Sachem High School East science teacher Richard Lemke is one of five finalists for the title of 2008 New York State Teacher of the Year. Following an initial application process in which he received the support of colleagues, administrators, students, parents and community leaders, Mr. Lemke was observed in the classroom by a member of the New York State Teacher of the Year selection committee, who then interviewed all of the above-mentioned candidate support groups. Mr. Lemke then traveled to Albany for an interview with the selection committee. The entire Sachem East community is very proud of Mr. Lemke’s designation as a finalist in this prestigious recognition.
3 Things Teens Need to Do in Summer |
Teens need to know that while summer is great for some down time, it’s never healthy to totally shut down and become lazy. This summer, you should urge your teen to:
Read to learn something new and for fun. Reading serves more than one purpose. While it is good if you can get your teen to read for fun - because reading is its own enjoyable benefit – it’s great if you can get your teen to learn something new through reading. Not only will your teen learn about the topic that he/she has chosen, but he/she will learn how to teach himself/herself something new. This skill will really help your teen when he/she can’t understand what their teacher said in class but still has to take the test. Many teens will give up and do poorly, whereas a teen with this skill has the ability to teach it to himself/herself.
Solve problems. Your teen needs to logically think through problems, such as puzzles, on a regular basis.The critical thinking skills that your teen uses to think through a problem
should not be put on the back burner for three months. If you keep this area of
your teen’s brain in tip top shape over the summer, he/she will not only be able to handle math class better, but should also be able to make better decisions in all areas of his/her life.
Get some exercise. Teenagers who sit around the house and do nothing but watch TV or play video games are at risk for childhood obesity for one, growing up to be a social misfit for another. Sign your teen up for a summer sports league or get him/her a pool membership and provide a ride back and forth. Teens, not unlike adults, need exercise everyday.
Source:
Denise D. Witmer has been a "professional parent" at the Masonic Childrens Home in Elizabethtown, Pa. She worked in the adolescent buildings from May 1988 - September 1997 and again from May 2003 - July 2006. She was very active in the teen development and independent living programs.
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