Newsletter
As Simple As That | NewsLetter | September 2006

 

Deb Capone

A Message from Deb

Every Labor Day, I vacuum the sand out of my car in a ritualistic transition from the lazy days of summer to the beginning of a new school year. While I vacuum, I think about the changes that are in store, as my daughter gets ready for a new school year. Truthfully, I am always relieved to see her get on the school bus–having her at school is just easier for me!

But as I put her on that bus, I think about all the challenges that await her-some exciting and others not so exciting. I wonder if she will enjoy her teachers, her classmates and the beginning of a new chapter in her school career. I also wonder if she will be teased or bullied–and how we should both deal with it.

The focus of this newsletter–and all that we do at As Simple As That–is to help kids respect and celebrate all cultures, choices and ‘abilities’. We believe that when we do that, our kids get on the bus, go to school and out into the world where they are accepted for the people they are–not for how they look, how the learn, how their family was formed or anything else that makes them ‘different’.

We believe that we can change the world–one child, one family, one school and one
community at a time.

Enjoy our new format and don’t be shy. We want to know what you think, too.

As Simple As That | NewsLetter | September 2006
Bully On The Bus

Worst Bullying Can Occur On The School Bus

Back-to-school also means “back-to-the-school bus” for millions of children. In some cases, children encounter the worst bullying on the bus. Click here to read a review of Bully on the Bus, a book that will help your child explore options and their probably outcomes.

Bully on the Bus by Carl Bosch. Ages 6-9. Many children encounter bullying on the school bus away from the eyes of teachers and other adults. This story invites the reader to consider the alternatives and consequences for a young boy who is bullied on the school bus. Readers choose from a menu of approaches, including talking to the bus driver, asking advice of a teacher, fighting the bully, or ignoring the bully; the consequences of each choice are explored.

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As Simple As That | NewsLetter | September 2006

U.S. Becoming Increasingly Diverse

Think you can out run diversity? Think again! According the US Census Bureau’s
American Community Survey we are getting older, more educated and increasingly diverse. In fact, there are 7 states where the non-Hispanic white population is under 60%. From South Carolina to South Dakota-and everywhere in between, minority populations are increasing.

While the policy makers in Washington negotiate the slippery slope of immigration policy, we are all confronted on a daily basis with the ramifications of diversity–whether driven by immigration or other factors.

So while our elected officials “talk among themselves” we can talk to each other-and our children-to ensure that we can accept and celebrate the nation we are becoming!

Click here to read an Associated Press related article.

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As Simple As That | NewsLetter | September 2006

Celebrate what we all share in September
(click on the links for celebration suggestions)

• September 8th is Literacy Day (International)
Read to your kids. Have your kids read to you. Go to the library. Go to the bookstore and enjoy sharing your love of reading with your children. Books are critical in forming your kids’ view of the world. Just think about the impact that Cinderella has had on generations of young girls waiting for their Princes to sweep them off of their feet. Go to www.simpleasthat.com for book reviews and suggestions.

• September 10th is Grandparent's Day (National - US)
Download a copy of Grandparents are for Loving (www.simpleasthat.com/bonus/GPD) to enjoy with grandparents and special friends. Invite grandparents or special older friends to a party created especially for them. Make place cards and table decorations and plan a special menu, but the most important thing is sharing the time together. Create a garden mosaic. Interview grandparent(s) or older friends who love to garden to learn about plants, planting practices and other gardening skills. Then plan and plant a small garden together. There are lots of other things that you can share with older friends and relatives-they all increase awareness of stereotypical attitudes toward aging as well as facilitate deeper, more enjoyable relationships.

• September 21 is International Day of Peace
The United Nations’ envisioned the International Day of Peace as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence and as an invitation to all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day. Share the spirit of peace in your school by decorating your hallways and bulletin boards with signs of peace, and representations of what the world would look like if it were at peace. From grand ceremonies including music and dance to simple moments of silence, take a minute on International Peace Day to dream about our world as a peaceful place–permanently.

• September 24 is International Forever Family Day (www.simpleasthat.com)
Celebrate families everywhere on International Forever Family Day. No matter how families are formed they all are forever. Spend the day with your family. Create a family card and send it to other families. Make sure your school and community libraries have copies of Families are Forever. (click here to send an e-card to someone you love)

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As Simple As That | NewsLetter | September 2006

Tools Of The Trade

Stationery that reflects your personality–and your look is available from Design Her Gals (www.designhergals.com). In addition to the traditional “name, rank and serial number” you can chose hair and skin color, as well as clothes and accessories.

Check out the multi-cultural puppets from www.orientaltrading.com. These hand puppets are a great way to reinforce the fact that diversity is all around us!

What do overcoming bias and becoming physically fit have in common? They both start with small steps! Check out this site: www.smallstep.gov to help you and your family get started on a health and fitness lifestyle that won’t overwhelm you. Of course, www.simpleasthat.com can help with overcoming bias!

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