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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
October 27, 2016     Shelton Mason County Journal
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October 27, 2016
 
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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page A-27 ESTO ING n time, all day, every day is the key to achievement, suc- cess and graduation. Every day in school counts. The best place for learning to take place is live in the classroom. Missed schooling cre- ates achievement gaps, missed learning and can cause a student to fall behind in reading and math. Studies show it takes two days to make up for learning lost from just one absence. Missing just two days every month can amount to one entire month of lost learning by the end of the school year. Chronic absentee- ism is a major risk for student dropout. This is why the Shelton schools have made attendance, specifically increasing daily attendance in all buildings to 90 percent or greater, one of the six areas of focus. Attendance is key to student learning, achievement, grade-level benchmarks and high school gradua- tion. With the goal being 100 percent graduation for all students, attendance is crucial. In the past year, the district has taken a closer look at how attendance is handled and the steps that can be taken to keep kids in school. This included adopting a revised attendance policy that brings uniformity across the dis- trict in regard to excu.sed and unexcused absences and truancy. The focus and goal is to keep kids in school, with each building taking a renewed spotlight on attendance this school year. Last week, it was announced the renewed effort is paying off. As of Oct. 20, aver- age attendance districtwide was 93.69 percent this school year. Families are a key player in student attendance and achievement. Here are some tips for fam 'es to help their student be successful: 1. Establish basic bedtime and morn- By JACQUIE MacALEVY ing routines. For younger children, lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. For older students, have a plan for finishing homework on time and getting to bed about the same time each night. 2. Teach children that at- tendance is important and show them you mean it. Try not to plan medical or den- tal appointments during the school day or take extended trips when school is in session. Don't let children stay home unless they are truly sicl Keep in mind that complaints of a stomach ache or headache can sometimes be a sign that your child is anxious about something at school. 3. If children seem reluctant to go to school, find out why. Work with teach- ers, counselors or afterschool providers to figure out how to turn this around. 4. Develop backup plans for getting to school. Identify who you can turn to -- an- other family member, a neighbor or fellow parents -- to help you get your children to school if something comes up. 5. Ask for help if you are experienc- ing tough times. Problems with trans- portation, housing, jobs or your health can make it hard to get your children to school. Remember that school officials, afterschool providers and community agencies can help. Student achievement for all students with the end result of 100 percent grad- uation starts with being at school, all day every day. By making attendance a priority, we are taking an important step in supporting each child's school success. Remember -- every day counts. • Jacquie MacAlevy is a communications specialist for the Shelton School District. She can be reached at jmacalevy@sheltonschools.org Join others in voting to re-elect Randy Neatherlin for Mason County Commissione6 District 1 MOVING MASON FORWARD Last Friday night, while I was waiting for the Shelton Climbers to take the field for the football game against Central Kitsap, I decided to see what was new on Facebook. I get feeds from a page written by Leigh Stringer, author of the best-selling book "The Healthy Workplace." The post that day was "10 Easy Ways to Create a Healthy Workplace." As you've learned, health in- volves much more than a trip to your physician's office or what your cholesterol levels are. So many things impact a person's health, both physically and emo- tionally. Studies show that people who are more in charge of their work • environment are less likely to suffer from stress and illness and are more produc- tive, One of my friend's sons worked for State Farm Insurance at its large corporate office in Dupont. State Farm recognized that the employees being hired needed a different type of environ- ment than the cubicle desks of the '90s. Its human resources department led the way to redesign the workspace by lower- hag the light level, taking out the cubicle walls and puttin in soft, comfy couches and chairs and espresso machines. The effect was more like an upscale coffee shop than a corporate workspace. AS generations of workers' expecta- tions change, the employer must change as well. In addition, with today's tech- nology, telecommuting is easier than ever. rm very fortunate that I can work at least half of the time from my home office. It's large enough to hold meetings By JEANNE REHWALDT and has a separate entrance. In fact, it's a separate building located behind our house. The d or, space and location in the garden make it the most enjoyable office I've ever worked in. Even if you can't work from home, or give your office a cof- fee shop atmosphere, there are still things you can do. Rear- range your space so the desk is next to a window. More natural light will decrease eye strain, improve well-being and if you sit close enough to a window, it can help reset your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. Bring in some houseplants to increase the feeling of being in nature. AS an added bonus, air quality improves with living houseplants in the space. Choose easy-care plants, such as spider plants and philodendron. Our two Pomeranians - Simba and Jack -- watch me like hawks, so they don't miss out on a chance to go out to the "Garden Cottage" with me. I can't explain it, but they are more calm in that build- ing and seem to just like hanging out with me. Growing evidence suggests that pets in the office can have health benefits, improve morale and even increase col- laboration among workers. In some cases, pet owners may work longer hours if they don't feel they have to rush home to let their dogs out at the end of the day. Stud- ies are linking pets in the workplace with reduced stress among workers. • Jeanne Rehwaldt is executive director of Mason Matters. She can be reached at movingmasonforward@gmail.com. 50min S99 I 80min S130 Massage features Prickly Pear Pomegranate Restoring Body OIL A uniquely restodng & protecting oil that combines the power of pomegranate, chla seed and I:.lcldy pear extrocts. There's a Reason... Randy Neatherlin is endorsed by both Republican and Democrat state senators, representatives, mayors and fellow commissioners in the region. They enioy working with people who make things happen. Randy Neatherlin is someone seeking 'win-win' relationships without partisanship. There's aReason.., the Veterans and seniors groups appreciate Commissioner Neatherlin. He has helped implement Veterans' Court, added Veterans' housing, and assisted with the development of the new Senior HUB in North Mason. There's a Reason,.. Randy was elected 'Citizen of the Year' by the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his ongoing service to others. Whether it's work with the Habitat for Humanity, his help with school fundraisers and civic groups, or his 18 years coaching and leading a local youth sports organization, Randy has been involved and making a difference in other people's lives. There's a Reason... our county has turned its operating budget from an annual deficit to a working surplus-without raising taxes. Randy is fiscally responsible and very conscientious with his approach to budget management. There's a Reason... Congressman Derek Kilmer endorsed an Independent with this impressive statement: "Randy is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about the future of Mason County and its residents. I have been proud to partner with Randy in advocating for critical transportation and infrastructure improvements, the protection of Puget Sound and Hood Canal, and efforts to grow our local economy:' Paid for byThe Committee to Re-elect Randy Neatherlin PO Box 172, Belfair, WA 98528