2022 Keep Allen Beautiful Educator Guide

LEARNING & GROWTH

Just as a sapling needs water, soil and sunlight to grow into a mighty oak, the human mind craves new experiences and knowledge to better under stand the world. That’s why the City of Allen and Keep Allen Beautiful part ner each year to present this Educator Guide. It’s designed for teachers, scout leaders, home school paresnts and others responsible for nurturing growing minds, no matter their age. In these pages you will find more than 100 classroom presentations, field trip opportunities, video resourc es and educational events offered by the City of Allen and local partners. We hope you’ll use it as your field guide as you explore all the learning and growth opportunities our community has to offer.

2021-2022 Keep Allen Beautiful Board

MAYOR'S OFFICE

Contact: 214.509.4107 Website: CityofAllen.org/City-Secretary

MEET THE MAYOR

All Grades

Invite Mayor Fulk to come to your class. He is available for small and large groups. Programs are varied and can be tailored to your needs.

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Grades 2-3

Mayor Fulk presents “People, Places and Things,” a 25-minute program highlighting City government and services. The pro gram covers topics ranging from how Allen relates to the world economy to how the Allen City Council directs policy and services for its citizens. Students will visit the Council Chambers and have a class picture taken with the Mayor. Limited tours are offered during the school year to provide learning opportunities with a variety of departments such as the Mayor’s Office, Engineering, Police, Water Conservation and Parks and Recreation. All tour requests must be scheduled through the City Secretary’s Office at least 30 days in advance.

CONSERVATION, RECYCLING, LITTER REDUCTION AND AN INTRODUCTION TO YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT

Girl and Boy Scouts

See how City government works in Allen! A variety of presentations can be arranged with City experts including staff from Parks and Recreation, Community Development and Engineering.

ALLEN CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Ken Fulk

Mayor Pro Tem

Chris Schulmeister

Councilmembers Daren Meis

Carl Clemencich

Dave Cornette

Dave Shafer

Ben Trahan

City Manager Eric Ellwanger

WATCH PUBLIC MEETINGS

Allen City Television is broadcast live on Spectrum Channel 16, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, Frontier Channel 15, Grande Cable Channel 15 and ACTV.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Waste Services Division

Josué Diaz jdiaz@cityofallen.org 214.509.4555

Andrea Smith asmith@cityofallen.org 214.509.4552

ONLINE REMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CONTENT

The City of Allen offers environmental ed ucation content to educators, non-profits, businesses, and community groups. The lessons focus on recycling, litter prevention, landfill, and waste diversion. This is useful if local educators are looking to supple ment their courses, businesses are looking to expand into sustainable practices, or community members are looking to orga nize litter cleanups. Custom courses are offered online or in-person, with examples of ready-made content available on pages 4-6. Contact 214.509.4551 for information.

NATURE WALK AND TREE TRAIL GUIDE Grades Pre-K to 12

Take a walk through Dayspring Nature Pre serve with one of our educators and use a Tree Trail Guide to help identify trees by their leaves, fruit or bark. Enjoy the natural surroundings by observing the creek, lis

tening to the birds and gathering leaves for leaf rubbings back at the pavilion. Can be combined with other programs about litter prevention or recycling.

SCHOOL CONTESTS

Keep Allen Beautiful sponsors various con tests in schools. This includes the Recycled Art Contest, Reuse-a-Shoe Contest and Don’t Mess with Texas Contest for grades K-12. Grades 4-5 may compete in the Ar bor Day Poster Contest, with curriculum available for grade 5. Visit CityofAllen.org/ KABoutreach or call 214.509.4552.

READER’S THEATRE

Grades Pre-K-7

Reader’s Theatre is a dramatic presentation of a written work in script form. We offer two versions: modified and full. For Pre-K to grade 3, a select number of students wear costumes and act out a book for their peers while being read to by an education specialist. For grades 4-7, a select number of students perform a work by reading from

a script. The performance is facilitated by an education specialist. The focus is on expression, gesture and an environmental lesson. Choose from:

• The Wartville Wizard: An old man fights litter by magically sticking each piece of trash to the person who dropped it. The program demonstrates what litter looks like and explains its harmful effects.

• All the Way to the Ocean: An uplifting story about friends who learn that litter can harm waterways. This program illustrates what happens to hazardous household waste and litter once it enters storm drains.

THE 3 “R”S: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Grades K-6

Explore how recycling conserves resourc es for the future. Investigate Allen’s single stream recycling program and discover all of the household items that are recyclable and non-recyclable. Compare single stream recycling at home to school recycling. Option al: Recycling Relay sorting game is available.

LITTER BAG

Grades 3-5 (Waste in Place)

Students will examine items in a prepared “litter bag,” rank the items from most de sirable to least desirable according to their own criteria and explore why littering oc curs, why it can be dangerous and why littering is behavior that can be changed. Students will learn how to properly dispose of litter and what items can be recycled or composted.

ENVIRONMENTAL JEOPARDY

Grades 4-6

This audiovisual game is based on the pop ular television show format with a focus on Allen. Students must compete in teams. The game includes questions about litter, waste management, recycling, household hazard ous waste (HHW) and changing habits.

ENVIROSCAPE MODELS

Grades 4-12

These interactive lessons use a model to show students how their daily habits im pact the environment. Choose from two different models, including “Modern Land fill Versus the Town Dump” and “Hazardous Waste.” Maximum group of 25 students in

one lesson. Multiple lessons can be sched uled during one day.

THE OVER-PACKAGING PROBLEM

Grades 7-12 (Waste in Place)

This interactive demonstration teaches stu dents to identify product over-packaging. The demonstration begins with students being asked to open a product that has just arrived in the mail. As students struggle to unpack, they are taught about waste reduction, recy cling and source reduction. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the function of packaging in the manufacturing and natural world.

MRF IN ACTION: A SCIENCE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING RECYCLING CENTERS

Grades 7-12 (Waste in Place)

This lab sequence is recommended for groups planning on visiting a Materials Re covery Facility (MRF), also known as a recy cling center, or curious about how one works. Students simulate different techniques MRFs use to separate and sort materials. Students will learn about single stream recycling, con tamination and recycling centers.

LESSON RESOURCES

Junior Master Gardener Cur riculum

1. Literature in the Garden (Grades 1-5)

2. Wildlife Gardener (Grades 1-5)

3. Operation Thistle: Seeds of Despair (Grades 6-8)

4. Operation Water: Dr. Thistle Goes Underground (Grades 6-8)

The level 1 and 2 curricula combines the teacher/leader guide with reproducible pages for students. Through dozens of ex citing activities, students can investigate plant growth and development, take part in service learning projects and earn certi fication.

TOOL TRAILER/ COMPOST

The Waste Services Division has a tool trailer and supplies available to groups (such as school, church, scouting or neighborhood groups) in Allen for maintaining or enhancing school gardens or neighborhood public spaces. A limited supply of compost may also be available to schools.

CLASSROOM BOOKS

Environmentally-themed books can be used to develop reading comprehension, out-loud read ing skills and satisfy TEKS reading and English language requirements.

All the Way to the

Eagle,

EDUCATOR IN SERVICE WORKSHOPS

Call us for more information about how your school or organization can host a workshop on these award-winning pro grams. Fees may apply.

PROJECT WILD

Grades K-12

PROJECT WET

Grades K-12

WASTE IN PLACE

Grades K-6

Through each of these six-hour workshops, you will learn interdis ciplinary environmental lessons. Each workshop comes with an activity guide containing handson activities in lesson plan format, cross-refer enced by topic. Lessons are correlated to na tional science standards and participants receive SBEC and TEEAC credit hours.

SCOUT WORKSHOPS

Our workshops are fun, informative and help your scouts meet badge require ments. Each workshop is unique and planned according to age and abilities. Call today to set up your interactive, hands-on workshop. Ten scout minimum with at least two adults per group. Call

214.509.4552 to arrange a workshop. Ser vice projects for scouts are available from KAB and the City of Allen upon request.

STEAM NIGHTS/ COMMUNITY FAIRS

Our staff is available to host a table with hands-on activities or provide a presentation to fit with your school’s objectives. Call 214.509.4555 to discuss ideas for your event!

Robert Medigovich, CWD 972.392.9300, ext. 226

Virtual Field Trip to MRF Grades K-3

Younger children take a virtual tour of CWD’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Explanation of photos taken at CWD, hands-on examination of recy clables and “buy recycled” items make this lesson memorable.

Field Trip to MRF

Grades K-12

Please note ages of field trip tours at CWD; this is an industrial facility and not appropriate for preschool students. To schedule a tour, visit CommunityWasteDisposal.com and select “Tour our Facility” from the menu. Tours are best scheduled during cooler months as this is a facility open to the outdoors. Thirty days’ notice is required for field trips.

ENGINEERING

Environmental Programs Division

Stephanie Samczuk stephanie.samcsuk@cityofallen.org

NATURAL WATER

Grades K-1

Activity time: 30 minutes In this lesson, students will learn to identify a variety of natural sources of water and its characteristics including rivers, lakes, and oceans. Students will also learn which lake supplies their drinking water.

ALL THE WATER IN THE WORLD

Grade 2

Activity time: 30 minutes

Students will conduct a hands-on activity that demonstrates the distribution of all water on Earth. The students will begin to understand how water is an important resource and discuss ways we can conserve this natural resource.

WATERSHED POLLUTION

Grade 3

Activity time: 45 minutes

Students will conduct a hands-on activity to demonstrate how human activities affect the nearby waterbody. Students will also be able identify different sources of pollution and its effect on the health of the water body.

THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

Grade 4

Activity Time: 30 Minutes

Students will be able to demonstrate the continuous movement of water on Earth by acting as a water droplet moving through out the water cycle. Students will also be able to explain how the sun provides ener gy and drives the water cycle.

RELAY FOR WATER

Grade 6

Activity Time: 45 Minutes

Using an interactive, hands-on activity, students will understand how various uses of water resources can affect water supply, as well as examine the complexities of providing water for everyone. The students will learn that water is a finite resource and begin to critically think about their own daily water use and consumption.

H2O GUESSTIMATE & EROSION RELAY

Great for STEAM Days, Science Clubs, Environmental Clubs and Special Events!

Activity Time: Length of event

Students will be able to learn about water conservation in an informal setting. Activities can be set up as a station or they can be tailored to meet your club’s needs. All the Water in the World can be substituted in lieu of the Erosion Relay. If you have a specific idea in mind, we can work with you.

SUSTAINABLE

LANDSCAPE SERIES

ON DEMAND THROUGH ACTV

The City of Allen offers the Sustainable Landscape Seminar Series to educate homeowners on sustainable landscape techniques and practices that reduce waste and conserve resources. Seminar presentations cover a variety of landscape topics such as landscape design, sprinkler set-up, fruit and vegetable gardening tips, and smart plant choices. Visit CityofAllen.org/SLS to find more than 30 episodes catering to North Texas gardeners.

Contact: 214.509.4180

Website: CityofAllen.org/CommunityEnhancement

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Environmental Health protects public health through routine inspections at food estab lishments and public swimming pools in the community, monitoring and mitigating mosquito activity, providing education, and addressing other environmental issues that may impact human health. Staff members can offer career talks (STEM-related), dis cuss food safety and provide vector control presentations.

HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM

The Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance for

home repairs to income-qualified families in five target neighborhoods: Hillside Vil lage, Oak Hill, Collin Square, Timberbend or Windridge Estates. The City also offers an Ur gent Repair Program open to homeowners citywide who are income qualified. A new addition to this effort is the Property Im provement Program (PIP), designed to ad dress minor exterior repairs such as fences, painting or siding. A matching grant is avail able in amounts up to $5,000 to qualifying homeowners citywide. Visit CityofAllen.org/ HomeRepair for details.

CODE COMPLIANCE

Code Compliance is responsible for ad dressing nuisance and property main tenance violations to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the community. Through code compliance efforts, the City

G.I.S.

ABOUT GIS

of Allen works to resolve violations, reduce neighborhood deterioration and help maintain property values. One tool that Code Compliance uses in this effort is the Live.Love.Allen. program, which pairs vol unteer groups with homeowners in need to address property issues. To report code violations, visit CityofAllen.org/CodeViolation

Geographic Information Systems

Matt Brogran mbrogan@cityofallen.org 214.509.4866

Website: CityofAllen.org/GIS

Mapbooks, available at CityofAllen.org/MapBooks.

A geographic information system (G.I.S.) integrates hardware, soft ware and data for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. G.I.S. allows users to view, understand, question, interpret and visualize data in ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports and charts.

GIS MAPS

You can view various kinds of City data using the City of Allen’s G.I.S.

MAP ART

Finding Allen’s public art has never been easier, thanks to the Mobile Allen Public Art Review & Tour (MAP ART). Use any smart phone, tablet or desktop to find colorful markers identifying the location of each work, then tap on the markers to pull up a de scription and photo. The guide is geared toward users with a mo bile device. If you prefer to view the tour on a desktop computer, Firefox and Chrome are the recommended browsers. Find it at CityofAllen.org/MAPART

TEEN COURT

Teen Court is an educational opportu nity that helps teen defendants and vol unteers understand our justice system. Allen’s Teen Court program allows teens to serve as a judge, defense and prose cuting attorneys, and jurors, on the trials of fellow juveniles who plead guilty or no contest to Class C misdemeanors. Defen dants are sentenced to community service and serve as a juror on other defendants’ citations in order to involve them in the judicial process. Cases are presented by volunteer Teen Court attorneys to a teen jury, including volunteers from local middle and high schools as well as previous teen defendants. The jury members assess a sentence of community service following the guidelines set by the Municipal Court. Upon successfully completing Teen Court, the defendant will only pay a Teen Court fee of $20. In exchange, the alternative sentencing option allows the charge to be dismissed and not reported on the youth’s permanent record.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Teen Court Coordinator

Website: CityofAllen.org/TeenCourt

Phone: 214.509.4393

Volunteering for Teen Court is an educa tional and rewarding experience for all involved. Juror volunteers are welcome to sign up for any Teen Court session on our website. Further training is required for Teen Court attorneys and judges. Teen Court is held at 5 p.m. via Zoom on the sec ond and fourth Mondays of each month unless there is a city or school holiday. The Teen Court Academy is a unique pro gram that has been hand-crafted for our students by an attorney with over 20 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor, de fense attorney, and now a Judge. The acad emy gives inside knowledge and expertise on how to prosecute and defend real-life teen cases. This amazing opportunity will afford you the ability to make your col lege applications shine. The program will expand your public speaking and critical thinking skills. The desire to be an attor

ney is not required to apply. The academy is held twice a month on Tuesdays from August – April each year for one-hour ses sions in the evening. The success of our Teen Court Program is a reflection of our student’s dedication. In 2019, Allen Teen Court took a team to the Teen Court competition and placed 2nd overall. Our team consisted of all Sopho mores competing against a team of Seniors from another Texas city. Although this was only the second year Allen competed in the Teen Court competition, we quickly became the team to watch out for in Texas. Unfortu nately, for the last three years, no competi tions were held because of COVID-19. The competitions are scheduled to resume and we are looking forward to taking the next team this upcoming year.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Jill Hernandez jill.hernandez@cityofallen.org 214.509.4413

Website: AllenFire.org

STATION TOURS (All ages)

Take a walk through one of Allen’s five fire stations to see how our firefighters live during their shifts. Each station consists of an inside tour followed by time spent in the bay (garage) area viewing our trucks and engines along with the gear and tools found on each!

BUNKER GEAR

PRESENTATION (All ages)

Firefighters show what they look like before and after they are called to a fire or emer gency. Bunker gear is explained piece by piece and then ‘donned’ by firefighters to show the authentic look. This presentation is also available in a pre-recorded video for visits that cannot occur in person.

APPARATUS DISPLAY (All ages)

Community members can enjoy an upclose look at one of Allen’s fire trucks or en gines, along with a quick tutorial of all the tools carried and utilized by the AFD.

SAFETY TRAILER

(All ages)

This mobile classroom is equipped with lifelike simulations to educate the citizens of Allen on what to do when a fire strikes in the kitchen or bedroom. By utilizing sound, smoke, and fire effects, participants get the feel of an authentic emergency to practice beneficial techniques such as feeling a door for heat, blocking smoke, crawling low, and evacuating an area when your first choice is blocked.

SMOKE HOUSE

SIMULATION (All ages)

An instructor uses a furnished, two-story plexiglass doll house to demonstrate how quickly smoke fills each level of a home. The demonstration teaches the importance of keeping bedroom doors closed and shows the methods firefighters use to ven tilate a smoke-filled home.

WHO WILL YOU CALL?

9-1-1 AWARENESS (All ages)

Learn what to do in emergency situations, who to call, how to dial from multiple types of phones, and what important informa tion to convey. This is a great program for

younger children to learn the importance of 9-1-1.

JUNIOR FIRE ACADEMY (Ages 11-13)

This weeklong summer day camp is open to students who are in 5th and 6th grade at time of Spring registration. Students will be taught the ins and outs of the Allen Fire De partment, along with skills such as first aid, ropes and knots, effective communication, fire extinguisher use, and more. The week also focuses on soft skills such as team building, leadership, confidence, safety, and respect for others.

JUVENILE FIRESETTING INTERVENTION PROGRAMS (Ages 3-17)

These specialized programs run by our Fire Marshal’s Office are intended to educate and instruct parents and their children about the dangers and consequences of fire and firesetting behaviors. Our goal is to address and meet the needs of children in three categories: Curiosity Firesetters (ages 3-7), Crisis Firesetters (ages 6-12), and Delinquent Firesetters (ages 11-17).

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING (Ages 10 to adult)

A digital fire simulator lets users experience fire extinguisher operations while remaining indoors. This safe, smoke-free training also includes a short teach piece on the types of fires, types of extinguishers, and basic fire safety. (Note: participants will need to be able to easily lift 10+ lbs to complete the simulation.)

COMMUNITY CPR CLASSES (Ages 10 to adult)

This hands-on training teaches how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants. Participants will also learn to properly use an AED (automated external defibrillator) device as needed. While this is not an official certification course, participants will learn all the vital skills to save lives in emergency situations. (Note: participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.)

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING (Ages 10 to adult)

This national awareness campaign encourages bystanders to become trained,

equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. You will learn the various ways to control and/or stop bleeding after an injury, whether you only have your two hands to use or a full trauma first aid kit available to you. (Note: participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.)

CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY (Ages 18 to adult)

This free program is designed for adults living and working in Allen who wish to learn more about the Allen Fire Department organization and operations. Participants will experience demonstrations of emergency operations, fire and life safety training, optional ride alongs with on-duty firefighters on emergency calls and much more.

While the CFA program offers in-depth understanding of the department, the program is not to be confused with a fire service training academy for future career firefighters.

REMEMBERING WHEN PROGRAM (Senior adults)

This program, developed by experts from national and local safety organizations, centers around fire and fall prevention messages for older adults. At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population — and to four times by age 85. Participants will learn 16 key safety messages in this course.

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Contact: 972.509.4900 (24-hour recording)

Website: AllenLibrary.org

STORYTIMES

Ages 0-5 and their families

The Library presents story times for children ages 0-5 years old during seasonal sessions throughout the year. Story times are de signed for adults and children together. Staff use a variety of elements, including books, storytelling, puppetry, flannel stories, finger plays, rhymes and musical activities. Check the Library’s website or printed calendar for story time dates, times and themes.

YOUTH SERVICES

PROGRAMS

Infant to teen

The Library offers programs throughout the year for children, tweens, teens and families, including: craft and music programs, StoryWalk®, STEM kits, and special celebrations and events. Check online or print calendars available at the Library for details.

SUMMER READING CLUB

All ages

Every summer, the Library offers the Sum mer Reading Club to encourage residents of Allen to read for pleasure, maintain reading skills and promote library usage when most children are not in school.

Children, tweens, teens and adults receive reading logs to keep track of their leisure reading. When the log is completed, the par ticipant earns prizes. The Library also offers storytimes, puppet shows, special perfor mances, movies and a variety of age-specific programs for children, teens and adults.

1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

Infant to kindergarten

The Library offers this year-round reading initiative to encourage caregivers and chil dren to read books together. Any child from birth to entering kindergarten can register at the Children’s Desk or online for this selfpaced program.

E-BOOKS

All ages

The Library has e-books, digital magazines and digital comic books compatible with Kindles, iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices, including children’s and teen titles.

“Always Available” e-books include many classic works of literature that are required reading for high school students or recom mended for other students.

TUMB LEBOOK LIBRARY

TumbleBooks feature narrat ed and animated editions of books for children. The online library pro vides reading enjoyment and practice, as well as learning games, puzzles and other activities for readers. No login or password is required; visit the Library Children’s web page and click on the TumbleBooks Library link. For more information, please contact the Children’s Desk at 214.509.4906.

LAUNCHPAD TABLETS

The Library has pre-loaded tablets with skill-building games and stories for children. One tablet can be checked out per library card and the loan period is one week.

ADULT PROGRAMS AND BOOK CLUBS

Learn a craft, travel to a faraway land or just come to learn something new. The Library also offers two different types of book clubs that cater to all interests. Find the group that’s right for you!

ALLEN READS

The Friends of the Allen Public Library co ordinate the “One Community One Book” project in partnership with the Library and local schools, as well as City and community organizations.

LIBRARY TOURS

Scout troops, schools and other community groups are invited to complete an online tour request form on AllenLibrary.org to sched ule a library tour for children ages 5-18. Staff will demonstrate to children, their parents and adult leaders how to obtain a library card and how to use the self-check machines, the online catalog and the Internet access computers. Staff can also point out the various fiction and nonfiction collections, audio books and read-along sets, music CDs, and children’s DVDs, as well as special features such as the aquarium and children’s mural.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Contact: 214.509.4700

Website: LifeInAllen.org

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

The City of Allen Parks and Recreation De partment serves to give you opportunities to learn, engage your interests, improve your health through fitness and wellness options and entertain you at events. A di verse range of recreational programs are provided annually, including sports train ing (hockey, swimming, golf, ice skating and more), adult athletics leagues, camps, STEAM classes, music instruction and more. The department’s LIFE Activities guide is published three times per year (Winter/

Spring, Summer and Fall) and lists all of the current recreational programs available. The most recent version of the guide can be picked up at Allen’s recreation facilities. You can also view it online at LifeInAllen.org/LIFE

SPECIAL NEEDS

ADAPTED PROGRAMS

Throughout the year, The City of Allen Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for people with disabilities. Allen’s Special Needs Adapted Programs (SNAP) dedicate time to skill development and social interaction during each class and event. SNAP’s goal is to offer everyone with

GET THE GUIDE

You’ll find a comprehen sive list of classes, camps, recreation programs and community events inside the LIFE Activities guide. Pick up a copy at any Allen Recreation Center or download a digital version at LifeInAllen.org/LIFE.

special needs a fulfilling experience in a fun and supportive environment. For more information about SNAP programming, visit LifeInAllen.org/SNAP.

TRAIL SYSTEM

Trail map

Allen currently has more than 79 miles of paved hike and bike trails. A map is avail able at LifeInAllen.org/TrailMap.

Historic Water Station Trail

The Historic Water Station Trail gives trail-goers an opportunity to experience Al len’s history. Just off the path of the Cotton wood Creek Hike and Bike Trail, a destina tion bridge overlooking the Old Stone Dam connects to the crushed granite loop where interpretative panels detail information about the Historic Water Station, a Texas State Archaeological Landmark that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cottonwood Creek Trail Bridge

The stunning 14’ x 105’ Cottonwood Creek Trail Bridge connects east and west Cotton wood Creek Hike and Bike Trail segments, allowing access underneath Central Ex pressway. Artwork titled “Current Drift,” was designed and installed along the bridge by local Texas artists Bill FitzGibbons and George Schroeder.

ALLEN PARK S FOUNDATION

The Allen Parks Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of parks and recre ational facilities in Allen.

Tool Trailer

The Allen Parks Foundation Tool Trailer program provides tools and supplies to groups (such as church, scouting or neigh borhood groups) in Allen for maintaining or enhancing Allen parks or neighborhood public spaces. Projects may include neigh borhood clean-ups, park or open space maintenance or beautification, landscape plantings, etc. The Tool Trailer is avail able free of charge for volunteer groups (non-commercial use) that would like to

partner with the Allen Parks Foundation in enhancing our community. Use of the Tool Trailer and its equipment requires adult supervision and includes transportation of the trailer to and from your project site by Allen Parks and Recreation Depart ment staff. A complete list of Tool Trailer equipment is available through the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. For more infor mation regarding the use of the Tool Trailer or to reserve the Tool Trailer for your neighborhood group project, please contact the Allen Parks and Recreation Department at 214.509.4700.

ARBOR DAY

OCTOBER 8, 2022

Join us in the fall to celebrate trees with the City of Allen’s annual Arbor Day Celebration. The event kicks off the local tree planting season (October through April) with many fun activities that cel ebrate Allen’s deep love of trees. The 2022 Arbor Day Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 8 at Stacy Ridge Park (1900 Country Brook Lane). Free to attend and open to all ages, the event will feature educational arts and crafts, a guest appearance by Oaky Loaky the Talking Tree, a ceremonial tree planting and more.

one-stop shop

the City of Allen.

COMMUN ITY RELATIONS UNIT

The Community Relations Unit (CRU) offers numerous programs to the public at no cost. The programs include but are not limited to: stranger danger, neighborhood watch, identity theft, burglary prevention and rape aggression defense. The CRU is responsible for organizing and promoting National Night Out and offers tours of the Police Station to organizations by appointment. Call 214.509.4359 to schedule a program.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) edu cates Allen residents about their police department and prepares them to be ambassadors for the department in their communities. During the 10-week course, participants learn about topics ranging from criminal law and patrol tactics to use of force. The group may also take field trips to facilities such as the Collin County Deten tion Center, Allen Police K-9 field and the APD pursuit driving track. The course is free and held twice a year in the spring and fall. Classes are held 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. After graduating CPA, alumni become eli gible to train for two additional volunteer groups: Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) and Citizens on Patrol (COPs). Learn more or fill out an application at AllenPolice.org/CPA

POLICE DEPARTMENT

RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE (R.A.D.)

TRAINING FOR WOMEN

Designed for women only, the R.A.D. De fense System basic physical defense in structional objective is “to develop and en hance the options of self-defense, so they become viable considerations to the wom an who is attacked.” Each class is limited to 25 women. Ages 14-16 may participate with a female guardian present.Contact Officer Sammy Rippamonti at 214.509.4358 or srippamonti@cityofallen.org to learn about participating in an upcoming class.

911 PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Allen Police Department’s Public Education Coordinator offers a free, informative and interactive 911 Public Education class to all Allen schools from preschool age through high school. Kindergarten through grade 2 will be introduced to Cell Phone Sally. With Cell Phone Sally’s help, children will learn what 911 is and how to use it. A short Cell Phone Sally and Friends video is available and may also be shown. Grades 3 through 12 are reminded of how to use 911 correctly. Children and teens are taught about 911 capabilities and new 911 technology. Adults and senior citizens are re-taught how and when to call 911. They are taught 911 etiquette and reassured that it is OK to

call 911. Special needs citizens are taught how to use 911 and what services are in place to best serve their needs. Classes are also offered to churches, home owner associations, large corporations, etc. For questions or appointments, contact Public Education at publiceducation@cityofallen.org.

Contact: 214.509.4359

Website: AllenPolice.org

SCH OOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

The School Resource Officer Unit provides a multitude of law-related education classes for all grade levels. Courses include Crime Scene Investigation, Fingerprinting, Bicycle Safety, Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Crime Stoppers. The SRO Unit will also work with teachers to develop courses that integrate their curriculum into law related education. Please contact your school’s SRO or Sgt. Jason Erter at 214.250.4213 or nerter@cityofallen.org

ANIMAL SHELTER

The Allen Animal Shelter, located at 770 S. Allen Heights Drive, is open to the public 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. MondayFriday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The Shelter is closed on Sunday. The shelter offers tours or presentations for schools, civic groups, day care centers or anyone requesting further information. Visit CityofAllen.org/AllenAnimalShelter or call 214.509.4378 for more information.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

ALLEN ARTS ALLIANCE

WEB: AllenArtsAlliance.org

PHONE: 972.727.7272

The Allen Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organi zation that provides the ArtSparks program to Allen students and serves as an umbrella organization for arts and cultural organi zations in the Allen community, including: Allen Civic Ballet, Allen Philharmonic Sym phony/Orchestra, Allen’s Contemporary Theatre, Note-Ably North Texas Chorus, Visual Arts League of Allen, Allen Heritage Guild and the Friends of the Allen Public Library.

Blue House Too

WEB: AllenArtsAlliance.org/bh2

PHONE: 972.984.6711

Operated by Allen Arts Alliance, this non-profit art space located at Watters Creek (934 Watters Creek Blvd.) hosts arts exhibits, performing art events, art classes and workshops for all ages. The gallery is open 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 1-9 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

ALLEN GARDEN CLUB

WEB: allengardenclub.org

The Allen Garden Club provides education al resources through our monthly garden presentations and our website to help educate our community about gardening in our region of Texas. Our volunteers pro vide their time and experience in the main tenance of the gardens at Allen Heritage

Village, Heritage Park playground garden

Adopt-A-Spot, and the children’s garden at St. Jude Catholic Church. We also partic ipate with hands-on educational crafts and activities at EarthFest Allen, the City of Allen Arbor Day Celebration, and at events orga nized by the Allen Heritage Guild.

ALLEN HERITAGE GUILD

WEB: AllenHeritage.org

PHONE: 972.740.8017

The Allen Heritage Guild is dedicated to pre serving and promoting Allen’s heritage. The Guild and the City of Allen have worked to depict Allen’s history as a farming community at the Allen Heritage Village. Two of the hous es, the Wetsel House and the Lynge House, were restored in 2016. The Allen Christian Church, St. Mary Baptist Church and the Bolin House are also renovated and ready for visitors. The Guild is working on restor ing the Lane-Carroll farm house. Contact the Guild to schedule tours. The Guild also hosts Christmas on the Prairie in December.

Allen Heritage Village

The Allen Heritage Village features struc tures that represent a range of architectural styles: frontier, prairie style, Queen Anne and Craftsman Bungalow. The Allen Chris tian Church contains the original stained glass windows that are adorned with the names of Allen pioneer families. Book your wedding, family or civic event at this won derful example of a prairie style church.

Field Trips

Students can learn about the history of Allen beginning at the Old Stone Dam, moving on to the Train Depot and ending at the Heritage Village where students will rotate through different learning stations: pumping water, cotton, supply and demand, maps, gathering eggs and a village tour. Field trips are sched uled from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. There is no cost for an educational tour of Allen’s history. Trav eling trunks of Allen’s history are available for third graders. Guild volunteers can come to your campus for the day and lead the handson activities that are in the trunks. History of Allen programs for second graders can also be scheduled at your campus. Contact Anne Gifford at 214.726.5970 to schedule.

Allen Heritage Center/Train Depot Museum

The Depot Museum located at 100 E. Main Street is now the permanent site of a restored Steam locomotive, tinder, and caboose to recall the Railroad history of Al len. The Museum features various exhibits on Allen’s history. Exhibit hours are second and fourth Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibits are free and no reservations are required. To schedule group tours, please contact the Guild. Sam Bass Day is sched uled the last Saturday of February every year at the Depot to celebrate the train heritage of Allen. Flag Day is celebrated each June. Check the Guild website for information on exhibits and special events.

Historic Videos

Allen City Television (ACTV) has produced a series of videos featuring historical Allen, perfect for Grades 3 and up. For historical and resource information, contact Tom Keener at 214.509.4911.

• Allen Cemetery

• St. Mary Baptist Church

• Interurban

• Stone Dam

• Allen Telephone Company

BLACKLAND PRAIRIE RAPTOR CENTER

WEB: bpraptorcenter.org

PHONE: 469.964.9696

info@bpraptorcenter.org

Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental preservation through public education and conservation of birds of prey and wildlife in their natural habitat. Programs feature live, non-releasable birds including hawks, owls and falcons native to North Texas. Please note there is a fee to help pay for the food and care of our raptors. BPRC also hosts First Saturday Community programs on-site on the edge of Lavon Lake with raptor presentations, guided trail walks through endangered Blackland Prairie and seasonally themed activities about the web of life. BPRC travels to schools, community events and organizations/corporations interested in learning more about birds of prey and the environment of North Texas. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is a 501(c) (3) supported by private donations and local environmental organizations.

CIRCLE TEN COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

WEB: www.c10bsa.org

The Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America is comprised of 24 counties. Nearly 33,000 young people participate in the council’s Scouting programs on an annual basis and more than 10,000 adult volunteers dedicate their time and energy to make this program a success. Scouting units are chartered to over 800 community organizations such as schools and churches. Scouts today learn

SERVICE PROJECTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Keep Allen Beautiful (KAB) offers many volunteer opportunities to encourage environmental stewardship. For more information, visit KeepAllenBeautiful.com. Youth service projects are available from KAB and the City upon request.

Guidelines for Advanced Scout Projects are available online at CityOfAllen.org/ScoutProjects. Any individ ual, family or group can participate in the Adopt-AProgram. There are several locations throughout the City that need adoption or periodic cleanup. Contact Josué Diaz at jdiaz@cityofallen.org for details.

lessons about life and the value of being a person of character and integrity.

CONNEMARA MEADOW

NATURE PRESERVE

WEB: connemaraconservancy.org

PHONE: 469.200.4085 meadowmanager@conne maraconservancy.org

The Connemara Meadow is a 72-acre nature preserve located just off Alma and Bethany drives on the border of Allen and Plano. The Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve offers a chance for students to experience the unspoiled beauty of nature and learn about work being done in The Meadow to restore native grasses, create habitats for the Monarch butterfly and other pollinators, as well as other projects

currently underway. We have regularly scheduled nature walks and bird walks in the meadow, and are happy to work with you to customize an age-appropriate program for your students. Connemara also offers opportunities for volunteer and Scout projects. The Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve is free and remains open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.

DINO BO

WEB: dinobodfw.com dinobodfw@gmail.com Dino Bo is a traveling educator who serves North Texas by bringing science to life by letting kids touch and explore REAL dinosaur fossils! We discuss and learn about these wondrous creatures that once roamed the

planet using a hands-on method. This is accomplished by allowing kids to get up close and personal with real actual fossils. From Raptors, Triceratops, Spinosaurus, Mosasaurus, and even Tyrannosaurus rex, kids will not only learn about a variety of dinosaurs, they’ll get to touch one too!

EARTHX

WEB: earthx.org PHONE: 214.310.1200 edu@earthx.org

EarthX is an international environmental nonprofit connecting a global community to create a sustainable world for all life and future generations. Dedicated to environmental awareness and accelerating action through community engagement and education. EarthX hosts its annual environmental exposition and Congress of Conferences. April 20–23, 2023 at Fair Park Dallas TX. STEAM centered, this family festival, includes multiple days of educational exhibits, and interactive learning experiences. Bring Your students to the EarthX Earth Day Celebration. Field Trip opportunities available through edu@earthx.org. EarthX offers year-round programs including the EarthX Omni Globe, an interactive 3D science model showcasing animations created by NASA and NOAA as well as the Eco Art Competition, an international fine art competition and exhibition.

HEARD NATURAL

SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

WEB: heardmuseum.org education@heardmuseum.org

Connect your students with nature! The Heard Natural Science Museum offers a variety of educational programs for Pre-K through High School students at the muse um or your school. In addition to self-guided visits of the museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits and 5+ miles of trails in wooded, prairie and wetland habits, we offer guided

nature trails, live animal presentations and a variety of TEKS aligned one and two hour field investigations in ecology and earth science topics. Or if you prefer, educators can bring live animal presentations and a variety of mobile field investigations to your school. All programs can be customized to suit the needs of your students. Additional information, pricing and reservation re quest forms are available on the website.

IN-SYNC EXOTICS

WILDLIFE RESCUE AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

WEB: insyncexotics.org

In-Sync Exotics in Wylie is an accredited animal sanctuary dedicated to the rescue of abused, neglected and unwanted exotic felines. Home to over seventy cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars (and more!), In-Sync offers children and adults a unique oppor tunity to see and learn about these amazing animals up close. In addition to being open to the public for self-paced visits on Satur day and Sunday, In-Sync offers guided group tours and field trips. Students on a field trip will be introduced to a variety of exotic cats and age-appropriate information will be given by experienced tour guides. For children with a passion for animals and cats, In-Sync hosts a one-week summer Safari Camp. Through out the week campers will have the unique opportunity to spend time with experienced In-Sync staff and volunteers to assist in further developing their interest in nature and wild life. This includes learning about different species of cats, future careers in animal care, as well as steps they can take to help animals in sanctuaries and in the wild.

JOHN BUNKER SANDS WETLAND CENTER

WEB: wetlandcenter.com

PHONE: 972.474.9100 ldunn@wetlandcenter.com

Looking for a hands-on, field study-based trip for your students? The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, situated in the mid

dle of a 2,000-acre constructed wetland, is located in Combine, just south of the Dallas County line. The center offers educational programming for grades 4-12, delving into the wetland through student collected data, analysis and participation, all TEKS aligned. Learning about wetland ecology & plants, water conservation or about the 257 bird species sighted on the property, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is the perfect environment to explore, discover and expe rience a wetland firsthand. Scholarships are available for schools to help cover transpor tation or program fees.

NORTH TEXAS MUNICIPAL WATER

DISTRICT

WEB: ntmwd.com

PHONE: 469.626.4306

hdulac@ntmwd.com

Water 4 Otter

This free water conservation program features NTMWD campaign mascots Otis the Otter, Farah the Fox, and Bob the Bobcat. The live, 45-minute in school presentation increases students’ knowledge of Lavon Lake as their water source, water treatment and reuse, wastewater treatment, watershed and stormwater protection. The performance is scalable for schools, day camps, and after school programs. Visit water4otter.org/tour to learn more, schedule a performance today and see our online curriculum!

Stream Trailer

The NTMWD stream trailer is a simulated mini-watershed complete with flowing water that demonstrates stream processes such as erosion and sediment deposition. This hands-on teaching tool teaches students and adults how streams are formed, how they change over time and how proper stewardship can help prevent erosion. The self-contained trailer is available to NTMWD customer and member cities, schools and educational organizations at no cost. A short training

on setup and use of the trailer is required before checking out the trailer. Email watershed.info@ntmwd.com for more information.

PEROT MUSEUM O F

NATURE AND SCIENCE

WEB: perotmuseum.org

PHONE: 214.428.5555 Ext. 8 reserve@perotmuseum.org

The Perot Museum is more than a collec tion of exhibits and specimens. It also con sists of experts and educators who share a commitment to inspiring minds through nature and science. Come interact with science through the exploration of our 11 exhibit halls, covering everything from bio diversity to the wonders of space! Add on one of our many educational programs to take your visit to the next level. Bring the wonders of the Perot Museum to your school! Our educators will come right to you with all the supplies and know-how needed to engage your students in exciting and educational programming. Program request forms, details and TEKS can be found online.

TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist

WEB: bptmn.org outreach@bptmn.org

The Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist offers a cadre of welltrained volunteers to assist you on a wide variety of subjects: birding, general ecology, natural history, fossils, insects, mammals, native plants, invasive species and more. Master naturalists are often available to provide classroom presentations to enhance school curriculum or offer contacts for Scout projects or badges. A volunteer program, which provides yearly training classes for master naturalist certification, is sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Collin County 4-H

WEB: collincounty4-H.weebly.com PHONE: 972.548.4232

Collin County 4-H is like a club for kids and teens ages 5-18, and it’s BIG! No matter where you live or what you like to do, Collin County 4-H has something that lets you be a better you!

You may think 4-H is only for your friends with animals, but it’s so much more! We currently have 9 active clubs. You can do activities like shooting sports, food science, healthy living, robotics, fashion, and photography. Look for 4-H clubs at your school, an after-school program, a community center, or even on base or through the reserves for military families. Collin County 4-H is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System. Founded in 1908, 4-H is the largest youth development program in Texas, reaching more than 550,000 youth each year.

Collin County Master Gardeners Association

WEB: ccmgatx.org

The Collin County Master Gardeners Association is an educational and volunteer program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who not only take an active interest in their own lawns, trees and gardens but also strive to promote sound horticultural practices in the community. They contribute time as volunteers through a wide variety of projects, such as: Ask the Master Gardener Info Booth, Speakers Bureau, The Garden Show, Youth and Adult

Education, Information Center, Research and Demonstration Gardens and more.

Family and Community Health

WEB: collin.agrilife.org/ family-and-community-health brittany.martin@ag.tamu.edu

Family and Community Health assists the community with a wide body of researchbased knowledge about topics that have immediate and long-term effects on the lives of those we serve. The information provided helps citizens to make healthier decisions concerning their family, home and food. The family’s physical and emotional health are extremely important. Learn how to manage your diabetes, prevent food-borne illness, eat healthy and manage your weight. We offer the following programs here in Collin County:

Walk Across Texas

An 8-week program designed to help estab lish a regular habit of physical activity, recog nized as a Best Practice Activity Program by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Cooking Well for Healthy Blood Pressure

Designed to help not only the person with hypertension but anyone who prepares food for them. The classes focus on the DASH eating plan, identifying different items that may contain sodium, and cooking with herbs and spices.

Dinner Tonight Cooking Schools

An opportunity to bring people together in a fun environment to further our mission of teaching families about healthy meal planning and food preparation.