Can your child's after-school program lead to a STEM career?

(BPT) - Learning doesn't only happen in a classroom. Each year, millions of American children participate in after-school programs that mix education with a healthy dose of fun. And while there's always room for more programs that help kids love learning, the plethora of what's already available can be overwhelming for parents trying to choose the right programs for their children.



"Multiple studies show that children who take part in quality after-school programs have better attendance, grades and behavior, and do better on tests compared to their peers who went home alone to an empty house," says Dan O'Donnell, vice president of the Bricks 4 Kidz after-school program. "Parents can help their children get a jump-start on life, and learn to love learning, by enrolling them in high-quality after-school programs."



It's important for parents to assess after-school programs with a critical eye, and consider how successfully a program combines learning with fun and basic care. While many programs are effective at keeping kids safely occupied after school ends but before parents are done with work, not all emphasize educational material. Programs that stimulate a child's interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects can be particularly valuable - possibly even inspiring an interest in a high-demand STEM career.



"We must prepare all students ... to be proficient in STEM subjects," the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) writes in a report to President Obama. "And we must inspire all students to learn STEM and, in the process, motivate many of them to pursue STEM careers."



An after-school program with a STEM emphasis can fulfill both the need to educate children and inspire a lifelong love of STEM subjects, experts agree. Parents seeking a STEM program for their children should look for one that:



* Offers creative and engaging activities that are as fun and motivational as they are educational.



* Encourages curiosity and creativity, which are building blocks of independent thinking.



* Draws on the real-life expertise of people working in STEM fields. For example, engineers and architects designed Bricks 4 Kidz modules.



* Uses familiar, loved learning tools, like LEGO (R) bricks, to provide hands-on, interactive STEM lessons.



"It's also important for a program's lessons to be age-appropriate," O'Donnell notes. "Children need STEM lessons at every age, which is why we offer programs for children ages 3 through 13. We use themed-based project kits to motivate children by reinforcing STEM principles, and at the same time boost self-esteem, improve fine motor-skills, and teach organization and how to follow directions. And we do it in such a way that kids have so much fun they don't think of what they're doing as work."



To find a Bricks 4 Kidz program in your area, visit the interactive map at www.bricks4kidz.com/locations. You can learn more about the programs and search for a location by state or ZIP code.



"STEM education is most successful when students develop personal connections with the ideas and excitement of STEM fields," according to the President's Council report. "This can occur not only in the classroom, but also through individualized and group experiences outside the classroom ...."



Courtesy of BPT

Home security tips to keep the holiday season merry and bright

(BPT) - During the holidays, family and friends will be gathering to share stories, hand out gifts and enjoy time spent together. It is also a season with houses left empty and large piles of valuable gifts often sitting out in plain sight through the windows - making this time of year ideal for would-be burglars.



"Taking steps to protect your home during the holidays isn't radically different from what most people should be doing the rest of the year," says Thomas Leman, a retired 27-year police force veteran and criminal justice professor at-Argosy University, Online Programs. Yet, according to the FBI, victims of burglaries suffered a loss of $4.7 billion. "The problem," says Leman, "is that most people get lured into a false sense of security and tend to let their guard down thinking that crime won't happen to them."



Just as the holidays seem to start with the change in your home decor, so should your view on safety. When it comes to holiday decorations, modesty is definitely the best policy, says Leman. "While you may love the look of a Christmas tree in your front window, expensive decorations on display can be a signal that there are valuables inside your home worth a criminal's time. Gifts under the tree are the most blatant of these displays and are a welcome invitation for thieves." Leaving gifts tucked away until the last possible minute is a quick and easy safety precaution.



Whether you are home or out and about, take care to close and lock all doors and windows and set alarms. "Given that most people have extra valuables and gifts in their homes during this time, it's a good idea to practice home safety whether you're there or not," says Leman.



USAA, a leading provider of banking, insurance and investment services to the military community, advises customers to install tapered inch-long deadbolt locks on exterior doors to make it harder for a wrench to twist the door open. Leman adds that a simple dowel placed in a sliding glass door or window can be an inexpensive way to secure those entrance points as well.



"Alarms or closed circuit video surveillance systems are a great and inexpensive way to protect your home," says Leman.



A well-lit and well-groomed home not only shows well, but provides an important measure of safety. "The better the lighting in your home and yard, the fewer places there are for criminals to lurk," says Leman. USAA recommends homeowners use the "3 foot/6 foot rule," trimming branches to 6 feet off the ground and shrubs down to 3 feet to minimize hiding places for burglars.



While leaving the box for your new 55-inch flat screen on the curb will win you cool points with the neighborhood and the title of host of the next big football party, it could land you in trouble with potential burglars. "When it comes to big ticket items and valuables, boxes on the curb can be an advertisement for the new valuables in your home," cautions Leman. "Take the time to break down boxes and recycle them or put them on the curb over time and inconspicuously," he advises.



If you plan on traveling for the holidays, you need to plan ahead for home safety. Whether you opt to have a neighbor collect mail and newspapers or have your service stopped by calling the post office and your neighborhood delivery person, be sure neither piles up at home. "Set your lights and television on timers," suggests Leman, who also advises homeowners to have a neighbor park their car in your driveway intermittently to keep up the appearance someone is home.



While keeping your home safe may not top the list of your holiday to-dos, taking a few extra precautions can go a long way to make sure your season stays merry and bright.



Courtesy of BPT

NEW LISTING IN CIRCLEVILLE!

JUST LISTED!!

~160 Sylvan Ct~

BEAUTIFUL BRICK RANCH HOME! 

Full, walk-out, finished Lower Level with Kitchen, wet bar, half bath & large patio. Entry with hardwood floors. Six panel doors throughout. Island Kitchen with birch cabinets & flooring, stainless steel countertops & slate backsplash opens to Dining Room. Sliding glass doors open to large deck & fenced backyard! Community has pool, tennis courts, basketball courts & park. 3 BRs & 2.5 Baths! Over 2,000 SF! Circleville schools! Only $249,900! Call DeLena today!

 

NEW LISTING IN WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE!

JUST LISTED!

~720 S Main St~

CHARMING RANCH HOME! 

Hardwood floors in Living & Dining Rooms. Remodeled Kitchen & Full Bath ~2012. Two decorative fireplaces. Spacious Bedrooms plus Bonus Room. Large front porch. Fenced Yard. Other updates include: new furnace ~2010, new insulated windows ~2008, new roof ~2008, updated electric ~2011, new water heater ~2013. 2 BR’s & 1 Bath. Over 1,100 SF! Washington CH Schools. Only $84,900! Call DeLena Today!

NEW LISTING IN GAHANNA!

JUST LISTED!

~900 Trifecta Ct.~

WELL MAINTAINED TWO-STORY HOME! 

Nestled onto ~1/4 acre cul-de-sac lot! Two-Story Foyer. Sunken, 1^st floor Den with cathedral ceilings. Spacious island Kitchen with oak cabinets, new stainless steel appliances & bay wall. Sunken Family Room with wood-burning fireplace walks out to 14x16 Florida Room & Deck. Giant, vaulted Master Suite with walk-in closet & private Bath. Updated roof, vinyl siding, some carpet, garage door, & opener, some lighting & more! 4 BR’s & 2.5 Baths. Over 2,300 SF! Gahanna Schools. Only $217,900! Call DeLena Today!

Tips to ensure your shower upgrade doesn't turn into a leaky mess

(BPT) - Bathrooms are certainly among the busiest rooms in any home. But a bathroom can be so much more than just the place where you get ready during your hurried morning routine. One of the hottest trends in home decorating and remodeling is creating a bathroom that serves as a spa-like retreat.



Soothing colors and natural materials are right on trend, but if you really want your bathroom to be an oasis of calm, it also needs to be low-maintenance. If you're worried about your beautiful new shower leaking, it's hard to enjoy the experience. Instead, start by taking steps that ensure you don't have to worry about leaks and the damage they cause.



Whether you're a DIY expert or hiring the job out to a professional, it's important to carefully review the plans for a new shower. If you're bringing a contractor on for the job, ask what kind of materials and practices they'll be using to ensure that they're not cutting corners. If you're up for a do-it-yourself job, carefully consider the materials you'll use - look for options that make your job easier but don't skimp on quality. For instance, the new Shower System from USG is designed to streamline installation without compromising on performance.



Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your shower is as durable and leak-proof as possible:



* The shower tray: Having the right base in your shower makes all the difference. There's a perception that the best way to ensure a leak-proof base is an expensive and labor intensive mortar bed. But there are solutions that can cut down on cost and labor. The pre-sloped, high-density, molded-foam shower tray in USG's DUROCK Shower System, for instance, has a 2 percent slope that makes it easily compatible with a wide array of tile shapes and sizes, offering comfortable flooring and simplicity of installation.



* Waterproof membranes: No matter how beautiful your tile, it's what's underneath that counts. Using a waterproof membrane ensures far better performance long term. A strong (tear-proof) and thin waterproof membrane over a durable backerboard, such as DUROCK cement board ensures that your shower stays waterproof, even beyond what your eye can see.



* The drain: A securely fitted drain will help keep water flowing where it's supposed to go. If you're installing a shower system, consider using the proper drain assembly that goes along with it. Systems like the USG DUROCK Shower System offer a versatile drain assembly and wide range of drain grates in 52 designs and finishes. Elegant and functional grates integrate with shower systems but still allow homeowners to choose the style that's right for them. Keep in mind that grate height might need to be adjusted to match tile thickness and the DUROCK Shower System offers maximum flexibility.



A carefully constructed shower will hold its beauty for a long time. And that means your bathroom will remain a retreat where you can think about relaxing instead of repairing. For more information about waterproof shower installations, visit www.durockshowersystem.com.



Courtesy of BPT

December 2013 Real Estate Update!

December 2013

DeLena Ciamacco

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for December! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office.

http://realtytimes.com/181/DeLenaCiamacco

The Holiday Season is here!!

 

I want to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and safe New Year’s celebration!  I realize the Holidays can be an extremely stressful time for many people and twice as difficult when you are attempting to sell your home or other Real estate investments.  With that being said, remaining informed and educated about the “Real Estate Market”, in general, is paramount.  Part of my job is to keep you informed and to let you know what to expect this “Winter/Holiday selling season.”

Historically October through February/early March are the slowest months of the year for real estate sales.  As expected, showings will noticeably decrease during this time of year, and they already have dropped by at least 30% over the last month.  However, this by no means indicates your property will not sell!!  In fact, November through February (although they are reportedly the slowest closing months of the year) is not far behind the “prime selling season”.  We tend to have less “lookers” and more serious Buyers during the fall/winter months.  We are looking for Quality of Buyers and not Quantity of Buyers. 

In addition, November through February tend to be strong relocation months. Many major companies fiscal year-ends tend to occur through the months of December and January (and, of course, June).  The people relocating usually HAVE to buy.  It will be important for us to make your listing as available as possible during this time of year. 

Rest assured my entire Team and I plan to do everything possible to put/keep your listing at the forefront.  Fortunately, these trends tend to be cyclical.  I expect it will pick up again in the very near future!

Overall, this year has been as steady as we could hope for real estate sales and it appears it will continue to appreciate into 2014. 

As always, I welcome your call (or email) if you would like to discuss any issue in detail.  Please remember, I would be happy to provide a market analysis (or current comparable sales) for your review, at your request.  I continuously monitor local, state and national market conditions (as they pertain to Real Estate) and will advise if any changes are necessary.