We all know that we must feed our bodies in order to have fuel for the day but we also need to be thinking about how to feed our brains. Our brains need nutirents to help decrease the chance of disease while also improving our mood, thinking, and mental skills. See the list below of helpful brain foods:
* Colorful fruits and vegetables: Eggplant skin contains nasunin, which helps improve focus, tomatoes contain lycopene, which helps protect against free-radical damage to cells, and spinach improves learning capacity and motor skills.
* Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality proteins and contains choline, which helps the memory center of the brain. The yolk also contains antioxidants that help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
* Yogurt: Foods rich in calcium (yogurt, milk, cheese) improve nerve function and yogurt helps improve memory and alertness.
* Wild salmon: This is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. WILD salmon (not farm-raised) is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, like omega 3. This fish improves brain growth and function, promotes artery health, and reduces the risk of stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's.
* Matcha: Matcha is a finely ground powder of the green tea plant. It cannot be found in green tea bags! The leaf contains antioxidants, catechins, vitamins C and A, fluoride, and L-Theanine, which has a calming effect. It also contains anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits.
*Acai Berries and Blueberries: These contains antioxidants and they are high in protein. Blueberries help improve motor skills and help improve memory.
*Nuts and seeds: These are packed with Vitamin E and help improve cognitive function. Add some to your daily diet.
* Coffee: The coffee bean is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins and minerals.When consumed as a pure Espresso, it is full of brain and healthy benefits. Adding artificial creamers, sweetners, and flavors negates the positive health benefits.
* Cacao Beans/Dark Chocolate: When the cacao bean is minimally processed, it is full of antioxidants, flavoniods, catechins, and thoebromine, which increases brain function and enhances mood. Most candy and chocolate bars have low levels due to over processing. Look for 100% organic, non-alkalized cocoa powder or high cacao percentage dark chocolate bars.
* Beans: The brain is dependent on glucose for fuel but it cannot store glucose. Beans can stabilize glucose levels in the brain and produce a steady level of energy. Beans are also a great source of fiber.
Remember to add some of the foods mentioned for a healthier start to your year!

Source: Familyeducation.com

STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, which replaced the TAKS test this year. There are significant differences in the two tests including more complex questons, the total number of test items, and there is now a four-hour time limit, as opposed to TAKS, which was untimed. In grades 3-8, students will be tested in mathematics and reading. Students will also be tested in writing at grades 4 and 7, science at grades 5 and 8, and social studies at grade 8. STAAR EOC assessements will be given for Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world history, and U.S. history.
The way student performance is reported will also be different. For STAAR, STAAR Modified, and STAAR L, the labels for the categories are:
* Level III: Advanced Academic Performance
* Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance
* Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance
The new system focuses on increasing postsecondary readiness of graduating high school students and helping to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students nationally and internationally.
Our tutors are already familiar with the new standards that have been set so please call today and let us help your child get ready for these assessments!