ZooCamp is a great way for kids to learn about zoo animals, wildlife and more. Activities include tours of the zoo, a chance to meet zoo staff and animal keepers, up-close animal encounters and crafts. Plus, all campers receive a t-shirt that they get to decorate themselves.

Half-day and full-day camps are available for children, ages 6-12, with each camp having an animal-related theme.

https://www.akronzoo.org/zoocamp

We have an amazing opportunity to support the Special Olympics Ohio while supporting a local business which has given so much to the programming. Special Olympics Ohio is joining forces with thirteen Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in Northeast Ohio for its 13th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign. During the entire month of March, customers can “round up” their order at any participating Jersey Mike’s restaurant to benefit Special Olympics Ohio.

The campaign will culminate in Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 29, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Special Olympics Ohio. We expect this partnership to generate well in excess of $100,000 for SOOH.

We hope you will consider patronizing Jersey Mike’s during the Month of Giving, and especially on the Day of Giving!

Preparing a student for a testing day

1. Make sure your child gets normal amount of sleep the night before the test

2. Mark testing days on your calendar to help remind you and your child when the testing will take place and plan your preparations.

3. The student should eat a nutritious and filling breakfast. Avoid high sugar cereals which can make the student hyper and/or unfocused.

4. Work with teachers and administrators at your child’s school to find materials to work on at home in preparation for the test if applicable

5. Make sure the student is on time (if not early) on the day of testing

6. Set a backup alarm to avoid the possibility of oversleeping

Working with Students who are anxious about testing

1. Try not to put too much pressure on the student. Reinforce that as long as they worked hard in preparation and did their absolute best you will be proud of them.

2. Have the child visualize success. Encourage them to rehearse what it will feel like to get a good score on the test.

3. Work with them to focus on breathing. Stress is often caused by insufficient oxygen to the brain. Work with the student to take time before the test begins to take a number of deep, cleansing breaths, exhaling slowly. Focusing on breathing by taking some time when stress levels rise helps to focus the mind during testing.

4. Encourage your child to review the night before the test, but avoid cramming. Cramming is rarely if ever effective. A longer, more systematic schedule of short reviews will prepare the student better.

5. Try to use positive language when talking about expectations of the test.

6. Plan for a fun outing or treat for your child after the test has been completed.

7. Keep a positive attitude about testing in general around your child and emphasize

   their ability to demonstrate what they have learned rather than the consequences of not passing