UCHRA VAN BUREN COUNTY HEAD START HAND IN HAND TOGETHER WE CAN UCHRA Van Buren County Head Start

Teachers Corner St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Event to Raise Funds for

April 1, 2014

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Spencer, TN – A St. Jude Trike-A-Thon event will be gearing up the week of 4-7-14 at Van Buren Head Start. The event will help teach children riding-toy safety while raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the premier center for the research and treatment of childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. The Van Buren community can sponsor children in the Trike-A-Thon by pledging a donation as the kids ride tricycles at the center on Friday, April 11th, 2014. Van Buren Head Start has hosted an annual Trike-A-Thon since 2007 raising over $2400 in the past 7 years. Last year’s donations enabled St. Jude to purchase 7 wagons that the hospital uses to transport children and their families belongings from one location to another inside the hospital as they travel for office visits, clinic visits, treatments, etc. “St. Jude is the leader in the fight against catastrophic childhood diseases such as leukemia, brain tumors and sickle cell disease,” said Rita Mayfield, coordinator of the event. “Through events like this Trike-A-Thon, we will be supporting the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children across the country and around the world.” A tradition for more than 25 years, Trike-A-Thon is a fun, week-long curriculum for preschools. Through programs like Trike-A-Thon, the idea of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas to raise funds for the hospital through community-based events is able to continue. Trike-A-Thon participants will learn riding-toy safety lessons through a series of interactive stories from special characters, Bikewell Bear® and Pedals the Bunny™. At the end of the Trike-A-Thon week, children will ride trikes at school and practice the safety lessons they have learned. For more information on how to host a Trike-A-Thon event, call 1-800-BIKE (2453) or visit www.stjude.org/trike. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization, through events such as Trike-A-Thon. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE Andrew Harvery Gracie Harvey Evelyn Scott Kaylea Sims Jayden Smith Cayden Sullivan Paytyn Thompson Kayden Yates Gwendolyn Yearwood Zoe Bouldon Bryce Cope Laceyn Dale River Fisher Alyssa Simmons Brayden Simmons Logan Smelcer Gracie Smith Katie Turner

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UCHRA VAN BUREN COUNTY HEAD START

HEALTH & NUTRITION NEWS It's springtime and that means it's time to go outside and enjoy the weather. The return of warmer temperatures brings the opportunity for freedom, relaxation, exploration, and being closer to nature. Whether you're relaxing in the backyard, turning up your garden, hitting the pool, or exploring the great outdoors, here are some ways to help keep you and your family healthy this spring and summer. Beware of Bugs Warmer temperatures aren't just attractive to people, but to mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus; ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other serious infections; and fleas can transmit plague. To prevent these illnesses, use an appropriate insect and tick repellent and apply it properly. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk to dawn, but ticks are out at all times. To keep ticks at a distance, avoid tick-infested areas (especially places with leaf-litter and high grasses) and use repellent containing 20% DEET. After coming indoors, shower as soon as possible and check your body for ticks. Make sure that your children also bathe or shower and get checked for ticks. Wash and tumble dry your clothing and check your pets for ticks. If you find an attached tick, don't panic, ticks are easy to remove with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Consult your healthcare provider if you develop a rash, fever, body aches, or fatigue in the 1-3 weeks following a bite. It could be any number of illnesses. Dining Al Fresco Nothing says summer like the smoky flavor of foods cooked out on the grill. When grilling, use a meat thermometer to ensure that you cook meat and poultry thoroughly. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Also, put cooked meat on a clean platter, rather than back on the one that held the raw meat, to avoid crosscontamination. Whether you're cooking out in the backyard or on a picnic, always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When you're finished eating, refrigerate leftovers promptly. Fun in the Sun Protect yourself and your family from recreational water illnesses (illnesses caused by germs or chemicals in recreational water) by doing your part to keep germs out of the pool. Do not swim when you have diarrhea, don't swallow pool water, take a shower before swimming, and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Keeping germs out of the pool means a healthier swimming experience for everyone. Prevent skin cancer. Avoid being outdoors during the midday if the sun is intense, use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing, wear a brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Be aware of the signs of heat stress. Enjoy the great outdoors. Have a safe and healthy spring and summer!

EVENTS TO COME IN APRIL APRIL 1-3

SPRING BREAK

APRIL 22ND PARENT TRANSITION TRAINING

APRIL 11TH

TRIKE-A-THON

APRIL 25TH MAKE-UP DAY

APRIL 11TH

MAKE-UP DAY

APRIL 12TH

MVP DAY

APRIL 14TH

MARY V. WHEELER VISIT

APRIL 15TH

SPENCER ELEMENTARY VISIT

APRIL 16TH

PARENT COMMITTEE MEETING

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UCHRA VAN BUREN COUNTY HEAD START

SAFETY NEWS 10 Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community. 1. Be a Nurturing Parent-- Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams 2. Help a friend, neighbor or relative-- Being a parent isn't easy. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children, so the parents) can rest or spend time together 3. Help Yourself-- When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control - take time out. Don't take it out on your kid. 4.If your baby cries...-- It can be frustration to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. Never shake a baby- shaking a child may result in severe injury or death. 5. Get Involved-- Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families. 6. Help to develop parenting resources at your local library 7. Promote programs in school-- Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe. 8. Monitor your child’s television and video viewing-- Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children 9. Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program-- For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-CHILDREN 10. Report suspected abuse or neglect-- If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed contact your local department of children and family services or your local police department

TRANSITION NEWS The end of school is almost year and kindergarten will be right around the corner! Now is the time to start preparing your child for this big transition. We will be providing trainings during the month of April to better prepare you and your child for a smooth transition. For Parents: Parent Training: What to Expect at Kindergarten—April 22nd Spencer Elementary Registration will be May 20th and 21st.—Call for Appointment Mary V. Wheeler– To Be Announced For Children: Children will visit Kindergarten on April 14th and 15th. Bus Safety Training, Lunch Tray Transition, Backpacks in July Volume 1, Issue 1

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Van Buren Head Start April 2014 Menu NO School

1.)NO School

2.)NO School

3.)NO School

4.)NO School

Spring Break 7.) B. Milk, Cream of Wheat, *Diced Apricots L. Milk, Beef Hamburger Patty, W/WG Bun, Curly Fries, +Tomato Wedges, Pickles, Condiments S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

Spring Break 8.) B. Milk, Oatmeal, **Strawberries L. Milk, Chicken Patty, Cornbread Muffin, BlackEyed Peas, *Carrots S. Apple Sauce, Graham Crackers

Spring Break 9.) B. Milk, Biscuit/Gravy, +Tomato Wedges L. Milk, Pizza w/Pepperoni-CN Label, Corn, Green Beans S. Milk, Animal Crackers

Spring Break 10.) B. Milk, W/WG Toast ,**Orange Wedges, Eggs L. Milk, ***Chili w/ Ground Beef & Beans, W/WG Crackers, *Diced Peaches S. Milk, Cereal Bar

Spring Break 11.) B. Milk, Cheerios, ½ Banana L. Milk, ***Chicken Gumbo(chicken, corn, tomatoes, whole grain rice), **Pineapple Tidbits S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

14.) B. Milk, Rice Krispies, ½ Banana L. Milk, Fish Filet, Cornbread Muffin, Coleslaw, Mixed Fruit S. +Tomato Juice, W/WG Toast w/Cheese

15.) B. Milk, Oatmeal, *Diced Peaches L. Milk, Pork Chop, W/WG Roll, Lima Beans, **Pineapple Tidbits S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

16.) B. Milk, Saus. /Egg Burrito, **Orange Wedges L. Milk, Pinto Beans, +Turnip Greens, Corn, Cornbread S. Milk, Animal Crackers

17.) B. Milk, Pancakes & Syrup, **Strawberries L. Milk, Pizza w/Pepperoni-CN Label, Corn, Green Beans S. Apple Sauce, Graham Crackers

21.) B. Milk, W/WG Toast ,**Orange Wedges, Eggs L. Milk, Chicken Patty, Cornbread Muffin, BlackEyed Peas, *Carrots S. Milk, Animal Crackers

22.) B. Milk, Biscuit/Gravy, +Tomato Wedges L. Milk, Pizza w/Pepperoni-CN Label, Corn, Green Beans S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

23.) B. Milk, Saus. /Egg Burrito, **Orange Wedges L. Milk, Beef Hamburger Patty, W/WG Bun, Curly Fries, +Tomato Wedges, Pickles, Condiments S. Milk, Cereal Bar

24.) B. Milk, Cr. of Wheat, *Diced Apricots L. Milk, Pinto Beans, +Turnip Greens, Corn, Cornbread S. Applesauce, Graham Crackers

28.) B. Milk, *Oatmeal, *Diced Peaches L. Milk, Pork Chop, W/WG Roll, Lima Beans, **Pineapple Tidbits S. Milk, Cereal Bar

29.) B. Milk, Rice Krispies, ½ Banana L. Milk, ***Chili w/ Ground Beef & Beans, W/WG Crackers, Pears S. )+Tomato Juice, W/WG Toast w/Cheese

30.) B. Milk, Cr. of Wheat, **Strawberries L. Milk, Fish Filet, Cornbread Muffin, Coleslaw, Mixed Fruit S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

*(12th-MVP Day=Chili) 18.) NO School

25.) B. Milk, Cheerios, ½ Banana L. Milk, ***Chicken Gumbo(chicken, corn, tomatoes, whole grain rice), **Pineapple Tidbits S. Yogurt, Vanilla wafers

*=Vitamin A-Every other Day,**=Vitamin C- Every Day,+= both Vitamins A & C,***=Recipe on File, W/WG=Wheat or Whole Grain, Culture of the Month-Southern, New Food= Black-Eyed Peas

April 2014

Compliments of UCHRA Van Buren County Head Start

KID BITS

Springtime fun

With your youngster, see how many ways you can think of to spend pleasant spring days. For example, you could collect rocks, fly kites, or visit a new playground. Keep a list on the refrigerator, and take turns choosing an activity to do together. DID YOU

?

Jigsaw puzzles let your child practice sorting and comparing. Help her pick out all the edge pieces and fit them together. Then, she could sort the rest according to color as she compares them to the picture on the box. If there’s a blue sky, for instance, she can put all the blue pieces in a pile. Tip: Look for puzzles at yard sales and thrift stores.

Our family shows character Little ones learn good character from the people they spend the most time with — their family! Help your child become more responsible, show appreciation, and develop a positive attitude with these ideas.

KNOW

Box up responsibility

Chasing away bad dreams

Whether your youngster borrows a book from the library or a game from a friend, taking care of other people’s property is a big responsibility. Together, create a safe place to put borrowed items when you’re finished with them. He might use colored markers to decorate a cardboard box and write “To be returned” on it. Have him put the box by the front door or in the coat closet.

Most youngsters have nightmares at some point. If your child is upset after a scary dream, help him make up a different ending for it. He might also want to draw a picture of the nightmare and then crumple it up and throw it away.

Worth quoting “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” Walt Disney

Just for fun Q: How can you tell that bees are happy? A: They hum while they work!

Grow an appreciation tree Ask your child to draw a bare tree on poster board. Then, he can watch it grow “leaves” as everyone writes things they’re thankful for on sticky notes and adds them to the branches. After a week, let each person choose a favorite leaf and use it to write a thank-you note. If your youngster’s leaf says “My teacher,”

he could make a card thanking his teacher for helping him learn to count.

Turn a frown upside-down Even bad days have good parts. When a family member has a rough day, focus on the positive by having a smiley-face dinner. During the meal, go around the table and share something that made you smile that day. Example: “I had a surprise visit with my best friend!” Taking time to focus on the good things will help your child develop a positive attitude.♥

My writing kit Encourage your youngster to work on early writing skills with her very own writing kit. Here’s how. 1. Get a container. Together, find a portable one that your child can close, like a small backpack or a plastic storage box. 2. Add supplies. Help your youngster gather pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils and pens, paper, and notebooks. 3. Include writing ideas. Cut letters and words from empty food packages for her to copy. Also, fill an envelope with interesting magazine pictures, stickers, and other items that might inspire her to write words, sentences, or stories.♥

© 2014 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

April 2014 • Page 2

Let me think…

Answers and questions. Tell your youngster, “The answer is a blanket. What is the question?” Take turns coming up with as many questions as possible. (“What keeps you warm at night?” “What do we sit on at a picnic?”) When you run out of ideas, let her think of a new answer to make up questions for.

Can your youngster come up with more than one solution or possibility when she’s faced with a challenge? Help her stretch her thinking with these activities. Puppet problem-solving. Offer a pretend dilemma for puppets, and help your child act out the solution. You could make your puppet say, “Oh, no! I have too many dishes to carry! How can I get them to the party?” Examples: Put them in a bag, ask a friend to take some.

ENT PAR TO PARENT

Cutting back on screen time At my son Jack’s recent check-up, his pediatrician told us that kids should have less than two hours of screen time each day. I realized that between watching TV and playing games on my smartphone, Jack got way more! The doctor explained that the biggest problem was what Jack wasn’t doing during screen time. She said children his age stay healthier and learn more when they run around and play. She shared practical ways to cut back, and we tried them at home. For instance, now I put my phone away when I play with Jack —out of sight, out of mind. Also, when he asks to play on the computer, I suggest an active alternative like walking the dog, riding bikes, or playing hide-and-seek. Jack’s screen time is finally down to less than two hours a day, and we’re all spending more time being active.♥ O

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To provide busy parents with practical ways to promote school readiness, parent involvement, and more effective parenting. Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated 128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630 540-636-4280 • [email protected] www.rfeonline.com ISSN 1540-5567 © 2014 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Q & A

What doesn’t belong? Look around the room, and name any four objects (T-shirt, book, sandals, lipstick). Then, have your child decide which doesn’t belong and say why. For instance, she could say that the book is the only one you can’t wear. Variation: Name three objects, and tell her to choose a fourth and explain how it’s related to the three you picked.♥

When your child is teased Q: My daughter doesn’t want to go to school because she says one of the girls teases her every day. What can I do?

A: Since this is happening on a regular basis, it sounds like your child is not just being teased, she’s being bullied. Start by contacting her teacher. She will be able to work with your daughter to help her handle the situation. At home, reassure your child that you love her and that bullying isn’t her fault. Also, talk about ways she could react if she’s teased in the future. You might help her practice different things to say, such as, “That isn’t nice. I’m going to play with someone else.”♥

ACTIVITY CORNER

The view from my window

When your child looks out his window, he may see a city street or a green field. He can learn about geography by collecting an “album” full of views from different windows. Materials: paper, crayons, binder Have your youngster draw what he sees outside his window. Then, he can ask relatives to take and mail him photos of their views. Maybe he’ll get to see his aunt’s view of the yellow taxis and mirrored skyscrapers

from her city apartment. Or perhaps his grandfather will send a picture of his street full of palm trees. Let your child put all the pictures in his binder. Also, suggest that your youngster look in books or magazines for places to sketch. For example, after reading about outer space, he might draw what astronauts see from the International Space Station. Finally, help your youngster compare the places in his album. How are they similar and different?♥