Capitol comments
By State Rep. Patricia A. Walrath 3rd Middlesex District

Welcome back to school! As the academic year starts up, students and parents may benefit from some online resources that the commonwealth's Web site has to off er. There are links to the local, state, and federal governments, online services, state organizations, Massachusetts facts, statistics, laws and history, and much more. Who knows? Browsing through these sites might spark an idea for a school project! Here is a sample of what www. mass.gov includes:

Government links

Clicking on "Federal Government" will take you to www.usa.gov, a great resource for contacting our U.S. senators and representatives, researching topics ranging from health and nutrition to history and culture, and exploring a link to www.kids.gov. This link has much to off er including a guide to the U.S. government "by" Benjamin Franklin, information about the CIA and FBI, biographies of U.S. presidents and, of course, some fun with games, puzzles, and quizzes.

The "State Government" link will take you to information about the three branches of state government - executive, legislative and judicial. There are also links to state agencies, state representatives and senators, the Governor's Council, and the Governor and Executive Departments.

"Local Government" offers public safety, energy and technology resources along with links to the arts, education, finance, environment and public works. The "Commonwealth Communities" link will take you to a list of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns, which includes information about each municipality. Information is also available for the 14 counties and the five existing county governments in the commonwealth.

Online services available

These services are separated into four categories - resident, business, visitor and state government. Here, you can browse state jobs and civil service examinations, file taxes, find out about school loans, look up permitting and licensing, and lots more.

Newsmakers

The commonwealth's home page also features updated press releases dealing with the latest in topics such as education, board appointments, labor and medical care. The "News & Updates" section is archived by week.

Immunizations for backto school

Remember to get all of your vaccinations squared away, whether you are off to college or off to kindergarten. Hepatitis B, DTaP/DTP/DT/Td (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), and varicella vaccines are required for children attending preschool or child care, kindergarten, and grades 1-12. Children going into preschool or child care should also receive the Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccination. Students in grades 7-12 are required to get the meningococcal vaccine as are college-bound students. For more information about keeping you and your family safe in the fall months, visit the Department of Public Health at www. mass.gov/dph.

I wish you - parents and students - the best of luck in preparing to go "back to school!" Remember these tips during your first week back, especially to get a solid foundation for the school year: Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy and balanced breakfast in the morning. Try your very best (ask if you have a question about something). Develop a good work ethic - write down your assignments and make sure you do your homework. Take your time with your schoolwork; if you need help, ask your teacher. Remember to laugh! A good sense of humor will help you through many difficult situations.

As always, please feel free to share your questions, comments or opinions with me by calling 617-722-2430; writing to Room 236 State House, Boston, MA 02133; or sending e-mail to Rep.PatriciaWalrath@ hou.state.ma.us.

Editor's note: Rep. Walrath serves the 3rd Middlesex District of Hudson, Bolton, Maynard and Stow.