School, classes starting everywhere

Hi neighbors. It is another hot weekend, so stay cool. Go swimming while the pool is still open.

If it stays hot all day, go take in a movie at the local theater. There is always lots to do in Nevada.

Although some places still traditionally start school after Labor Day (Sept. 1) Nevada is already started. Whatever school you attend, in these days of economic problems, it is often a family responsibility to get children their needed supplies for the school year.

I've often seen parents and grandparents shopping with their children for school needs. I like to take my granddaughter shopping for school. It's almost as cool as Christmas shopping!

Most stores that sell supplies have lists of what each grade in school expects their students to have to start the year. Although many supplies are not too expensive, some are more high dollar. Calculators and accessories for laptops are big items on the lists of students of almost every grade. Now, most schools that have the funding for them, supply laptops to their students. If they don't, parents and grandparents need to know that a laptop is as essential today as a Big Chief was in our day.

Like other necessary school supplies, many stores offer good prices on laptops during their back to school sales.

Laptops offer the same service to a student as a notebook, tablet (the actual paper and pencil types), library and camera offer. As virtual portable offices and research labs, laptops are a remarkable school tool. Parents should know that supervision and oversight are still necessary when children do their homework. The Internet is filled with predators and crooks, and whenever your child is on the laptop, think of how you would watch over them in a crowded department store in a busy international city. The same degree of parental monitoring is necessary.

The laptop is not only a school tool, it can also be a trip to the largest library in the world, a tour of almost any museum, or an opportunity to speak with experts in almost any field of science. Children should stick to websites that have addresses that end in .org or .edu or even .gov. These are usually reliable sources.

My granddaughter explained that her teacher gives them tips on websites to use that are safe and that have education as their primary function, and even work in conjunction with various schools. Ask your student what their teachers have said about the Internet. It might not hurt to ask early in the year about what restrictions are built into your child's laptop and what you should be aware of as a parent.

Like most school questions, please just ask your child's teacher, the school's principal, or at parent/teacher conferences, any questions you have about how to make the school year more advantageous for your child. Trust me, they will be glad to answer your questions and happy that you are asking!

Now let's talk wardrobe! School clothes. It is always important to wear what everyone else is wearing so you can demonstrate your independence. That has been the case since the way-back days when I went to school. The easy days of jeans and sweaters have passed us by. Dresses for girls are back in style. Shoes are something else. Remember when all you needed was a pair of sneakers? Now you need a pair for mornings and one for afternoons; another for gym class and sometimes a different pair to wear after school to whatever events you have planned.

Make certain you check with the school on what is really needed. It is up to the parents to hold the line on school clothing spending. Remember, students, no matter how well dressed, are still children. We have all heard the "but everyone is doing it, wearing it, dancing it, and on and on." Don't take out a second mortgage on the house or refinance the car to buy brand name items for your children. You are a teacher as well so teach your children some family financial responsibility and some self-control when it comes to wanting what everyone else is wearing.

If all the parents showed some common sense about practical as opposed to popular, the push for school uniforms wouldn't seem so sensible.

Until the next time, folks, remember children are back in school so watch for those few who walk to school. Also avoid the school buildings when the buses are loading, unloading and heading out before and after school.