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Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

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So your kids are home from school for the next month. What are you going to do? How will you keep them entertained? Will they fall behind in school? Take it from this homeschool mama of two, all of these things can be avoided with a little prep and a good measure of organization. I’m not talking crazy and elaborate projects that tie you to a table helping for hours. I’m talking about some good planning leading to you not losing yourself in kid chaos.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Stick to a schedule

You will never convince me otherwise. Kids like expectations to their day. My kids know breakfast, school work, art, etc. and when each thing is coming. When you set the expectation for your kiddos it will help keep them from coming back over and over with “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do”. It also allows for you to plan when you need to get your own things accomplished.

Get outside!

This past week we flew a kite. It was simple, cheap, and fun. Get some bubbles or chalk. Play hopscotch. Throw the ball. Go for a walk or jog. For us, it is one of the best times of the year for getting to spend time outside. Going outside lets the kids get out pent up energy and the fresh air is great for you. The heat isn’t stifling yet, and we’ve even had a breeze as of late.

Online time

Our kids get online time that isn’t, as we call it, “brain dead”. There are so many free educational sites and games that are available for kids to get their screen time and still have to think. For example, for science we use mysteryscience.com. There are several free lessons available. A video plays and they usually have an easy project or follow up that they give directions on how to complete. If you want a subscription, there are even more options. We personally use ABC Mouse for my younger and Adventure Academy for my older. The kids have to complete educational tasks to get to do other fun things on their “journey”. 

Pinterest!

I know I said no spending hours glued in project assistance mode, but Pinterest really has some easy projects that kids love. They also have great science projects, game ideas, cooking projects, and so much more. We may do one Pinterest idea a week. Sometimes they are great and sometimes they are a most definite #pinterestfail, but we always have fun and make memories while we do it. That’s what it’s really all about y’all!

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Free Time

I know that we are trying to fill this, but kids really do need some free time. Our free time consists of me being able to get things done without interruption. The kids should not have to ask “Can I?” They have the option of playing with toys, playing board games, pretend play, etc. All things that are at their disposal and they are able to do themselves. They great thing about this is that you get to set the parameters. They could have access to one specific toy bin or shelf. They could get to spend time in a playroom or however you are set up. It’s about what works for you.

School work

There are so many FREE resources for worksheets, coloring sheets, etc. The local library is a wealth of books and dvds. Where we live, they also have educational tablets. I have made youtube lists of educational videos that we watch. Disney + has Nat Geo with so many interesting shows. One of the great things about the digital age is that if you want your kids to learn, you have only need to hop online. You can also find many Facebook groups of homeschoolers to join that have pre-built lists of all kinds of resources for parents. They don’t care if your kids are only home for a month or if they homeschool full time. They welcome you to the information.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Quiet time

This one is important Mommas because we cannot spend all day running kids from project to project to be a non-stop source of entertainment. We have things to do too! We have a quiet time every single day. When my kids were smaller, they napped. They now have additional options. They can read, they can draw or color, they can listen to music. Anything that allows for some quiet to enter your home and you to get that break that you may really need to re-center and gain focus, where there may be chaos.

Finally, use the TV

We don’t sit in front of the TV for hours on end, but there is certainly nothing wrong with sitting the kids at the TV for a movie or a couple of shows. Go ahead and sit down with them! I find that when my kids are not sitting in front of the TV constantly, they grow to be much more appreciative of the time they are given. They are selective on the shows or movies they choose to watch. They pay attention to what is on. It is a treat instead of a constant background noise. 

As a homeschooling mom, you come to realize that there has to be balance. A balance of entertainment, of getting things accomplished, of managing your house and the kids. We constantly have things that need to be done and sometimes the biggest thing you can do for yourself is just realize that the day doesn’t always go as planned. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. It doesn’t matter if it is for ideas for rainy days or just to have some good conversation with another adult.

Don’t be afraid to just kick up your feet with the kids for a movie. If a project fails, laugh and take pictures. We have some pretty great fail memories. Let go of expectations, whether they are from others or yourself, and find what works for you!

At bedtime, I always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was. Sometimes they do say it is something big that we did as a treat. Most of the time, my kids list simple things that you wouldn’t think about: Popsicles outside, flying a kite, messing up our baking project, or playing a board game. Through the eyes of a kid, the simple things sometimes mean the most. That is what it’s all about!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador -Erica Mautner

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?Erica is an LSU alum, with a Master’s in Business Administration. She recently left her career in banking to be at home with her 2 boys, Fisher & Sawyer, full time. They have started an adventure in homeschooling. Erica likes to travel, take photos, and attempt crafting projects with her boys. She also likes to attend LSU football games with her boys and husband of 11 years, Cody, who proposed while tailgating fall of 2008. 

Wellness + Wine – A Self Care Ladies Night Out To Give Back

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Spend a night unwinding and pampering yourself with Baton Rouge Moms and Hands Producing Hope at Perkins Rowe Friday, November 8th for an evening of self-care, fun and giving back! Wellness + Wine – A Self Care Ladies Night Out event will include pampering – mini spa experiences, food, drinks, shopping, raffle, Photo fun, swag bags, conversation with local wellness partners and more—and all for a great cause.  You can purchase tickets here! 

Wellness + Wine

In order to take care of our families well, we have to learn to take care of ourselves well. Let’s spend one-night unwinding, pampering ourselves, and learning about how we can help women around the world live full and healthy lives.  Additionally, Wellness + Wine is a fundraiser for Hands Producing Hope, a local non-profit bringing opportunity, education, and hope to disadvantaged women around the world. We are proud to say that all ticket proceeds will go to Hands Producing Hope!

Wellness + Wine

 

We are also excited to announce that Wellness + Wine is the exclusive preview night of The Hope Shop Pop-Up, Hands Producing Hope’s fair trade shop. All attendees will be the first to see and shop the exclusive merchandise changing lives around the world!

Your ticket to Wellness + Wine includes a drink ticket, wellness experiences, consultations from local wellness experts, swag, sips, bites and more! Grab your tickets here!

Wellness + Wine Details: 

Wellness + Wine would not be possible without our sponsors! We are so very grateful for the following businesses that have partnered with Baton Rouge Moms! 

Wellness Experiences: 

Raffles:

  • Large Drybar Gift Basket
  • Glow Mobile Basket valued at $200
  • Hands Producing Hope Gift Basket valued at $100
  • bareMinerals Beauty to Love 8pc Collector’s Deluxe Original Collection valued at $240
  • URBAN DECAY Naked Honey Eye Shadow Palette valued at $50
  • Erin Condren Coiled LifePlanner Bundle with Accessories valued at $75
  • Live Free Gift valued at $50 
  • and more!!! 

VIP Ticket $45: – ($120 Value) 

Wellness + Wine

SWAG – (Over $100 Value)

Wellness + Wine Food Sponsors

Baton Rouge Sprouts

Ambrosia Bakery

 

Wellness + Wine Sponsors

Special thanks to our Title Sponsors! 

Rapid Urgent Care

Rapid Urgent Care Baton Rouge is located on Essen Lane across from Walgreens and near Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Rapid Urgent Care Baton Rouge is open every single day of the year to meet your urgent care needs. 

Causey Med AestheticsCausey Med Aesthetic in Baton Rouge proudly brings the most cutting edge medical spa and aesthetic services to our clients. Be sure to shop our line of medical-grade skincare products.

Drs. Danielle and Drew Causey provide the best experience in Baton Rouge while promising a relaxing, high-end atmosphere and the best services to suit your needs.

Rejuvime Med

At Rejuvime Medical, our anti-aging specialists in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, and Metairie, LA, use bioidentical hormones created at a certified compounding pharmacy. These hormones are unlike synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones serve as the exact makeup as those naturally produced in your body, reducing risk factors and symptoms associated with synthetic hormones.** Along with biodentical hormone restoration therapy, Rejuvime offers vitamin injections, vitamin infusions, HGH supplementation, cosmetic injectables, and various nutraceuticals to optimize your results.

PeRfect Events is an event planning boutique prepared to create amazing events that fulfill every aspect of our clients’ wish. We are certified stress relievers! With an eye for detail and an ear for buzz, we take planning logistics and promoting an event to a whole new level. Founders of PerRect Events, Erin Fulbright and Brittany Frances, have over 10 years of combined experience in the public relations field and a knack for making every event PeRfect! 

Pour Girl of LA Mobile Bartending LLC is ready to service any event, big or small, and can accommodate all budgets with their reasonable rates! Contact Pour Girl of La Mobile Bartending LLC about booking or to receive a quote for your next event!

 

 

 

Special thanks to our Silver Sponsors! 

Illuminate Natural Health is a Naturopathic clinic that offers services for female health including infertility and preconception through postpartum care; autoimmune, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, pediatric neurodevelopment disorders and neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Sarah absolutely loves everything surrounding the topic of pregnancy and birth, which led her to write her first book, Preparing for Pregnancy, which will launch in Fall of 2019. To provide natural and organic products for the women she serves, Dr. Duhon partnered with Heather Jade Apothecary to establish the product line Mama Bird Baby Bird. She has the knowledge and ability to apply healing modalities such as nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, functional neurology, lifestyle coaching, among many others to assist in the most appropriate, individualized healing path for your optimal well-being.

 

www.geauxpaul.com

Attention Baton Rouge Moms!! Have you been to the Joint Chiropractic on Siegen Lane yet? Dr. Julie LaCour specializes in chiropractic for pregnancy and infant adjustments. ASK about their NEW PATIENT SPECIAL for ONLY $29 (Includes adjustment, exam, and consultation, $39 Value) Gentle chiropractic treatment including joint mobilization, soft tissue treatment, and therapeutic exercise is safe and effective during pregnancy. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to address the challenges of the pregnant body including loosening ligaments and increased weight. Chiropractic care can also help babies struggling with colic! No appointments needs, JUST WALK-IN!! You can find them at 6555 Siegen Lane Suite 12 in Baton Rouge.

Functional medicine is healthcare for the 21st century. Instead of treating individual diseases, functional medicine looks to heal the underlying dysfunctions present in the body that contribute to each condition. We believe you can’t diagnose or treat someone by assuming they are the same as everyone else. With the most advanced diagnostic testing we are able re-balance physiological systems with targeted nutrition support & lifestyle changes designed with each person in mind to unleash your body’s inherent healing ability, achieve wellness and weight loss. We all have people in our lives who depend on us…but we can’t be there for them if we don’t have our health. 
 
Thyroid disease, fatigue, inability to lose weight, diabetes, cholesterol, gut issues, overall poor lifestyle contribute to many diseases.  Functional Medicine can help you find a new path to health and happiness through better nutrition, exercise, and guidance from Dr. Keta and her team.  It’s a lifestyle NOT diet!

 

Picture People – Special Father’s Day Offer for Baton Rouge Moms

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If you’ve visited buybuyBABY in Baton Rouge then you might have noticed that they offer photography sessions through their partnership with Picture People.  Picture People is a one-stop portrait shop that families trust to capture significant life moments that they want to remember forever, including key infant milestones (maternity, newborn, sitting up, walking), birthdays, half-birthdays, annual holiday portraits, graduations, engagements, and even Quinceañeras. 

Picture People

Picture People understands the timeless power of portraiture. They also recognize and value the unique emotional connections within a family that give portraits meaning. They capture your important moments and connections in high-quality portraits. Conveniently ready the same day, and priced reasonably too!

What makes the portrait experience at Picture People so special?

  1. Trained Photographers: They train their photographers on portraiture and infant and childhood development. They hire many senior-level photographers with specialized training as well. Photographers go above and beyond to capture the unique personalities of your family through natural, candid expressions.
  2. Same Day Services: Picture People are the only portrait company to offer on-site printing, framing, retouching, and digital images, the same day as your session.
  3. Lighting System: Their patented lighting system and equipment simulate sunlight during the “golden” hour. This system delivers a single catchlight in the subject’s eyes, to mimic sunlight and give our portraits that inexplicable natural look.

 

Special Picture People Father’s Day Offer:

Baton Rouge Father's Day

Picture People

$18 for 25 portraits – Limit one pose – Go to our dedicated link to grab this amazing offer –

https://www.picturepeople.com/special-offers/brmoms

*YOU MAY PRINT THE COUPON OR PRESENT IT ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE.
Must present coupon at photo session to redeem offer. Offer valid for six (6) color portrait sheets of the same image. Sheets include two (2) 8 x 10s, two (2) 5 x 7s, five (5) 4 x 6s, and sixteen (16) wallets for $18. No substitutions. While supplies last. Not valid on existing orders, reprints, enhancements, licensed products, or special orders. Offer valid in studio only. Offer expires at close of business on 7/15/2019. (SKU: 15306 Coupon Code: MQPEC)

Picture People

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

 

Arty Party with BREC ART

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Tired of the same old birthday party ideas? If you have a little Picasso who really loves to get their hands working on some kind of art project, a craft party may be the perfect way to celebrate your budding artist’s birthday. We’re sharing a unique and affordable kids party idea at BREC that will be sure to keep your tactile learners entertained and having fun! Put the art in PARTY Arty Party with BREC ART as your child and their friends create real works of art on canvas while celebrating birthdays or other special occasions.

Take the fuss and stress out of planning and hosting a party and let BREC do the work for you! You will have your very own party assistant to help direct the activities and keep the party flowing!

Your Arty Party with BREC ART package includes:

  • 12 party invitations
  • Art project for 12 children ($10 each additional child, maximum 15 children)
  • Party assistant
  • Your choice of party theme

Click here to learn more and book your own Arty Party with BREC!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Weeki Wachee Mermaids return to Audubon Aquarium

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They’re back! The world-famous Weeki Wachee mermaids will splash into Audubon Aquarium of the Americas November 1-4 and 8-11. From 10:00am to 5:00pm on each of the eight days, the mermaids and pirates will dive beneath the surface of the Great Maya Reef, which is home to stingrays and tropical fish. Guests can also meet a mermaid up-close and have photos taken near the second-floor Stingray touch pool.

Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Events & Workshops

Sea Grass Salon
November 4 and 11  /  10:00am – 4:30pm
Pisces Room
2nd Floor, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Transform into a mermaid at the Aquarium! Professional “Sea Grass Stylists” from Salon J’elle will turn you into a magical mermaid complete with makeup, hair, and a mermaid inspired outfit. If your child prefers something a little different they can join in the fun as our “Sea Grass” apprentices transform them into pirates! Your Seagrass Salon ticket also includes admission to the Aquarium for the day and the Mermaid & Pirate party in the Pisces Room on the second floor of the Aquarium.

Tickets go on sale soon!

Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Breakfast with the Mermaids
Gulf of Mexico Exhibit
Audubon Aquarium of Americas

  • Saturday November 3, 2018 | 8:30am-10:00am
  • Sunday November 4, 2018 | 8:30am-10:00am
  • Saturday November 10, 2018 | 8:30am-10:00am
  • Sunday November 11, 2018 | 8:30am-10:00am

Enjoy your breakfast in front of the Gulf of Mexico exhibit at Audubon Aquarium of Americas! Guests will receive exclusive access to meet a Weeki Wachee mermaid up close during breakfast and each participant will receive an autographed photo of their mermaid. After breakfast (9:45am) guests will have early entry for a free photo with a mermaid. Your breakfast ticket also includes admission to the Aquarium for the day and the Mermaid & Pirate party in the Pisces Room on the second floor of the Aquarium.

Tickets go on sale soon!

Weeki Wachee mermaids

 

Mermaid and Pirate Party
Pisces Room
Second Floor, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

  • Saturday November 3, 2018 | 11:00am-4:00pm
  • Sunday November 4, 2018 | 11:00am-4:00pm
  • Saturday November 10, 2018 | 11:00am-4:00pm
  • Sunday November 11, 2018 | 11:00am-4:00pm

Enjoy our Pisces Room that overlooks the Mississippi River to create mermaid and pirate-themed crafts. Enjoy pirate and mermaid games, an exclusive “Shell-fie Station”, a Sing-a-long with pirate and mermaid songs with a DJ.

Tickets go on sale soon!

Learn more at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas website! 

{OPINION} One person’s opinion of TOPS does not make the majority

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Do you hear that? That is the middle class pulling back the comforter from their Neiman Marcus bedding, stepping on to their Emperador light polished marble floors, drinking their Kopi Luwak coffee before going to work in their Mercedes- Benz Maybach Exelero. If you read Stephanie Riegel’s recent article “TOPS affords high-end college living” from the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report than that is the image that she paints in your head.

Instead how about eight-year-old bedding from Bed Bath and Beyond, noticing the stains in the carpet left by the dog that needs to be cleaned, skipping home brewed Community Coffee to get some at work because you are running behind, driving a 12-year-old truck because you gave your daughter your 6-year-old car to take to college so she would have something reliable. You get the idea and I am sure you have a similar story of a typical morning in your middle-class home. But wait, Riegel says your kid doesn’t deserve the TOPS college scholarship program and it should be needs based instead. Really? Even though your kids took the ACT an extra time or two to get the better score, took the Advanced Placement classes. They studied extra hard in school for Honors level TOPS believing it would be there when it was their time.

Tops

TOPS began as the first state funded merit based college tuition program in the country. There has been changes to it over the years and in the future additional changes may be made but the foundation is “merit based” and should remain “merit based”. There are numerous needs based college scholarship programs out there for low income households. TOPS is the one program for Louisiana residents that middle class can qualify for. Even then there are requirements your student must keep in college such as GPA, number of credits in college to take or your TOPS level will be dropped and not reinstated. Plus, you may still be out thousands of dollars a semester in dorm fees and mandatory meal plans if your student needs to stay on campus since TOPS doesn’t cover it all.

Yes, there may be some students staying in the nicer apartments around campus. Yes, there may be some sorority rooms that went a bit Pinterest crazy (more than likely most homemade crafts which look high-end) but if there was a poll done around the campuses of Louisiana you would see that is certainly the minority and not the majority as Riegel would like you to think.

Here are some stories in response to Riegel’s Tops article from other parents across the state:

“Even with TOPS and a scholarship I still had to pay a balance for Amanda. Her dorm is not lavish by any means. She brought stuff from her room at home and we got some new bedding. She worked since she was 16 and saved a good chunk of money to buy books and supplies. Plus, she has an on-campus job. On paper I’m sure we seem well off at least according to FASFA. If you are needy you already get Pell Grants and other such benefits. Middle class qualify for nothing except for TOPS and merit scholarship. She also took a student loan out that was unsubsidized of course so we will pay the interest while she is in school.”

“My son doesn’t live extravagant!!! His bedding is over 10 years old!!! He drives a 15 year old truck. He was valedictorian and made a 35 on ACT!! Even with TOPS, scholarship, band stipend and a job, we still pay a great deal of money for college. To take it away from deserving kids would be a shame. 
This writer needs to look at the majority of students, not just a few that live extravagant. 
Even if the students are wealthier, if they earn it they should be awarded it!!!! Mr. Taylor gave so graciously and it would be a great injustice to his legacy to change it for this reason.”

Tops

“On paper, my daughter would not qualify for a “needs based” scholarship. But we all know that the cost of living in 2018 is expensive. The lavish living that the article describes is absurd. I don’t know any college student who lives extravagantly. Just like the author doesn’t have data to support her argument, I don’t have any either. But decorating has come a long way since the 80s. You can create the illusion of luxury without spending a lot of money. Another point to argue is that if TOPS takes some of the burden of college expenses away for families, we should be grateful that families are able to spend their money elsewhere. Isn’t that important to stimulate and grow Louisiana’s economy?”

You get the idea, there are thousands of examples like this. I can share student’s stories as well from their perspective. But who again is Stephanie Riegel to say how we and our kids live? Do we need to provide receipts in how we decorate our homes and our kid’s dorm rooms or apartments along with their high school transcripts since she seems to think we ‘the middle class’ live so extravagant?

Just a reminder Mr. Patrick Taylor’s vision and commitment to form TOPS for the education in the State of Louisiana paved the way to give students an opportunity to go to college based on their ability to learn, not their ability to pay.

How many less successful alumni would Louisiana have in the past 10-20 years if it had not been for the TOPS scholarship college program? Something to think about.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page HERE.

 

Mother’s Day Out – Little Sprouts Open House – where fun and learning meet! 

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There are times during the week when moms can use a little help and time to get things done. Mother’s Day Out programs can be the perfect option when you need a little “me time” or when you want to quickly and efficiently tackle the tasks on your busy schedule. Mother’s Day Out also gives your child the chance to interact, have fun and learn in a safe and friendly environment. It’s easy for us to feel guilty about dropping off our children at a Mother’s Day Out, we worry about leaving them in caring hands. 

There’s a new Mother’s Day Out option in Baton Rouge, Little Sprouts, where fun and learning meet! You can rest assured that Little Sprouts will provide an environment that is beneficial and nurturing, where your little ones love, learn and grow! On August 15th, Little Sprouts will host an open house tour of their facility for interested parents. Little Sprouts will start September 4th, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 12:30.
 

Mother's Day Out

Little Sprouts provides first-rate preschool experiences to children ages 2-5 and prepares them for Kindergarten. Whole Child Education includes academics, social skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, music and lots of hands-on activities to learn about them all! Parents have the option of choosing 2, 3 and 5 day Mother’s Day Out.

Little Sprouts Mother’s Day Out Baton Rouge 

LOVING, LEARNING, GROWING

Mother's Day Out

What: Little Sprouts Open House
Where: Acacia Church – 10051 Siegen Ln
When: August 15th, 9:30am – 10:30am 
Register & learn more: https://littlesproutsbr.com/

RaceTrac Breakfast Grab-and-Go for the Whole Family – Everyone Wins!

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Summer break is officially over which means back to school and back to the chaos of rushed mornings and Baton Rouge traffic! For those busy mornings when you need a grab and go option for breakfast, we might have you covered! Our family made a stop at our local RaceTrac to try out their new limited RaceTrac breakfast sandwich made with Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles, in all stores now through November 7. The Eggo breakfast sandwich includes maple syrup, sausage, egg and cheese all stacked together between two classic Eggo Waffles.

We have four growing boys and they love/need a hearty breakfast; they wanted to try this new breakfast sandwich that sounded questionable but kinda yummy. They loved it, honestly, we all enjoyed our grab-and-go breakfasts, there was something for everyone. 

RaceTrac Breakfast

RaceTrac Breakfast

My husband tried the chicken buttermilk biscuit made with Tyson chicken breasts, he gave it two thumbs up, sandwiches are made in-house with hand-selected, high-quality ingredients and assembled fresh in-store every day.  My favorite, the ham, egg and cheese croissant as well as the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit, among others, are all cooked throughout the morning and made available in the hot case for a FRESH, easy grab-and-go breakfast all morning long.

RaceTrac Breakfast

My husband is a bit of a coffee snob so I knew the coffee would be the deciding factor on whether our RaceTrac breakfast would be a success… the Guatemalan coffee was on point! Don’t take our word for it though, try it! RaceTrac’s “Crazy Good Coffee” bar offers a variety of blends of fresh brewed coffee, including 100 percent Hazelnut, Regular, Columbian, Guatemalan, Decaf and Dark Roast. RaceTrac’s coffee bar also features cappuccinos, iced coffee, hot teas and hot chocolate.

RaceTrac is stepping the coffee game up in 2018 with new coffee machines that will allow guests to be their own barista by selecting their favorite coffee blend and watching the beans grind right before their eyes into the freshest cup of joe. What the what?!?! 

RaceTrac Breakfast

Have you been in a RaceTrac lately? They’re serving up more than just breakfast; if you’re looking for a healthy refuel, RaceTrac’s sandwiches are made in-house with hand-selected, high-quality ingredients every day too. Cut fruit and salads are made and delivered fresh to the stores daily as well. And guests still have a 1-in-3 chance to win more of their favorites like pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee and $1 fountain drinks in any size with their Wintastic Summer Rewards program.

RaceTrac is offering families fantastic rewards this summer with their Wintastic Summer Rewards program. There’s a 1-in-3 chance to WIN every time you make a qualifying purchase with the RaceTrac app, now through Labor Day.

Enter to win RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

To get in the game, simply download the RaceTrac app, make a qualifying in-store purchase and scan at checkout.

1. Download the New RaceTrac App! When you download the app you will instantly win your first reward, a free hot dog, and a fountain drink.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

2. Buy a qualifying food or beverage item.

3. Be sure to scan the app at purchase by showing the app barcode at checkout.

4. Happy winning!! You have a 1-in-3 chance of winning!!

For more information on Wintastic Rewards, follow RaceTrac on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit their website RaceTrac.com. 

Wintastic Rewards runs through September 4, 2018

We have partnered with RaceTrac for their Wintastic Rewards campaign. As part of this Program, I received compensation for my time. RaceTrac believes that consumers and influencers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. These policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, and social media engagement recommendations. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards: 1 in 3 will WIN!

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This is a sponsored post with RaceTrac. All opinions are our own.

Summer is well underway with the beginning of the new school year on the horizon. Now’s the time to take hold of the summertime you have left and make the most of it. Whether you take a road trip or stick around town for some last-minute summer fun, be sure to include RaceTrac on your adventures! RaceTrac is offering families fantastic rewards this summer with their Wintastic Summer Rewards program. There’s a 1-in-3 chance to WIN every time you make a qualifying purchase with the RaceTrac app! We have 8 RaceTracs in our area, no matter where you are in Baton Rouge, you’re to sure to be near one. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

RaceTrac is our go-to when our family of six is in need of a quick on the road snack or to cool off at their Swirl World for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and Italian Ice. You can’t beat the price, 16 oz. Swirl World frozen treat cups, including toppings, are available for a flat rate of $3 and kids ages 12 and under can take advantage of free kids cups through July. You can customize your frozen treat just how you like it – with up to 40 toppings, the choice of a cup, cake cone or waffle cone and a variety of flavors that you can try alone or swirl for a personalized creation. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

If you’re looking for a healthy refuel, no worries, RaceTrac’s sandwiches are made in-house with hand-selected, high-quality ingredients every day. Cut fruit and salads are made and delivered fresh to the stores daily as well. Guests have a 1-in-3 chance to win more of their favorites like pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee and $1 fountain drinks in any size, now through Labor Day when you scan your ap on qualifying purchases.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

Enter to win RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

To get in the game, simply download the RaceTrac app, make a qualifying in-store purchase and scan at checkout.

1. Download the New RaceTrac App! When you download the app you will instantly win your first reward, a free hot dog, and a fountain drink.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

2. Buy a qualifying food or beverage item.

3. Be sure to scan the app at purchase by showing the app barcode at checkout.

4. Happy winning!! You have a 1-in-3 chance of winning!!

For more information on Wintastic Rewards, follow RaceTrac on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit their website RaceTrac.com. 

Wintastic Rewards runs through September 4, 2018

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Louisiana School Finder – find, evaluate schools and child care centers

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Searching for and evaluating schools in Baton Rouge will soon be easier to do with the Louisiana School Finder. A new user-friendly platform able to host a wide array of information on school and center quality has been created for families in Louisiana. 

 The following is a news release from the Louisiana Department of Education:

The Louisiana Department of Education today announced the creation of the Louisiana School Finder, an interactive online tool designed to help families more easily locate and evaluate schools and child care centers across the state. The tool, which hosts detailed information about each site’s offerings and academic performance, will be unveiled November 7 with the release of the annual school performance scores and the first-ever early childhood performance profiles.

Louisiana School Finder

“Louisiana students deserve a high-quality education, and families deserve a system that allows them to find a school or center that best fits their unique child’s needs or to evaluate the learning environment of the school or center in which their child is enrolled,” said State Superintendent John White. “The Louisiana School Finder makes that possible. We look forward to launching the tool next week and to continuing to collaborate with families, education and community leaders, and partners to ensure its success.”

Louisiana School Finder

Louisiana School Finder

The Louisiana Department of Education is committed to helping families find the right school or early childhood center for their children, and providing them with helpful information about Louisiana’s schools. The Louisiana School Finder is an interactive, online tool that provides families with:

  1. School performance scores and early childhood performance ratings to show how well schools and centers are preparing students for the next grade-level.

  2. Basic information about schools and centers such as their address, website, hours of operation, and principal or director’s name.

  3. Listings of course oerings, clubs, enrichment and extracurricular activities.

The school profiles will include the overall performance scores and traditionally reported metrics like assessment results, graduation rates and college enrollment. In addition, for the first time, data regarding teacher workforce, student discipline, and student attendance will also be included.  In subsequent years, the Louisiana School Finder will expand to provide information on student progress and include an interests and opportunities index indicating how schools fare in offering enriching activities to their students.

Early childhood performance profiles are also a new feature this year. The overall performance ratings are derived from an observation-based evaluation system and reported in four categories–Excellent, Proficient, Approaching Proficient and Unsatisfactory. In addition to the overall rating, the performance profiles provide a snapshot of each center’s educator workforce, student-to-teacher ratios, and curriculum quality.

The upcoming launch of the Louisiana School Finder comes after more than a year of public discussion and planning.  With the implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, Louisiana seized the opportunity to collaborate with educators, parents, business and community leaders statewide to create and report on an improved education system that provides all students with equal access and opportunity to high-quality learning.

“With some of the sites out there, finding and comparing information about schools is very frustrating. You get the idea that they were built for system insiders, not parents,” Daly said. “Louisiana has taken a big step forward by launching a school finder tool that was clearly built with parents in mind. It offers simple, useful information that will help more families understand how schools are doing and make the critical decisions that lead to their children’s educational success.”

But report cards are only as good as the conversations that go along with them, added Annie Morrison, the Department’s Director of Family and Educator Communication. “In partnership with schools across the state, we are prepared to continue conversations with leaders, advocates, and families about what these data mean.”

To help schools and early childhood centers facilitate these conversations, the Department released a School Finder toolkit for school systems and principals containing a customizable parent night presentation, promotional flyer and animated videos to help educate families on how school performance scores and early childhood ratings are developed.

To access the Louisiana School Finder, visit www.louisianaschools.com starting November 7, 2017.

To access the information and resources on how to use the Louisiana School Finder, visit the “School and Center Performance” page on the Department’s website.