Dear parents and guardians, I am so excited to welcome you to our Parent Power newsletter. We're thrilled that you’re interested in learning more from our dedicated team at EBR Schools and can’t wait to start sharing with you.
Inside this Issue
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded the East Baton Rouge Parish School System a $3.5 million “Research and Development Partnerships for Math Equity” grant for economically disadvantaged and minority students. The selection follows a rigorous six-month process among 17 qualifying school districts nationwide. New York City Schools was the only other district in the nation to be chosen and funded for the revolutionary program.
EBRPSS will be part of a 33-month innovative pilot program that will combine existing, collaborative research partners to develop new customized intervention models, data tracking and teacher training for online student learning. The widely reported learning gaps resulting from the COVID epidemic exacerbated long-standing education deficiencies across the country; research shows that the disparity in mathematics most profoundly impacted Hispanic, Black and economically disadvantaged students.
“One of the greatest struggles our students face begins with their mindset before they walk into the classroom,” said EBRPSS Superintendent Sito Narcisse, Ed.D. “Just the idea of learning math can be a daunting and intimidating prospect for kids who may not have had effective foundational experiences. Many simply have developed an early negative perception and lack of confidence when it comes to greater comprehension as they matriculate through grade levels. This initiative will help us identify those causes and provide sustainable instructional strategies and bolster enthusiasm in math education for the entire country.”
The funds and resources for this pilot program will provide a longitudinal analysis of digital learning tools and specific instructional practices to gauge which drivers of math learning lend to successful student engagement and outcomes. That effort requires a broad scope of experts sharing wide-ranging data from concept and execution to results. One of the outstanding factors of the grant competition that separated EBRPSS from other districts was its longtime research and development partnerships with LSU and DreamBox Learning. The ability to comfortably align in a cross-functional, cooperative structure to target specific skill deficits and adjust teaching methods is vital to develop interventions in the existing gaps; the existing partnerships will streamline this program.
“At DreamBox, we are driven by the singular belief that all students deserve access to high-quality learning opportunities, regardless of their race, gender or ZIP code. This math equity initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will allow us to improve student outcomes and possibilities,” said Jessie Woolley-Wilson, CEO and president of DreamBox Learning®, the only dual-discipline solution rated ‘strong’ by Johns Hopkins’ EvidenceforESSA.org in both mathematics and reading. “East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools is a learning innovator with experience increasing student achievement quickly through programs such as DreamBox Math. Through this grant, we will learn even more about effective ways to unlock learning potential for all students.”
The project agenda intends to develop new technical research tools to create an upward trajectory in students’ math learning and provide local public access to successful data studies across the U.S. The partnership with the experts at LSU will be critical to framing these findings and sharing them as an open resource to all educational institutions and program designers.
“I would like to thank the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for entrusting LSU Social Research & Evaluation Center with this important work along with the Gates Foundation for contributing to education equity for children in the Baton Rouge community," said Judith Rhodes, director of the LSU Social Research & Evaluation Center. “I look forward to working with EBRPSS and DreamBox Learning to research and implement tools in the students’ lives to help them achieve their full potential.”
The ultimate goal is to better understand which instructional resources and teaching practices best meet the needs and contexts of students to reach equitable outcomes and positive self-identity around mathematics as an imperative. These program partnerships and resulting developments will serve as an infrastructure to be reapplied on a national level and stands to reimagine and reinforce future generations of student confidence and positive math identity.
We are so proud to have been chosen to participate in such an important program and are very excited about the potential to provide a unique and extraordinary opportunity to increase the pace of innovation in tools and practices for the entire education landscape.
For more information or to register for any of the programs listed, call the branch where the event is scheduled or visit www.ebrpl.com. Can’t visit any of our 14 locations which are open seven days a week? The library is open 24/7 at www.ebrpl.com.
The Library’s Featured Events, www.ebrpl.com (225) 231-3750
Movies on the Plaza
Join us on the Plaza at the Main Library at Goodwood at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, for another Friday Night Movie on the big screen! This month’s feature is a holiday classic about a family who goes on vacation, but leaves one thing behind — their son! Closed captioning will be provided. Louisiana Lemonade will be on-site, and, as always, there will be an after-movie dance party! Patrons are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.
Food for Fines
During the month of December, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will waive $1 of late fines for each nonperishable food item donated. All items will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Donations may be dropped off at any Library location. For more information, call 225-231-3740.
Mural Presentation and Reception
The library welcomes Palacio’s House of Arts for a presentation and dedication of “Ida: Be a Resilient Artist” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Main Library at Goodwood. A reception will follow. The 20-foot mural, combining music and art, will reside permanently on the first floor across from the Main Library’s large meeting room. The event will include an exhibition of art from local children, a concert presentation, door prizes, raffles and refreshments. Admission is free!
Write Time! with Boo Milton
Join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the River Center Branch Library for “Write Time!," a FREE poetry and general creative writing session for ages 18-33. Beginners and seasoned writers will enjoy creating poems and spoken word pieces while connecting with other creatives. This event is hosted by media personality Boo Milton with a Live DJ and refreshments. And mark your calendar for next month’s “Write Time!” session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3. Register for these monthly sessions at ebrpl.com/calendar or by emailing programs@ebrpl.com.
Author Talk Series
EBRPL’s Author Talk Series continues with three new authors in December! Each live, virtual event will feature a different bestselling author, along with an interactive Q&A session where participants can ask questions directly to the author. Visit libraryc.org/ebrpl to register for these virtual events, learn about other upcoming conversations with bestselling authors and view previous author talk recordings.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. – Join us for an exciting virtual chat with the acclaimed and award-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks in conversation about her most recent New York Times bestselling novel, “Horse.” Brooks braids a sweeping story of spirit and injustice across American history. Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, “Horse” is a novel of art and science; love and obsession; and our unfinished reckoning with racism.
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. – Join us for an online chat with bestselling author Fredrik Backman as we discuss his outstanding body of work, including his breathtaking new novel, “The Winners,” the third installment of the Beartown series. “The Winners” is a story about first loves, second chances and last goodbyes. In the two years since the shocking events of Beartown, the residents must face difficult questions and determine just what they are willing to sacrifice for their home.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. - You’re invited to explore early American history during an online afternoon conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Nicole Eustace as she discusses her 2022 award winning book, “Covered with Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America.” Eustace powerfully contends that the colonial obsession with “civility” belied the reality that the Iroquois, far from being the barbarians of the white imagination, acted under a mantle of sophistication and humanity as they tried to make the land- and power-hungry colonials understand their ways.
Magnificent Magic Show
X-treme Talent presents Tim the Magician! Kids, join us for a high-impact, amazing comedy magic show! Enjoy the entertainment, the fun and the laughs! You might even end up as part of the show! Registration is required. Call one of the locations below to register today!
• Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. – River Center Branch Library
• Monday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. – Central Branch Library
Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., (225) 231-3750
Saturday Science
Teens and adults are invited to the Main Library at Goodwood at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, for Saturday Science, LSU’s free public talk series that connects the community to science and technology. This month, Dr. Kyle Harms will ask, “Why Are the Tropics the Global Biodiversity Hotspot?” Join us for this interesting and enlightening presentation!
Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge Winter Concert
The Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge will present “Voices,” its second concert of the season, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Main Library at Goodwood. Highlights will include holiday-themed works, as well as the “English Folk Song Suite” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Letters Against Loneliness
End-of-the-year cards are a tradition! Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Main Library at Goodwood for an hour of card making. Our cards will be delivered to local nursing home residents to spread some holiday cheer.
Children’s Books and Music Series featuring The Kids’ Orchestra
Collect new musical skills! Discover new library books! Experiment with new dance steps!
Kids’ Orchestra invites children ages 5-11 to an experiential program that combines library books with music education. Each month, children will explore a theme as they learn about an instrument, sing a song, explore a dance and play a game — all inspired by a book in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library collection. Join us at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Main Library at Goodwood to share your holiday traditions as we learn about percussion instruments, sing a song, learn a Wassail dance and play a game inspired by a book in the library. All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. To register, call 225-231-3760.
Learn the basics of speaking French in a group setting with an in-person instructor on at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 20 at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch.
Central Branch Library, 11260 Joor Road, (225) 262-2640
Holiday Gift-wrapping Party
Teens, do you have holiday gifts that you need to wrap? Then join us at the Central Branch at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, and get to wrapping! We will have all the supplies you need to wrap your gifts, plus cocoa and cookies. We’ll even play a few holiday games for fun!
Adults are invited to the Delmont Gardens Branch for an introduction to the art of calligraphy at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. We will learn with CreativeBug videos from Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls, an artist, calligraphist and designer. Practice the basics and become familiar with the beautiful lettering of brush pens. Registration is required. To register, call 225-354-7050 or visit ebrpl.com/calendar.
Soap Making for Beginners
Join the Delmont Gardens Branch at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, for instruction on how to make soap. We will melt down a soap base into molds and mix it with fun spices, herbs and a moisturizer. Registration is required. To register, call 354-7050 or visit ebrpl.com/calendar.
Fairwood Branch Library, 12910 Old Hammond Highway, (225) 924-9384
Open Mic Night
Sign up for the 20-Somethings Open Mic Night at the Fairwood Branch! Come hang out and share your creative writing, art or music at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec.8. Registration is required. To register, stop by in-person at the branch or call 225-924-9385.
Stop by the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17! Patrons will learn how to crochet with their hands — no hook required! While we do have some yarn on hand, patrons are encouraged to bring their own super bulky yarn.
Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road, (225) 756-1140
Vintage Decoupage Picture Frames
Come to the Jones Creek Regional Branch at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, to decorate a picture frame using vintage scrapbooking elements and the decoupage technique. Registration is required. To register, call 225-756-1150.
River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd., (225) 389-4967
Polymer Clay Christmas Charms
Want some cute Christmas charms to decorate your presents or to give as gifts? Join us at the River Center Branch from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, to make Christmas-themed polymer clay charms. We’ll be doing present boxes, ball ornaments, peppermint candy and a snowman!
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For more information or to see a complete listing of events, call (225) 231-3750 or visit us online at www.ebrpl.com.
De-Stress and Refresh During the Holidays
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Happy Holidays to our EBRPSS Students & Families! Remember to take time to breathe, enjoy downtime and to get plenty of rest and relaxation. The Mayo Clinic states, “The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.” Below are some valuable holiday tips to prevent holiday stress and depression:
Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship. If you're feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat.
Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry.
Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives:
Donate to a charity in someone's name.
Give homemade gifts.
Start a family gift exchange.
Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions:
Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
Eat healthy meals.
Get plenty of sleep.
Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.
Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress, and adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Some options may include:
Taking a walk at night and stargazing
Listening to soothing music
Reading a book
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
TAKE CONTROL OF THE HOLIDAYS
Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown.
With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays. Happy Holidays from the I CARE Program!!
Stop the Spread of Influenza
Fast Flu Facts
The flu can affect anyone, young or old, at any time — even otherwise healthy individuals.
Flu viruses can cause illness from early October to late May; however, seasonal flu activity most commonly peaks between December and March.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.
Everyone should have their flu shot by Oct. 31 every year.
Debunking the Myth Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?
No. The vaccine typically takes two weeks to reach full strength; if someone is exposed to the flu virus during that time, they may still get sick.
What You Can Do
Children are at higher risk for severe flu-related complications, including death, so it’s important that families and schools work together to prevent flu and stop the spread of an outbreak once it occurs.
Raise More Germ-Aware Kids: Follow these four tips to help your kids understand germs and how to prevent them — at home and at school.
Kick off Healthy Lifestyles Month by trying this fun and educational soap-making activity with your kids!
Get every member of your family vaccinated annually. It’s the most effective way to prevent the flu. Search for locations in your community that offer immunizations.
Beat the Bug: Post this tip sheet in your home to remind family members of things to do to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their School: Use this to guide your conversation with your school principal about flu prevention policies and procedures.
Cleaning Protocols for Germs in the Classroom: Share with school leadership how to properly kill bacteria on the surfaces teachers and students encounter every day.
Additional Resources for Families
Healthy Classrooms (Lysol): Teaches students, teachers and families techniques to keep germs from spreading and reduce sick days.
Keep Flu Out of School (National School Nurses Association): Provides information and resources about flu prevention, including annual vaccination, to school nurses, parents, teachers and students.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Provide information about flu prevention, symptoms and treatment.
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives: Fact sheets, posters, social media messaging, stickers and other health-promotion materials that schools can use to teach students about keeping hands clean and preventing illnesses.
Fostering a love and aptitude for reading is critical to your child’s success from the moment they start school all the way up to their high school graduation. Your child needs strong reading and comprehension skills to succeed — not just in English, but in science, math, social studies and various school activities.
Readers at all levels should be encouraged to read books that celebrate diversity, focus on social and emotional learning and books that foster critical thinking.
Reading with infants and toddlers
Goals at this age include fostering a love of reading; an understanding of the relationships between pictures, words and sounds; and responsiveness to rhythms and rhymes.
Have lots of books at home. This doesn’t have to cost a lot. Visit the library, ask family members to read to your child and ask for books as gifts.
Read with expression. Use different voices for different characters and animals. Point to pictures that relate to what you’re saying.
Find stories with strong rhythms and rhymes. Have your child repeat or sing them along with you.
Make reading a daily habit. Pick a regular time, such as before bed or after breakfast or lunch.
Use pictures to start building vocabulary. Talk with your child about what the pictures show. Ask them to point to things as you say them.
Link reading to real life. For example, once your child learns hot and cold, ask them to find something hot in the picture, like the sun.
Encourage your child to ask questions. As you read, stop regularly and prompt them with questions of your own, such as “Why did the rabbit get lost?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
Find books on topics you know will interest your child. Make note of topic preferences, such as cars or animals. Ask your child to choose their own books.
Read the same stories over and over. Repetition helps your child become familiar with the way stories are organized, as well as concepts and vocabulary.
At one point or another, we’ve all sent a card to someone we care about. In a world dominated by emails and social media, receiving a physical card from someone special can mean the world to the recipient. While simply going to the store and purchasing a mass-produced card gets the job done quickly, taking the time to create your own unique card can make an even bigger impression. If you find yourself wanting to get creative and make homemade cards but aren’t sure where to start, here are few helpful tips to get you on your way.
Plan it out
Before you rush to the hobby store to buy your card-making materials, it’s important to first figure out what kind of card you want to make. There are almost as many reasons to send a card as there are actual cards in the world, and different reasons can often mean a different approach to the creative process. Creating a Christmas card, for example, might mean seeking out materials that are red, green or white, since those are the colors most associated with the holiday. Birthday cards can use a wide variety of colors and shapes, while “get well” or condolence cards might benefit from being more subdued.
The right materials
Once you know what direction you want to take your cards, you can begin buying materials. Hobby and craft stores sell a variety of papers used for scrapbooking and card making, and these papers range in size, shape, texture, thickness and choice of color or pattern. Avoid using generic construction paper, since this cheaper material will look less professional and be harder to work with. Make sure you have a good pair of scissors, glue and other cutting tools like an X-ACTO knife or paper cutter.
Measure twice, cut once
Another tool you should always have when making cards is a straightedge implement of some kind. A simple ruler works best. Making cards means cutting plenty of paper, and once cut, any serious mistakes cannot be amended. Before making any major cuts or folds, be sure to use a ruler to measure the proper amounts of paper that are being kept or cut. Before committing to the cut, use the ruler’s straightedge and lightly draw a line as a guide for your scissors.
Write it out
If you’re planning on writing in your card, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be writing before you put any ink on your freshly cut paper. Practice writing your message on a piece of scrap paper first, making sure to eliminate misspelled words and grammatical errors. You may even want to lightly write your message on the card in pencil first, and then trace over your letters with a pen or marker.
Be creative and have fun
When it comes to creativity, there are no rules. Creating is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and try new things. Don’t limit yourself in terms of materials, colors or subject; make the card the way you want to make it. If you have fun while working, those who receive your homemade cards will notice and appreciate your passion.
With these tips and your own creativity at your disposal, you’ll be surprising your loved ones with beautiful, handmade cards in no time.
Presenting Sponsor: Children's Hospital of New Orleans!
Nov. 25 - Dec. 30
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Admission gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.
Admission:
Adults/teens: $5
Seniors: $4
Ages 2-12: $3
Zoo members: $3 per person
We are partnering with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank again this year! Every guest presenting a nonperishable food item during the hours of ZooLights will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2020, just over 7,000 pounds of food were collected during this drive.
ZOOLIGHTS IS:
A trail through the zoo.
More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays.
A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region.
LIGHTED DISPLAYS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.
GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: flamingos, giraffes, lions, tigers, gorillas, rhinos, elephants, alligators, giant Santa, giant snowmen, holiday trains, Santa in sleigh pulled by giant reindeer and toy soldiers. Displays can be up to 30-feet tall!
ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.
VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari photo booth, seasonal specials from the Flamingo Cafe, safari post gift shop
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: When is ZooLights?
A: ZooLights begins the day after Thanksgiving and ends on Dec. 30. The zoo is closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Q: What are the hours for ZooLights?
A: Admissions are open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.
Q: Will I be able to see zoo animals?
A: Animal viewing is limited at this event, as many of our animals are brought inside for the night. ZooLights is an evening, holiday event that does not offer the same viewing opportunities as a daytime visit.
Q: Can I walk around the entire zoo during ZooLights?
A: No. Certain areas of the zoo are closed for this event. For your safety, we ask that you remain on lighted, designated paths at all times.
Q: Is food available for purchase?
A: Yes. The Flamingo Cafe will be open and serving specialty holiday items in addition to the regular menu.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: ZooLights remains open during rain. Dress appropriately for the weather. The zoo does not issue refunds or rainchecks.
Q: Will the Safari Post gift shop be open?
A: Yes. The Safari Post gift shop will be open every night for ZooLights. The zoo is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping!
Q: Can I bring my flashlight?
A: No. Flashlights and laser pointers are not allowed for the safety of our animals and for the courtesy of other guests. You may take photos or video without a flash.
Q: How can my business or organization get involved in ZooLights as a sponsor?
A: Contact Randy Haddad at 225-775-3877, Ext. 6220 or rhaddad@brzfoundation.org for customized options.
The holidays are a great time to get your kids involved in cooking and baking, helping them to become comfortable in the kitchen. Holiday foods like cookies and mashed potatoes are usually simple recipes that include steps your kids are easily able to help with. Even more so, it’s one of the few times kids get to play and get creative with their food! You can always start with the basics like gingerbread men and gingerbread houses, but here are a few new ideas for spending time in the kitchen with your kids while they’re on holiday break from school.
Banana Snowmen Skewers: Fruit and vegetables aren’t often associated with the holiday spirit, but that’s not to say you can’t make fruits and veggies festive! Try making snowmen out of sliced banana, strawberries, green grapes, kiwi, and mandarin oranges. Four different colors of veggies all in one holiday snack!
Celery Reindeer: If your kids like ants on a log, they’ll love this! Fill your celery boats with peanut butter, or an alternative like sunflower butter if your child has a nut allergy. On one end of the celery, decorate with pieces of pretzel for antlers and chocolate chips for eyes. On the other end, place a raspberry or strawberry wedge for a nose.
Holiday Popcorn Snowman: This recipe uses only four main ingredients and is very similar to making rice crispy treats, except here you’re adding popcorn instead of cereal and forming snowmen. Popcorn is a whole grain packed with fiber, making this a filling snack. Get creative with decorations by using nuts and seeds for eyes and buttons to add some protein and healthy fats.
Peanut Butter Christmas Mice: These are peanut butter cookies with a fun twist. Shape your cookie dough into mice and decorate with peanuts, mini chocolate chips, and more. Take it to the next level by creating your own cookie dough from scratch. Try swapping half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for some more nutrients without compromising taste or texture.
"DIVERSE HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR KIDS
Enjoy this diverse holiday books for kids collection to learn more about different celebrations around the world:
BOOKS THAT CELEBRATE DIVERSE HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS
“Celebrations Around the World” exposes children to different cultures around the globe. Twenty-five events are featured, including both religious and nonreligious holidays and festivals. The range of holidays and celebrations included and the little snippets of information provided are just right for kids to understand:
“Sensory and the Holidays.” A helpful guide to helping your sensory processing child enjoy the holiday season. For most people this is one of the happiest times of year, but for a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD) this fun-filled season can be the most stressful time of year. Sensory processing is the way a person’s brain receives, processes and responds to sensory input from their environment:
"18 More! Easy Social-Emotional Activities For Preschoolers - Discovery Building Sets." In this article, we will examine the social-emotional learning activities for preschoolers and toddlers that support interaction and relationship skills. For example, identifying their emotions and understanding the feelings of others. As well as sharing and turn-taking activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Finally, we will explore cooperation and friendship skills for kids:
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Parent Power is a publication of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System and all of its entities (including Career and Technical Education Programs) do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability or gender in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment); and it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section 504 (42 USC 794). The Title IX coordinator is Andrew Davis, director of Risk Management (ADavis6@ebrschools.org, 225-929-8705). The Section 504 coordinator is Danielle Staten-Ojo, (dstaten@ebrschools.org., 225-326-5668). The Title II coordinator is Dr. Sandra Bethley, administrative director of Federal Programs (SBHorton@ebrschools.org, 225-922-5538).
All students have an opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Programs of Study, including but not limited to areas of health care; construction crafts and trades; automotive technology; IT computer technology; culinary programs; criminal justice; and agriculture. Admission requirements for each course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is being offered. Please contact the guidance counselor at the specific school site for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.
Dr. Sito Narcisse, Superintendent of Schools
sitonarcisse@ebrschools.org
Letrece Griffin, Chief of Communications & Family Engagement
