S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER

June 13, 2008

by Debbie Fischgrabe

June 12, 2008

S.O.A.R. Program

Putnam Co. R-I School District

Newsletter – Summer Session – June 13, 2008

WEBSITE INFORMATION

I would like to remind each of you that the S.O.A.R. Newsletter and other pertinent information regarding enrollment, future field trips, etc. may be found on the school website at www.putnamcountyr1.net. The video that the students did on bullying may be viewed there also. I hope that you will be able to take advantage of this communication resource and that it will keep you continually updated on activities and events.

RECENT ACTIVITIES

The S.O.A.R. Summer Session is in full swing. The students have been trying to plant a garden with Mrs. Yunick; however, like many of you, there has been too much rain to allow them to get this done. She has guided them in the requirements and they have planted seeds in starter pots so their plants will be ready if and when the rain lets up.

Miss Maureen Ferry has been working diligently with our students with a new Reader’s Theater curriculum that should prove to be a very beneficial learning experience for your children this summer.

Jane McDonald has visited several times teaching various aspects of mural painting. For those of you that may not have had the opportunity to visit the S.O.A.R. classroom, she and the students have been working very hard on a wall mural in the front entryway to the classroom. It is very colorful and will be a fantastic addition to the building, as well as providing a wonderful “hands-on” project for the students.

Dr. Jim Brummit had an opportunity to visit the classroom recently to teach the students about proper care for their pets and explain the duties of a veterinarian.

FIELD TRIP TO KIRKSVILLE AQUATIC CENTER

I think I can speak for ALL the students that went on the recent field trip to the Kirksville Aquatic Center when I say we had a wonderful time. We had lunch at the Pizza Hut, enjoyed swimming at the Kirksville Aquatic Center and enjoyed ice cream cones at the Dairy Queen before returning home to Unionville.

The staff that accompanied your children has all commented on how well the students behaved. Each place that we visited had an employee come to us and express how impressed they were with our students’ behavior and their manners.

This reflects very positively on our program, our school and you as parents. WAY TO GO STUDENTS!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Another field trip has been planned for Monday, June 23, for students presently enrolled in the Summer S.O.A.R. Program. The students will be boarding a bus that day after the regular summer school day and travel to Centerville, Iowa to go bowling. The students will eat supper at McDonald’s and arrive back to Unionville at approximately 8:00 p.m. Please fill out the attached Field Trip Permission form and return it back to myself by June 18.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I was searching the web this week and found some interesting information that you may find beneficial concerning sunscreen.

Sunscreens protect the skin against sunburns. Sunscreens also play an important role in blocking the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. However, no sunscreen blocks UV radiation 100 percent.

Sunscreen Vs. Sunblock

The terminology used on sunscreen labels can be confusing. The protection provided by a sunscreen is indicated by the sun protection factor (SPF) listed on the product label. A sunblock is considered to be any sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. In theory, sunscreens protect an individual during an incident of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure according to the following:

SPF 15 sunscreen may absorb more than 92 percent of UVB radiation.
SPF 30 sunscreen may absorb 97 percent of UVB radiation.

How to Use Sunscreens

A sunscreen protects from sunburn and minimizes suntan by reflecting UV rays. Using sunscreens correctly is important in protecting the skin. Consider the following:

Use of a sunscreen with SPF of 20 to 30 offers substantial protection against sunburns, and usually prevents tanning.
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
Most oil-typesunscreens provide an SPF under 4 and offer the least protection. If you rarely burn and always tan, this level of skin protection may be sufficient to help prevent burning and uneven coloration. However, theAmerican Melanoma Foundation recommends a minimum SPF of 15 for all skin types.
Sunscreens with high SPF sunscreens protect from burning for longer periods of time than do sunscreens with lower SPFs.
Apply sunscreens to all exposed areas of skin, including those easily overlooked areas such as the rims of the ears, lips, back of the neck, and feet.
Sunscreens are recommended for everyone (over 6 months of age), regardless of skin or complexion type, because all skin types need protection from solar UV rays. Lighter skin types are at the greatest risk of developing skin cancer; but all people are at some risk. Research has shown that UVA rays may contribute to premature aging and skin cancer.
Apply sunscreen liberally. The recommended dose is one ounce per application. Reapply every two hours, after being in the water, or after exercising or sweating. Incidental time in the sun could add up to a sunburn. Do not forget the time spent walking your dog, window shopping, or jogging on your lunch hour.
Do not forget the sunscreen when performing outdoor chores.

Always consult your physician for more information.

TIPS TO ENSURE A HAPPY SUMMER BREAK

I found the following “Tips from the National PTA” to help ensure a happy and healthy summer break for kids. They include:

Limit sun exposure when possible, particularly during peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.
Provide a portable, durable water bottle or sports beverage. Remind your children to drink before feeling thirsty and throughout the day.
Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use and Internet safety. Remember to monitor your child's compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your child spends on the computer.
Help your child choose an activity - any activity - such as walking, basketball, or bike riding, and encourage one hour of exercise per day.
Make sure that your child has safe transportation to work, day camp, or other summer activities.
Remind your child to never give out personal information or photographs to a stranger in-person or on the Internet.
Encourage your child to talk openly with you about his or her daily experiences and come to you with any communications or situations that make them feel scared or uncomfortable.

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE ICE POPS

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cold water

• 1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pitcher, stir together the water and lemonade concentrate. Place strawberries into the container of a blender, and puree until smooth. Pour in some of the lemonade if necessary to facilitate blending. Stir strawberry puree into the lemonade. Pour into molds, and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Debbie, Ms. LeAnn, Mr. Reed, Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean