The holiday season is a fun time of the year for millions of children throughout the world.

The music, the decorations, and the spirit of the season make us think that this is a time of happiness for every child. However, this is not the case.

Each year, many children experience all sorts of heartbreaks and losses that can become especially painful when the holiday season arrives.

The general excitement and happiness of the holidays have a way of intensifying sad events that children have experienced during the past year.

With the holidays, these children are reminded that this holiday season is different and they often start feeling blue.

The Holiday Blues manifest in children in various ways. Sadness is the most obvious sign of the holiday blues. But children also show the blues by withdrawing from their family, becoming irritable, uncooperative and verbally and/or physically aggressive.

Children may get the holiday blues after experiencing such events as the divorce of their parents, the death of relative, separation from a parent who is in the military, or a reduction in their family's income.

Suggestions to help parents when their child is suffering with the holiday blues this season are attached. (3 languages)

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is excited to let you know that this year, your school is participating in a computer literacy and Internet connection program called LINK – Learn Ideas, Navigate Knowledge.

What is LINK?
LINK is a federally funded grant program that allows the School District to provide approximately 3,500 computers to eligible families at a cost of $25 along with one year free AT&T broadband Internet service - one per household. Being online will connect you to valuable Internet educational resources like the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Student and Parent Portal websites and the Links to Learning online tools.

How it works:
First, students must be enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Then, you must apply to the LINK program through the Parent Portal, www.dadeschools.net/parents. If you don’t already have a Parent Portal account, please visit your school to register. Students will be selected to participate in the LINK program through a random lottery. The application deadline is September 23, 2011.

What is next?
Computer distribution events will be held throughout the school year at each of the 38 participating schools. At the computer distribution event, the Parent Academy will provide a free mandatory introductory training for parents on computer basics, how the Internet can help you in your daily life, and how to keep your children safe online.

Questions?
Please visit the LINK program’s website at http://link.dadeschools.net/. The Free and Reduced Lunch Program’s website is http://nutrition.dadeschools.net/freereduced.

Thank you. We wish you a great school year!      

General Criteria for Random Selection Magnets

• 2.0 average in core academic courses

• 2.0 average in conduct

• No more than 10 unexcused absences for previous year

• Recommendations may be required

IB/ Cambridge/Science Requirements (Senior High only)

• 2.5 average in core academic courses

• 2.5 average in conduct

• No more than 10 unexcused absences for previous year

• Earth Space Science‐Algebra I may be required

• Recommendations may be required

Visual & Performing Arts Magnets

• 2.0 average in core academic courses

• 2.0 in conduct

• Placement is based on audition/interview results