Search Results for: blog pdf files

Foxit Reader – Free PDF reader and a little more

Posted on by

If you are a regular reader of the Computer, Internet, & Electronics blog here on Families.com, you’ve probably noticed that I enjoy finding free, useful computer software. Earlier, we discussed CCleaner, a neat little program that helps clean up your computer’s hard drive from lots of scattered, needless files. Now, I want to pass on a free PDF reader that offers a little more than just a way to view PDFs. PDF Review If you are wondering what PDFs are all about, you may want check out the first in a series of blogs I wrote about PDFs. You will … Continue reading →

Creating PDFs for free

You can create PDF files in your own home without spending a penny. Earlier we discussed some of the nuts and bolts of PDFs. Now, I want to pass on a few free PDF printers for you to tryout at home. How do I create PDF file for free? First, download and install one of the free PDF creation software programs mentioned below. There are various other PDF creation programs that you can use, so I’ll just present a few here. You can use your favorite Internet search engine and search for “free pdf printer” to find more. These free … Continue reading →

Things to Know About the New School Lunch Rules

Posted on by

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changed the rules about the School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. This could affect your child, if he or she eats the breakfast or lunch that is served at their school. Here are some things to know about the new school lunch rules. The changes to the School Lunch Program, and the School Breakfast Program, were issued in a proclamation given by United States Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, on May 1, 2017. Parents need to know is that these changes will take effect in starting in the 2017-2018 school year. The proclamation … Continue reading →

Ways to Cope with the “Homework Gap”

The majority of students will end the school day with a batch of homework that they must complete. Today, many schools require students to make use of the internet in order to complete their work. This can be a big problem for students who fall into the “homework gap”. What’s the “homework gap”? It is the space between the students whose families have access to the internet at home – and the students whose families do not have internet access at home. Those who cannot access the internet at home are at a disadvantage. The Council of Economic Advisers released … Continue reading →

Technology is a Poor Substitute for Social Interaction

Posted on by

Are your kids addicted to the internet? How much time do your kids spend looking at a screen instead of interacting with family? Parents might want to consider taking steps to limit the amount of “screen time” that their kids are getting. The New York Times has an article by Jane Brody in which she discusses the negative affects that countless hours of playing video games can have on children. It’s not just teenagers, either. Younger kids can also behave as if they are addicted to “the internet”. How does this happen? There is a Kaiser Family Foundation study that … Continue reading →

Time Again for the Homeschool Portfolio

  What is a Homeschool Portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required. The Basic Supplies 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick} dividers page protectors Sharpies computer paper to print out basic forms samples of your child’s work photos {optional} Forms to Provide Attendance Form: List of Curriculum and … Continue reading →

The Sequester Will Affect Special Education – Part 3

This is the third, and final, blog in my series that gives details about how the sequester will affect your state this year. These cuts will go into affect on March 1, 2013, (unless Congress prevents that from happening). Minnesota * Loss of $7 million in funding for primary and secondary education * 100 teacher and aide jobs at risk * Additional loss of $9.2 million in funds for 110 teachers, aides, and staff who help kids with disabilities Mississippi * Loss of $5,486,000 in funding for primary and secondary education * 80 teacher and aide jobs at risk * … Continue reading →

The Sequester Will Affect Special Education

Scan through the news this week, and you are sure to find the word “sequester” popping up a lot. If Congress cannot manage to come to an agreement about how to balance the budget, it will result in a lot of funding cuts beginning on March 1, 2013. Here is a quick roundup of how those cuts will affect Special Education this year. The source for this data comes from WhiteHouse.gov. Alabama * Loss of $11 million in funding for primary and secondary education * 150 teacher and aide jobs at risk * Additional loss of $9 million in funds … Continue reading →

Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS Covers Pregnant Women in Virginia

The Medicaid program in each and every state is designed to cover low income women who are pregnant. In Virginia, the main Medicaid program will provide that coverage. There is also a FAMIS MOMS program that can help those who do not qualify for the main Medicaid program. Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It provides coverage to individuals and families who are low income, and who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also partially funded by the … Continue reading →

FAMIS and FAMIS Plus Covers Children in Virginia

The Medicaid programs in every state have a portion that is designed to cover the health care needs of children. Two programs in Virginia, called FAMIS and FAMIS Plus, will cover children who are under the age of 18 or 19. There is a lot of information about these programs on the Virginia Medicaid website. Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It is designed to provide individuals and families who are low income with health insurance coverage. Often, this group is not able to afford to purchase a health plan from a private insurance company. … Continue reading →