STC Newsletter

***This schedule remains flexible for specific student and family needs and is subject to change. If you'd like to meet at another time, please call the Family Advocate for an appointment, 612-202-7366.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles! The American Dental Association (ADA) is promoting Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles this month. According to the CDC, children with poor oral health miss school more often and receive lower grades than those who practice healthy oral hygiene habits. Poor oral hygiene leads to cavities that cause pain and infection which can lead to poor eating, speaking and learning problems too. Since cavities are preventable, what can parents do?

1. Provide healthy snacks. Serve fruits and vegetables or calcium rich snacks like yogurt and cheese instead of sugary snacks like cookies and candy.

2. Ensure that children brush and floss their teeth at least twice daily.

3. Drink water. Serve water at mealtimes instead of fruit juices and sodas.

4. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

5. Schedule regular dental check ups every 6 months.

It is important to develop these healthy habits at a young age since the ADA reports that 40% of children have tooth decay before reaching Kindergarten and has become the most common chronic childhood disease.

Click here to download and print a coloring or activity page to begin talking to your child about the importance of oral health.

Schools That Care provides FREE SmileKits that include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in a reusable plastic pouch; provided from Delta Dental to help you replace toothbrushes and keep your family's oral hygiene habits in good shape! Contact the Family Advocate to receive a SmileKit!

If you are a student, single adult, or a family with minimal income and deductions seeking assistance to file your income tax return, help is available! K-State Research and Extension in Marshall County and the RSVP office, both in Marysville are offering FREE tax assistance by appointment. Call K-State Research and Extension, 785-562-3531 or RSVP at 785-562-2154 to schedule your appointment.

Bring it! Sack lunches don't have to be boring....Students can pack foods they like to eat and that are nutritious. Students learn better when they're well nourished and hydrated. Consider spending time with your student teaching them to pack their own lunch and making good choices from 3-4 food groups. Sandwiches, salads, soups, leftovers, roll-ups along with a fruit and vegetable can make a meal for real! Choose some items form the list below.

Re-usable lunch bags are insulated and available in many sizes, colors and shapes. Try a re-usable ice pack to keep cold items cold or freeze items like pudding cups, yogurt, or bottled water- which will likely thaw by lunch time and can be consumed. Consider using a lunch size thermos to keep hot items hot if a microwave is not available to cook or re-heat food.

The internet is full of some great breakfast and lunch ideas to take when you and your kids are on the go or have limited options, food allergies or illness. Clink on the graphic below to consider other options so your sack lunches don't become boring. Food pantries listed in this newsletter below, may help provide some sack lunch-able food options if your family is struggling this month to keep everyone fed.

The Valley Heights Family is coming together to provide a Benefit Dinner for Mrs. Gallimore and her husband on Friday, Feb. 2 at the VH Commons. They lost their entire home due to a fire last week. Students, Staff and Teachers are donating and serving food for this event. Menu includes Sloppy Joes, Baked Beans, Chips, Carrots and Celery sticks, bars and cookies. Water and Tea will be served. The concession stand will also be open. The FREE WILL DONATION BENEFIT DINNER will begin serving at 4pm.

The Mustangs will host Axtell at their celebration and crown the Winter King and Queen of Courts. JV action begins at 4:30pm. Come out to support the Mustangs and have dinner with our family or just come for dinner (take out will be available) to support our family member who lost their home. No game admission charged if you come for the benefit dinner only. Thank you for your support!

Follow us on FaceBook@SchoolsThatCare and see where you can meet the Family Advocate and Care Bus! Find out what FREE resources are available to you and your family. View the Tuesday Tips, a weekly tip generally promoting a monthly theme like Children's Dental Care in Feb. See what types of donations are needed and where to drop them off. Share news, tips and resources with others.

Please consider donating baby items that your kids or grandkids have outgrown. Schools That Care accepts baby items all year round, but has some specific needs for a family right now.

Thank you for your support!

Give on-line anytime! If you want to make a difference with a tax deductible donation or contribution, please consider giving to Schools That Care. Schools That Care uses cash donations to provide for needs when donated items run low or don't fit the size necessary.

Talk to your tax preparer for specific information. It's easy to give via PayPal or with your credit/debit card. Use this link and view other ways to give. https://www.valleyheights.org/page/donations