12A The Madison Enterprise-Recorder www. greenepublishing. com School & Ebucation Friday, August 8, 2008 Nervous Parents Across America Will Be Sending Their Diabetic Children Off To School "Children and parents alike should be getting ready for the move from home to school." So says Bob Hawkinson, author, and a lifelong insulin de- pendant diabetic of 44 years. "Children may be used to Mom and Dad making sure they are do- ing everything they need to do. These kids will now be faced with being more self-reliant as they move into the classroom. Mom and Dad won't be there with them all day to make decisions for them." It can be quite a daunting time for parent and child alike. Here are some tips to help prepare your child and their school for the ar- rival of your diabetic child: 1. Constantly and con- sistently encourage self- managing by the child. He or she needs to learn what to be on guard for, and what to do. It is a skill set that must be encouraged. 2. Discuss your child's special needs with all the teachers and staff that may be making decisions regarding your child's health. Don't assume they know anything about dia- betes. Teachers, coaches, administrators, nurses, substitute teachers, and bus drivers should all be aware of what your child's needs are. 3. Make sure your 504 plan is up to date. (Section 504 bf the Rehabilitation Act and the American with Disabilities Act). It may state that your child needs to carry their glu- cose meter with them, or are allowed extra bath- room breaks, or can eat in class if needed. The Juve- nile Diabetes Research Foundation has resources available such as back to School Kits and How to Build Your 504 Plan, that can help you www.jdrf.org. 4. Your child should carry their own carbohy- drate source with them as they move throughout classes during the day. A relationship with the school nurse is also recom- mended, and the nurse should have training in administering glucagon. 5. Don't just accept what someone tells you if it doesn't seem right. Does your child's glucose meter really have to be at the nurses station? * Dig deeper, and be your child's advocate. No one will look out for your child like you will. With all the stresses of new classes, new friends, changes in activity, and making their own deci- sions more often, children can be overwhelmed. They need some direction, sup- port, and reassurance from their parents, their teachers, and their schools. Bob's book, The Joy of Diabetes, is not only in- By Michael Curtis Greene Publishing, Inc. Prior to concluding the school year, Just Read, Florida! Executive Direc- tor Evan B. Lefsky drafted a letter from the Florida Board Of Education to Madison County Schools Superintendent Lou Miller congratulating her for the district's achieve- ments as part of the Read- ing First program. Lefsky states, "Earlier this year, the Just Read Florida! Office recognized 12 Florida school districts Lou Mille for being in the top 25 per- Florida Comr cent of all Reading First knowledging districts in the state. sized by the I Madison County School the Reading Districts is one of these top performing districts because you have increased the percentage of stu- dents reading at or above grade level and reduced the percentage of students with serious reading difficulties at an excep- tional rate." Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Eric J. Smith presented the award to Miller, who was one of only seven attend- "It's Time To Put On Your Dancing Shoes!" Becky 's ' j ~0" S T--U --D 1 Registration & Dancewear Fittings Wednesday, August 13th Friday, August 15th 2:00pm 6:00pm Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Kinderdance --- Ages 3 thru Adult --- Classes Begin Tuesday, September 2nd Call Today!! 973-4828 973-4444 438 E. Base Street, next to McDonald's in Madison, Florida Becky Robinson Director Member Dance Masters of America spring, but it also edu- cates with a light hearted and pithy approach. Bob, who is 45, was diagnosed Type 1 (juvenile diabetes) ,at age one. His goal is to "help other diabetics grab hold of this disease by the horns and wrestle ft to the ground." To order his book, go to www.joyofdtabetes.com. .r proudly receives the district award from nissioner of Education, Dr. Eric J. Smith, ac- the exceptional reading Improvement real- Madison School District Schools as part of First Program. however, was quick to pass on the credit, praising all involved stating, "This achievement was only possible because of the incredible staff we have throughout the district, not to mention the parents and the hard work of the stu- dents themselves. We are so proud of them," she said. Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael(greenepublishi- INURANCi I Landscaping-SprinklerC ms Superintendent Receives State Reading Recognition ing the distinguished ceremony Miljer. gc-a.