Nye County School District

Celebrate, support and reconnect at bedtime Is your family trying to do so many things that it is hard to keep track of one another, even in the same house? Stay connected by gathering each night in a child’s bedroom. Take turns sharing one positive thing from your day. Share a least favorite thing too, if you like. Your family will be able to celebrate the positives together and help one another deal with any tough stuff that comes along.

Be a coach, but let your teen run with the ball Your role in your teen's education is evolving, but it's just as important as ever. Instead of controlling the action, consider yourself a sideline coach. Support and encourage your teen's efforts to work independently by teaching him how to organize and plan his time. Ask specific questions about his assignments ("What reading to you have for history today?") that will help him focus on the tasks ahead. http://niswc.com/36iUC276091

Fathers, be a reading role model for boys Reading tests often show that boys lag behind girls in reading. One reason may be that moms do more reading aloud and elementary school teachers are often women. So boys may associate reading with women and school. Fathers can encourage their sons to read by showing them that books are for men, too. Give reading as much time as you do sports or other activities. http://niswc.com/16iVC276091

This article is from Las Vegas Fox 5, KVVUTV Some Nevada families will receive a one-time payment after potentially missed school lunches due to COVID-19-related closures. The Nevada Department of Welfare and Supported Services announced that the families of children who would have received free or reduced lunch if school were in session will receive a one-time refund for the cost of the lunches. Eligible children include those who received food through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The refund is coming from the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program offered through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits will see a refund added to their current EBT card. All other eligible families will receive a new card via mail with funds already added to the card. Families do not need to apply to receive the benefit. “The benefits will be released automatically based on enrollment in free or reduced price school nutrition services," NDWSS administrator Steve Fisher said. The one-time payments will be issued between Aug. 31 through Sept. 8. Families with questions about the program can contact DWSS Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 775-684-8740 in Northern Nevada and 702-486-9640 in Southern Nevada. More information can be found at dwss.nv.gov. https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/education/nevada-families-to-receive-payment-to-replace-missed-school-lunches/article_ed49b950-f29e-11ea-9e3e-37b55c92484a.html

Take conversations with your teen to the next level In his classes, your teen will be asked to support his answers and opinions with examples from his reading and experience. To help him practice this type of critical thinking, dive deep into your conversations. Take time to discuss your teen's thoughts about everything from school to issues in upcoming elections. Ask him to explain his thought process. You may not agree with him, but encourage him to think for himself. http://niswc.com/36iQC276091

There are still lots of ways to get involved How can you volunteer for the school if you work? What if school buildings aren't open? There are still many ways to make a difference. For example, you can stay in touch with your child's teacher and respond to school surveys. You may be able to offer career expertise or help translate for non-English speaking parents. Your participation helps in important ways and shows your child that education is a priority. http://niswc.com/16iPC276091

Have your teen chart causes and effects of history If your teen has trouble remembering what he reads for history class, he may have trouble picking out what is most important in the text. Making a cause and effect chart can help. Have him list these questions down one side of the chart: What is the problem? What or who caused the problem? What solutions were tried? What was the result? Which solution worked? What happened? As he reads, he can fill in the answers. http://niswc.com/36iKC276091

Clear rules help avoid arguments You have a better chance of eliminating conflict between you and your child if you pick a calm, unhurried time to discuss any issue you are having. Then agree on a rule to address the issue in the future. For example, he must finish schoolwork before having recreational screen time. Post the rule where you both can see it. When the situation next arises, you can just point to the rule and avoid an argument. http://niswc.com/16iMC276091

Online or in person, attendance still matters Whatever format his classes take this year, make it clear to your teen that you expect him to participate fully in every one. He may think he is just getting out of some work when he cuts class. Make sure he knows that he may also be cutting himself out of future opportunities. Explain that unexcused absences may be included on his permanent record, for upper level programs, colleges and prospective employers to see. http://niswc.com/36heC276091

Learn how to contact key school personnel In these uncertain times, family-school communication is more important than ever. Families need to know who they can turn to with questions. Do you know the name of the school principal? Your child's counselor? The nurse? If not, call the office or look on the website to find out who they are and how to contact them. Making connections with key people at school helps smooth your child's education journey.

I want to give a huge shout-out and thank-you to the NNSS for providing us with funding for 50 in-home hot-spots to provide to our families that do not have internet. We received the funding on Thursday, and I placed the order on Friday! https://www.nnss.gov/pages/News/news.html

Find out about higher education options Your teen may be focused on the beginning of school, but it's not too early to start thinking about higher education. Does your teen enjoy designing, making and repairing things? Is she interested in contributing to a business? If so, she may want to consider going to a technical, business or trade school. You and your teen can discuss an array of post-graduation education options with her counselor. http://niswc.com/36hYC276091

Develop your child's inner motivation Students who are motivated only by the desire to get a good grade rarely do more than the minimum they need to earn it. But students who are motivated by an inner reward are more likely to stick with a task and retain what they've learned. Before your child starts a project, have him think about what he wants to learn from it. Along the way, ask him to share what he's learning and celebrate his progress. http://niswc.com/16hdC276091

Consult' with your teen about education The responsibility for learning belongs to your teen. Now, instead of directing her education, think of yourself as more of a consultant. To support your teen, create an environment that promotes learning. Encourage her to set goals. Talk about things you've read lately and share interesting articles. And make it a point to discuss your own responsibilities and how you plan your time and effort to fulfill them. http://niswc.com/36hWC276091

Three key school supplies don't come from a store It's school supply season! But three key things your child needs for school success can't be bought: concentration, organization and motivation. To help your child acquire them, set a regular study time and make sure she has a distraction-free place to work. Teach her to use checklists to keep track of things she needs to do. Most importantly, talk to your child each day about what she's learning. http://niswc.com/16hRC276091

Mr. Skelton is retiring. He's made a video to say thank you to all of the kids and folks he's worked with over the years. View the video here: https://bit.ly/FarwewellMrSkelton

Drive-thru Back to School Fair August 1, 2020, 8-10AM See this flyer for details: https://5il.co/ipl1

Teachers, Parents, and Stakeholders, We had tremendous response to our surveys about the start of school and great interest in the focus groups. We have sent over a hundred invitations for the two focus groups that take place tonight. One for teachers and admin (4:00), and one for parents and stakeholders (6:30). We have included participants from all Nye communities. If you have not received an invitation despite indicating that you are willing, it is because we had an overwhelming response, and we don't have the capacity to invite everyone. Thank you.

Discuss the many parts of responsibility Responsibility is more than doing chores or homework. Let your teen know that it is also thinking through how your words or actions affect others or yourself. It's acting in a manner that respects yourself and others. Encourage responsibility by praising your teen when you see her keeping promises, admitting to her mistakes, making amends and accepting consequences without placing blame. http://niswc.com/36gJC276091

Let your child see you learning Nagging kids to study doesn't usually inspire a love of learning. Instead, motivate your child's desire to learn by being a learner yourself. Show him that you enjoy reading. Watch educational TV programs. Tackle projects that involve learning new skills. Demonstrate curiosity, then talk about your new ideas or discoveries with your child. http://niswc.com/16gHC276091