom previous page


HELPING KIDS COPE WITH POST-HOLIDAY LETDOWNChildren, like adults, can get caught

up in the anticipation and excitementof the season and may experiencepost-holiday blues. Following are afew tips to help your child sail into theNew Year with smile on his face.� Read together. Share yourchild’s favorite holiday books withhim one last time before boxing themup for next year.� Ponder presents. Have yourchild line up his new toys and spendtime together playing with each one.If some were given by family orfriends who were not present whenthe gift was opened, take a photo ofyour child with that toy and send italong with a thank-you note.� Get moving. Take your child tothe zoo, a park or for a brisk walkaround the neighborhood to get somemuch-needed exercise.� Creation station. Sort throughgreeting cards, scraps of wrappingpaper, ribbon and cardboard boxesand have a “Creation Station Day.”

Let your child cut, tape and tie holidaymaterials together.� Start a new project. If yourchild received a jewelry- or rocket-making kit, pull out the directions andwork on it together.� Choose items for charity.Make room for new toys by sortingthrough old toys together and donat-ing them to charity.

� Create a holiday scrapbook.Collect cards, notes, letter andmementos and create a scrapbookthat can be added to in years to come.Have your child draw a picture of hisfavorite part of the holiday season toinclude.� Create a new post-holidaytradition. Decide as a family on onething you will do together the weekafter Christmas: go bowling, iceskating, play indoor golf or see amovie. Then make it an annual tradi-tion.� Save it for a rainy day. If yourchild received more toys than whathe’ll play with now, suggest puttingseveral away and taking one out onthe 25th day of each month thatfollows.� Have a pre-summer celebra-tion. Remind your child that summeris only 179 days away. Have him donhis swimsuit and celebrate with grilledburgers, baked beans and potato salad.Top it off with an ice cream party.

hire a sitter, swap off with another parentor shop online.� If your child is apprehensiveabout visiting Santa, do a dry run. Look atSanta from a distance, talk about what yousee and shake his hand (only if your childwants to). Talk about his concerns. Use “Iwonder” statements: “I wonder if it’s scaryto think about sitting on someone’s lapyou don’t know.” Validate your child’sconcerns and respect his feelings. Considergiving him a choice about visiting Santa.� As much as possible,maintainconsistent routines, schedule down timeand ensure your child has enough rest anda proper diet to handle additional excite-ment and stress.� Focus on what is important: Askyourself what you want your child to takeaway from the holidays. Eliminate activi-ties and events that are not priorities.� Give your child the attention heneeds from you each day. Place it onyour to-do list and make it a priority.� Take care of yourself. Get plentyof rest, eat right and relax so you have theenergy and patience to manage your child.


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HEA L T H Y FAM I L Y

Health officials urge vaccination for allchildren six months and older,regardless of preexisting conditions

and risk for complications from the flu. Inprevious flu seasons, experts recommendedflu vaccines only for those whose medicalconditions put them at high risk for com-plications, including children with asthma,diabetes, heart disease, neurological disor-ders and those with suppressed immunesystems. Pediatricians, however, shouldcontinue to make special efforts to vacci-nate those at high risk for complications,according to the American Academy ofPediatrics (AAP).

DOES MY CHILD NEED A SINGLE-SHOT VACCINE OR TWO DOSES?� Children 9 years and older willget a single-shot vaccine that combinesthe seasonal and H1N1 strains.� Children younger than 9 yearsneed a minimum of two doses of 2009H1N1 vaccine. If they did not receive theH1N1 vaccine during last year’s flu season,they will need two doses of vaccine thisyear.� Children younger than 9 yearswho have never received the seasonal fluvaccine before will need two doses.� Children younger than 9 years ofage who received the seasonal flu vaccinebefore the 2009-2010 flu season need only

one dose this year provided they receivedan H1N1 shot last year and two doses ifthey did not receive at least one H1N1shot last year.� Children younger than 9 whoreceived the seasonal flu vaccine last yearfor the first time but only received oneshot, should receive two doses this year.� Children under 9 who received onedose last year and is unclear whether itwas H1N1 or the seasonal flu should gettwo doses this year.� Doses should be given at least fourweeks apart.� Children under 6 months of ageshould not be vaccinated.

Detailed AAP flu vaccination guidelinescan be found at:http://www.healthychildren.org/English/News/pages/AAP-Issues-Flu-Vaccine-Recommendations.aspx

WHAT ELSE CAN HELP LOWER THERISK OF MY CHILD GETTING FLU?Good hand hygiene is essential. Teach

your child to wash their hands frequentlyand properly. More information on theimportance of hand washing and propertechnique can be found at:http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Hand-Washing-A-Powerful-Antidote-to-Illness.aspx

continued to page 20

Preventing The FluAn Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Treatment

COUNTDOWN TOCHRISTMAS CALENDARItems needed: Green poster board, 22-by 28-inch, Pencil, Scissors, Permanentmarker, 24 Reese’s miniature peanutbutter cups (red and gold foil), 1 HersheyKiss® (silver foil), Glue gun, low setting,Hole punch, Green yarn.

Draw a three-tiered Christmas treemeasuring approx. 17 by 22’’ onthe poster board; cut it out.

Using the numbers 1 through 24,write one number on each of thesmooth, flat sides of the peanut

butter cups.

Glue the cups with the numberside up onto the Christmas tree.

Punch a hole at the top of thetree. String yarn through the holeand tie in a knot.

Glue a Kiss® to the tree top.

Beginning December 1, take offone peanut butter cup each day asyou countdown to Christmas. Top

off the holiday by indulging in a sweet kiss.


BY DENISE MORRISON YEARIAN

‘Tis the season to countdown the days and gear up forChristmas. Before the holiday hoopla culminates into a NewYear, gather your little elves and participate in these simple andfun festive crafts. 1STEP

2STEP

3STEP

4STEP

5STEP

6STEP‘Tis the season for crafting‘Tis the season for crafting

F A M I L Y C R A F T S

DEER OF ADOOR HANGERItems needed: Brown poster board,Scissors; Pencil, Ruler, Medium wigglyeyes, Medium red pompom, Blackmarker, Glue gun, low setting.

Place your foot over top ofthe poster board and tracearound it. Cut it out.

Repeat step 1 with bothhands.

Glue hands to the back, uppersides of the foot to create areindeer head and antlers.

In the top,centerportion of

the head, cut acircle that meas-ures approximately1 ¼-inch in diameter. Make small slitson opposite sides of the circle so thehanger will fit over a door knob.

Just below the circle, glue twowiggly eyes and a pompomnose then draw a mouth.

Place the hanger over adoorknob.

1STEP

2STEP

4STEP

5STEP

6STEP3STEP

Even though Rudolph was not amember of Santa’s original team, he isthe most beloved of all reindeer. The little

red-nosed fellow was created in 1939 byRobert L. May, a Montgomery Ward departmentstore employee and copywriter who wrotechildren’s literature. At his employer’s request,May began creating a holiday tale that would be

part of a giveaway coloring book for the store’s youngestpatrons. Drawing upon the story of “The Ugly Duckling” and his

own childhood underdog experiences, May penned a poem about amisfit reindeer, rejected by Santa’s hoofed community because of hisglowing red nose. The story was an instant hit, and in the years to fol-low the booklet became an annual Montgomery Ward tradition. As thestory grew in popularity, so did the demand for licensing. But since Mayhad created the tale while he was a Ward employee, the companyretained the copyright. In 1947, however, the author convincedMontgomery Ward president Sewell Avery to relinquish the rights, and“Rudolph” was printed commercially. The following year it appeared asa short cartoon, and in 1949 it was made into a ballad and recordedby Gene Autry. The legendary tale became a holiday classic in 1964when it was turned into a television special narrated by Burl Ives.

The Amazing ChristmasExtravaganzaby David Shannon

The church miceat Christmasby Graham Oakley.

The finest Christmas treeby John and Ann Hassett.

Holly, reindeer, andcolored lights: the storyof the Christmas symbolsby Edna Barth.

Why Christmas treesaren't perfectby Richard H. Schneider.


Rudolph ReviewRudolph Review

FESTIVE READS

Family Craftsfrom previous page

HOLIDAY BOOTYItems needed: Large plain paper orcardboard, Red craft foam, 9- x 12-inch,Pencil, Ruler, Scissors, Paper clips, Holepunch, White yarn, Red and whitewrapped peppermint candy, Red andwhite candy cane, Glue gun, low setting,Black marker.

On a large sheet of paper, drawa stocking shape that measuresapproximately 3 ½-inches wide by

9-inches long. Cut this out to use as atemplate.

Place stocking template over thecraft foam and trace around it. Cutout the foam stocking.

Repeat step 2 with remainingcraft foam so you have two identi-cal stockings.

Place small pencil points along theside and bottom edge of onestocking, leaving the top, straight

edge unmarked. Marks should be ½-inchfrom the outer edge and 3/4-inches apart.

Temporarily paper clip the twostockings together.

Use pencil points as guides topunch holes through the twostockings so they can be laced

together.

Before lacing, glue a candy caneto the top, back section of thebottom stocking. Candy cane curve

should face away from the stocking so itcreates a hook for the stocking to hang.

Clip a long piece of yarn. Threadit through the top, left hole then tiea knot. Sew the stockings together.

When the yarn has been laced to the top,right hole, tie it off in a knot and clip theyarn ends. Remove paper clips.

Write “Holiday Booty” across thefront of the stocking then glueseveral candies randomly around it.

Fill the pocket with sweet treatsand give to someone you love.

1STEP

2STEP

3STEP4STEP5STEP

6STEP

7STEP

8STEP

9STEP

10STEP

3FRIDAYHdG First FridaysTheme is A Downtown Christmas. Livemusic, extended store hours, restaurantspecials, beer garden, fun and free activitiesfor kids. Annual tree lighting, parade andSanta at 6pm. Downtown Havre de Grace.FREE.

3 - 5 FRI-SUNThe NutcrackerRing in the season with a holiday classic andtake a magical journey with Clara to the Landof the Sweets. With magnificent scenery,gorgeous costumes, and exquisite dancing,The Nutcracker is a holiday feast for youngand old alike. You’ll leave the theater hum-ming Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score – it’s atrip you’ll never forget. Special YouthMatinees on Sat./Sun: All of your favoriteballerinas will be signing autographs. AmossCenter, Bel Air, 443-412-2211, $.

4SATURDAYJunior Naturalist: Deer DiscoveryLet’s celebrate the season by learning aboutdeer and make an ornament to hang on thetree! Parents do not attend these sessions(for ages 6 – 9). 10:00 – 11:30am, Pre-reg.required. Eden Mill Nature Center, $.National Players in the Scarlet LetterHester Prynne is a woman defined by her sin- not the Adultery for which she bears the

punishment of a scarlet red “A” emblazonedon her chest but her silence about the accom-plice in the crime. National Players bringsNathaniel Hawthorne’s masterpiece to lifewith the conflict between emotion andintellect. Harford Community College,Chesapeake Theater, 443-412-2211, $.Of Holiday Brass and Christmas Bon-BonsJoin the SSO for their ever popular holidayconcert featuring trumpeter Kevin Businsky, aC. Milton Wright graduate now playing withthe New World Symphony in Miami andHarford County resident Theldon Myer’sChristmas fantasy, People Look East, basedon a French Advent carol, originally commis-sioned by the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.Preconcert Lecture: 6:45pm – “SustainingMusic Making for People with Disabilities”with Monika Vasey. Susquehanna SymphonyOrchestra, Bel Air High, 7:30pm, Ticket infoat http://www.ssorchestra.org, $.

4-5 SAT/SUNChristmas Open HouseFeatures tours of the historic farmhousedecorated for the holidays; Christmas music;cookies and cider; museum store open forshopping. 12:00 – 4:00pm, SteppingstoneMuseum, FREE.Mount Harmon Yuletide ManorHouse TourThe elegant brick Georgian Manor House atMount Harmon will be decorated for the


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2010DECEMBER

Look for us at these events!

$ indicates fee.

Visit www.CountyParents.com to search the calendarof events by month and by type of event.Please call ahead to confirm dates and times on all calendar listings.

4

Of Holiday Brass andChristmas Bon-Bons

SusquehannaSymphony Orchestra

Bel Air

16 - 19 31

The WinterWonderettesMilburn StoneTheaterNortheast

NoonYear’sEveBel AirAthletic ClubBel Air

31

continues—

CalendarofEventsCalendarofEvents

4 16 - 19

Of Holiday Brass andChristmas Bon-Bons

SusquehannaSymphony Orchestra

Bel Air

NoonYear’sEveBel AirAthletic ClubBel Air

holidays with festive wreaths and decorativearrangements in the style of ColonialWilliamsburg. A holiday greens sale will alsobe featured. Mount Harmon’s Colonialhistory will come to life with hearth cookingdemonstrations in the Colonial kitchen givenby costumed interpreters. 11:00am – 3:00pm,Mount Harmon Plantation, Mount HarmonPlantation, Mount Harmon Plantation, 410-275-8819, $.

5SUNDAYDog HikeDogs - bring your owner to Eden Mill for aguided hike with the naturalist. Get closer tonature from a dog’s perspective. 1 – 3pm,Pre-reg. required. Eden Mill Nature Center, $.Christmas Parade and Tree LightingBel Air's Annual Christmas Parade and TreeLighting in Shamrock Park, 2:30 – 5:30pm,FREE.

9 & 15THURSDAYTiny WondersLet us answer their questions on topics ofhigh interest for 2-5 year olds. A formerteacher works to cultivate a child’s naturalcuriosity through stories, music, crafts, move-

ment and dramatic play. 10:00 – 11:30 am,Pre-reg. required. Eden Mill Nature Center, $.

10FRIDAYOrphan Project Benefit ConcertGrafted Families and Orphan Project Musicpresent Orphan Project and Rob Tahan ofAshes Remain in concert to benefitWelcoming Angels, an international orphanhosting program sponsored by AmericaWorld Adoption Agency. 7:00 – 10:00pm,New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 128 StMary's Church Rd., Abingdon. Tickets, call410-91G-RAFT. $.

11SATURDAYSanta by the BayHo! Ho! Ho! Come and join Santa for break-fast, singing, crafts and more. Includes buffetbreakfast. The Lantern Queen remainsdocked for this event. Advance ticketsrequired. The Lantern Queen, Havre deGrace, 10:00am – 11:30am, 410-939-1468, $.Chesapeake City's Candlelight House TourA self-guided walking tour of private homes,churches, and bed and breakfasts all dressedfor the holidays. Enjoy carriage rides,Victorian carolers, refreshments. Ticket price$10 advance

CalendarofEvents


(www.chesapeakecity.com/candlelight.html),$15 day of event. Rain, snow, or shine.

12SUNDAYMaritime ChristmasCome out of the cold and celebrate Christmasin maritime style! Enjoy seasonal food tast-ings, music, demonstrations, and booksignings. 15% discount on all items inMuseum Store! Donations appreciated.10:00am – 8:00pm, HdG Maritime Muesum,$ (under 5, free).Candlelight Tour of HistoricHavre de GraceTour historic homes and buildings. Enjoy theilluminated streets of Havre de Grace, 4:00 –8:00 pm, Lock House Museum, 410-939-4092, $.

14TUESDAYDads and Kids Craft NightDads and kids--come to the library for anight of crafts. Make a gift to give mom!Ages 4 and up. Registration required.Whiteford HCPL, 6:30pm. FREE.

15WEDNESDAYStorytime: Oh, Christmas Tree!Christmas trees are such wonderful symbolsat Christmas time. Come read aboutChristmas trees and how they brighten upthe holiday season. For ages 2-5 w/adult.Reservations required. Two sessions: 10:30am or 12:30 pm, Ladew Topiary Gardens, $.

16THURSDAYCome Together" ... Beatles Rock Band"Don't Let Me Down" "Come Together" to"Twist and Shout" and play some tunes.Grades 3-8. Registration required. FallstonHCPL, 6:30-7:45 pm, FREE.

16 - 19 THURS. – SUN.The Winter WonderettesThe new '60s Christmas musical by RogerBean. The Marvelous Wonderettes are backas they create a rockin' 60s party to celebratethe holidays with friends and family. MilburnStone Theater, 1 Seawhawk Drive, NorthEast, 410-287-1037,$

17FRIDAYA Christmas CarolThis musical interpretation of the CharlesDickens classic reintroduces the entire familyto miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his "hum-bug” ways. Only after he is visited by a seriesof spirits does Ebenezer consider the conse-

ONGOINGHoliday Festival of Trains in BaltimoreCelebrate the holiday season at Baltimore'slargest holiday display of toy and modeltrain layouts. Weekend train rides andphoto opportunities with Santa throughDec. 19; with Frosty the Snowman throughJan. 2 (closed Jan 1). B&O RailroadMuseum, Baltimore, 410-752-2490,Admission $.Tots & DotsTots & Dots is a teacher led, 45-minuteparent-child interactive class. You and yourchild will have fun as you explore, learn andplay together. Our classes are designed withtoddlers and preschoolers in mind, but allkids 5 and under are welcome. Mon. andThurs, 9:30 – 10:15am, Tiddlywinks, 17 NorthMain StreetBel Air, 443-371-6420, $.

quences of his actions and changes hisoutlook on life. (Recommended for GradesAges 5+), 5:30pm and 7.30pm, Amoss Center,Bel Air, 443-412-2211, $.

18SATURDAYNatural Ornament WorkshopCreate unique ornaments using foundnatural material. Refreshments will beoffered to fuel your creativity. This program isfor all ages but (12 and under with adult.).Registration is required. Anita C. LeightEstuary Center.CCA CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUREight homes in the Bel Air area will bedecorated in Christmas finery and open to thepublic to benefit Cancer LifeNet programs atUpper Chesapeake Health, 2:00 – 6:00pm,410-836-7226, $.Live NativityThe Christmas story comes to life with livecharacters and animals. Two performances. 6pm and 7 pm, Harts Amphitheater, 3203Turkey Point Road, North East, 410-287-2650. FREEYu-Gi-Oh Dueling ClubActivities include beginning instruction,tournaments,and free play.Grades 5 and up. Edgewood HCPL, 12:30-4:30 pm, FREE.

28TUESDAYBeat the Winter Blues BingoLiven up your winter with fun games ofbingo. Registration required.Joppa HCPL, 2:00 pm. FREE

29WEDNESDAYBoredom Buster Day @ Your LibraryBeat the holiday blues with some game-timefun. Bring your own board games to share oruse ours. Other activities will be providedincluding Wii. Registration required.Abingdon HCPL, 2:00-4:00 pm. FREE.

31DECEMBERNoon Year’s EveFamilies and friends can join in the fun ofcelebrating the New Year without staying outlate. A Countdown to Noon will be thehighlight of the day! Pre-registrationrequired. 10:30am – 12:30pm, Bel Air AthleticClub, 410-836-2670, $.Havre De Grace New Year's DuckDrop And Fireworks DisplayCelebration of the New Year 2011 featuringannual "Duck Drop" and great fireworksdisplay. Midnight, Havre de Grace MiddleSchool, FREE.

www.COUNTYPARENTS .com | AUGUST 2010 19

ORGANIZATION CONTACTSAberdeen HCPL21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen410-273-5608

Abingdon HCPL2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon410-638-3990

Bel Air HCPL100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air410-638-3151

Darlington HCPL1134 Main Street, Darlington410-638-3750

Eden Mill Nature Center1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville410-836-3050

Edgewood HCPL629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood410-612-1600

Fallston HCPL1461 Fallston Road, Fallston410-638-3003

Hart’s Amphitheater3203 Turkey Point Road, Elkton410-287-2650

Hays House Museum324 Kenmore Avenue, Bel Air410-838-7691

Jarrettsville HCPL3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville410-692-7887

Jerusalem Mill2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville410-877-3560

Joppa HCPL655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa410-612-1660

Ladew Topiary Garden3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton410- 557-9466 and press 5

Milburn Stone TheatreCecil College, One Seahawk DriveNorth East, 410-287-1037

CalendarofEvents

Kids Night TuesdaysKids eat half price with

every paying adult

119 S. Main StBel Air MD 21014

443-371-7993 • darkhorsebelair.com

We welcome information about events of interest to families.Listings are free and need to be submitted for consideration 6weeks prior to the first of the month in which they are to appear.Include date, time, location, telephone and email for questions.Visit www.CountyParents.com to submit events via an onlineform in the Calendar section, fax 410-893-2727 or mail toCounty Parents, P.O. Box 1666, Bel Air, MD 21014

How do I know if it is the flu?The symptoms of the seasonal flu and theH1N1 flu mimic each other. Your childmay have a fever (temperature of 100°For greater), as well as:� Headache� Sore throat� Body aches and extreme fatigue(tiredness)� Coughing, sneezing, runny nose� Vomiting and diarrhea

How should I treat it?� The flu is caused by a VIRUS and doesNOT respond to antibiotics.� Give your child acetaminophen(Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)as directed on the bottle for fevers,headache and body aches.� Have your child drink plenty of fluidsto stay hydrated. This is especially impor-tant if your child has high fever, vomitingor diarrhea.

What about Antivirals?Antiviral medicine may help shorten thelength and severity of the infection iftaken within 48 hours of the onset ofsymptoms. Antivirals are generally rec-ommended for children at high-risk forcomplications.

Should I be worried?Don’t be alarmed.� Most cases of both the H1N1 and theseasonal flu cause mild illness and DONOT require hospitalization.� The majority of patients recover inthree to five days with no problems.What can I do to stop the flu fromspreading?� Keep your child away from others tostop the spread of infection.� At home, keep your child away fromother people in the house.� Don’t take your child on airplanes orbuses, and do not send your child toschool, daycare, church or other publicplaces until your child is without feverand off medications that treat fever, such

as Tylenol or Advil, for at least 24 hours.� Other members of the householdshould also stay home if they begin todevelop any fever with cough, sore throat,body aches, runny nose or headache.� Practice Good Hygiene Anyone who issick and everyone around them shouldwash their hands frequently with soapand warm water or use an alcohol-basedhand sanitizer.� DO NOT share eating utensils, drink-ing glasses, washcloths, towels, beds,pillows, etc. until everyone in the house-hold has been free of symptoms for fivedays.� COVER YOUR COUGH ANDSNEEZE with the crook of your elbow oruse a tissue and throw away the tissueimmediately.� Use a tissue for a runny nose, thendispose of the tissue in a wastebasketimmediately.� After using a tissue, wash your handswith soap and water, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

When Should I SeekMedical Treatment?Sometimes it is appropriate to take yourchild to the doctor. Children most likelyto need medical treatment from theirdoctor for influenza infection are thosewho are very young or have seriousmedical conditions (such as asthma,

cancer or lung disease, or who are ondialysis).If you think your child needs medicaltreatment, CALL your pediatrician’s officefirst. Your doctor may want to speak withyou over the phone and recommendtreatments rather than have you comeinto the office, where your child can infectother people.If you go to your doctor’s office, haveyour child wear a mask and tell the staffimmediately that he or she has flulikesymptoms so you can be placed in anarea away from other patients. -


Preventing the Flucontinued from page 14

Founded in 1912 as the children's hospital of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers one of themost comprehensive pediatric medical programs in the country, treating more than 90,000 children each year. Hopkins Children’s isconsistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation. Hopkins Children’s is Maryland's largest children’s hospital and the onlystate-designated Trauma Service and Burn Unit for pediatric patients. It has recognized Centers of Excellence in dozens of pediatricsubspecialties, including allergy, cardiology, cystic fibrosis, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, pulmonary,and transplant. For more information, please visit www.hopkinschildrens.org

SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIREIMMEDIATE MEDICALATTENTION INCLUDE:

� Fast breathing or troublebreathing� Bluish skin color� Child refusing to drink fluids� Child who is not waking upor is not interacting withpeople as usual� A fussy, irritable childrefusing to be held� Worsening fever andcough� Fever with rash

TREATING CHILDREN WITH FLU

658 BOULTON STREET | BEL AIR, MD 21014 | 410.838.2670 | BelAirAthlet icClub .comCLUB HOURS | MONDAY–FRIDAY, 5:30AM–11PM | SATURDAY, 7AM–7PM | SUNDAY, 8AM–6PM

©Wellbridge 2010

Children’s Programs

Kids Club PreschoolRegistration for the 2010-2011 School Year

Don’t miss your chance to register your 2-, 3- or 4-year old for preschool.

Existing students and their siblings: Thursday, December 9, 8AM-1:30PM

New students and their siblings:Members: Thursday, January 6, 8-10AMNon-Members: Tuesday, January 11, 8-10AM

For more information please call Nancy Miller,Preschool Director, at 410.838.2670 ext.285.

Harford Dance Center

10-week mini session begins January 24, 2011.Classes for all ages and skill levels.

For information contact Danielle Ragaglia at410.893.0022 today.

Webelos and Junior After Dark Program

Webelos and Junior After Dark Program

This program is a great way to have fun and fulfillrequirements toward advancement in this indoor,overnight camping adventure. Webelos andJunior scouts, accompanied by chaperones, willparticipate in activity time geared toward variousactivity badges and free time in our pools andBAACyard Clubhouse. The night also includes anevening snack, light breakfast in the morning anda patch for each scout who attends.

Webelos dates:January 15 | February 5 | March 5

Junior dates:January 22 | February 12 | March 19

Please contact Brian Thomas at ext. 245 for moredetails and to register.

Birthday Parties

BAACSPLASH AND PLAY

You choose the activity for the first 30 minutes,either the Treehouse or the Obstacle Challenge.Then the whole party moves poolside for 60minutes to enjoy our new Splashpad and pool.All children return to the Clubhouse to changeand complete the party with food and presentsin a party room.

LENGTH: 2 hours, 30 minutesRECOMMENDED AGES: 4+

ORIGINAL OBSTACLE CHALLENGE

Challenge your friends to race through a 52-foot long inflatable obstacle course with a 10 ft.slide for the first 45 minutes. We will celebratein one of our party rooms for the next 45minutes with cake and gifts. Lastly, join us in

the Treehouse for the final 45 minutes of yourparty.

LENGTH: 2 hours, 15 minutesAGES: 4+

X-TREME SPORTS

Challenge your friends to race through a 52-foot long inflatable obstacle course with a 10 ft.slide for the first 45 minutes. We will celebratein one of our party rooms for the next 45minutes with cake and gifts. Lastly, join us inthe Treehouse for the final 45 minutes of yourparty.

LENGTH: 2 hours, 15 minutesAGES: 4+

Call Brian at 410.838.2670 ext. 245 foradditional information.

Aquatics

Bel Air Athletic Club Swim School

A variety of classes that meets the needs of every age and skill level are offered year round. Group,private and semi-private lessons available.

Swim evaluations available to determine the best level for your child.

Call 410.838.670 or check the BelAirAthleticClub.com for class times and prices.

S tudents with good grades have thechance to compete for spots in theHarford County Public Schools

magnet programs: the Science andMathematics Academy at AberdeenHigh; the Global StudiesProgram/International BaccalaureateDiploma Program at Edgewood High;the Natural Resources & AgriculturalSciences at North Harford High. Theyalso can spend their high school yearsspecializing in classes at HarfordTechnical High School that will preparethem for careers in such things as nursing,sports medicine and engineering.The deadline for eighth graders wanting

to apply for these programs next year isDec. 3. Visit the district’s website atwww.hcps.org for an application.Whether they are accepted into these

competitive programs depends upon boththose middle school grades and students’involvement in extracurricular programslike music, sports and clubs.Good grades can also be the key to

getting the opportunity to take AdvancedPlacement courses in high school. Somecolleges offer college credits for completion

of these courses, offering students asavings of both time and money.

Build the Foundation“Middle school is the foundation,”

says Oleszczuk. “Middle school preparesthe kids for high school. The better youdo in middle school, the more successfulyou’re going to be in high school. Thereis a direct correlation.”“Academics become a lot more

serious in eighth grade,” she says,“and some students suffer remorse fromnot doing as well as they could in the sixthand seventh grades.”Fallston Middle School counselor Lynn

Masterson says parents can help theirmiddle schoolers get on the right track.

www.COUNTYPARENTS .com | AUGUST 2010 25

MAK ING TH E GRAD E

continues—

When college-bound students reach the

seventh grade, it’s time to start kicking.

That’s the advice Beth Oleszczuk, eighth

grade counselor and chair of the coun-

seling department at Aberdeen Middle

School, gives her students.

“The better your grades, the more

choices you have,” she says.

Building Blocks forHigh School:

MiddleSchoolYearsBY STACEY ALATZAS

“It’s very important for parents to workwith kids on work habits,” she says. “Theirwork habits will follow them into highschool.” Masterson suggests studentsestablish a good way to keep track of theirhomework assignments, such as using aplanner. They should also be completingtheir homework on time.“Homework completion is key in

preparing for high school,” she says.She also advises doing a little career

exploration.

Career Exploration“Having some sense of what they’re

interested in is helpful,” she says.When middle and high school students

have choices of classes to take or clubs tojoin, selecting opportunities that fit theircareer goals can help put them ahead ofthe curve.

“Not all kids are going to know whatthey want to do when they grow up,” saysMasterson. “But some are going to havestrong opinions.”The University System of Maryland’s

Way2GoMaryland program can helpmiddle schoolers and their parents startthinking about the direction they want totake when it comes to choosing what tostudy and where to attend college. Theyoffer a variety of resources on their websiteand hold seminars statewide. For moreinformation, visit www.way2gomaryland.org.

Track ProgressParents can also help keep track of their

child’s progress by signing up to receive e-mails every time a teacher updates theirchild’s grades on the online serviceEdline.net.Grade postings on Edline can give

parents a heads up when a student ismissing assignments or doing poorly onhomework.“It’s easy to get behind,” says Magnolia

Middle School counselor Laurie Smith.“Once you get behind, it can snowball.Once you have a couple zeros, even if youget As, you’re not going to get rid of thosezeros.”She also urges teachers to use e-mail to

contact teachers if they see their child’sgrades slipping.

“Some teachers stay after school andtutor,” she says. “Don’t wait until thereport card comes home.”

Proactive PlanningParents can also use technology to help

with homework. If a child forgets to bringhome a book he needs for homework,schools often make versions of students’books available online.But Smith says it’s even better to be

proactive. She says students should checktheir agendas before heading home at the

end of the day and ask themselves, “Do Ihave everything I need?”If they have no written homework due

the next day, they ought to use thatopportunity to review material for anupcoming test.“Spend 10 to 15 minutes each night on

a subject,” she says. “Don’t wait until thenight before a test to start studying.”Oleszczuk says, “If you can make it

through middle school pretty successfullywith good grades and good friends thenhigh school is breeze.”


Middle School Yearsfrom previous page

“It’s very important for parents to work withkids on work habits. Their work habits willfollow them into high school.”Lynn Masterson, Fallston Middle School counselor

Documents

County Parents - December 2010