Premier Issue: March, 2008
If you Refer a friend that is not already a subscriber to the Red Apple Newz, we will put your name and theirs in a drawing for dinner for two at Atria's Restaurant.
We would like to welcome you to our monthly Red Apple Newsletter. Our mission is to help parents help their children.
Our goal with this publication is to bring parents academic and educational resources and also family oriented things to do in the Pittsburgh area. If you have an article you would like to submit, or an event that is great for families, please contact us.
 We Must Stop Failing our Children!
On December 27th, the New York Times published an article capturing my
attention. With the accuracy of a laser it pinpoints the
challenge facing our national educational system.
"More than half of
Connecticut's fourth-grade students are unable to read at or above
proficiency, as measured by the latest National Assessment of
Educational Progress."
It further reveals, "...students' inability to read well has become a
crisis, one that, if left unresolved, will hamper them for the rest of
their lives. If children do not become competent readers by age 9 —
when most are in fourth grade — it is far more likely that they will
read poorly as adults."
But the most amazing fact is that research will light the way for us
if we allow it to. "Researchers at Haskins Laboratories in New Haven
say that 95 percent of all children can learn to read relatively
easily, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, bright or
burdened with a low I.Q. This is no empty statement; the nonprofit
institute has been at the forefront of scientific research on speech,
language and literacy for decades.
But because the brain is programmed for speech, not for reading,
educators must use a teaching approach based on proven research to
make sure our children learn to read."
And the true obstacle to overcoming this hurdle may be due to the lack
of preparation we give our school teachers in the science of reading
as the article shows:
"..the ability to teach reading, which requires sophisticated ability
to help children decode words and develop a phonetic awareness. In a
study performed by Jule McCombes-Tolis at Southern Connecticut State
University and Richard Feinn at Yale, less than 50 percent of
Connecticut teachers surveyed could identify core reading competencies
or knew at what age children should have comprehension and reading
accuracy skills."
The full article can be accessed at The New York Times
Research Reveals: A Strong Vocabulary Affects Both Your Power And Wealth
Both Your "Social" Power And Earning Potential
Research studies have shown over and over that a strong vocabulary is
the most noticeable performance characteristic shared by successful
professionals. Earl Nightingale wrote of a 20-year study of college
graduates. He said, "Without a single exception, those who had scored
highest on the vocabulary test given in college, were in the top
income group, while those who had scored the lowest were in the bottom
income group."
A study by scientist Johnson O'Connor helped quantify a direct
correlation between vocabulary and rank on corporate ladder. In the
study a vocabulary test was given to executive and supervisory
personnel in 39 large manufacturing companies. The test results where
conclusive. "Presidents and vice presidents average 236 out of a
possible 272 points; managers averaged 168; superintendents, 140;
foremen, 114; floor bosses, 86. In virtually every case, vocabulary
correlated with executive level and income."
Spring Flower Show at Phipps!
March 15 - April 13 - This year’s Spring Flower Show is traditional and elegant, as the Conservatory transforms into a showcase of color and containers. Featuring garden adornments such as pedestals, urns, fountains and statuary, the Spring Flower Show invites visitors to encounter spring favorites like tulips, snapdragons, cyclamen, delphinium, cineraria, azaleas, daffodils and more. Stroll through our lush rooms and experience the majesty and tradition of the Spring Flower Show—and watch the flowers make a triumphant comeback!
The Spring Flower Show opens Saturday, March 15 and runs through Sunday, April 13, 2008. Timed-ticketing is no longer required, but visitors may purchase advance passes on Phipps’ website.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh celebrates Mister Rogers' 80th Birthday
March 20
- All guests enjoy free admission as we honor the birthday of one of Pittsburgh's, and the Museum's greatest neighbors, Fred Rogers.
Times: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
See the Children's Museum website or the Neighbor Day's website for more details.
National Aviary celebrates Mister Rogers' 80th Birthday
March 20
- Celebrate Mister Rogers' 80th birthday with FREE admission to the National Aviary! Join in the Mister Rogers celebration by wearing your favorite sweater and visiting your feathery friends at the National Aviary.
A special Little Peepers will take place at 11 a.m. including a performance by students from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and a visit with our own X the Owl!
Times: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
See the National Aviary website or the Neighbor Day's website for more details.
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