A recent survey conducted by the American Association of University of Women concluded that 48% of surveyed middle and high school students said that they were sexually harassed during the 2010-2011 school year. 56% of girls and 40% of boys, grades 7-12 claimed to experience some type of sexual harassment either physically, verbally, or electronically. These numbers are … [Read more...]
5 Back-to-School Conversations Every Dad Must Have With His Kids
Every year I hear so much about what to buy your child for the new school year. But little is ever said about how to prepare your child for the year mentally. So to all of my BMWK fathers, our role in helping to get our kids ready to take on a new year can never be overstated. I don't know why and sometimes I don't know how, but despite what we see in the mirror and know … [Read more...]
Avoid Wolves in Volunteers' Clothing at School: Why Background Screening for School Volunteers is Important
By Bill Tate As the back to school season swings into full gear this fall, there are many opportunities for adults to volunteer and support school activities. Volunteers lend valuable time and assistance to our school systems, and while the majority of school volunteers are law-abiding role models for our nation's children, unsavory adults sometimes come into the mix. … [Read more...]
The Washington Post Examines The Leiby Kletzky Killing and Walking to School
This week Washington Post columnist Janice D'Arcy takes a look at the lost art of children walking to school. The article which she had written almost two weeks ago may be viewed a bit differently now by many parents. The reason for this is the recent abduction, killing and dismemberment of an 8 year old boy in New York. Young Leiby Kletzky's life was cut short after … [Read more...]
An Unending Cycle: Poverty’s Unrelenting Grip
The other day my husband and I were talking about the many continuous cycles of life in the "˜hood. We both grew up there, so we've seen it occur firsthand. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it happens to more than we'd like to say. Usually, if you're living somewhere in the "˜hood, you're not too well off financially. Maybe there are exceptions to the rule, but I've yet to … [Read more...]
Are Kids Given Too Much Homework?
Are kids being given too much homework? There is an on-going debate where some parents are protesting against the amount of homework that kids are receiving. They say that homework is stressing the kids out, it is interfering with their playtime and family time, and that homework is really not doing much to increase their academic achievements. From the NY Times: Research … [Read more...]
Money Monday: Should You Pay Your Kids To Get Good Grades?
Let's face it, the job market is not what it used to be. No longer is a high school education enough to set you up for life. In the global economy, today's youth are vying with peers from Shanghai, Mumbai, and Jakarta in the competition for jobs. Because of this, academic success is more important than ever. But just how far should parents go to encourage their kids to do … [Read more...]
Cost-Effective Summer Childcare Options
By Candi Wingate School is out, and the search for child care is on! The challenge most parents face is finding quality care for your child that fits within your budget. Here are some cost-effective child care options that won't break the bank. Hire a Babysitter or Nanny Nannies are no longer exclusive to the wealthy. If you have two children in full time daycare you … [Read more...]
It’s Report Card Time!!
The kids have been in school for a few weeks now. And by now they should have received an interim report card. If you were to receive an interim report based on how involved you have been in your child's education, what grade would you receive? A - Very Involved: You read and sign daily agendas and other written communications from the teacher, attend conferences, work … [Read more...]
Public or Private: The Obama’s Class Struggle
Interesting story over on TheRoot.com. Contributor Meera Bowman-Johnson writes about the Obamas' decision to choose schools for their children. Bowman-Johnson says it's always tough to search for the best school for your children"”but it can be even more agonizing when you're African-American. For black parents, there are worries about low expectations from teachers; … [Read more...]