Back to School Tips

Summer has flown by, and the school year is sneaking up on all of us. Don't be caught off guard on the first day of school, instead, ensure that both you and your children will be prepared for the start of another hectic year by following these simple tips.

School year schedule

Summer nights are for staying up till midnight and waking up at lunch, but the summer has come to an end and the school bell will soon be ringing at 7:30 sharp! So instead of giving your children a rude awakening on August 19th, ease them gradually back into a school year routine. During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.

Create calendar central

The school year has it's own way of drowning you in activities before you know what's happening. School functions. Scout meetings. Ballet lessons. Nothing calms the chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. Color code everyone's activities and don't forget to keep track! Post the calender in a place where everyone will see it (on the fridge, near the phone, etc.) When your hair stylist calls to schedule an appointment or Susie's mom wants to arrange a play date, you'll know at a glance whether you're free that day.

Plan before you shop

August is the second-biggest sales month for clothing retailers. Back to school clothing sales begin as early as July! Don't wait till the week before school to do your shopping or you may find yourself fighting another mom for the last pencil pouch. An informed shopper is a savvy shopper, so prepare before you shop. Take an afternoon and assess each child's clothing and school supply needs so you don't get caught buying unnecessary items.

Also, remember, Florida's tax free weekend is August 2nd-4th!

Gather your papers

School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year. Athletes need proof of medical examination. A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches for a birth certificate or registration confirmation.

Call your child's school or check the school district Web site beforehand to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day..

Make a practice run

How will children get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes twice as long as you thought to walk to the nearest bus stop! Before school begins, make a practice run to get children to the school on time (and don't forget to account for early morning traffic)! If they're walking to a bus stop, help them learn the route and note the needed time. Also post your children's bus schedule on your bulletin board or refrigerator to prevent the chaos of a missed bus. 

Improve the daily routine

The school year will have your head spinning before you know it, so don't be caught off guard! Sports practice, music lessons, youth group, doctors appointments, and other various commitments may leave you spending less time in your house than you thought. Get organized and don't get left behind in the school year shuffle!

Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Streamline dinner preparations. Try a session of freezer cooking to stock the freezer with prepared entrees for stress-free dinner on sports night.
Conquer the paper pile-up. Set up a basic home filing system to track school paperwork, volunteer activities and household planning

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region

Kia Autosport of Tallahassee's Charity of the Month this July is the Early Learning Coalition, and we couldn't be more excited. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to be successful. We are cramming the van (a brand new Kia Sedona!) with school supplies. Their wishlist includes (but is not limited to!) hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, crayons, nap mats, tissues, markers, construction paper, scissors, backpacks, and lunch boxes. You don't have to spend a lot of money to change a child's school year (and life!) On August 3rd we will be filling the van with school supplies all day. Don't miss out on this great chance to donate, we will even have free food and raffles going on. 

What is the Early Learning Coalition?

Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, the ELC proudly serves Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties. A contracted partner with the State of Florida's Office of Early Learning, the ELC is responsible for the administration of the School Readiness and Voluntary PreKindergarten programs.

Throughout this ELC’s history, the Board and staff have strived to provide a holistic service delivery system that is responsive to needs of families and communities while maintaining effective and efficient business practices supporting the following primary goals:

1. Children are ready for success when they enter school; and

2. Families have access to the quality child care services and assistance they need.

The ELC staff work everyday at effectively connecting approximately 7,000 children and their families to the early learning program that best meets the needs of the child and family. 

What does the Early Learning Coalition Do? 

Family Services:

• Child care information and resources
• Customized child care referrals
• School Readiness tuition assistance
• Voluntary PreKindergarten programs for 4 year olds
• Referrals and assistance in accessing additional community resources

Child Services:

• Hearing, vision and developmental screening
• Early literacy programs such as the My First Books "giving library"
• Early intervention services for children with identified areas of concern

Teacher Services:

• Professional development through on-line and classroom training
• On-site coaching and technical assistance
• Resource development
• Linkages to community resources and volunteers

Don't miss out on the opportunity to donate to this wonderful charity that's doing great things for the students and families in our community. Will we see you on August 3rd? 

25 Fun Things to do for FREE

The long days of summer may have you bored but there are many fun things to do without your friends, significant other, and family around town for little or not cost! Fun doesn't have to be expensive, gather your loved ones this weekend and make some memories together. 

1. Go to the Park
You can take your family or go with a friend. Swing on the swings like when you were a kid.

2. Pack a Picnic Lunch
Throw a picnic lunch together and find a shady spot to enjoy the day with your loved ones.

3. Play Board Games
Bring out the old favorites like Monopoly or Scrabble!

4. Do a Road Rally With Friends

Get some friends together and go on a mobile scavenger hunt. The first one back with all things on the list wins! Losers have to buy dessert.

5. Have a Bonfire or Campfire in Your Backyard

Make s'mores and play campfire games.

6. Scan Your Old Photographs

Take the weekend to go through your old photos and scan them into a digital file. You can even create digital scrapbooks!

7. Pretend You're a Tourist in Your Community

Most folks rarely visit their own city's tourist attractions. Take a weekend be a tourist in your own town.

8. Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup

Get friends and neighbors together to go and clean up a city block. 

9. Pick Strawberries or Other Fruit

Find a "U-Pick" spot to gather some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or other fruit. 

10. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless Shelter

Organizations like these are always looking for volunteers. This will be one of the most rewarding things you could do this weekend!

11. Invite Your Neighbors Over

With today's busy pace, it seems harder to get to know our neighbors. Invite them over for dinner or dessert and make an effort to know more about them.

12. Go Fishing

Grab the poles, find a pond, and cast those lines!

13. Go to the Beach

Hit the sandy shores for a little rest and relaxation. Just don't forget to protect your skin!

14. Go to the Library

There are many benefits your local library has to offer besides just books. You can rent movies, page through magazines, or surf the net.

15. Host a Classic Movie Marathon

Invite friends over for a movie marathon featuring all the classics you remember from when you were growing up. 

16. Rearrange the Furniture in Your House

Rearranging furniture doesn't cost anything and adds a new flair to your place.

17. Write Out Your Bucket List and Pick One to Do

Brainstorm ideas for all the things you want to do in life, and pick one to do this weekend.

18. Clean Out Your Closet and Donate to a Thrift Store

Go through your closets and declutter. Find items you can donate to your local Goodwill or another thrift shop.

19. Go on a Bike Ride

Bike to a location you've never been to before. Or, bring your bike to a town or city you're unfamiliar with and create your own bike tour. Just be safe!

20. Go Bowling

Get some friends together and have a blast at the lanes!

21. Visit Garage Sales and Look for Deals

Take a friend or two, grab breakfast, and then hit the local garage sales to scan for deals.

22. Tour the Local Fire or Police Station and Thank Them for Their Service

A simple gesture can really mean a lot to the men and women who serve us on a daily basis!

23. Visit a Local Nursing Home and Engage With the Residents

Many elderly folks have great tales to tell. Listen to their stories and see what you can learn from them.

24. Walk Through the Craft Store and Start an Art Project

Take your spouse or loved one to a craft store and each purchase a few crafts for a creative project. 

25. Host a "Minute to Win It" Party

Invite a few friends over and challenge each other with some creative games based on the hit TV show.

Summer Storms and Staying Safe

The rain doesn't ever seem to go away during the summer and although it's usually only a light drizzle, big summer storms can cause floods, damage, power outages, and more. You can't avoid the rain, but you can take the necessary precautions to make sure you and your family stay safe! Don't let the storms ruin your summer.

Hazards present during and after a summer storm:

• Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.
• Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged so never swim during a storm, and use all household appliances with caution. 
• Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
• Before storms hit, unplug electrical appliances such as TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens, stereos and computers. Disconnect cables to your TV antenna, satellite dish or cable service. 
• If anyone in your household suffers an electric shock, call 911 or your local emergency medical service immediately. Even minor shocks can cause life-threatening conditions hours later, so it is important to seek medical attention. 
• If someone in your home depends on life-support equipment, move the individual to a safe facility to avoid the risk of an extended power outage. You also should have a back-up plan, such as a portable oxygen supply. Health care equipment suppliers can suggest preparations for such emergencies. 
• During the storm, stay away from windows, where flying debris can cause injury. Do not use the phone or run water during lightning storms. Do not stand in water. 
• Always use a flashlight - not a candle - for emergency lighting.

If a power outage is likely to last longer than a few hours, then those customers affected by the outage should follow these additional tips:

• Turn off your range, toaster oven, iron or other item that could cause a fire if you aren't home when the power comes back on. 
• Turn off your air conditioner and water heater to prevent system overloads when power is restored. These two appliances are big users of electricity, especially after they have been off for a while. Turn them on about 30 minutes after power has been restored.

Driving in the rain:

• Slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Maintain proper following distance.
• Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
• Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. 
• Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
• Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. 
• Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
• Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
• Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
• When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
• If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.

Fun things to do during a storm:

•  Learn to crochet or knit or cross-stitch.
• Paint something.
• Draw something.
•  Sculpt something.
•  Build a model ship, airplane, or rocket.
• Create and organize new photo albums.
• Create a scrapbook.
•  Hang some photographs on your walls.
• Take up sewing or craft a new sewing project.
•  Find some old white clothes and give them a tie-dye face lift.
• Write a song.
• Play an instrument
• Begin writing a novel
• Play a board game
• Read a book or magazine
• Put together a jigsaw puzzle
•  Play cards
• Do a crossword puzzle
• Play 20 Questions
• Play I Spy