School bus drivers work hard every day to help keep your child safe, riding to and from school. Communicating about the safety risks and best practices for reducing those helps keep all kids safe. Make sure your child knows their home telephone number and address, as well as how to use 911. And even if they’re riding the bus, you should always have a backup plan. Have a safe walking route you’ve tested with your kids. Choose a direct route, with the fewest street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards.

Encourage them to walk with a friend and be sure to tell them to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where people aren’t around. And, as always…remind them to never accept rides, gifts or even talk to a stranger. Together, we can help your child stay safe.

Practical Parenting is a service from the Iowa State Education Association… reminding you that success in the classroom starts at home.

ISEA PracticalParenting: Bus Driver :60 mp3

Part of a school nurse’s job is to make sure your child stays healthy. But germs aren’t just spread at school so learning healthy habits keeps us all a little safer. Especially during this upcoming flu season, it’s vital to start healthy habits beginning with everyday preventative actions. Help us teach your child to cough and sneeze into a tissue or into his or her elbow or shoulder if a tissue isn’t available. And of course, make sure your child washes their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water…..especially after a cough or sneeze.

Keeping alcohol based cleaners and sanitizers handy is a good idea and teach your child how germs are spread. Tell them to keep their dirty hands away from their mouth, eyes, and nose and keep your child away from other people who are sick. And parents, remember…if your child is sick, keep them at home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone. Good communication can help your child and other children stay healthy.

Practical Parenting is a service from the Iowa State Education Association, reminding you that success in the classroom starts at home.

ISEA Practical Parenting: Nurse :60 mp3

What do comedian Billy Crystal, actor Nick Nolte, professional baseball player Nolan Ryan, and author Rita Mae Brown all have in common? Each started at their local community college and you can too.

Our economy can’t function without an educated workforce and community colleges work to meet the needs of our changing society. In fact, right here in Iowa, community colleges offer new ‘green’ courses which focus on business for the future; they also provide immediate hands on experience that today’s employers are looking for. Community colleges are on the cutting edge, meeting the needs and the influx of today’s worker.

With policy makers focusing on education in a modern world, an educated workforce is essential. Community Colleges are a great investment in your future and in our state. Support Iowa’s community colleges, it’s an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!

One of the best resources in Iowa for displaced workers is closer than you think. In today’s economy, displaced workers who enroll at community colleges and are ready with new skills, job retraining, or advanced degrees are more attractive to prospective employers looking for hard-working employees.

Over 50% of community college students also work, taking advantage of online courses and flexible schedules. And the average price of tuition is much lower than a state university. Community colleges know what their students are looking for, and do their best to make it happen.

In today’s economy, your best resource might be closer than you think. Community Colleges are a vital part of economic recovery, support Iowa’s community colleges. Their opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

AUDIO: Listen/Download :30

Time management isn’t easy, but for high school students it can be a task in itself. Many juggle homework, sports, extracurricular activities, and often a job so getting through it takes some work. Stay positive and remind them to take things one at a time.

Also, help your teenager resolve conflicting commitments. If they have a Wednesday test and plans to babysit Tuesday, encourage them to find a replacement babysitter or study prior. Suggesting to say ‘no’ occasionally can also help.

Like a lot of life lessons, the best results come when you can lead by example. Work to achieve balance in your own life…plan ahead and set priorities. The better you are at improving your time management, the better example you’ll be for your teen….helping them enjoy those high school days that much more.

AUDIO: Listen/Download :30

Area Education Agency professionals travel to local schools throughout Iowa and offer one on one specialized lessons and assistance to students in need. They work alongside teachers and parents to ensure all students have the tools to be successful.  With regional offices around the state, you can schedule a consultation right for your child.

Area Education Agencies offer online resources, specific improvement in Math, Reading, Science, computer technology and so much more. They are an efficient and effective way for Iowa’s schools to add additional assistance and expertise. If you feel your child needs extra help, talk with your child’s teacher about setting up a consultation.

AUDIO: Listen/Download :30

Teachers work hard every day to help kids learn and grow, but the learning doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom… so by doing some things at home you add to their chances for success.  Set routines and goals at home, from a consistent bed time to studying specific assignments. Work in a quiet, well-lit study spot, keeping the TV and radio off until your child’s work is done. Also, start with the most difficult homework assignments, as your child grows tired they’ll have some of the harder work completed. Finish one assignment before they start the next and make a TO DO list that they can cross off as each item is completed.  And finally, allow your child to take breaks. We all need breaks, it helps us regain our focus and move forward. Together, we can help your child grow and succeed.

AUDIO: Teacher :30