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The debate over junk food in schools continues to rage in states across the country. Advocates for banning junk food in school districts just got a boost from a recent study that shows laws restricting high-calorie, low-nutrition foods in schools may contribute to lower obesity rates in students. The recently published study suggests that stronger restrictions on the food and beverages served in public schools may indeed contribute to the overall health of the school’s student population.

About the Study

The reports that the study, which was recently published in the journal “Pediatrics,” found a compelling link between laws restricting junk food sold in vending machines at school and obesity rates for that particular student population. The study tracked 63,000 students over a three-year period. While researchers who completed the study said the positive outcomes among students were still relatively small, the evidence suggests that stricter guidelines on school food offerings could actually curb the youth obesity epidemic currently faced by the United States.

Students were evaluated between fifth grade and eighth grade. The study encompassed 40 states nationwide, ensuring the student populations were accurately represented. Weight changes among students were compared between states that have laws against junk food and sugary beverages in school vending machines, and those that did not. The study also classified laws governing food selections in schools; strong laws were those that completely restricted the sale of junk food and sugary beverages, while weak laws

Once the flurry of back-to-school time has settled, many parents face the challenge of keeping their kids in homework mode. Homework battles are a common issue during the school year, and some parents and students have more difficulty with this academic necessity than others. Since homework is here to stay for most students, it can be very beneficial for parents to learn how to help their children make the most of their homework time. While we shared 10 helpful homework tips before, here are 10 more homework strategies that help students make the grade.

Make Sure Their "Office" is Well Stocked

Think about what work environment is most productive for you. Is it a quiet place, free of distractions and stocked with all the supplies you need right at hand? For a child, homework is their "work," You can duplicate the same productive features for your child's office. Typically, children need a quiet, well-lit place to tackle homework assignments, where all their supplies are within arm’s reach. This area can be in the child’s bedroom, family office, or kitchen corner if that works best. Supply a desk light, paper, writing utensils, and any other supplies your child needs regularly.

Establish a Schedule

Homework is done best when it is completed at the same time of day whenever possible. Your family should set aside a specific time frame for homework assignments, with ample time for students to complete their work. For some, this might be right after

Going back to school can be anxiety-provoking enough for some students and parents, but how do you handle the transition in the wake of a major community tragedy? That is exactly the question educators in Aurora, Colorado, have been forced to ask, as students in this community prepare for a new school year just two weeks after a deadly shooting in a local movie theatre left 12 people dead and 58 more injured. Some of the victims were students themselves, bringing this event too close to home for many students in the area. Administrators, teachers, and support personnel are preparing for a back-to-school event in Aurora this year that is sure to be bittersweet and even scary for some of the students they serve.

This video reports on the aftermath of the Aurora mass shooting.

The Impact of the Tragedy

According to a report at , the Aurora 51���� District estimates that approximately 150 students, parents, and staff from Aurora schools were in one of the theatres during the shooting. Gateway High School, the High School closest to the theatre, had 50 current or former students in the theatre alone. One of the victims that were killed, AJ Boik, graduated from Gateway in May.

The suspected shooter, James Holmes, lived in an apartment building not far from the theatre and within close proximity to Paris Elementary School.

The upcoming school year brings a mix of emotions for kids and parents alike – from excitement over the promise of new beginnings to anxiety over the fear of the unknown. No matter how you child faces the new year, you can help him or her to make the most of the experience. These tips help you to help your child start the new school year on the right foot.

Ease into a Schedule

Most children spend their summers staying up late and sleeping in, which can make the adjustment to an earlier school schedule a bit of a shock to the system. Plan for a softer transition by easing children into the school schedule gradually during the last week or two of summer break. By pushing bedtimes up by one-half or one hour each week, your child will be better prepared to meet that first early bell with a smile.

Plan to Eat Right

recommends re-focusing summer eating habits that might have consisted of junk food on the run to healthy sit-down meals as a family whenever possible. When children spend many hours each day in a classroom, they need all the nutrition they can get to keep their brains in top performing condition. Begin with healthy breakfast selections, and try to have family dinner nights as often as possible throughout the week.

Set Up a Homework Station

Homework time will go that much more smoothly if all the necessary supplies