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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, January 12, 2006

Tutors online in Alabama

Advertiser Staff

Fourth- through 12th-graders in Alabama can get the homework help they need seven days a week, from 3 p.m. to midnight, by logging on to a free online tutoring service, the U.S. Department of Education reports. Students receive live assistance from trained professionals in math, science, social studies and English. The service also is available to students enrolled in college preparatory classes and trying to earn their GED.

The program, which began in 2002 in 10 libraries, is expanding to all 219 public libraries, thanks to a pledge from the Alabama Public Library System.

SCHOOL FACT

What are the five most popular school lunches in Hawai'i's public schools?

  • Pizza (especially pepperoni)

  • Chicken nuggets

  • Nachos with cheese

  • Pig-in-a-blanket (hot dog)

  • Spaghetti

    Note that all, except spaghetti, are finger foods.

    SOURCE: STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    BACKPACK SAFETY

    What to look for when shopping for a backpack:

  • Wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation.

  • Padded back. This protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort.

    To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:

  • Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 percent to 20 percent of the student's body weight.

  • Use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine.

    Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

    COURSEWORK

    WHAT SUBJECTS SHOULD I TAKE?

    The general rule of thumb for students is to take the most challenging courses they are prepared for. Many students avoid classes that may seem more difficult than others. This may save time on studying, but in the long run will do your standing more harm, according to ACT, the nonprofit organization that administers one of the primary college entrance exams in the United States. ACT recommends taking:

    English: English 9 to 12

    Math: Algebra I, geometry, algebra II, and at least one advanced math course beyond algebra II

    Science: Biology, chemistry and physics

    Social studies: Three years of social studies courses

    Foreign language: One or two years of a foreign language