Lice, the hallway trampoline and figuring out school

Did you see the glazed-eyed woman in the checkout line buying two bottles of lice shampoo yesterday? The one trying to keep the toddler from grabbing ANOTHER bag of M&Ms from the register counter?
That would …

Back-to-school shopping signals start of new adventure

Pencils and glue sticks and paper, oh my!
Two different shopping trips, six bags of supplies, and $100 later – eek! – and my kids have everything on their teachers’ lists for back-to-school.
“New Crayons for me? …

School’s attempt to offer healthier lunch flops

Ah, school lunch.
It’s been topic of many jokes, tough scrutiny and endless questions.
Lately, it’s also been in the headlines because of growing problem with children facing obesity and diabetes at a young age. It’s tough …

Do you give your kids’ teachers a holiday gift?

Each year, I try to remember and give my children’s teachers a gift. Most years, it’s a coffeehouse gift card. Sometimes, we make it personal. I try to remember the after-school care instructors and bus …

I am thankful for …

(Note: I wrote this last night with intention to get it posted to stay up-to-date with my month of “thankful” posts. Life happens! So here it is.)
I’m writing this sitting in my car outside a …

Teacher departures create a void

I picked up a recent agenda for a school board meeting and searched the list of resignations. There, I see it. My children’s music teacher is leaving. I’m pretty sure this teacher was in her …

Let’s talk: Tribune forum explores teacher struggles

We’ve opened up an online forum for readers to share their thoughts on struggles teachers may face.
After our story ran about teacher morale, and as eyes nationwide continue to look at education reform, we created …

Holiday favorites: Class winter parties

Each year it seems my kids’ teachers get more and more creative with winter holiday parties.

What’s a holiday cookie without sprinkles?
My kids attend the same school for the first time, so they had holiday …