School is right around the corner, and every year it seems like back to school shopping gets more expensive. From pencils to textbooks, there’s a lot to spend on in order to prepare your child adequately for the school year. In 2014, the National Retail Foundation reported that the average family with children in grades K-12 will spend $669.28 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics. That’s a huge cost – and one that not every family can afford. It is important that every student begins the school year with the resources they need to be successful. If you are looking to minimize costs, here are some tips and resources on how to do so: AISD Back to School Bash On August 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Austin ISD will be hosting the 10th Back to School Bash at the Palmer Events Center. There will be free backpacks for AISD students filled with school supplies (while supplies last), free vision exams and free vaccination opportunities. Be sure to bring your child’s shot record! AISD will also be providing free shuttles at various locations throughout Austin. Find out more information on the shuttles here. Shop at Local Thrift and Second Hand Stores Most people go straight to big name stores when they shop for back-to-school however, thrift stores can be some of the best places to find affordable gently-used clothing for the school year. Find a Goodwill Central Texas or Salvation Army to find some quality second-hand bargains which will help you save in […]
Read MoreLights On Afterschool
Dismissal bells ring around the country at about 3 p.m. every day. For many students, this where learning stops – TV, hanging out with friends, or spending time at home alone make up the rest of their days. For others, the end of the school day signals the beginning of a new adventure. Conventional knowledge of afterschool programs makes little distinction between daycare and the dynamic range of activities available to today’s youth. However, children and teens in afterschool programs receive so much more than supervision. Today’s afterschool programs offer everything from cooking classes to program coding, and offer a broad menu of hobbies and skill-building. Additionally, afterschool programs provide a safe and supervised space for adolescents, especially older students, during the time of the day when they are most likely to engage in crime and risky behavior. Studies show that students participating in high-quality afterschool programs display improved behavior and lower levels of absenteeism, earn higher grades, and perform better on tests compared to non-participating students. 19% of Texas students spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. alone and unsupervised. Today, on the 15th annual Lights On Afterschool Day, students, parents, and programs across the nation are celebrating afterschool programs as a crucial space for youth to grow and thrive. In Texas, 18% of students participate in an afterschool program. However, 19% of Texas students spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. alone and unsupervised. There is still much work to be done in order to provide afterschool enrichment to all students. United Way for […]
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