GETTING TOOLS FOR TOUGHHANDLINGTIMES. GROUNDED
Dr. Henderson explains that she understands not all students will enter a STEM field for a career, but it is still important for students to understand the real world applications of STEM and how they can make a difference.
“As STEM educators, we want students to enhance their STEM learning in the simplest, most effective way possible. We can use technologies that enhance a student’s existing knowledge base while also building strength in math, science and more.”
REGISTER NOW pcssd.org/register
“I engage the students in real world problem solving like how to engineer a sturdy bridge, building, or robotic hand. Giving them real world problems to solve using blueprints, metric measurements and math, looking at the different materials that would work the best.”
Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.
PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
ABOUT PCSSD
PCSSD is looking forward to seeing even more growth in the areas of STEM as Dr. Justin Luttrell moves into the second year in his position of Director of STEM. In his first year, Dr. Luttrell implemented monthly STEM is LIT challenges for students to encourage fun and educational activities for students of all ages.
STEM is Lit!
Applying these lessons to real-life situations is a great way to build interest in a variety of new subjects and courses. Dr. Green points out that many students may not enjoy subjects like math and science, but if you can create an innovative way to teach the subject then you can gain that student’s interest and attention.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH (STEM) education continues to prove its value at the Pulaski County Special School District as interest in these areas increase among students at all grade levels. Maumelle Middle School 8th grade science teacher, Dr. Brandy Henderson, and Joe T. Robinson High math instructional coach, Dr. Erica Green, both understand the importance of the lessons learned in STEM classes.
Sept. 10 Williams Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Last year’s fair was such a success, they’ve decided to do it again. Head to the library to shop and help Little Rock’s young entrepreneurs promote their businesses. Visit childrensbusinessfair.org/littlerock-williamslibrary for more details.
A WORD ON WILDWOOD PARK FOR THE ARTS
Have a backyard safari and appreciate the birds, squirrels and bugs, or visit a park or Nature Conservancy property or park and have a wildlife “scavenger hunt.” (Extra points for spotting a nutria.)
SEPT. 13: ROALD DAHL DAY Dahl is best known for his dark, irreverent children’s tales like "James and the Giant Peach," but did you know he also wrote the screenplay for the frothy film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”?
Fall music education opportunities at Wildwood include private lessons in voice, piano, strings, brass and more. Contact registrar Kira Keating at kira@wildwoodpark.org.
Sept. 18: Fall Cooking A, 2-4 p.m. Sept. 25: Fall Cooking B
ZOO BREW
FALL EQUINOX
SEPT. 14: COLORING DAY & CREAM-FILLED DONUT DAY
ACTON CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR
Purple Cow is a favorite among kids, while Loblolly is popular with parents. (Vegans and lactoseintolerant types also love Loblolly for their vegan shakes and sorbet freezes.)
SEPT. 13: ANTS ON A LOG DAY Feeling antsy? Today is the day to enjoy the classic you know and love (and get your kids to eat celery).
What a joyous confluence of events! Procure a copy of the "The Little World of Liz Climo" — an all-ages coloring book by one of our favorite illustrators — while savoring a Shipley. Just don’t get crumbs on the pages.
SEPT. 25: COMIC BOOK DAY A fine time to visit Retrograde Comics in Hillcrest or, if you’re feeling inspired, make your own.
SEPT. 26: PANCAKE DAY Boulevard Bread Co.'s are so flippin’ good. IT'S NATIONAL DAY!
KIDS’ MOVIES AT RON ROBINSON THEATER Sept. 9: Shrek (PG), 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 16: Shrek 2 (PG), 7-8:30 p.m. Enjoy family movie night at Ron Robinson Theater in the River Market District. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $7. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Buy tickets online or at the door. A Shrek sidenote: You may not know that before Shrek made it big on the silver screen, there was "SHREK!" the book, written by beloved children’s author William Steig. Check it out! Sept. 24: Charlotte’s Web, 2-3:30 p.m.
On this first official day of fall, go on a nature walk, read a picture book about autumn or craft hedgehogs from pinecones. It’s also the unofficial day that you’re allowed to start consuming any and all things pumpkin-spice flavored.
KIDS COOK! AT EGGSHELLS KITCHEN CO.
Have you hugged a velociraptor today? Wait, maybe that’s not such a good idea. They’re probably best appreciated from a distance.
SEPT. 20: QUESO DAY Queso may not have originated here (as claimed by some), but we Arkansans do have a strong cheese dip game. Favorites: Cheers, Heights Taco and Tamale and The Fold: Botanas & Bar.
TINKERFEST 2022 Sept. 24 Museum of Discovery; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s time to tinker! Tinkerfest is a celebration of curiosity and creativity that allows all ages to explore how things work through hands-on activities. Activities include car takeaparts, robotics, water play, circuits and more. ening with food andvities
Sept. 22
In these hands-on classes, kids will get lots of practice with seasonal recipes and fresh ingredients. Faith Anaya and her Kids Cook! team lead young cooks on a delectable, culinary skills-building adventure. Students receive training in kitchen safety, cooking and food preparation while learning about nutrition in a fun, interactive environment. Open to kids 10 years old and up. $65 per class or three classes for $180. Includes all ingredients, supplies, recipes and snacks.
SEPT. 4: WILDLIFE DAY
Sept. 15 Head to the Little Rock Zoo’s craft beer festival for growls and growlers. Tickets now on sale.
NOTESNATIONALVELOCIRAPTORAWARENESSMONTH
SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWS &
SEPT. 12: CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE DAY
SEPT. 16: COLLECT ROCKS DAY For an added twist make pet rocks out of your finds — adding googly eyes strongly encouraged.
T
he start of school brings with it both excitement and trepidation. With gun violence, safety is at the forefront of parents’ minds — not to mention other not-so-minor concerns like illness, bullying, social media addiction and drug abuse. We can’t address all these issues here, but we can at least offer a modicum of guidance and a sense of solidarity. As parents and caregivers, we’re all in it together and share the same hopes for our kids.
• Notice five things you can see.
• Four things that you can hear.
• One thing you can taste. Here’s another— psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach created this simple but powerful practice called RAIN: R : Recognize what is happening.
So how do you stay centered in chaotic times and find help in dealing with the aforementioned issues? It’s really about doing things that are within your control when most things are not. Here we explore ways to exercise the control you do have — over your attitude, effort and actions.
• Three things that you can feel.
• Two things you can smell.
A : Allow the experience to be there, just as it is.
I : Investigate with interest and care. N : Nurture with self-compassion.
Let’s start with a meditation. Grover of "Sesame Street" fame can vouch for the efficacy of the following exercise. The beauty of it is that you can use it when feeling stressed or when you want to appreciate an experience. Practice anywhere, anytime, in any order:
STAYING CENTERED IN TOUGH TIMES
By Katherine Wyrick
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS LIKE A MUPPET
FIND YOUR I’ve been a parent long enough now to know kids who started Unity at a young age and have continued through young adulthood — and they’re better for it. Tanner Critz opened his studio years ago and has made a positive impact on the lives of kids, adults and the community. This isn’t your “kicking ass and taking names” kind of
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GET GROUNDED Being in nature, or even looking at pictures of nature, can affect biochemistry. It’s been proven to reduce anger and aggression, fear and stress and increase positive feelings and cognitions. Spending time outdoors not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. Thankfully, we live in The Natural State, and Arkansas State Parks offer endless opportunities for play, recreation, enrichment and connecting with the natural world — so you can have fun and get grounded.
POWER
martial arts. Cuong Nhu hits different. It’s goes beyond just belts and trophies.Unitydoes offer serious martial arts training but also helps students develop socially and intellectually. Kids exercise their brains, bodies and creativity. Adults make new social connections, develop leadership skills and receive parenting support. All students cultivate self-discipline, focus, balance (in mind and body), confidence and stamina. Yes, you’re going to be kicking, blocking and owning that power stance, but it’s so much more.
Created in 2011, the Interfaith Center is doing vital work in our state — and beyond. Its mission is no less than reducing hatred and fear among the world’s religions. They do this by promoting interfaith awareness and building bridges among different faiths through educational programs and community events.
BE PART OF THE CHANGE
ADVOCATE FOR SAFETY
It’s hard to talk about kids and gun violence, but it’s imperative. As for school shootings, two of the most important things schools can do to prevent them is to intervene before a person commits an act of violence and make sure families with guns store them securely in their homes. Making sure there are enough mental health professionals available to provide students with meaningful services is key — so, too, is allowing schools to send secure storage information to
Dishearteningparents.asthat is, getting involved and informed helps.
ENGAGE YOUR BRAIN MOD — The wildly popular Tinkerfest at Museum of Discovery is this month and is a great way to get kids thinking and problemsolving. This celebration of curiosity and creativity allows guests of all ages to explore how things work through 35 hands-on activities that include car takeaparts, robotics, water play, circuits and more. There’s evidence to suggest that participating in activities that make you think hard and learn new things is good for brain health. There’s also evidence to suggest that Tinkerfest is super fun.
Jorgensen recommends visiting besmartforkids.org for more information. Here’s another acronym to remember: S : Secure all guns in your home and vehicles, M : Model responsible behavior around guns, A : Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes, R : Recognize the role of guns in suicide, T : Tell your peers to be SMART. The founder of Moms Demand Action, Shannon Watts, recently tweeted responses from experts about how to talk to kids about their fears while also helping them stay and feel safe. Here are a few:
• Consider the age and maturity of your child. Children are uniquely vulnerable to trauma. There are different stages of childhood development, and children’s understanding of complex issues, ideas and the world around them is different from stage to stage.
STAYING
GET INVOLVED
We talked to mom of two and Moms Demand Action advocate Eve Jorgensen who shared these grim statistics : 4.6 million American children live in homes with guns that are both loaded and Everyunlocked.year,nearly 700 children 17 and under die by suicide with a gun. Firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S.
In addition to its many mental and behavioral health resources, Centers for Youth and Families offers opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering has manifold benefits beyond helping others. Among other things, it provides a sense of purpose and community and increases self-esteem. One of The Centers’ volunteer programs is Champions of Hope, now in its sixth year and the only program of its kind in Little Rock for young men. Up to 40 young men, entering 11th or 12th grade, take part in activities from September to April 2023, participating in 20 hours of volunteer and leadership projects and raising money for The Centers. They’ll be recognized at the annual spring Evolve Gala on April 15, 2023.
This month, they’re part of the annual interfaith prayer service, Love Thy Neighbor: Sowing Seeds of Promise, a celebration of peace through music and prayer. It will be held in person for the first time in two years on Thursday, Sept. 8 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 6 p.m. The event is FREE and open to all age groups.
CALS — Through their programming and outreach (and, of course, their vast collection of books), CALS fosters a sense of community and provides support for kids and families. For CALS, the start of school means that the teen and children’s areas at its branches fill up after school. Kids can get snacks and meals from Be Mighty, do homework with the library’s resources, or hang out with friends (while being mindful of other patrons and respecting the library rules, of course). After-school programming varies from branch to branch; they offer a variety of activities — some educationally focused, others just fun. The popular grab-and-go activity bags help the fun and learning continue at home. CALS has many resources available for kids, including Count UP, which offers free one-on-one math tutoring (in person or virtually). If parents run into a snag helping with homework and don’t have Count UP already scheduled, CALS also offers on-demand tutoring with Brainfuse HelpNow.
• Use age-appropriate language. Younger children can’t process long, detailed answers — a short, pointed answer may suffice. Teens may have difficult questions about how gun violence touches society politically, socially and morally. Listen and be sure they have the correct facts.
Three-fourths of school shooters acquired their firearm from the home of a parent or close relative.
CENTERED IN TOUGH TIMES
If you want to get involved in Moms Demand Action, there’s no time like the present. For details about its September Zoom meeting, visit momsdemandaction.org.
• Talk about your activism and positive changes that are happening; encourage teens to get involved in activism; encourage children to voice their concerns to teachers; review plans you have to stay safe in a crisis situation; highlight the inherent goodness of people.
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Though it may be difficult, it is ok and encouraged to initiate conversations with your children about sensitive subjects, such as school shootings, bullying, drugs, and social media attachment. Parents should encourage their children to share what concerns them, what makes them anxious, and help them identify ways to navigate these times in and outside of the Talkinghome.about these difficult topics won't increase their occurrence, and it will help your child learn what is fact versus fiction in these areas. Increasing their knowledge around certain subjects helps them to make informed and sound decisions. Discussing these topics with them also establishes trust and open communication within your family.
• Allow them time and space to process information and respond in ways that support their well-being.
• Check in with your children at mealtimes, at playtimes, and at bedtime.
If you feel your family could benefit from additional resources and support, The Centers is here for you. We offer individual, family, and group therapies for children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing emotional or behavioral struggles. Our experienced clinicians are certified in TraumaFocused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and more. Anxiety, depression, aggression, and other emotional or behavioral needs aren't planned occurrences -- The Centers is pleased to offer sameday appointments Monday through Friday. Big Topics with Your Kids
How to Discuss
Clinician The Centers Outpatient Counseling for Children & Adolescents 6601
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by: Zakiyyah Rasul, Program Manager Andreka Clary, LMSW, IMH, W. 12th Little Rock, AR 72204 501-666-8686
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Some additional tips to navigate discussing big topics with your kids include:
• Allow them to approach you with subjects of their choosing.
• Encourage and support frequent, healthy discussions with your children.
STAYING CENTERED IN TOUGH TIMES
UAMS has two new behavioral health initiatives to address the shortage of mental health providers.
Methodist Family Health continues to provide comprehensive care for Arkansas families. They offer a wide array of services: inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for children ages 3 to 17; outpatient counseling clinics; grief counseling services; psychiatric residential treatment centers; therapeutic group homes; school-based counseling services; therapeutic day treatment programs for Kindergarten through 12th grades; and Arkansas Centers for Addictions Research, Education and Services for mothers struggling with both substance abuse and a mental health issue. They also provide 24-hour, confidential, no-charge assessments for children and adolescents in crisis and accept Medicaid and most private insurance.
STAYING CENTERED IN TOUGH TIMES PUBLISHER Brooke Wallace | EDITORbrooke@arktimes.com Katherine Wyrick | katherinewyrick@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lesa Thomas | lesa@arktimes.com ART SarahDIRECTORHolderfield Find more at SAVVYkidsAR.com SAVVY kids MEET LAMBERT: VETERAN, RUNNER, COMMUNITY BUILDER “Seeing that people could continue on with life as an amputee was pretty DESERTCHANGEDHOWLAMBERTREADencouraging.”MOREABOUTFOSTERANDHISLIFEHASSINCESTORMAT SNELLARKANSAS.COM Little Rock n Bryant n Conway n Fayetteville n Fort Smith n 800-342-5541 Hot Springs n Mountain Home n North Little Rock n Pine Bluff n Russellville RESTORING MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE SINCE 1911
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
UAMS Health AR ConnectNow is a behavioral health treatment program created to provide care to all Arkansans dealing with a variety of mental-health issues, from substance abuse disorders to mental illnesses ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Because of this program, Arkansans struggling with mental illness but unable to find a suitable provider and resources now don’t have to wait to get professional care. AR Connect provides assistance via telephone and tele-video virtual visits that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No referral is necessary, and anyone needing help can find it only a phone call away. And it’s FREE. faceyourfeelings.orgTheothernewbehavioral health initiative from UAMS is the Arkansas Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools (TRIS) which equips schools to respond to the impact of student trauma. It provides training and resources to school personnel of K-12 schools across the state. For more information, visit tris-ar.org.
S E P T E M B E R 2 4 9 A M - 3 P M 4 0 + A C T I V I T I E S A T M U S E U M O F D I S C O V E R Y L E A R N M O R E A T M U S E U M O F D I S C O V E R Y . O R G B U I L T B Y thank you to our sponsors: A C E G L A S S B A L D W I N & S H E L L D A S S A U L T F A L C O N J E T E N T E R G Y A R K A N S A S G A L L E Y S U P P O R T I N N O V A T I O N S G A R V E R M R . P L A S T I C W O M E N ’ S T R A N S P O R T A T I O N S E M I N A R A S S O C I A T E D G E N E R A L C O N T R A C T O R S O F A R K A N S A S A R K A N S A S S C H O O L F O R M A T H E M A T I C S , S C I E N C E S , A N D T H E A R T S A S H L I A H R E N S & K E L L E Y B A S S T A Y L O R L A W F I R M Pick up your FREE PASSPORT at the nearest state park today. Looking for new adventures for your family and friends? Come together at Arkansas’s 52 state parks and experience endless possibilities. Plan your adventure at ArkansasStateParks.com. HAMPSONMUSEUMARCHEOLOGICALSTATEPARK PINNACLESTATEMOUNTAINPARK DISCOVERDISCOVERSOMETHINGNEWSOMETHINGNEW
Dogs, horses, cats and pets of all kinds have been an ongoing theme for books authored by Pat Becker and those that she sponsors. Particularly appropriate for children indoors during the “dog days” of August are these coloring books featuring dogs. Pat says, “Grab your crayons, kids, and let your imagination do the rest!” This coloring book follows the fun when a playful Dachshund dog named Duchess befriends a hungry bunny rabbit. All that’s missing is the color for this adventuresome tale. A variety of dogs and their various characteristics and activities are just waiting for imaginative minds to bring some color into the lives of canines.these
Reasonably priced. FREE SHIPPING with orders of four or more of these fun coloring books. To order, go to:
DogTalkTV.com/PatBecker-BooksFunbooksaboutdogsthat savvy kids will love COLORING...
