Scan QR code to apply online or visit a branch near you! *Loans excluded from this offer include delinquent loans, first payment loans, real estate related loans, single payment loans, courtesy pay repayment loans, GAP loans, and credit card accounts. Maximum of two skips per calendar year. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 10% introductory rate for 6 months on retail purchases and balance transfers. Standard rate thereafter. The standard APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. 2 Rate shown is valid through August 31, 2021 and is subject to change without notice. Advertised personal loan rate is based on a credit score of 720 or greater with a term up to 60 months. Rates and terms determined by borrower’s credit qualifications. For a complete list of all rates and terms, visit us online at www.AMOCOfcu.org. 3Maximum payout amount is $1,000. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. NO PURCHASE OR CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE MADE WITH CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VISIT WWW.AMOCOFCU.ORG/WIN-WHAT-YOU-SPEND FOR OFFICIAL RULES AND DETAILS. Offer subject to change or discontinue without notice. Some fees and restrictions may apply. This credit union is federally insured by NCUA. Subject to membership eligibility. Texas’ 2021 Tax Free Weekend is August 6 - 8 It’s time to start preparing for another year of new books, supplies, and clothes. AMOCO is here to help you get an A+ in Finance and check off your back-to-school list with these money saving options. 800.231.6053 | AMOCOfcu.org SKIP-A-PAY WIN WHAT YOU SPEND 3 PERSONAL LOANSREWARDS CREDIT CARD 7.90 % APR 2 % APR 1 0 Apply to skip your payment on an existing loan * . As a rewards cardholder, you will get a chance to RATES AS LOW AS INTRO RATE OF SAVE SET READY2 | Back to School | 2021 B ack-to-school shopping sales have long been indicators that the summer vacation season is coming to a close. Students and their parents may visit area stores or browse online looking for items to make the coming school year a success. Those lists have looked similar for decades, but shopping for school supplies in the pandemic era may prove to be a unique experience. Though hundreds of millions of adults and adolescents have now been vaccinated against COVID-19, there figures to be some lingering effects of the pandemic during the upcoming school year. That could affect which school sup- plies families buy in the weeks to come. Here’s a look at some of the latest trends. A shift from physical stores: The pandemic has accelerated a shift away from physical stores to digital shopping by about five years, according to data from IBM’s U.S. Retail Index. It’s likely that school shoppers will turn to the internet for their supplies, which means local brick-and-mortar shops should increase their web presence and digital shopping capabilities to reach online shop- pers. This includes omnichannel fulfillment, such as buy online and pickup in store options. Reassessment of what’s essential: The pandemic may have changed which items con- sumers consider essential. For example, clothing became less significant as a greater number of students were enrolled in virtual learning. Back-to- school shoppers may purchase less clothing and focus more on tech items, among others. Traditional supplies become less necessary: In 2020, Deloitte forecasted that a shift in preferences and intentions would result in parents buying fewer traditional supplies, such as notebooks and office supplies, as they chose to invest in digital resources to supplement chil- dren’s education. That shift likely will continue into this school year. Support for local retailers: Community spirit grew in the early days of the pandemic and continues now. Many people prefer to shop in locally owned stores. Eighty percent of custom- ers surveyed feel more or as connected to their communities, according to the business industry consultant company Accenture. Customers are trying new brands and products: Shoppers are trying new products out of curiosity as well as necessity. Back-to- school shopping may include novel brands and other items that may not have been readi- ly purchased in years past. — Metro Creative Connection How school shopping has changed in the pandemic era Remove items from the backpack, and empty all of the pockets. Use a vacuum to get crumbs out of the backpack. Check the care label to see if there are washing instructions. Machine Wash: Turn the bag inside out rst or place it in a pillowcase so that the straps and zippers will not be caught. Wash it on a gentle setting with a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Hand-washed: Use lukewarm water and a soft sponge or a gentle bristle brush. Zippers need cleaning to remove dirt or crumbs. Do not scrub them. Use a lubricant made for zippers to help them slide smoothly. Hang the bag to air dry upside down. It likely will dry more quickly outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight. Do not store or use the backpack until it is completely dry. Sometimes a backpack may need to be disinfected to prevent the growth of fungus or bacteria. Athlete’s foot fungus can easily transfer from socks and shoes to the backpack if gym clothes are left in the bag. The Spruce says use a pine oil or phenolic disinfectant or a disinfectant wipe. Lysol brand disinfectant also can be used and is available in liquid formula or spray. how to Backpacks are useful tools for students. From school books to sports equipment, backpacks can store just about anything. While it may be tempting to simply throw a backpack into the washing machine, it is important to check the care instructions rst. If a backpack is waterproof, only wash it once or twice per year. Use cleansing wipes to spot clean. SANITIZE a backpack CLEAN & 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 SOURCE: METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION GRAPHIC: LIZ DAVIS/THE DAILY NEWSProviding a diverse academic curriculum strong in math, science and technology Odyssey Academy is a free, open-enrollment, public charter school serving approximately 1,600 students at 3 locations in Galveston, Texas City, and the Bay Area. AN OFFICIAL OA BAY AREA Home of the Dolphins Pre-Kindergarten - 8th Grade 2600 Stanley Lane El Lago, TX 77586 (281) 326-4555 oaba@odyssey-academy.com OA GALVESTONOA TEXAS CITY Home of the Rockets Pre-Kindergarten - 12th Grade 2412 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 750-9289 oag@odyssey-academy.com Home of the Jets Pre-Kindergarten - 7th Grade 10000 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Suite 1300 Texas City, TX 77591 (409) 978-8015 oatc@odyssey-academy.com R SCHOOL WWW.ODYSSEY-ACADEMY.COM 2021 | Back to School | 3 T he end of summer can be a bittersweet time for students. While many students look forward to seeing their friends, few want to say goodbye to the relaxing days of summer. Parents know that getting their children back in the school day swing of things can be a challenge. The following are some ways to make that transi- tion go smoothly. INTRODUCE MORE STRUCTURE The chance to unwind in a structure-free setting can ben- efit students at the onset of summer vacation. Many par- ents grapple with the notion that their children’s lives are overscheduled, and the Cleve- land Clinic notes that limiting organized activities clears up down time for kids to play and relax and spend time with their families. So, it’s important that parents afford their children this down-time during summer vacation, only gradually intro- ducing more structure as the school year draws closer. In the weeks before the school year is slated to begin, start waking kids up a little earlier and reintroducing bedtimes for younger children who may have been staying up later over the last couple of months. This can be an effective way to begin preparing youngsters for the structure of the school year. ENCOURAGE READING Encourage children to read throughout the summer. A report found that 47 percent of parents are unaware of the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of academic skills that occurs when school is not in session, according to the education publishing company Scholastic. The slide is largely attributed to a lack of reading when school is not in session. How to prepare kids to go back to school By encouraging kids to read during their summer vacations, parents can make sure young- sters’ brains stay sharp and are ready to learn once the school year begins. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE Even kids who love school may be apprehensive about returning to the classroom. Af- ter all, summer vacation is fun. Parents can confront that ap- prehension by focusing on the positives of returning to school. Emphasize the chance to see friends every day or participate in a beloved extracurricular activity, like sports, band or a favorite academic club. MAKE SHOPPING FUN Let kids do some of their own back-to-school shopping. The items that constitute back- to-school supplies may have changed since parents were in school. But many parents still take their children on back-to- school clothes shopping excur- sions. Let kids choose their own clothes, as an opportunity to wear clothes they picked them- selves might make them excited for the new school year. Parents can take various steps to make the transition back to school a successful one for their young students. — Metro Creative Connection The Facts of Lice What are head lice? A head louse is a parasitic insect that feeds on human blood several times a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where are head lice found? Lice are most often found on the scalp, particularly near the neckline and the back of the head as well as behind the ears. How are head lice spread? Head lice cannot hop or y; they move by crawling and are spread by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. Lice can be spread via contact with clothing, including hats, scarves or coats, or personal items like combs or towels used by an infested person. What are the symptoms of lice infestation? People with head lice may notice a tickling feeling of something moving in their hair. The CDC notes that the bites of the head louse may cause an allergic reaction that leads people to feel an itchiness in their scalp. How are lice found? Head lice are small and they avoid light, so it can be hard to see them with the naked eye. As a result, the CDC advises people who suspect they or a loved one has head lice to use a magnifying glass and a ne-toothed comb to examine the scalp. SOURCES: METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION; CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GRAPHIC: LIZ DAVIS/THE DAILY NEWSHITCHCOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Travis W. Edwards, Superintendent 7801 Neville, Hitchcock, TX 77563 (409) 316-6545 Office, 409-986-5141 Fax Hitchcock Independent School District is a small district of approximately 1700 students with high standards. Dedicated to promoting the academic success of all students, HISD takes an active role in providing quality, learner-centered curriculum and instruction to a diverse population of students. A dedicated professional staff develops graduates who take their places successfully in an ever-changing world of careers, community service and higher education. Hitchcock ISD offers instruction in grades PreK-12 as well as a Head Start Program that serves children ages 3 – 4, including students with disabilities, living in the Hitchcock, Santa Fe, and La Marque, communities. Students, age 3 through 12th grade, receive individualized programs and special services, based on identified needs. Many Hitchcock ISD seniors and juniors take advantage of our close partnership with College of the Mainland, enrolling in dual credit and Collegiate High School courses, which also fulfills their high school graduation plans. HISD provides the majority of the cost for this program. There are six (6) fully accredited junior and senior colleges within five to 30 minutes from the city of Hitchcock: College of the Mainland, University of Houston at Clear Lake, Galveston Junior College, Alvin Junior College, University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A & M University at Galveston. Hitchcock ISD offers many career and technology classes including culinary arts, auto tech, marketing, business, health science, criminal justice, cosmetology, and welding. For further information, please visit our website at www.hitchcockisd.org Hitchcock ISD Bulldogs Hitchcock High School Crosby Middle School Stewart Elementary Principal: Laura Gilcrease Principal: Donette Line Principal: Connie White 6629 FM 2004 6625 FM 2004 7013 Stewart Hitchcock, TX 77563 Hitchcock, TX 77563 Hitchcock, TX 77563 409-316-6544 409-316-6542 409-316-6543 Hitchcock Primary School Kids First Head Start Principal: Kevin Lankford Director: Ethel Gaines 5901 FM 2004 5701 FM 2004 Hitchcock, TX 77563 Hitchcock, TX 77563 409-316-6467 409-316-6541 4 | Back to School | 2021 Private vs. public school: Which one should parents choose? Public schools are often a natural choice because they are free to attend. With a more varied curriculum and greater propensity to offer more after- school activities than smaller schools, public schools can be a great draw. Plus, children who attend local schools may feel more in touch with the community and take pride in partaking in the town or city’s traditions. Enrollment is often considered a downside to public schools. Many public schools have a higher teacher-to- student ratio than private schools. This may lead to a “lost in the crowd” feeling for students who may otherwise benefit from more individualized attention. What’s more, because public schools are bound by set curriculums, teachers may not have the same flexibility in what or how they can teach as their colleagues who teach at private schools. — Metro Creative Connection While most peo- ple think of religion when they consider private schools, many such schools in the United States are not affiliated with a religious or- ganization. Each private school follows its own direction, which means there can be varied edu- cational goals and approaches. Private schools have more flexi- bility than public schools in regard to their curriculum, as they are not bound by state or feder- al mandates. The most prominent drawback for pri- vate schools is the cost. Many private schools cost thou- sands of dollars per year, and such costs may not include uni- forms and supplies. Another potential con is some private schools simply cannot offer the same vast level of options as a public school. Through taxpayer funding, public schools may be able to bring in more resources and offer a greater array of classes. — Metro Creative Connection Class size plays a significant role when parents decide to send their children to private school. Public school classes may include 20 stu- dents or more, with some even as large as 34 students at full capacity, according to Noodle, an online education search and rating resource. Private schools tend to have much smaller class sizes and a smaller teach- er-to-student ratio. This can translate into more individualized attention for each student. It also may mean heightened scrutiny, which is something students may quickly discover and not be accustomed to from their public school days. Students who thrive with more frequent teacher feedback may like the change to private school. Others who prefer not being in the spotlight may need more time to adjust. P arents may have a number of options when choosing schools for their children. Public schools are responsible for educat- ing millions of youngsters every day, though private schools also may make great options for certain students. Families must weigh the pros and cons of schooling decisions carefully to find the best fit, as school helps set the foundation for life ahead. PUBLIC SCHOOLPRIVATE SCHOOL DID YOU KNOW? Check out our Google and Facebook reviews online then call us! WWW.BOSWORTHAC.COM TACL A021270CTACL A9728C 832-769-0556 Since 1959 • Service All Makes & Models • High Efficient A/C & Heating Communicating Smart System Specialist • Air Filtration & Zone Specialist • Planned Service Agreements Free Estimates On New & Replacement Equipment 0% Financing with approved credit Doing Business in Galveston County for Over 61 Years Brent Patterson, DDS is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Dr. Brent Patterson has been practicing dentistry in Galveston County for over 20 years. In front of Education Village (League City) In the Medical Arts Pavilion next to Mainland Hospital (Texas City) — Metro Creative ConnectionJ.A. Weldon Construction, Inc. Custom Beach Homes Remodeling Decks & Patios Siding & Windows Backyard Projects “Customize Your Home” John Weldon • (409) 737-2731 johnweldon1962@outlook.com A quality education is priceless. Lessons learned in the classroom are vital to students’ long-term success, serving as a foundation as young adults transition from the role of student to professional. An academic résumé is a great vehicle for young people to illustrate how well-round- ed their educational experiences have been. Such résumés also give college admissions departments a snapshot of students’ accomplishments, hobbies and extracurricular activities. In fact, there are certain criteria that colleges and trade schools look for in students — and things graduate schools may look for in university students who hope to do postgraduate work, the National Society of High School Scholars said. • Grade point average: Some colleges will recalculate students’ GPAs based only on core subjects, such as math, language arts, social studies, science and foreign languages, according to the NSHSS. • Advanced placement classes: Many schools weigh honors or AP classes more heavily toward GPA or acceptance re- quirements due to their rigor. AP courses often translate directly into college credits, which can make them even more valuable to high school students. • Extracurricular activities: Schools and even future employers look at more than just test scores and GPAs. In a competitive admissions climate, colleges will weigh the entire picture of a student. Someone who was heavily involved in sports, clubs and peer-run groups like scouting organizations may find that such participation is what sets them apart from other applicants. Pick extracurricular activi- ties that align with passions rather than just ones that will look good on a résumé. • Well-crafted essay writing: Essays give students an opportunity to tell their unique stories in ways a résumé cannot. An essay should be highly personal and thoughtful, and also present students as a real person. Students should write essays even when they are optional, as the essay can be a window into what makes applicants tick. It is important for students to continually hone their essay-writing skills, which they can ul- timately utilize to make a strong impression with university admissions departments. • Depth, not breadth, of experience: Students should focus their passions on a few select activities over widespread partici- pation in many different ones. Activities that carry over into academic focus and a future major may be especially valuable. — Metro Creative Connection 1. LEARN RESILIENCE Compared to generations past, when children may have had jobs during the school year, today’s children do not have many demands placed on them beyond school- work and maybe some light chores around the house. The average student may use sports as a way to learn about and overcome challenges. Participating in sports can teach kids how to recover from setbacks (being the losing team) or dealing with adverse situa- tions (sports-related injuries). 2. IMPROVE FITNESS School sports require ongoing physical activity, which is advantageous to children in an age when lifestyles are increasingly sed- entary. A report found that when female stu- dents are given more opportunity to engage in athletics in high school, their weight and body mass improve, according to the Nation- al Federation of State High School Associa- tions. School sports can help students over- come the negatives of sedentary lifestyles. 3. RELIEVE STRESS Exercise in any shape or form can help relieve stress. The camaraderie that develops within a team setting also can boost self-es- teem and help some students overcome any feelings of isolation they may confront during adolescence. 4. BOOST BRAINPOWER School sports may work the body but they also benefit the brain. Children who are physically active show greater attention, have faster cognitive processing speed and perform better on academic tests than those who are sedentary, a report from the Institute of Medicine indicated. 5. DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Teens who played sports develop stronger leadership skills and develop better confi- dence, according to a study from Cornell University. That can work in a team or solitary setting, and translate into skills that serve a person well throughout life. — Metro Creative Connection 5 | Back to School | 2021 How to establish a well-rounded school résumé Music courses can have a profound im- pact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study found that high school students who take music courses score significantly bet- ter on exams in subjects like math and science than their non-musical peers, the American Psychological Association said. Researchers discovered that, on average, chil- dren who learned to play a musical instrument for many years a were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in re- gard to their English, mathematics and science skills. — Metro Creative Connection DID YOU KNOW? 5 great reasons to participate in scholastic sports6 | Back to School | 2021 A s the COVID-19 pandemic stretched on, children who have been called on to do their part still may not fully understand why they have had to skip play dates or avoid sitting together at lunch tables inside school cafeterias. Older children who are cognizant of much more may be growing weary of social distancing and may have started to question the benefits of staying home. Social distancing helps maintain public safety, but there’s no denying such measures have produced some difficult side effects, some of which may be felt long after the pan- demic has ended. For instance, some experts suggest that social distancing has the potential to affect long-term social de- velopment. “When young children are learning the basics of being social beings, their parents and siblings can provide most of the input they need,” said Amy Learmonth, Ph.D., a developmen- tal psychologist who runs the Cognition, Memory and Develop- ment Lab at William Paterson University in New Jersey and has studied children as young as eight weeks old. In fact, having parents and siblings home much of the time actually can be a boon for children age 5 and younger. Conversely, older children and adoles- cents develop social skills by learning to “navigate complex so- cial groups of peers,” Learmonth said. Pro- longed isolation from peers could be strip- ping opportunities to naturally develop social skills, particu- larly the longer social distancing goes on. Kids “practice reading social cues and learn constructive social responses — including the give-and-take of conversation — how to self-regulate when they get annoyed at another person, and how to ask for what they need in a socially acceptable way” through in-person encounters, according to Clinical psycholo- gist Laura Markham, founder of the site Aha! Parenting. Families can get creative to help foster social skills in their youngsters as the world continues to confront social dis- tancing and its poten- tial side effects. SCHEDULE VIRTUAL PLAY DATES While it may not be the same as hanging out in person, virtual play dates can provide one-on-one interac- tion with friends and help to maintain pre- existing positive peer connections. PLAN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES When weather allows, people from different households can interact outdoors, provided they keep safe distances. This can be advantageous to teenagers chomp- ing at the bit to hang out with friends. One can become in- fected with COVID-19 when an infected per- son coughs, sneezes or talks and those drop- lets enter the mouth or nose of another, according to the Cen- ters for Disease Control and Prevention. Outdoor fresh air disperses virus parti- cles and people are more able to keep their distance from others. Sitting in a backyard, walking a boardwalk or riding bikes together are some ways for ad- olescents to safely maintain social con- nections. PRACTICE GOOD MANNERS When at home, families can continue to interact and offer opportunities to talk, listen and practice social manners. FOSTER GAME NIGHTS Encourage social interaction at home with family game nights that involve board games or video games. Teens and tweens also can do multiplayer games with friends over the internet through their favorite gaming con- soles. — Metro Creative Connection How to foster social skills in an era of social distancing “Older children and adolescents develop social skills by learning to navigate complex social groups of peers.” AMY LEARMONTH1914 45th St. • Galveston, TX 77550 • 409-692-2001 ...leading into a bright future. F irst-year middle school students and high school freshmen face certain rites of passage when the school year begins. Separating fact from the fiction offered by upperclassmen, learning which teachers are tough and which are lenient and navigating a large campus are part and parcel of the middle school and high school experience for incoming students. Many students also are first introduced to lockers at this time. Lockers require a certain finesse that new students will have to perfect. Mastering the skills of opening combination locks, figuring out how much time to allot to grabbing books in between classes and learning how to personalize lockers are some additional things middle schoolers and high school freshmen must learn. SCOPE OUT THE TERRAIN If a school offers a tour in advance of the first day of school, be sure to take it. Pay attention to locker size and place- ment. Schools vary in the types of lockers they use, so students may not have as much storage room as they expect. Scop- ing out the locker terrain gives students an idea of how much space they will have to store books and personal items. They also can visit the location of the locker they’ve been assigned. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Look at the locker combination on the lockers of the school. Purchase a similar type of combination lock and practice opening it at home. Locks generally work by turning the combination clockwise to the first number, counter-clockwise passing that first number to arrive at the second number and then clockwise once more to the last number. ADD MORE STORAGE Students can invest in locker organi- zation kits or shelves that attach with magnets or other contraptions. This will maximize storage space and help out with organization. PLAN AN ORGANIZATION SYSTEM Some students may find that color-cod- ing books and other supplies by class is helpful. Others may want to organize supplies according to class schedule, so that items can be grabbed quickly without much forethought. HANG THINGS WHEN POSSIBLE Magnetic or removable adhesive hooks inside the locker can be used for hanging up jackets, scarves, hats, and gym bags, freeing up shelf or floor space. Lockers are part of the school experi- ence. The sooner students become accli- mated to combination locks and learn to maximize locker storage, the easier life at school becomes. — Metro Creative Connection Mastering the locker combo and personalizing the space 2021 | Back to School | 7 Express yourself! Tips for decorating your locker Air Freshenr Srage Racks Chalkboard Cach-Al Bin Lcker Shelf Dry- Erase Board Phos f Friends Tempra y Walpaer SOURCE AND GRAPHIC: LIZ DAVIS/THE DAILY NEWS Mir r Sickers & Magnes LED Lighs Rigorous curriculum A welcoming & inclusive experience STEM Programs, Fine & Performing Arts, Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities An education that inspires & empowers Visit ChooseCatholicSchools.org ENROLL TODAY ENROLL TODAY WHAT WILL YOU IN A SCHOOL? CATHOLIC www.fscgal.org Raising thriving healthy children takes work. For many fathers, raising children is like sailing in rough waters. Fathers need support to help children develop the skills they need. FSC assists fathers by providing opportunities to build connections with other fathers to make sure they have the safe harbours they need to navigate rough waters. D evices are every- where in the digital age. Though adults may be capable of govern- ing their screen time, kids may not be so disciplined. Devices can be valuable learning tools for young students, but the Ameri- can Academy of Pediatrics notes that excessive media use can put children at risk of obesity, lost sleep, ad- diction, and violence. So it’s imperative that parents em- phasize balance and moder- ation as they negotiate their children’s device usage. In an effort to help par- ents establish and maintain that balance, the AAP has developed its Family Media Plan, which parents can use to customize guide- lines on screen time in their households. A family media plan can help parents ensure their children aren’t spending too much time staring at screens and it can serve as a valuable means to mon- itoring youngsters’ online lives, potentially alerting moms and dads to instanc- es of bullying or other dan- gerous situations. The following are some guidelines parents can fol- low as they customize their family media plans. • Establish screen-free times and zones. Estab- lishing a time of day when devices cannot be used and areas of the home where they should not be taken can help parents govern kids’ screen times. For example, by establish- ing children’s bedrooms as screen-free zones, parents can make sure kids aren’t spending all of their time staring at screens when they’re behind closed bed- room doors. • Research apps and programs. The AAP rec- ommends parents research the age-appropriateness and ratings of apps and programs before installing them on devices. Speak with children’s teachers to determine which apps and programs kids will need for school. Read fellow par- ents’ ratings before install- ing any entertainment apps and programs on devices children will use. • Use tech to monitor tech. “Family Sharing” ca- pabilities on Apple devices allow parents to manage devices and screen usage across the household. Parents can add children to their accounts and then set daily time limits on apps children will use. They also can make certain apps off limits for children to keep kids safe. Other device manufac- turers offer similar tools to help parents effectively monitor and control kids’ device usage. • Encourage new in- terests. Parents can help to control screen time by encouraging new interests and introducing children to new activities that do not involve screens. Commit time each weekend to ac- tivities that do not involve screens, such as hiking, gardening and painting. Exposing children to activities that don’t involve screens is a great way to get them off the couch and away from their devices. If kids don’t take to a given activity, keep trying. — Metro Creative Connection How to manage kids’ screen time on devices 8 | Back to School | 2021 Avoid extreme temperatures. Most devices are ne between temperatures of 32 F and 90 F. But don’t leave electronics in the car, in a sunny window or outdoors. Clean devices regularly. Refer to the user’s manual for the proper ways to clean the devices you rely on each day. Spray cleaners on a cloth and then wipe o devices. Try a can of compressed air to remove dust from crevices or vents. Don’t overcharge. Overcharging can reduce battery life. Do not leave devices charging overnight. Use protective cases. Cases can prevent damage if devices are dropped and also may safeguard against scratched screens. Cases and covers also minimize dust and dirt on devices. Keep software up-to-date. Security issues may arise when software is not updated, and programs may not run eectively. Routinely clean out unused les, clear cookies and browser histories to maintain speed and eciency. 5 Tips to keep devices running smoothly SOURCE: METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION GRAPHIC: LIZ DAVIS/THE DAILY NEWSAffordable tuition, knowledgeable instructors, and a supportive staff add up to a quality education - right next door at Galveston College. Eligible local high school graduates who attend GC can receive Universal Access tuition assistance of up to $5,476! GC.EDU REAL LIFE. REAL EXPERIENCES. REAL SUCCESS. REAL Success It is the policy of Galveston College to provide equal opportunities without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, genetic information or veteran status. REGISTER NOW FALL 2021 There’s nothing natural about a disaster. © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co. 12233400 The O'Donohoe Agency 409-744-1888 5928 Stewart Rd. seanodonohoe@allstate.com allstate.com/seanodonohoe As your local Allstate Agent, I understand how a disaster can turn your world upside down. I am here to help you through the recovery process and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Contact me today to learn more. K nowing how to speak another language can pay huge dividends. Bilingual people usually acquire a first language as a moth- er tongue, and then they develop a second language either simultaneously or later in life. Hispanics, French Ca- nadians, residents of French-speaking countries in Africa and immigrants who arrive in another coun- try to live comprise the larg- est segments of bilinguals. Multilinguals, or people who speak three or more languages, are much less common than bilinguals. • Cognitive benefits: The bilingual brain can have better attention and task-switching capacities than the monolingual brain, according to Data pub- lished by Cerebrum, which provides information about neuroscience. Bilingual children as young as seven months may be better equipped to adjust to environmen- tal changes, and bilingual seniors may experience less cognitive decline than monolingual ones. • Educational advantage: Being able to concentrate, multitask and focus better may provide an advantage at school. Even if children are educated in their second language initially and lag behind other children, they soon catch up and outper- form their peers by age 7, according to the Millennium Cohort Study, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study headquartered at the Naval Health Research Center. • Cultural opportunities: Being able to speak anoth- er language means multilin- gual children and adults are able to interact with differ- ent people abroad, as well as understand the nuances of a different culture. See- ing a country the way the natives experience it and being able to speak like a local can have social and financial advantages. • Career opportunities: Speaking a second lan- 2021 | Back to School | 9 The benefits of being a bilingual child guage will provide benefits in the busi- ness world, which is increasingly global- izing. Even know- ing a few words or phrases in a foreign language can foster stronger relation- ships when working overseas. This helps build rapport and is a skill set that can set an individual apart from another candidate. Knowing anoth- er language may provide a pathway to different career opportunities. Be- ing bilingual has a distinct set of ad- vantages. Children can be encouraged to learn a new language and keep those skills sharp into adulthood. — Metro Creative Connection 43% of the world is bilingual. — iLanguages Bilingualism can improve memory. A 2003 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology found that bilingual- ism had positive effects on both episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory that involves conscious recollection of previous experiences together with their context. Semantic memory also is a type of long-term memory that involves the capaci- ty to recall words, concepts or numbers. Strengthening these types of memory can benefit children in the classroom and outside the classroom when they reach adulthood. — Metro Creative Connection DID YOU KNOW?Next >