DALLAS, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- As the back-to-school season approaches, parents want their children to start the school year on the right foot. It's important for parents to prepare their children by offering advice and tools that will further their academic careers.

SWAN QUARTER, N.C. - Three schools closed until Monday because of an outbreak of flu-like symptoms, an official said Thursday. All 541 students were told to stay home Wednesday through Friday after attendance dropped 20 percent early in the week, said school system spokeswoman Carol Evans.

By MADLEN READ (AP) -- Returning to work after giving birth is tough. Running a half-marathon on top of that is tougher. But Kirstie Foster did it with the help of her employer General Mills Inc. (GIS), which provides onsite childcare and health facilities at the company's Minneapolis headquarters.