If you have a rising PK or K student entering Monroe County Schools for the first time or if you know a parent who has a rising PK or K student coming in 19-20, please note our enrollment dates are upcoming.  PK spots fill quickly, so please help us spread the word that PK and first time in our system K registration process is in February.  If you have questions about the process, you can connect with Cindy Seymour, System Registrar at cindy.seymour@mcschools.org.
Monroe Messages
Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
Monroe County Schools Robotics Teams Represent at Super Regional Competition
Congratulations to students, staff members, volunteers, and parents for a great showing at Saturday's 14th Annual Central Georgia First Lego League Super Regional Tournament held at the Warner Robins Museum of Aviation.  Monroe County Middle School, T.G. Scott Elementary, and K.B. Sutton Elementary teams competed. 
 
T.G. Scott Elementary students performed "Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies" for students, parents, and community last week.  The play was directed by Mrs. Karen McClellan.  Music was directed by Mrs. Shelia Kendrick. Thank you to students and staff members who put in many hours to make the production a success!







Message from Monroe County Schools Nurses:  Encourage a Healthy Diet for Your Family
Creating an environment where kids can make healthy nutritional choices is one of the most important steps to take to ensure a healthy family. Here are 10 tips for making healthy food a part of your child's life every day.
1. Avoid placing restrictions on food.
Restricting food increases risk your child may develop eating disorders later in life. Instead of banning foods, talk about healthy, nutritional options. Encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy while avoiding heavily processed, low-quality foods.
2. Keep healthy food at hand.
Children will eat what's available. Keep fruit in a bowl on the counter, not buried in  your fridge. Remember, your child can only choose foods you stock in the house. Have an apple for your own snack. Your actions speak louder than anything you will ever tell them.
3. Don't label foods as "good" or "bad."
Let your child know lean protein such as turkey and calcium in dairy products give them strength for sports. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables add luster to skin and hair. Eating a healthy breakfast can help them keep focus in class.
4. Praise healthy choices.
Give your children a proud smile and praise when they choose healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or low-fat dairy.
5. Don't nag about unhealthy choices.
When children choose fatty, fried, unhealthy foods, redirect them by suggesting a healthier option.
  • Instead of potato chips and dip, offer baked tortilla chips and salsa.
  • If your child wants candy, try dipping strawberries in a little chocolate sauce. Too busy? Keep naturally sweet dried fruit at home for quick snacks.
  • Instead of buying French fries, try roasting cut up potatoes in the oven (tossed in just a bit of oil).
6. Never use food as a reward.
This could create problems later. Instead, reward children with physical and fun times -- perhaps a trip to the park or a quick game of catch.
7. Sit down to family dinners at night.
If this isn't a tradition in your home, make it one. Research shows children who eat dinners at the table with parents have better nutrition and are less likely to get in serious trouble as teenagers. Start with one night a week, and then work up to three or four, to gradually build the habit.
8. Prepare plates in the kitchen.
You can put the right portion of each item on everyone's dinner plate, instead of offering up a food buffet or serve-yourself style. This way your children will learn to recognize healthy portion sizes. If adjusting to healthier portion sizes means smaller portions for your family, help make the switch seem less shocking by using smaller plates.
9. Give the kids some control.
Ask your children to take three bites of all the foods on their plate and give each one a grade, such as A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods -- especially certain vegetables -- get high marks, serve them more often. Offer the items your children don't like less frequently. This lets your children participate in decision making. After all, dining is a family affair.
10. Consult your pediatrician.
Always talk with your child's doctor before putting your child on a weight loss diet, trying to help your child gain weight, or making any significant changes in the type of foods your child eats. Never diagnose your child as too heavy or too thin by yourself.
The food smarts your children will learn from you can protect them for a lifetime.
Source: https://fit.webmd.com/jr/food/article/parents-food-smart-kids?page=2