Give Eating Right a Green Light
A special contribution from Novant Health
The government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans says
everyone age 2 and older should eat a variety from five
basic food groups each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy
products, and protein foods. You should focus on nutrient-rich
foods and avoid empty calories.
But the advice raises an old question: How do you get kids
to eat right? Well, monkey see, monkey do! If kids see their
parents eating healthy foods, then they’re much more likely to
indulge in fruits and vegetables, too.
Many dietitians favor splitting foods into green light,
yellow light, and red light groups. Be sure to put green light
foods within kids’ easy reach:
Green light foods. High-nutrition, low-fat, and lowor moderate-calorie foods kids can eat often: celery,
carrots, broccoli, apples, low-fat yogurt, multigrain
pretzels
Yellow light foods. Nutritious but higher-fat
or calorie foods that must be eaten in moderation:
meats, enriched breads and pasta, full-fat cheese
Other tips:
• Trust that when kids are hungry
enough, they’ll eat the healthy options
you serve.
• Don’t use sweets to reward or
punish kids.
• Set a good example for kids by
eating well.
• Encourage kids to eat at normal
meal times.
• Discourage snacking.
• Develop a “try it” rule for new foods.
• Involve kids in all aspects of nutrition with a family or
community garden, at the grocery store, and in the kitchen.
Novant Health wants to keep kids healthy. Our boardcertified pediatricians at Novant Health Rowan Pediatrics are
here for you. To learn more, visit nhpediatrics.org or call 704638-1550.
Red light foods. Foods like cookies, candy, and
sugary drinks that have no nutritional value; save
these for special treats
READ to Achieve Summer Camp
The goal of the North Carolina Excellent Public Schools Act, NC Read
to Achieve, is to ensure that every student reads on at least a third grade
reading level before the end of third grade.
Teachers have been working with your child to ensure a successful
third grade year. It is important to understand how we can work together
to support your child through the end of the school year.
In August, all RSS third grade students took the NC Beginning of
Grade (BOG) reading test. They will all take the NC End of Grade (EOG)
reading test in late May.
If your child scores a Level III, IV or V on the EOG, they are eligible for
promotion to the 4th grade. If your child does not score a Level III, IV or V,
we must consider other factors to determine if they qualify for a good cause
exemption.
NOTE: Parents can view their child’s portfolio upon request. Check
with your child’s teacher to schedule a review time if you desire.
If your child does not meet any of the above GOOD CAUSE
EXEMPTIONS, he or she will have an opportunity to take the Read to
Achieve test as their retest. They must score a 439 or higher to be promoted
to fourth grade.
Students will be considered for a good cause exemption if they:
• are Limited English Proficient with less than two years of
instruction in an ESL program;
• have an IEP where they are using the NCEXTEND I or NCEXTEND
II assessment;
• were previously retained more than once in kindergarten, first,
second, or third grade;
• received a score of 439 or higher on the BOG assessment;
• earn a level “P” or above on the Reading 3D end-of-year TRC ; or
• complete a Read to Achieve Portfolio with a combined score of 70%
or higher for each standard.
Summer Camp:
In early June, you will be notified if your child will
need to attend summer camp. Summer camp will take place
June 23 - August 7, 2014 from 8:15- 12:30 Monday through
Thursday. Camp will be closed during the week of July 4.
Transportation will be provided to all summer camp sites,
and students will be assigned to one of five summer camp
locations based on proximity to their home school. Students
will be provided breakfast and lunch daily during summer
camp.
Good Cause Exemption
6 • May/June 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine
If your child does not pass the Read to Achieve test, he/she will be
invited to attend a free, district-sponsored Summer Reading Camp for six
weeks. This summer reading camp is mandatory for students who do not
meet one of the requirements stated above.
If your child does not attend summer camp and does not meet any of
the criteria for a good cause exemption, they will be retained in the third
grade.