***Attention Parents*** Preparing Students for End-of-Year Testing Takes More than Hitting the Books

Jimmy Dean:

The Problem: End-of-year tests are just around the corner. Teachers are arming students with knowledge and encouraging their studies, and students are reviewing stacks of class notes. During this "crunch” time, many parents may wonder what can be done beyond peeking over shoulders and supporting their efforts.

The Solution: Fortunately for parents, there are ways to help kids be their best leading up to and on the day of the test.

• The Week Before: Start Early – Encourage students to review material every day the week before the test to help familiarize themselves with material, rather than frantically reviewing the night before.
• The Night of: Reduce Distractions and Get Plenty of Zzzzzs – Provide a study-friendly environment – cell phone, TV and radio-free – so students are compelled to focus on their studies. They can always text and Facebook their friends after studies are complete. Also, getting a good night’s sleep after an evening of study will improve recall of the material the next day. The opposite is also true—sleep deprivation has a negative effect on recall ^1-2.
• That Morning: Provide an A+ Breakfast – Kids often rush off to school without eating breakfast. However, reports show a balanced, nutrient-rich breakfast that includes protein provides energy that can help keep kids going and be their best on those big days, or any day^3-5. Building a well-balanced breakfast that includes protein, like eggs or turkey sausage, is an easy way to help balance a child’s breakfast and helps them feel fuller longer⁶.
• The Hour Prior: Boost Confidence – Encourage children to look over notes or quiz them briefly one last time, and then help build up their "can-do” attitude—remind them to take a deep breath and relax prior to the test, feel confident that they have studied the material and will do great, and double check all answers before turning in the test.

Today’s Lesson: While it is the students who take the test, parents can play an important role in helping them prepare for an exam. According to Bridget Swinney, MS, RD, and Jimmy Dean spokesperson, "As the mother of two teenagers, I know how important it is to provide your children with a balanced breakfast – especially on test days. That’s why I make sure my kids always have a breakfast that includes protein, like eggs, to keep their energy up³ during those end of year exams.” Such support may be just what a child needs to get an edge on test day. Class dismissed.

About Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean is America’s number one breakfast sausage. Since 1969, the brand has ensured quality in every plate of Jimmy Dean goodness that families can sit down to enjoy. The Jimmy Dean portfolio’s full line of breakfast sausage, bacon and sandwiches gives families the delicious, home-cooked flavor. Jimmy Dean Fresh Roll Breakfast Sausage, Fresh Links & Patties, Fresh Bacon, Fully Cooked Sausage Links & Patties, Omelets, Skillets, Sandwiches, Breakfast Bowls, Heat ‘N Serve Sausage Links & Patties and Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick boast full flavors and top quality ingredients guaranteed to make any meal the best.

About Sara Lee Corporation

Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the world. The company has one of the world’s best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted, food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee, Senseo. Collectively, these brands generate almost $13 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 180 countries. The Sara Lee community consists of 41,000 employees worldwide. Please visit www.saralee.com for the latest news and in-depth information about Sara Lee and its brands.

1. Gais et al. Sleep after learning aids memory recall. Learn. Mem. 2006; 13: 259-262

2. Wilhelm et al. Sleep in children improves memory performance on declarative but not procedural tasks. Learn. Mem 2008; 15: 373-377.

3. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients) (2005). National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. p.108. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRI_Energy/energy_full_report.pdf.

4. Food and Nutrition Service. United States Department of Agriculture. Start Smart: Eat Breakfast. 2006 http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn//Resources/EatSmart/start_smart.pdf

5. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients) (2005). National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. p.38. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRI_Energy/energy_full_report.pdf.

6. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients) (2005). National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. p.843. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRI_Energy/energy_full_report.pdf.