"Manners matter" is a common phrase I use with my kids and it has stuck. Are they always perfect little examples of a well-manner child?  No, but they are well on their way to a lifetime habit of good etiquette.

Etiquette: the customs or rules of behavior regarded as correct in social life.
Parents all have different priorities on what they consider to be important, but often the basics start with teaching our kids to say "please" and "thank you." Our kids learn manners first by the examples we set for them. I was brought up in a family that believed that you shake hands with someone when you meet them, look them in the eye and call them Mr. or Mrs. (last name) until you are invited to call them by their first name. That is a rule that my husband and I still go by today because we want our children to show respect for the people they meet.  Good manners are in short supply these days as the complications of life and past traditions get left by the way-side in the name of convenience. Just as excellent customer service sets a business apart from the rest, good manners will be noticed and appreciated by those that meet your children.

Below are a few helpful websites we found that cover the basic of manners and etiquette with children:

• Nine Steps to Good Table Manners
• Helping Children with Manners
• Manners and Etiquette for Children
• RudeBusters!
• The Art of Etiquette for Today's Teen Girls

HOLIDAY CARDS: I am so grateful during the holidays to find that people do still send holiday cards. It is so much fun to go to the mailbox and open the card and find photo updates from friends and family. We take all of the photo cards we receive and create a collage on our refrigerator after the holidays so we can enjoy it all year. I love watching friends come over and look for themselves on the fridge. This is the time when many of us scramble to get photos taken, cards ordered and invitations coordinated for upcoming holiday parties. Start early so you can enjoy the process.

• Decide whether you need a photographer & schedule a photo shoot. Make sure to ask whether you will be able to use the image for a holiday card. Visit our Photography Resources page if you are looking for a local photographer.
• Decide where you want to have your cards made (locally or online).
• Decide on a message for your card and whether you also want to include a letter.
• Buy stamps early so you are not waiting in long lines.
• Make a list of everyone you want to send cards to and update your addresses.
• Remember that Thanksgiving is coming up and that day may be a perfect chance for a photo opportunity.

Have a fun, family-filled weekend!

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The following information was provided courtesy of the Corona-Norco Unified School District:

Will the Corona-Norco Unified School District be participating in a vaccination campaign with the Riverside County Public Health Department?
Yes, however due to the Health Department having a minimum number of the nasal spray vaccines and no injectable vaccines at this time, the vaccination campaign probably won't occur before December 2009.

How will parents be notified of the vaccination clinics?
Fliers will be sent home with students identifying the specific locations and times. Information will also be posted on the district and schools websites, automated calls will be made to notify parents and the information will be posted on the websites for Corona (www.ci.corona.ca.us), Norco (www.norco.ca.us) and Eastvale (www.cvparent.com).

Is it mandatory for schools to notify all parents about H1N1 cases?
No. The Health Department has indicated that it is not mandatory to notify parents, as the district is required to maintain student confidentiality.

How does the H1N1 virus spread?
The virus spreads the same way as the seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the influenza virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something (such as a surface or object) with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What should I do if I'm experiencing influenza-like symptoms?
Please stay home, this will help prevent and minimize the spread of the virus. Once your temperature has alleviated for 24 hours, without the use of medication, you can return to work or school.

For additional information and updates, please contact:
The Riverside County Health Department at www.rivcoph.org
The Corona-Norco Unified School District at www.cnusd.k12.ca.us