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PRC News

Pass The Poems Please 1

PRC Summer Hours 1

The Role of Fathers In Their Child’s 1Literacy Development

Preschool Intake 2

Special Education Services 2

Transition Services 2

Summer Activities 3

Tech Bytes 4

Family Game Night 4

Inside This Issue

Chesapeake Public Schools’ Parent Resource Center369 South Battlefield Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA 23322

757-482-5923/Fax 757-546-0990E-mail: laeunice.brown@cpschools.com

SUMMER Vol.15 No.3, 2012

A Year Later Pass the poems please Pile them on my plate Put them right in front of me For I can hardly wait To take each tangy word To try each tasty rhyme And when I’ve tried them once or twice I’ll try them one more time: So pass the poems please They just won’t leave my head I have to have more poems Before I go to bed.

Jane Baskwill www.janebaskwill.com

Parent Resource CenterSummer Hours

The Role of Fathers in theirChild’s Literacy Development K-3

Dads, did you know that reading with your child can lead to better school performance? Studies show that when fathers participate in learning, children receive higher marks, enjoy school more, and are less likely to repeat a grade. Reading time creates a bond between you and your child that will stay with both of you forever.How should I start?Stop by the children’s area at your local library, or check out www.ReadingRockets.org/books. Select books that interest you and your child—read about famous athletes, historical events, or how things work. You can read chapter books with older children (like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter), reading a little bit each day. Be patient! If you haven’t read with your child before, he or she may need time to get accustomed to this activity.What if I’m not with my child every day?If you don’t see your child each day, try arranging a regular time to read books over the phone or create your own podcast! Your child will look forward to this individual time with you, and will also be modeling behavior that will keep your child on a path toward learning.What if I don’t like reading?Even if you are not a reader yourself, your participation in literacy activities at home can have an impact on your child’s academic achievement. You just have to send the message that reading is important! • Tell stories about your own life or when you were young • Talk about the print that is in your environment. For example, read and talk about road signs or brand names on food containers • Check out books of photography or art and talk about the pictures • Involve your child in everyday writing tasks like shopping lists, thank you notes • When you are doing household projects, describe what you are doing. Use interesting words!

The Parent Resource Center will be closed from June 18, 2012, through July 31, 2012. It will open on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting August 2, 2012, to August 23, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Regular office hours will resume August 27, 2012.

Preschool IntakeChesapeake Public Schools has an ongoing process of locating, identifying and evaluating children ages two to four years that are suspected of having a disability. Any child who is identified as having a disability and qualifies for special education is entitled to a free appropriate public education designed to meet his/her needs. For additional information, please contact the Preschool Intake Team at Edwards Wilson Center, 494-7600.

Special Education ServicesChesapeake Public Schools has an ongoing process of identifying and evaluating students ages 2 to 21 that are suspected of having a disability. Any student who is identified as having a disability and qualifies for special education services is entitled to a free appropriate public education designed to meet his/her needs. For additional information, please contact the Parent Resource Center, 482-5923.

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Transition ServicesThe goal of transition planning is to prepare students with disabilities for life after high school. All students receiving special education services, including speech services, need assistance in their transition to life after graduation. Transition planning begins no later than grade 9 or age 14; whichever comes first. For more information contact any of the Special Education Transition Specialists listed below.

Frankie Dampier-Nichols 558-5382 Hugo Owens Middle- Home School Great Bridge Middle Hickory High Great Bridge High Grassfield High Chesapeake Center for Science & Technology SECEP-Hugo Owens Middle SECEP-Grassfield High SECEP-Great Bridge High

Emily Riddick 465-5246 Jolliff Middle School- Home School Western Branch Middle Indian River Middle Chesapeake Alternative School Western Branch High Deep Creek High Indian River High SECEP- Deep Creek High SECEP- Indian River High TRAEP

Regina Stowe 494-7590 Oscar Smith Middle- Home School Deep Creek Middle Crestwood Middle Greenbrier Middle Oscar Smith High Family Assessment Planning Team (FAPT) St. Mary’s SECEP- Deep Creek Middle SECEP- Deep Creek Center

Brickheadz VIB Club (Very Important Builder)

Designed for youth ages 7 & up with special needs

Builder Club We will explore and build simple machines,

try-out motorization of LEGO creations, and experience a wide range of themes including space, transportation, and animals. The goals are to provide an opportunity to practice positive social skills, build friendships, and to create opportunities for

success...and most importantly to have FUN! Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The Portlock at South Norfolk • 3815 Bainbridge Blvd.# 54041-58; 9/8, 15, 22

Fee: $40 *Each participant will receive materials

valued at $10 at the end of session

Adaptive Movement Program (AMP) Our AMP classes exercise kids’ hearts & lungs,

strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, develop motor skills, and provide physical activity. Pre-sport skills are taught

through specific activities.Thursdays at:

Western Branch Community Center (WBCC) 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Deep Creek Community Center (DCCC) 3:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Fee: $33Dates; 5/17, 24, & 31

Advanced registration is required for both of these classes. For more information call 382-6724

PRC News 3

SUMMER ACTIVITIESSummer Events at

Chesapeake Public LibrariesDo you love to read? Are you looking for some summer reading events

for the whole family? Chesapeake Public Libraries have something for everyone. To see a month to month listing of events go to www.

chesapeake.lib.va.us or call your local library for more information.

Chesapeake Central Library Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Library410-7100 410-7036

Greenbrier Library Indian River Library410-7058 410-7003

South Norfolk Memorial Library Major Hilliard Library410-7048 410-7078

Russell Memorial Library410-7020

Barnes & NobleGreenbrier

Children’s Story Time 10:00 a.m.6/5/12, 6/7/12, 6/12/12, 6/14/12

Father’s Day StorytimeCome in for this special Storytime in celebration of Father’s Day!

Children are invited to enjoy special Father’s Day stories and fun coloring activities.

Sunday, June 17, 2012 2:00 p.m.Costume Character Storytime with Spot

You’re invited to a special costume character Storytime with Spot! Enjoy stories and fun coloring activities during a visit from Spot.

This program is ideal for preschool-age children.Saturday, June 23, 2012 2:00 p.m.

Portsmouth Children’s Museum221 High Street • Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

Phone: 757-393-5258

Camps for 6-8 year oldsA Quest in the Past

Step into a world of artifacts and discover the secrets of ancient cultures. Get ready for an adventure with simulated digs, artifact

puzzles, and games.Dates: July 9-13 • Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salty Sea DogsPut on yer sailing caps ye scalawags and search the seas for

the ways of the deckhands. Explore through the eyes of pirates and sailors as you discover their work and play. Dates: July 16-20 • Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Hidden In Plain Sight Explore Nature’s designs! Campers will design and construct

sculptures of animals who artfully camouflage with their environment. Animal sculptures will be painted and placed in their colorful environment. Guest artist Kacey Carneal, who is

featured in an upcoming exhibit, will demonstrate and assist in painting. Location: Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Art Annex Dates: June 25-29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. OR July 23-27 1-3 p.m.Tuition per camper: Members: $65 • Non-members: $70

Camps for 9-12 year-oldsUp in the Sky and Beyond

Look beyond our world to seek out the secrets of the planets. Create weather in a jar, constellation stories, and launch rockets.

Dates: July 23-27 • Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nano QuestBecome a nano-scientist and detect the tiny behavior behind

nanotechnology. Take part in a mitten challenge, play with ferro fluid, and mimic a lizard.

Dates: Aug 13-17 Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuition per camper: Members: $65 • Non-members: $70

Design a Deck Minimum: 5 campers • Maximum: 12 campers

Campers will design and decorate a skateboard deck using spray paint, stencils, and stickers (trucks and wheels not included.)

Location: Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Art AnnexDates: Aug 1 • Time: 1-3 p.m.

Tuition per camper: Members: $20 • Non-members: $25For more details on activities go to www.childrensmusuemva.

com/activities.html

Giant Word Find Indian River Community Center

Get Ready Families!!! Help your team unscramble the letters to form words that relate to the Giant Word. This is a time for families to have some

great fun together and make new friends. Dates: Starting in June, join the IRCC Staff for some exciting fun

the 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. This program concludes the 3rd Tuesday in August.

For more information call IRCC at 757-424-4238 or email IRCC@cityofchesapeake.net.

Fun Forest Phone: 757-312-0243 • Fax: 757-382-8418

Email: PRGeneral@cityofchesapeake.netAddress: 900 Greenbrier Parkway,

Chesapeake, VA 23320On three acres of Chesapeake City Park is Fun Forest,

the ultimate children's playground, imagination center and family adventure area! Original built in 1995 by over 1,800 volunteers from private, public, and community sectors, and winner of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society "Best New Facility in Virginia" award in 1996, the

playground has an older children's area which encourages gross motor-skill development and features a dragon,

three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, dolphin tunnel slide, and many more challenges for the older child.

A new section was built by volunteers in 2011 after fire damaged a section of the playground.

Many of the attractions are handicapped accessible, with paved paths, slides, swings, picnic tables and benches

to accommodate wheelchairs. There's a wall decorated with tiles of hand prints, messages, and signatures of early

contributors and a history wall of paintings of events in Chesapeake's past done by local school teachers.

There's something for everyone.

WWW.

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The Chesapeake Public School System is an equal education opportunity school system.The School Board of the City of Chesapeake also adheres to the principles of equal opportunity in employment and, therefore,

prohibits discrimination in terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, age, or disability.

• Ask your child about his or her day. Engage in conversation that extend simple sentencesConversation with adults helps children learn new words and practices telling a story—both linked to better reading skills.Walk the walkYour child learns from what you do. Make sure the messages you are sending about reading tell your child that knowledge and literacy are valuable, achievable, and powerful.For more information on reading with your child visit:www.ReadingRockets.org/articl/c442/

Role of Fathers from page1

Tech BytesUse photo and video sharing by phone with care

Most mobile phones now have cameras and video capability, making it easy for teens to capture and share every moment on the go. These tools can foster creativity and fun, yet they also present issues related to personal reputation and safety. Encourage your teens to think about their privacy and that of others before they share photos and videos via cell phone. It’s easy to post photos and videos online without the knowledge—let alone the OK—of the photographer or the person in the shot. It could be embarrassing and even unsafe. It’s easier to be smart up front about what media they share than to do damage control later on.Excerpt from Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, pg. 29If you would like a free copy of Net Cetera, please contact the Parent Resource Center, 482-5923.

Family Game NightWhat is family Game Night? It’s a fun way to spend quality time together and create a family tradition that you and your kids will remember and cherish for years to come. Mix together kids and parents, take the phone off the hook, turn off the TV and your cell phone, bring out a board game and have an evening of fun, learning and laughter that brings all of you closer together.How does Family Game Night help keep families together? What brings families closer and what gives children a sense of belonging and connectedness is the kind of qual-ity time that happens when family members interact and talk and listen face to face… and when they laugh and enjoy each other as people. That is exactly what happens when you play games with your kids.

This sense of belonging and this kind of communication is crucial to growing children. Most of the new options for entertainment are not done as a group… the face to face interaction and laughter and fun are missing. The sense of “belonging to a family” may be missing. A family game night can be relaxing and enjoyable, will bring the family closer together, and will also teach children many school and life skills.All games teach the following skills: 1. Cooperation/Teamwork- Taking turns and working with others; respecting other family members including extended family. 2. Responsibility- Playing by the rules; taking care of the materials and putting the game away so it will be ready next time. 3. Perseverance and Patience- Waiting for your turn or for that “special card” or throw of the dice; sticking it out to the end; trying again. 4. Honesty- Playing fair; being able to admit mistakes and learning from them. 5. Understanding/Accepting both winning and losing- Knowing that we can try to win, but sometimes we will lose, and being able to cope with wins or losses tactfully and graciously. 6. Making choices and accepting the consequences of the choices you make.Tips: • Remember that you as a family have the right to modify games to fit your needs • Younger children who cannot read CAN play many games with the rest of the family if an older sibling or an adult plays with them as a partner and mentor, helping with the reading or counting. • Take the ages on games with a grain of salt. You know your family and what each member can do.www.readingrockets.org

Have a Safe & Happy Summer

LaEunice