Mom Congress

Celebrate Your Child with a DIY Awards Ceremony

Byron V. Garrett — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:28:40 +0000

The May awards ceremony was my favorite event in grade school. I looked forward to watching my friends get called up, and being acknowledged myself, for accomplishments. Start a new tradition by calling out your child's biggest win. Have an awards ceremony at home after the one at school. Did your son form better study habits? Did your child overcome her fear of public speaking? Maybe she finally worked up the nerve to join the art club, even though none of her friends were in it? Hey, what about your fifth-grader volunteering to be a “book buddy,” reading to a kindergartner?

Kids Wow White House at Science Fair

Stephanie Wood — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:46:48 +0000

To those who say American kids can’t compete in the new science and technology world order, I say you should have been at the third annual White House Science Fair this week. One hundred students from 40 states, ranging in age from 8 to 19, presented their genius inventions to President Barack Obama and frankly, renewed our faith in the U.S. education system and future as a country.

An Intimate Conversation with the Best Teachers in America

Stephanie Wood — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:19:38 +0000

This was no ordinary classroom, and these were no ordinary teachers. Monday afternoon I found myself in the office of the Vice President of the United States surrounded by four of the best role models any parent could hope for: The winner and three runners up of the National Teacher of the Year contest. Second lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden hosted the intimate roundtable.

Their classroom expertise touches on everything from preschoolers with autism to high school physics, their passion and dedication from East Coast to West. Meet our new school rock stars:

Contentious “Parent Trigger” Bill Reaches Florida Senate

Leonora Desar — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:47:12 +0000

A controversial so-called "parent trigger" bill has passed the Florida House and is slated to go before the Senate.

Designed to give parents of kids at poorly performing schools the right to petition the school or district to change the schools’ set-up, similar legislation was approved by the House last year but failed to pass the Senate by a slim margin.

One of the choices that parents have is giving the school to a private management firm. To placate opponents, the bill was amended to give the local school district the final say.

Parents Nationwide Boycotting Common Core State Tests

Kate Goodin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:34:16 +0000

Teachers and parents (and, of course, students) have made their dislike of a test-heavy curriculum known—but now pockets of parents around the country are flat-out protesting the exams by urging their kids to boycott them.

The parents' outrage comes in response to the report that standardized tests will be more difficult as states continue adopt the Common Core standards.

Brain Food: A Snack to Make Kids Smarter?

Byron V. Garrett — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:03:14 +0000

Congrats! You've made it to that golden point in the school year when you can see summer but still have time to help your child end on a high note. That also means it's likely testing time. Whether it's state tests, school-district-specific standardized testing, or “just” end-of-the-year finals, the last few months can cause kids anxiety.

Junk Food Nation: Are Your Kids Really Eating Healthier at School?

Margaret Hargrove — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:52:48 +0000

Sure, lunches are healthier, but that doesn't guarantee your kid is eating better at school.

School Cupcake Toppers Stir Controversy

Leonora Desar — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:50:23 +0000

Are plastic army figures inappropriate for school? A 9-year-old boy’s parents were taken to task for chocolate treats decorated with the iconic green miniature plastic men holding guns.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Bullying

Kimberly Horner — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:52:11 +0000

After being put in a medically induced coma, a 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy died this weekend following an alleged bullying attack in January.

Bailey O’Neill was involved in a schoolyard fight with two other children on January 10, and was reportedly knocked on his head.

The 6th grader suffered from a concussion and a week later started having seizures. That’s when doctors put the boy on life support and under a medically induced coma.

Sex Ed for 5-Year-Olds

Leonora Desar — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:53:13 +0000

Is your 5-year-old ready to know about the birds and the bees? In a move to meet state and national guidelines and to curtail climbing rates of sexually transmitted disease, the Chicago Board of Education voted to expand sex education in public schools, reports ABC News.