Healthy Back-To-School Tips

It’s that time again to prepare your children for back-to-school. Many of us get caught up in making sure they have the supplies they need, get new clothes, etc and forget about a few important things they also need before going back to school. You can make sure they go back happy and healthy by following these few steps:

1. Make sure shots are current-Schools will not enroll students without an immunization record
2. Check their vision- According to Pamela F. Gallin, MD, director of pediatric ophthalmology at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, as many as one in 20 children can’t see out of one of their eyes.  Many parents find it difficult to determine if their children need glasses, so it’s best to have their vision checked regularly.
3. Alert your child, school nurse, teachers, and other individuals your child interacts with about any health issues, allergies or physical restrictions they may have.
4. Provide the school with any medications your child needs. 

Barton Springs Fest

This Saturday join other local residents at Zilker Park for Barton Springs Fest.  An all day long event of outdoor and adventure learning, food, drinks, and live music, it’s guaranteed to be fun for the entire family. The event is a result of a resolution passed by Austin City Council to mark the 2^nd Saturday in August as Barton Springs Fest which is part of the Save our Springs ordinance.

The event will be held from 8am-7pm and is FREE to the public.  You can learn more about the fest and activities by visiting www.sosalliance.org

National Dance Day 2013

Saturday, July 27^th is National Dance Day! There are several activities taking place on Saturday to help you get into the spirit and celebrate the joy of dance. The Butler Dance Education Center has teamed up with So You Think You Can Dance and the Dizzy Feet Foundation to host an all-day dance event. From 9:30am-4pm you can choose to take a single class or stick around all day. Donations will benefit Ballet Austin’s Scholarship Program. The event takes place at the Ballet Austin Butler Community School.

Whatever you do to celebrate, remember to have fun and dance! “Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.”
― Rumi

Music Under the Star Concert

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum celebrates the 10^th season of their free summer concert series with Music Under the Star. You can join them for their last showing this Friday, July 26^th with entertainment by Guy Forsyth, an Austin Favorite. Forsyth is known for his live shows and rich American roots sound. The show is from 6-9pm and you are encouraged to bring camp chairs and blankets.

Taking place on the Lone Star Plaza, people of all ages are welcome to attend. The museum’s exhibits are also open and free to the public at this time.

 For more information, visit http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/plan-your-visit/calendar-of-events/icalrepeat.detail/2013/07/05/113991/-/music-under-the-star-free-concert-series.

Prepare For Back-To-School

Summer has just flown by and back to school will be here sooner than you think. It’s difficult to transition children into back-to-school mode, but by taking a few steps a little early, your child(ren) will be ready to get back into school come August.

Step 1: Get back into your old school routine- Utilize the last few weeks of summer to re-establish schedules, morning routines, activities, etc.

Step 2: For smaller children, encourage independence- Once they arrive in the classroom, children will need to do several things for themselves. Begin speaking to your child about responsibilities and expectations. You can also assign them tasks or chores to get them transitioned.

Step 3: Set-up a schedule- Similar to step one, set a wake-up time, breakfast time, homework time, and bed time and stick to it a few weeks before school starts. Homework time before school starts can be reading time or something of that nature.

Step 4: Get the rest of the family involved- Everyone is probably still in summer mode, but by getting the whole family in back-to-school mode will help provide a smoother transition for everyone. 

Lakeway Smiles Summer Giveaway

Have you heard our latest announcement? We are giving away 4 iPad Minis during our end of summer giveaway! Entering is easy and TWO winners will be selected from each of our locations, Lakeway and downtown Austin.

So how does it work? Entering is easy! All you need to do is leave us a review on Google + and shoot us an email. Don’t have an account with Google +? No problem! Getting one is easy! Simply follow the steps attached and you will be entered to win an iPad Mini. You have until August 15, 2013 to do it! Good luck!

Classic Game Fest

Remember how much fun you had playing games like Contra, Mortal Kombat, Super Mario Cart, and other older games? Well don’t worry because this weekend you can experience the fun all over again. Classic Game Fest returns to Austin, Saturday and Sunday July 13-14^th at the Palmer Events Center.  Weekend tickets cost $10 and kids 12 and under get in free! Over $800 in gift cards, 15 trophies, and 2 nights of concerts will be available for attendees!

You can check out the full schedule at www.ClassicGameFest.com .