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Stores prepare for sales tax holiday

Big Lots is just one of several Tuscaloosa-area stores that is gearing up for the upcoming tax holiday. Many shoppers are planning to do their back-to-school shopping during the holiday to save some money.

The holiday begins Friday, Aug. 3 and lasts until midnight on Sunday, Aug. 5.

For a list of items exempt or included in the sales tax holiday, see our story Alabama school supplies sales tax holiday beginning school.

Click here for a list that shows which cities and counties are participating in the sales tax holiday.

Tuscaloosa City Schools 2012 School Status Reports

Tuscaloosa City Schools 2012 School Status Reports

From the Tuscaloosa City Schools blog:

The efforts of Tuscaloosa City Schools teachers students, parents, administrators and community partners in all schools provided a rich learning environment.  Countless hours are invested each and every day to provide high-quality instruction to all students.

Twelve of thirteen elementary schools met 100% of their goals for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2011-2012 school year.  No elementary school will be in school improvement for 2012-2013.

Keep back to school panic to a minimum

Keep back to school panic to a minimum

By Elisa D. Keller

WORLDNOW -- Yes, kids and parents, it's already time to discuss that dreaded topic -- back to school season!

Kids hate it because it means an end to days spent swimming, playing games or watching TV. Moms and dads hate it because it's like pulling teeth trying to get kids refocused after weeks of freedom.

If this sounds like your house, here's some tips on how to get everybody back on track before fall.


WORK NOW, PLAY LATER

If your school-aged kids haven't finished summer reading lists or any long term projects, now is the time.

To get kids used to a more school-like schedule, try setting aside an hour or two at the same time each weekday to work on assignments. It'll keep you and your kids from having to pull a last minute all-nighter come the first day of school, and as a bonus, make them appreciate their free time even more.


SHOP AROUND

Bama fans congratulate softball team on national championship win

Bama fans congratulate softball team on national championship win

Bama fans have yet another national championship win to celebrate this year with the women's softball team's 5-4 victory over Oklahoma. The win is the first softball title for the university and for the SEC.

For the 2011-2012 academic year, Alabama took home a total of four national championships. Those wins were claimed in football, women's golf, gymnastics and most recently, women's softball.

Thursday, Bama fans lined up at the airport, ready to congratulate the UA women's softball team on their major win. The team was expected to arrive in Tuscaloosa around noon.

[READ MORE: Alabama women's softball wins national championship]

TCS meeting on Alberta School rebuilding to be held Thursday

The Tuscaloosa City Schools will host its third and final community meeting for the Alberta School rebuilding effort.  In an attempt to make every effort to hear from parents and community members about the future of the new school, the final community meeting will be moved closer to the community.

The meeting will now be held at the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama on Thursday, May 31 from 6-7:30 p.m.   The Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama is located at 2201 Positive Place.

“We’ve had two meetings and this is our last,” said Paul McKendrick, superintendent. “We want to make every effort to engage the community as much as possible by coming to a location inside the community that feels familiar.”

Parents and community members are invited to bring their ideas, questions, comments and concerns and join the conversation as the Tuscaloosa City Schools returns a beloved school to its community.

Final meeting to discuss Alberta School rebuilding May 31

Final meeting to discuss Alberta School rebuilding May 31

The Tuscaloosa City Schools will host its third and final community meeting for the Alberta School rebuilding effort. We want to make every effort to hear from parents and community members about the future of the new school, that's why we are moving the final community meeting closer to the community.

Join us Thursday, May 31 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama located at 2201 Positive Place, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404.

So bring your ideas, questions, comments and concerns and join the conversation as the Tuscaloosa City Schools returns a beloved school to its community.

For more information, please call 205-759-3549.

 

Tips on protecting kids from cyberbullies

Tips on protecting kids from cyberbullies

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- It comes down to time. During the school year, teens have only limited time to be online, but when classes stop and summer starts? They can be attached to Facebook or Twitter or texting all day.

"That's one of the big distinctions between bullying and cyberbullying," said Gary Warner, UAB's cyber crime expert. "If you're being bullied in the lunchroom or on the school bus, that's an event that has a short duration for a short time. Cyberbullying--if you're awake and your electronic device is on, you can be a victim of cyberbullying."

To protect your kids, Warner told the Optimist Club of Birmingham today parents should be Facebook friends with their kids, monitor your child's cell phone bills paying close attention to any numbers that pop up often, and be proactive not passive.