TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Since California schools are operating with $18 billion less than anticipated this year, parents, now more than ever need to be involved in the education of their children.

That was the message State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell delivered Friday during a stop in Bakersfield.

"Parents are our first teachers. Parents are our most important teachers," O'Connell said.

He urged parents to get involved in their school's PTA or booster club, volunteer to supervise children on the playground or read to students. He also asked parents to donate supplies such as notebooks, pens and pencils to their child's classroom, since many teachers have to pay for these items themselves.

Kern County's public health officer, Dr. Claudia Jonah, said at the press conference she was pleased that people are remembering to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer to stop the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu.

She reminded people that those with diabetes, heart or lung disease, or asthma can have severe complications, including death, if they have seasonal flu or H1N1, so it is especially important for them to have flu shots.

Jonah said there is an effective vaccine for the H1N1 virus, but it will not be available until October.

The public should remember the "Three Cs:" Cover, Clean and Confine. In other words, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face; and stay home if you are sick until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

Here are O'Connell's Top 10 Tips from his news release:

1. Remember that elementary and middle school students typically need 10 to 12 hours of sleep, while high school students need eight to nine hours.

2. Make sure children eat a hearty breakfast of whole grain toast or cereal, fruit and low-fat milk, instead of a sugar-filled breakfast. Pack a nutritious lunch. Low-income families can sign their children up for the free and reduced-price meal program. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/.

3. Keep up throughout the school year all the fun physical activities, like biking and jogging, your family did during the summer. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/.

4. Teach your children how to prevent the spread of H1N1 and other influenza viruses. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/h1n1flu.asp.

5. Pack a flu prevention kit. The kit should contain tissues and individual packets of disposable wipes. For home, your kit should include a thermometer, decongestants, antibacterial soap and fever reducing medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but not aspirin. Remember, do not pack medications in your child's flu prevention kit because they may be barred by your school's drug prevention policies.

6. Donate tissues, pencils, pens and notebooks to schools. To make bigger donations, visit www.donorschoose.org.

7. Create a comfortable, quiet place in your home for your children to concentrate on their homework or reading. Plan a consistent time for homework.

8. Limit your children's use of mobile devices, TV, radio and the computer. Turn them off while children are studying. When they do watch TV, choose programs that are interesting and educational. Visit www.sesamestreet.org/home or http://pbskids.org/electriccompany/.

9. Keep in mind that out-of-work parents can gain valuable work experience from volunteering at schools, and the schools benefit too.

10. Finally, have high expectations for your children. Expect your children to do their very best each day. Hold them accountable for homework and working hard to achieve in school.