Running around and getting physical activity. Breathing in the fresh air. Listening to the birds as they sing. Sitting in the shade under a tree and looking out at the sun. These activities are refreshing not just for us, but for our kids, too. And for many educators throughout Maryland, …
Read More »Frederick Youth Arts Resilient in Pandemic
When the pandemic caused the operation of school buildings shops, restaurants, theaters—and many extracurricular activities—to grind to a sudden halt, no one knew how long that hiatus would be. Some businesses and organizations had a brief hiccup until mask wearing and sanitizing stations allowed them to reopen. For others, the …
Read More »Exploring the Benefits of Dance Education in Frederick
Whether they are twirling in the aisle of the supermarket, bobbing their heads while sitting in a car seat or jumping around the room, many children love to express themselves through dance. Dance is almost like the doorway to everything else creative,” says Mallory Coombs, director of the Musical Theater …
Read More »The School-Year Vacation
More and more families are traveling during the school year. Here’s how to minimize the impact—and maximize the benefits—of school-year vacations. Last January, my family took an epic 11-day vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. We swam, snorkeled, hiked and—most importantly—bonded. The best part? Our kids, twin boys in fifth grade and …
Read More »Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child
Entering preschool is an important developmental milestone for children and their parents. When you think about it, preschool is a child’s first introduction to a school setting. Naturally, parents want to find the right school for their 3- and 4-year-old children. If you’re looking for a preschool that meets the …
Read More »Extraordinary Challenges Create Extraordinary Opportunities
The late Rear Adm. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper once said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” I’m always reminded of this quote when changes need to be implemented, no matter how large or small. It’s human nature to abhor change; resistance is …
Read More »Maryland Ranks in the Top 10 Best School Systems in New Study
In WalletHub’s new list of best and worst school systems across the country, Maryland ranked in the top 10. To determine the rankings, a team of researchers compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 metrics of quality and safety. They also took into account performance, funding, …
Read More »Teachers Prep for Fall
This summer Baltimore middle school teacher Elisabeth Budd is developing a website with a very specific purpose, one that arose after online learning challenges in this year’s pandemic. Budd will use the site to post the content that she teaches her students, so parents can see and help their child …
Read More »The Advantages of Distance Learning
For some children with disabilities, there’s an upside to virtual school In my house, the sudden advent of distance learning has, of course, been the same shocking pivot as for everyone else I know. I talk to other moms who are fighting to get their kids to start their lessons …
Read More »At-Home Learning: Local Public TV Stations Offer Free Educational Resources
As the world grapples with the spread of COVID-19, moms, dads and caregivers everywhere are adding “at-home learning” to their list of daily responsibilities. They’re flexing their multitasking muscles by turning their kitchens into classroom while still managing to show up on time for virtual staff meetings. To support busy …
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