Take a look at our August newsletter!
Kick Off the School Year Right
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TRY OUR CREATIVE TIPS FOR HAPPY, ORGANIZED KIDS The start of a new school year is a bit like the first drop on a roller coaster. There’s anticipation, a hint of nerves, and that thrilling rush of embarking on something new. Having been through many “first days” with my kids, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure they (and I) start the year right. Here’s a sprinkle of fun and a pinch of parent wisdom to give your child the best possible launch into their new school year. Let’s kick things off with organization because, let’s be honest, a smooth morning starts the night before. About a week before school starts, we throw a family “organization party.” Yes, we make it a party! We crank up the tunes, bring snacks, and let everyone get involved. We clean out their backpacks (you’d be amazed at what I’ve found at the bottom of those), stock up on supplies, and set up a system where everything has a home. Having a designated spot for homework, a charging station for tablets and other devices, and a color-coded calendar for school events turns chaos into calm and makes planning a visual treat. Now, onto the unsung hero of school success: sleep. I’ve learned that starting the bedtime routine earlier than usual, about a week before school starts, really helps. Adjusting to a new sleep schedule can be challenging, so we ease into it with nightly wind-down activities everyone enjoys, like reading a chapter of a book together or playing a calm family game. No screens allowed — it’s incredible how quickly the kids drift off when devices aren’t part of the bedtime equation. Mornings can be rough, but we’ve found a secret weapon we like to call our morning pump-up session. Every morning, before the day’s hustle begins, we blast a song we all love. It’s a few minutes of uninhibited dancing in the kitchen. Not only does it wake everyone up better than any alarm clock, but it also sends us all out the door with smiles on our faces. Who can have a bad day after grooving to some upbeat tunes?
Along with morning routines, never underestimate the power of a good breakfast. We keep it simple but substantial. Oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt are staples. Sometimes, we prep breakfast burritos or overnight oats for a quick grab-and-go option. Having a healthy breakfast ready means one less decision in the morning rush. Finally, the little things can really make a difference. I write little notes on napkins and tuck them into lunch boxes — not just on the first day, but as often as I can throughout the year. It’s a small gesture, but it reminds my kids I’m thinking of them. We also have a first-day tradition where, after school, we go out for ice cream, no matter what. It gives them something to look forward to and provides a perfect opportunity to talk about their day. Starting the school year doesn’t have to be a dreaded event. With some preparation, a lot of sleep, and some morning fun, you can set the tone for a fantastic year.
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Shopping Spree Students also want to come to school prepared! Shopping for school supplies is a great way to get everything they need for the year ahead, including a snazzy new outfit for the first day, notebooks, organizers, and favorite brands of pens and pencils. It’s also important to write names in notebooks to make them easier to identify if they end up in the lost and found! Mental Map No one likes getting lost. Whether returning to the same school as last year or heading into a new environment, finding one’s way can be daunting. If your kids arrive at school early, they can figure out where each class is and plot a path beforehand. Getting a feel for where they need to go throughout the day can be a great way to help them feel more prepared and comfortable. Many schools also have physical maps, which can be a great resource to store in a backpack if they ever feel lost.
With summer break tragically ending (as it does, sadly, every year), it is time to get back in the groove and prepare for the new school year. If you want to help your kids get over the first-day jitters and start out strong, employ these tips to make their first day back at class so successful that others will want to study it. Getting a Head Start According to research by the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, students lose as much as 25%–30% of the knowledge they accumulated the previous school year over summer break. Reading and math skills are particularly affected and see the highest regression rate. And the higher the grade level, the more students are likely to forget. The best way to combat this summer slump is to keep learning. Reading books and practicing arithmetic at least three times a week will help kids maintain what they have previously worked so hard to learn.
BACK TO SCHOOL Tips for a Successful First Day of Class
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A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY DISCOVERING GWINNETT
Gwinnett County, Georgia, in the Atlanta metropolitan area, was created from land ceded by the Cherokee and Creek Indians in 1818. Its prosperity has varied over the centuries, but it has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the country since at least the 1970s. According to the Census Bureau, in 2010, Gwinnett County had a population of just over 805,000. After just over a decade, that number jumped to over 983,000 in 2023, an increase of 22%. But despite its bustling growth, many who live in or near Gwinnett County don’t know its intriguing, albeit at times tragic, history. Our Namesake Gwinnett County got its name from Button Gwinnett, one of three Georgians who signed the Declaration of Independence. Button, born in 1735 in Down Hatherley, England, was the son of a Welsh clergyman. He married Ann Bourne in 1755, and the two emigrated to America together in 1762. Although he briefly settled in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1765, he purchased a large swathe of land on St. Catherines Island, ironically located in Liberty County, Georgia. By the time of the American Revolution, Button was a respected figure in Georgia. He was elected as a delegate to the Continental
Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. Once there, he had a busy year: He voted for independence on July 2, as well as on the ratification of the formal Declaration of Independence on July 4, and went on to sign the physical document on Aug. 2. While John Hancock’s signature is often remembered due to its size, due to the rarity of Button’s signature, it is arguably one of the most valuable in American history. In fact, one document bearing Button’s signature was sold for over $700,000 in 2010. Personal Vendetta Button Gwinnett, despite his accomplishments, did not get along with everyone. He was a longtime rival of Lachlan McIntosh, a Brigadier General in the Revolutionary Army, who was appointed commander of Georgia’s militia over Button. McIntosh would challenge Button’s honor in public, and the two met outside of Savanna, Georgia, for a duel on May 16, 1777. Both were wounded in the duel, and Button Gwinnett later died from his injuries, whereas McIntosh survived. Despite Button’s untimely end, the county named after him is thriving. Although Gwinnett County was ravaged in the American Civil War, after the construction of the Buford Dam in the 1950s it has emerged as one of the most preeminent counties in the country.
Take a Break
CLASSIC STUFFED PEPPERS
INGREDIENTS
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4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
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1 tsp cumin
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 cup cooked rice 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 lb ground beef 1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp chili powder
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DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat. 4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
BACKPACK BEES
MUSTARD OLYMPICS PEACH SANDCASTLE
SCHOOL TWINS
MELON MOON
VACATION ZUCCHINI
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Inside This Issue 1. 2.
Beat Back-to-School Blues With Our Go-To Routine Start Strong This Upcoming School Year Hear What Our Clients Have to Say The History of Gwinnett County
3. 4.
Classic Stuffed Peppers Exercises That Help You Lose More in Less Time
Burn Calories Faster
Try These Quick Calorie- Blasting Workouts burns about 10 calories per minute. It’s a fantastic cardiovascular workout that improves heart health and stamina. Swimming Swimming is a total-body workout that is both high-intensity and gentle on the body. It effectively burns calories (around 200–300 calories in 30 minutes) while also being low-impact, which is excellent for those looking to reduce stress on their joints. Incorporating these exercises into your fitness routine can significantly enhance your calorie-burning efficiency. Remember, the key to these workouts is intensity. The harder you push yourself, the more calories you’ll burn and the less time you’ll need to work out. Always ensure you balance high- intensity workouts with adequate rest and recovery, and consider having a fitness professional create a workout plan tailored to your personal health and fitness goals.
Indoor Cycling Spin classes or indoor cycling can be exhilarating ways to burn calories. Depending on the intensity of the workout and your body weight, you can burn between 200 and 300 calories in just a 30-minute session. The key is to maintain a high intensity, utilizing both the bike’s resistance settings and the pace at which Simple yet effective, running is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. The faster you run, the more calories you’ll burn per minute. Interval running, where you alternate between sprinting and jogging, can also be particularly effective for quick calorie burning. Jumping Rope Jump rope is not just a playground activity; it’s a high-intensity workout that you pedal. Running
In the quest for fitness efficiency, especially in today’s fast-paced world, many of us are looking for the most effective exercises to maximize calorie burn in the shortest time. Whether you’re squeezing a workout into a busy schedule or just aiming to maximize your gym time, here are five exercises that can help you torch calories quickly. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is the best method for burning calories fast. It involves short bursts of intense exercise alternating with low-intensity recovery periods. For example, sprinting for 30 seconds followed by one minute of walking, repeated for 20–30 minutes, can do wonders. This method burns a high number of calories during the workout and elevates your metabolism for hours after you’ve finished.
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