Tips on Scoring Extra Credit At School (NAPSA)—Accordingto the U.S. Census Bureau, some 53.8 million students (grades K-12) have enrolled in the nation’s elementary and high schools for 2004-2005. When they arrived, more than 14 million com- puters greeted them in the 114,000 elementary and secondaryclass- rooms—one computerto every four students. Families spent $483.28 on average—more than $5.6 billion— to get students ready for school, according to a recent National Retail Federation survey. “Regardless of age, almost every student experiences certain anxi- eties associated with the changes of a new year,” said Adam Stambleck, manager of Everyday Values & Everyday Privileges Gold, which provides practical savings on a vast array of services and products for families. “That’s why webelieve it’s important to keep our customers’ children prepared for school throughout the year with helpful hints. Stambleck offered these hints to help students have a successful school year: 1. Maintain a school-time body clock: Reset and maintain a child’s body clock by changing yourchild’s routine that lasts throughout the year. Make a habit of going to bed earlier and waking upearlier. 2. Beat back the butterflies: Lots of children feel nervous or apprehensive about school. To keep those butterflies in check all year, it helps to bring a favorite pencil, backpack or lunch box to school or wear a special outfit on important days. 3. Backpacking for school: Help your child pack the basics before he or she heads out the door. Begin with pencils, notebooks and homework and addto it to make the school day easier—a pocketdictionary to check spelling and cash for lunch in the cafeteria are good ideas. SMART START—A goodbreakfast will give your brain and body energyfora full day. 4. Packing a lunch with pizzazz: Manyschools offer healthy lunches, and many systemsare installing healthy snack-vending machines. Packing your own lunch can also ensure a healthy lunch of your own choice. Start with fresh fruit and veggies and add zest by including spaghetti, vegetable pizzas or wraps made with tortillas for an added slice of variety. 5. Get enough sleep: Plenty of rest will make you alert, refreshed and ready to soak up yourstudies. 6. Eat a nourishing—and balanced—breakfast: This will give your brain and body the energy needed for a full day. 7. Develop good work habits: Write down all assignments and turn in homeworkon time. 8. Don’t overcrowd/overschedule your child. All that rushing around leaves no timefor children to be children. 9 Keep a sense of humor: Remember to cultivate a sense of humor and keep kids laughing— after all, learning is supposed to be fun. To learn more, visit www.every dayvaluesclub.com or call 1-866363-8258.
