A UGUST 2017

1. AUGUST 2017 Compliments of: Virgin Islands Department of Education Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education Building Our Future Through Education, History and Culture!

2. In the Virgin Islands of the United States of America, there are no holidays in the month of August. Hence, as we embark on the 2017 – 2018 school year, the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education will suggest ten ways to ‘Teach Responsibility to Your Child’, ‘Help Your Child Make Wise Decisions’, ‘Motivate Your Child to Read’, and ‘Help Your Child Do Well in School’. • 10 Ways to Help Your Child Make Wise Decisions • Give your child the opportunity to make choices about food, clothes, and other non-critical areas, even when it’s easier to simply issue a command. • Ask for your child’s opinion about what should be done in various situations. • Let your child be the one to decide if more practice on a task or skill is needed before trying something harder. • Permit your child to decide how to solve problems, even though you would find it quicker to provide a solution. Explore together the possible consequences if certain choices are made. • Let your child offer concrete evidence to show a readiness for new privileges or responsibilities. • When conflicts arise, request that your child take some responsibility for resolving them in a way that will work for all involved. • If your child is angry, have him or her cool down rather than make a rash decision. • Give your child the space to make poor (but not life-threatening) decisions. Children, like us all, often learn from mistakes. • Offer your support and understanding when your child makes mistakes in judgment. Then discipline as needed. • Acknowledge your child’s good decisions. Point them out when made and refer to them when future decisions are required. • 10 Ways to Teach Responsibility to your Child • Establish family rules and be consistent about carrying out consequences if they’re not followed. Rules might be about curfews, friends and when to do homework. • Assign household chores and see that they’re done on schedule. A chart in easy view can help. • Help your child get and stay organized with schoolwork and other activities. • Be a good role model by meeting your own obligations completely and on time. • Ask for your child’s input when making family decisions, If there are problems, brainstorm solutions together. • Provide your child with ways to earn, save, and manage money. • Allow your teen to make personal choices in certain areas. These can include dress and extracurricular activities – anything that doesn’t put your teen in danger. • Help your teen consider the consequences of every action. Provide facts where appropriate on such issues as using tobacco or taking unwise risks. • Keep the channels of communication open. Listen with an open mind so your child can discuss mistakes he or she has made, and learn from experience. • Encourage your teen to show concern for others and become involved in local service projects. Remember: Your child, especially your teen, is on the road to independence and needs your help and example to reach that goal successfully! Remember: Wise decision-making comes from practice and encouragement.

3. 10 Ways to Motivate Your Child to Read • Set an example. Let your child catch you reading and taking enjoyment in it. • Have reading materials readily available. Keep a variety of books, newspapers, and magazines at home. • Cater to your child’s interests. Point out articles, news stories, and books about subjects your child is interested in. This can include sports and entertainment sections of the newspaper. • Give magazine subscriptions as gifts. Timely magazines with lively, bite-sized articles are especially inviting to children. Besides, it’s fun to get mail. • Share what you’ve read. Talk about the books and other materials that you’ve found interesting and ask your teen to do the same. • Be accepting. Realize that almost anything your teen reads has value because it motivates more reading. This includes comics and cartoon books. • Browse together. Stop at bookstores and libraries when you’re out together and make exploring their selections fun. • Play audiotapes of good books when you’re in the car together. Your child might want to read the books later on. • Interest your child in the world. Discuss current events, sports, music, and other subjects that might inspire your teen to read about them. • Show an interest in what your teen reads. Ask for recommendations of books you might enjoy. • 10 Ways to Help Your Child Do Well in School • Pay attention to your child’s schoolwork. Ask regularly and with genuine interest, “What are you learning?” • Offer support. Provide reassurances and help as your teen tackles education activities and situations for the first time. • Promote good health habits. If your child gets enough sleep, balanced meals, and proper exercise, classroom participation and learning will come more easily. • Stimulate your child’s growing interests. Have a variety of reading materials available at home. • Get involved in your child’s school. Meet with your child’s teacher, attend school events, and be prepared to intervene to assure that your child’s class provides opportunities for success. • Be positive about education. Show how much you enjoy and value learning. • Help to organize a quiet study area at home for your child. It should have needed supplies easily accessible and be free from distractions. • Offer praise for your child’s achievements and efforts. Praise helps to build self-esteem and encourages children to keep trying their best. • Discuss current events with your child to promote an interest in learning about the world. • Be available when your child wants to talk about school or other issues. Then offer help and advice as needed. Remember: Reading is a valuable skill for life. Promote it by example and encouragement. Remember: Your involvement in your child’s education can contribute to a lifelong love of learning. Courtesy ofText: The Positive Line #79930, Item #CS-890, #CS-823, #CS-889, and #CS-888 Picture: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/21/21/7b/21217b06aacf5caf4de8e62125b803f3.jpg

5. Courtesy ofText & Picture: http://www.vide.vi/documents/human-resources/1010-school-calendar/file.html

6. Important dates for SY 2017-2018 • Immunization – Mon-Wed-Fri @ clinic during open hours • School Registration – Mon-Fri @ (new students) Curriculum from 8am-2pm • School starts – September 5th , 2017

7. To receive monthly complimentary electronic holidays celebrations recognition, kindly contact ….. Virgin Islands Department of Education Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education • ST. CROX • 2133 Hospital Street; St. Croix, VI 00820 • Telephone Number: 340-773-1095 x: 7032 • Fax Number: 340-773-4476 • ST. THOMAS / ST. JOHN • Mailing Address: 1834 KongensGade; STT, VI 00802-6746 • Physical Address: J. Antonio Jarvis Annex; STT, VI 00802 • Telephone Number: 340-774-0100 x: 2808, 2806, or 2804 • Fax Number: 340-777-4342 • Email Addresses: valrica.bryson@vide.vi; yohance.henley@vide.vi; maria.martin@vide.vi Building Our Future Through Education, History and Culture!