Austin family magazine august 2015 magazine by Austin Family Magazine

AUGUST 2015

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smart parenting • healthy homes

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

Ready for School?

Q&A with TEA Commissioner 5 TIPS for Back to School Photos Are Kids Getting Too Much Homework? ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL

INSIDE! EDUCATION GUIDE • CALENDAR • YOUNG WRITERS CONTEST

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August 2015 l austinfamily.com

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August 2015 l austinfamily.com

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AUGUST 2015 ®

smart parenting • healthy homes

5 Tips for Better Back to School Photos

The Homework Report: Are Kids Getting Too Much Homework?

Q & A with TEA Commissioner

columns

calendar

Ten Things…for National Family Fun Month!

16 Asuntos Familiares

Family Matters

36 Family Events 43 Parenting Events 45 Storytimes

in every issue

22 Curva de Aprendizaje

She’s a Slob, I’m a Neatnik and It’s Making Us All Crazy!

20 The Learning Curve

The College Essay: Tips and Tricks for Coaching Your Student

Lifelines

Is Your Family Medicine Cabinet Up to Date?

Family Connections

Preschool Has Come a Long Way, Baby

52 Humor

Keep Calm or Run Away

tune in

Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of the month.

Play It Safe

Product recalls

8 Around Austin 51 Kidzone by YMCA

Staycation Adventures

extras 24 Summer Fun Checklist 26 Education Guide 41 Cover Kids Contest 48 Focus on Doctors 51 Young Writers Contest follow us

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artículos en español

¡Ella Es Desordenada, Yo Soy Demasiado Ordenado

El Ensayo de la Universidad

49 Piensa Positivo

El Poder de la Lengua

Cover Shot

Daniel is looking forward to a new school year.

Cover photographed by Nichole Renee

New items each week. Visit our website to register.

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® BY SHERIDA MOCK

August 2015

t’s hard to admit that the summer is almost over. Seems it just got going, and here we are putting out our Back to School issue.

But starting a new school year brings its own rewards. Whether I was starting the year as a student or a parent, I looked forward to the clean slate that every August affords. New teachers to get to know. Friends to be made. And the opportunity to do it all right this time. On that note, we bring you a trio of school-related features, beginning with our interview with Michael Williams, commissioner of the Texas Education Agency. Jeannie Ralston takes a closer look at homework loads, and those back-to-school photos get a brush-up. Our Learning Curve column has some advice for students writing their college essays. Our Family Connections column puts the new online preschools at your fingertips, and our Lifelines column suggests dusting off the family medicine cabinet. But wait! The season is not over quite yet. If your flip flops are still going strong, and your sunscreen bottle isn’t empty, get out there and squeeze a few more drops out of the delicious fruit of summer.

Volume 23, No. 5

PUBLISHER Kaye K. Lowak EDITOR Sherida Mock editor2003@austinfamily.com COPY EDITOR Paula Halloum Assistant Copy Editor: Alexa Alley ADVISING EDITORS Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Cooper CALENDAR EDITOR Betty Kemper calendar2003@austinfamily.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Jennifer VanBuren, Carrie Taylor, Dr. Theresa Willis and Jeannie Ralston TRANSLATION TEAM Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl, Rocio Barbosa ART DIRECTORS Layout Designer: Dena Steiner Ad Designer: Jason Suarez nr2003@austinfamily.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nichole Renee ADVERTISING SALES Kaye K. Lowak kaye2003@austinfamily.com Greg Lowak greg@austinfamily.com BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak greg@austinfamily.com

We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images. Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mail Address: P.O. Box 7559 Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number:

Tel: (512) 733-0038

On the web at:

www.austinfamily.com

Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Play it product recalls

safe

Government recalls Baby Floats, Pull Toys and Children’s Furniture Otteroo is recalling about 3,000 baby floats because the seam on the flotation device can leak air and deflate, posing a risk of drowning. The recall involves the Otteroo Inflatable Baby Float, a round ring made of clear and blue plastic material. It has two air chambers that fasten around a baby’s neck with a white buckle. Affected units were sold at Otteroo.com, Amazon.com and Zulily.com from January 2014 through July 2014 for about $35. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled baby floats and contact the firm to receive a free replacement. Bunnies by the Bay is recalling about 800 pull toys because the hub caps on the wheels can break or come off the wheel, posing a choking hazard for young children. The recall involves Bud, an 8-inch high soft brown puppy with a blue and white pull cord that stands on red wooden wheels with blue hub caps and Skipit, an 8-inch high cream-colored bunny with an orange and white pull cord that stands on blue wheels with orange hub caps. Affected units were sold at gift and specialty stores nationwide and online at Bunniesbythebay.com and Amazon.com from February 2015 through April 2015 for about $30. Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return them to where they were purchased for a full refund. Pali is recalling about 18,000 pieces of children’s furniture because the plastic restraint strap used to attach the armoires, combos, dressers and hutches to a wall can break and allow the unit to tip over. Falling furniture can result in injuries to young children, from soft tissue bruising to broken bones, head injuries and death by suffocation when a child is pinned under a heavy piece of furniture. The recall involves Pali Design armoires, combos, dressers and hutches sold separately or in the following collections: Karla Collection, Mantova Collection, Milano Collection, Salerno Collection, Volterra Collection, Wendy Collection and West Point Collection. Affected units were sold at independent specialty stores nationwide, at Pequeno Angelito in San Juan, Puerto Rico and online from January 2006 to September 2010. Consumers should immediately place the recalled item out of reach of young children and contact Pali Design for a free retrofit kit that contains newly designed restraint straps, mounting hardware and installation instructions. af The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.

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AROUND

Austin G O T O W W W. A U S T I N FA M I LY. C O M F O R W E E K LY U P D AT E S O F A R O U N D A U S T I N N E W S

EXCEL CENTER GRADUATES FIRST CLASS

announced it had awarded the Excel Center a $100,000 grant to support occupational training.

The Goodwill Excel Center, the first public charter high school in Texas for individuals over age 26, celebrated its first graduating class on June 26.

ALS SUPPORT GROUP FORMS

“This is a momentous day for these graduates and their families, but more importantly, for our Central Texas community,” said Traci Berry, senior vice president of community engagement and education, Goodwill Central Texas.

The ALS Caregivers Support Group of Austin was recently formed to serve those who are taking care of a family member or loved one with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

Photo by Bobby Longoria

The group, facilitated by a local psychotherapist, works to provide empathic listening, share self-care strategies and resources, and offer mutual support.

Graduates Hector Ybarra and Martha Urquiza participate in the Goodwill Excel Center’s graduation ceremony in June

“Most of our students came focused on earning their diploma,” Berry continued. “But they are leaving with plans for continued education, technical certifications and career goals, which will impact generational change for our students while enhancing the Central Texas workforce.” The Goodwill Excel Center offers students aged 19 to 50 the opportunity and support to earn a high school diploma and begin postsecondary education or training. In July, the Sooch Foundation

August 2015 l austinfamily.com

Must -Do this Month Get the kids back on a regular sleep schedule before school starts. Go over the school bus route, and review bus safety with the kids. Squeeze in a little more fun before the summer ends.

donating surplus milk to the non-profit milk bank.

The ALS Caregivers Support Group will meet from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, at the Yarborough branch (2nd Tues) and the Twin Oaks branch (4th Tues) of the Austin Public Library. Group meetings are free and open to anyone who is caring for family members and loved one with ALS.

“MMBA is indebted to the 400 milk donors already approved this year,” said Kim Updegrove, executive director of MMBA. “We need at least 400 more to donate milk in order to have an adequate supply of donor milk for the babies in the 128 hospitals served.” The MMBA needs milk donors, volunteers and supporters.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

For more information or to volunteer, visit milkbank.org.

The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin (MMBA) will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) beginning with a concert honoring the milk bank’s donors at Central Market (N. Lamar location) on the evening of August 1.

MUSEUM DAY LIVE! TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

Events held throughout the week— and through the month of August— celebrate healthy lactating moms choosing to feed their own infants and

Beginning August 1, you can download a ticket for Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live! Scheduled for Saturday, September 26, participating museums across the U.S. will offer free admission to those holding a Museum Day Live! ticket. The downloaded ticket is good for the ticket holder and one guest to receive

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by the

numbers

$8.6 billion

1854

41%

Amount spent at U.S. family clothing stores in August. Sales at bookstores totaled $1.6 billion.

Year Texas Governor Elisha Pease signed a bill establishing the Texas public school system.

Percentage of 18 to 24 year olds enrolled in college in the United States.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: Texas Almanac

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The Blanton Museum of Art offers free admission on September 26 to participants who download a Museum Day Live! ticket

free admission to one museum. Local participating museums include the Blanton Museum of Art and the Austin History Center. Visit smithsonian.com/ museumdaylive to download tickets.

FREE HEALTH APP FOR BUSY FAMILIES It’s Time Texas launched its Choose Healthier mobile app on June 30. The free app encourages families to find healthy activities and nutritional information. “It’s the easiest way to both promote and discover healthy activities and events for all ages, interests and experience levels in Central Texas,” said Baker Harrell, founder and CEO of It’s Time Texas. The app connects users to real-time information from more than 70,000 exercise activities and healthy eating resources around the local community of 500 registered fitness, nutrition and wellness businesses. “One-third of Austin kids are obese,” said Dr. Stephen Pont, medical director of the Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity and Austin ISD Student Health Services. “In some areas of town, two-thirds of the Austin ISD students are obese.” Pont added that one-third of the children born in 2000 are expected to be diagnosed with Type II diabetes within their lifetimes. It’s Time Texas plans to grow the Choose Healthier app directory to include more than 1,000 local businesses and 100,000 activities within the year. The group also plans to expand the app beyond the Austin area into other major metropolitan areas of Texas. af

Quality Drop-In, Full-Time and Custom-Schedule Childcare Ages 18 months to 12 years old

A GETAWAY FOR YOUR KIDS! Outdoor Playscape Movie Theater Air Hockey Wii Stations Computers Arts and Crafts Nutritious Meals Fingerprint Security And LOTS More... !

www.KidSpaAustin.com

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10 THINGS

To do for National Family Fun Month!

Make a blanket fort.

2 3

Declare a family game night.

Have a build-your-own meal, like funny-face pancakes, pizzas or sundaes.

Create a summer memories time capsule.

DO NOT OPEN UNTIL 2025

Turn everyday dinner into a fancy affair: use candlelight and cloth napkins.

Or do the opposite and turn dinner into a picnic.

a water balloon 7 Have fight. 8

Go star-gazing. The Perseid meteor shower peaks August 11, 12 and 13.

9 10

Bake cookies together.

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Make a â&#x20AC;&#x153;family funâ&#x20AC;? jar full of activities everyone loves so you can keep the fun going all year.

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Q&A

TEA Commissioner Michael Williams

closing the by Sherida Mock

gap

Q What is the role of the TEA?

We are a state that has 5.1 million youngsters, 8,600 campuses and 1,200 school districts. The dollars that we spend on education—federal and state dollars—flow through us.

We just finished the 84th session of the state legislature. They passed 98 education-related bills. We develop and enforce the rules. We also have some delegated responsibilities from the federal government, particularly as it relates to students that are English language learners and special needs students.

As more than ﬁve million students return to public and charter schools this month, we talked with Michael Williams, commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, to discuss the agency’s work and what we can expect this school year. The Commissioner and his wife, Donna, have been married 30 years.

Another set of bills [Senate Bills 925, 934 and 972] relates to bringing back the reading and math academies. A decade-plus ago, we spent hundreds of millions of dollars teaching educators fabulous strategies about how to teach reading and math concepts. I think many people believe that much of the reason that our reading and math scores were on the incline is because of those academies. The decriminalization of truancy [House Bill 2398] is going to be particularly helpful to youngsters who’ve been spending a lot of days in court. There are other ways we can build campus communities where kids will want to be there.

We also approve charter school applications.

happened in the recent legislative Q What session that will impact Texas schools? House Bill 4 will expand the capacity of the state to provide high-quality pre-K. There are three elements: having a curriculum that is evidence-based, having solid professional-development training for pre-K providers and having a way to measure progress. I’m not talking about testing 4 year olds, but there are ways you can identify whether a youngster is getting it or not.

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Some educators and administrators would argue that there are just too many rules related to public education. So innovation districts [House Bill 1842] allow districts to recreate themselves and have much of the same flexibility that charter schools have under current law. Now, there’s a predicate. They have to be well-performing districts before they get to take this on. [House Bill 2804] is the changing of the labeling in our accountability system, from “Exemplary” and “Recognized” to A through F. I think more people, since that’s the way we were graded when we were in school, understand what

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New Education Bills House Bill 4 expands state pre-K Senate Bills 925, 934 and 972 provide reading and math academies House Bill 2398 decriminalizes truancy House Bill 1842 allows for Innovation Districts House Bill 2804 labels schools with A through F

our economically disadvantaged kids and their other counterparts. And we’ve been doing that. We’ve got the highest graduation rate that the state has had ever. And depending on which year you look at, that’s second or third in the country. If you look at ACT and SAT scores, they’ve been rising over the years to the highest they’ve been.

an A is. They may not understand what “Recognized” really means. They surely don’t understand what “Met Standard” is.

What we’re doing quite well is closing that gap, teaching at a higher level of rigor than we have in the past and assuring that students that many people may not be thinking of—like that very gifted child—are getting what I call a high-octane learning experience, as well.

of your parents were public school Q Both teachers. What was that like, growing up?

How does the TEA work with the State Board of Education?

The State Board of Education is 15 elected members from around the state, representing specific constituents. But they don’t have a staff. We provide the staffing for them. The State Board develops the state curriculum: what do we want youngsters to know, in each grade and in each subject? Then we develop the assessment tools and accountability system.

Governor Rick Perry appointed you in September 2012. What have you learned that you didn’t know coming into this position? Let me go back to my previous life. For 12 years, I was in this building, upstairs, as the Railroad Commissioner [who oversees the regulation of oil and gas]. You think of it as a fairly lofty position, because you’re elected state wide, and I had the great honor to be elected three times. But on the Sunday after the governor appointed me to the TEA, I got three calls in the middle of the Cowboys football game. I never got a single call during a football game when I was the Railroad Commissioner. So the first thing I learned is how much passion there is in this state for its public education system, and how engaged people are. They may or may not agree, but they are truly engaged in the learning of their students.

challenges face Texas public schools, Q What and what are our schools doing well? We’re working hard. Of those 5.1 million kids, 65 percent are brown or black and 60 percent are economically disadvantaged. Our obligation to all 5.1 million kids is to ensure the highest quality learning experience for them so that each of them can reach the greatest potential. But within that, we have to close the racial achievement gap between our black and brown kids and Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

My parents are retired teachers, Dad for 43 years and Mom for 40. Mom spent the early part of her career as a reading specialist, but the latter 20-plus years, she spent as a high school guidance counselor. Dad was an algebra and geometry teacher for his entire career. He was also a football and track coach. He’s in the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. When I was younger, I was my mother’s guinea pig for all the assessments she did. She’d first learn how to do them by giving them to my sister and I. As you can imagine from a family of educators, I grew up with an enormously strong appreciation for learning.

you have any advice for the students Q Do going back to school this month? The adults are there because they care for you. They want you to reach the highest potential you possibly can. Enjoy the time. Enjoy taking the direction and following the leadership of those educators. af

Texas Public and Charter Schools

by the

numbers

5.1 million students 8,600 campuses 1,200 school districts August 2015 l austinfamily.com

BY BETTY RICHARDSON

Yesterday, I came home to a messy house, which is typical. There were dirty dishes all over the kitchen, toys everywhere and piles of undone laundry. I lost my self-control and yelled at my wife and kids. When we married, I didn’t realize my wife would be so messy. I don’t want a divorce, but I can’t live like this. What do you suggest?

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “opposites attract.” Humans are probably subconsciously attracted to our opposite in a mate for a reason. Maybe you don’t want to be quite so compulsively neat, and your wife doesn’t want to be so messy. First off, ask your wife if she might be depressed. Depression is often associated with procrastination of chores. If she says yes, see that she gets help. If she isn’t depressed, she may just be overwhelmed by the amount of work or the sameness of the routine. Years ago, I had a depressed and overwhelmed neighbor in a similar situation. She got a prescription for an antidepressant, went to work full time and hired a housekeeper. That’s one way to deal with the problem.

…your children need to learn both these skills from their parents: how to make things neat and when to let things go…

But your children need to learn both these skills from their parents: how to make things neat and when to let things go. So instead of a housekeeper, consider some of the following strategies:

 Help your wife with at least one chore, predictably,   14

every day. Some husbands clean the kitchen after supper; others fold and put away the laundry. Having predictable help can be a great mood elevator for your wife, and you have the pleasure of seeing things tidy. Create a chores chart. Help the kids make a list, and let them volunteer for specific chores. They can put their initials by the ones they complete, and you can brag on each of them for their help. Foster fun around chores. Would singing, telling jokes or playing verbal games make chores go faster? August 2015 l austinfamily.com

 Creatively motivate the family to complete chores. For     

example, award the most enthusiastic worker, the most chores done or the first to complete all assigned chores. Don’t pay kids to do daily chores like dishes or taking out the trash. These are part of being a member of a family and training for living as an adult. Bigger chores can be set up for kids to earn money. Periodically have a clean out day, where each person in the family gets a bag to fill for a charity accepting donations of clothes, toys and household goods. Occasionally—such as before guests arrive—enlist the kids to help clean more thoroughly. Find and hire a high school student to help the kids with homework after school and to put away their belongings throughout the house. Make the kids’ social events—parties, play dates and sleepovers—contingent on having certain areas of the house clean and the child’s own room tidy. The rest of the time, have the children keep their bedroom doors shut so you and guests don’t have to see the clutter. Put some bedroom inspection days on a posted kids’ calendar. Make an “official” inspection sheet, so the kids can be prepared. List things like dirty dishes and old food and drink containers. Plan a fun event to take place after room inspection, such as going on a family outing.

You may think I’ve asked a lot of you, as a father who has already put in a full day’s work. I realize there are other chores that usually fall to a father figure in the house, such as taking care of the cars, painting and yard work. But then again, you would miss all the fun of doing things with your kids and the chance to teach your children when and how to be neat. And the romance in your life may increase as you make home life more enjoyable for your wife. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.

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BY BETTY RICHARDSON

Ayer, llegué a casa y la encontré desordenada, lo cual es típico. Había platos sucios por toda la cocina, juguetes en todas partes y montones de ropa sin lavar. Perdí mi autocontrol y les grité a mi esposa e hijos. Cuando nos casamos, no me di cuenta que mi esposa sería tan desordenada. No quiero el divorcio, pero no puedo vivir así. ¿Qué sugiere?

Estoy seguro que usted ha oído la expresión “los opuestos se atraen.” Nosotros, los humanos somos probablemente inconscientemente atraídos por nuestro opuesto en un consorte por alguna razón. Tal vez usted no quiere ser tan compulsivamente limpio, y su esposa no quiere ser tan desordenada. En primer lugar, pregunte a su esposa si ella podría estar deprimida. La depresión a menudo se asocia con la postergación de las tareas. Si dice que sí, vera que reciba la ayuda necesaria. Si no está deprimida, puede sólo estar abrumada por la cantidad de trabajo o la monotonía de la rutina. Hace años, yo tuve una vecina deprimida y abrumada en una situación similar. Ella obtuvo una prescripción para un antidepresivo, se fue a trabajar tiempo completo y contrató a una ama de casa. Esa es una manera de lidiar con el problema.

…Pero sus hijos necesitan aprender ambas habilidades de sus padres: cómo tener las cosas ordenadas y cuando está bien no serlo tanto…

Pero sus hijos necesitan aprender ambas habilidades de sus padres: cómo tener las cosas ordenadas y cuando está bien no serlo tanto. Así que en lugar de una ama de casa, considere algunas de las siguientes estrategias:

 Ayude a su esposa con al menos una tarea en el hogar, pre  16

deciblemente, todos los días. Algunos maridos limpian la cocina después de la cena; otros doblan y guardan la ropa lavada. Tener ayuda predecible puede elevar el estado de ánimo a su esposa, y usted tiene el placer de ver las cosas ordenadas Crear una gráﬁca de las tareas. Ayude a los niños hacer la lista, y deje que ellos se ofrezcan como voluntarios para las tareas especíﬁcas. Ellos pueden poner sus iniciales en las tareas que completen, y usted puede presumir de cada uno de ellos por su ayuda. Fomentar la diversión alrededor de las tareas. ¿Cantar, contar chistes o jugar juegos verbales haría que las tareas se realicen más rápido? August 2015 l austinfamily.com

 Motive creativamente a la familia para completar tareas.     

Por ejemplo, usted podría recompensar al trabajador más entusiastas, al que termine la mayor parte de las tareas o al primero en completar todas las tareas asignadas. No le pague a los niños por realizar las tareas diarias como lavar los platos o sacar la basura. Estas son parte de ser un miembro de una familia y la formación para la vida como un adulto. Las tareas más grandes se pueden asignar a los niños para que puedan ganar dinero. Tener periódicamente un día complete de limpieza, donde cada persona en la familia recibe una bolsa que llenará para luego dar a una organización benéﬁca que acepte donaciones de ropa, juguetes y artículos para el hogar. En algunas ocasiones—como antes de que lleguen los invitados—pídales a los niños que le ayude a limpiar más a fondo. Encuentre y contrate a un estudiante de la preparatoria para ayudar a los niños con la tarea después de la escuela y guardar en su sitio sus pertenencias por toda la casa. Realice los eventos sociales de los niños—ﬁestas, días para jugar, y amigos que pasen la noche—dependa de tener ciertas áreas de la casa limpia y los dormitorios de los niños ordenados. El resto del tiempo, que los niños mantengan las puertas de sus dormitorios cerradas para que usted y los invitados no tengan que ver el desorden.

Usted puede pensar que le he pedido mucho, como un padre que ya ha aportado todo un día completo de trabajo. Me doy cuenta que hay otras tareas que usualmente le corresponde a la ﬁgura patena de la casa, tales como encargarse de los coches, pintar y el trabajo del jardín. Pero entonces otra vez, perdería toda la diversión de hacer cosas con sus hijos y la posibilidad de enseñarlos a cuándo y cómo ser ordenados. Y el romance en su vida puede aumentar ya que hace la vida de casa más agradable para su esposa. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta situada en Austin que se especializa en el tratamiento de los problemas de los niños, adolescentes y padres.

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by Sherida Mock

for Better Back to School Photos Tired of back-to-school photos that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite capture the moment? Maybe the kids are squinting into the sun. Or their clothing disappears into the background. We asked some local Photo by Studio 213.net

August 2015 l austinfamily.com

photographers to share tips on how to take your photos from ho-hum to awesome. View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

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Stage it. Don’t leave the photo taking for the actual first day of school. “The last thing on your kid’s mind will be posing for the camera,” says Aino Assmus of Aino Photography. “And I was a nervous wreck myself.” By taking the photo beforehand, you give your child—and yourself— room to relax. “If your child is feeling her best, the photo will come out nicely,” says Tiffany Corbett of Studio213.

Go outside. Many photographers prefer the natural look of daylight, and the “golden hour” just after sunrise and just before sunset adds a beautiful glow to faces. “Natural light will give best results,” says Assmus. But choose shady spots over direct sunlight. “You want the eyes to be relaxed and not fighting the sun,” says Corbett.

Use props. Write the year and your child’s name on a chalkboard or splash it on the driveway using sidewalk chalk. Have your child hold a photo from the previous year or an apple or a stack of books. “There certainly are a ton of cute ideas to be found on Pinterest,” says Assmus. us

Photo by Aino Assm

Set it up. Take a moment to consider your child’s clothing and the background for the shot. “Solid backgrounds like doors make good photographs,” says Corbett. “Solid clothing photographs best. Shirts with large logos can be distracting.”

Photo by Nichole Ren

Nichole Renee of Nichole Renee Photography says, “Get your camera at eye level with your child. Don’t look down on them.”

Add personality.

Photo by Dena Steiner

Asking your child about her favorite things—books, movies, animals, foods and activities—will make your photo session fly by. “Children will think of things they love and have a more genuine smile,” says Corbett. When the photo session is over, go back and add in these personal details in the space around the photo, including your child’s age and grade. af Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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B Y J E N N I F E R VA N B U R E N

The College Essay

There are some things you just can’t do for your child. Driving test. Summer job interview. Or the highly anticipated college essay.

Tips and Tricks for Coaching Your Student

Plan for Likely Topics

he is also expected to back up ideas with concrete examples and facts.

While you can’t write it for him, there are things you can do to help. From supporting his research to double and triple checking for spelling errors, you can encourage your child to show his best self. Getting to know a bit about the process will provide the knowledge to guide him in the right direction. Many applications provide several essay topics from which to choose. The trick is to pick a topic that allows him to best demonstrate his individual traits and strengths. The essay is his chance for the admissions ofﬁcer to know him better.

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According to “The College Board,” there are three basic types of questions. “Describe yourself” questions often take this form: “Please complete a onepage personal statement and submit it with your application.” If your child selects this question, encourage him to include information that was not already included in the rest of the application. “Explain why you want to attend our college.” Your student will need to do some research to answer this question. Help him to focus on his goals and how this particular college can help him attain them. Have him consider what he can contribute to the college. “Discuss an issue.” Admissions ofﬁcers are looking for a good balance of intelligence and creativity. While the student is expected to express individual views,

Generate a List of Experiences How can you help your student get started? Encourage him to begin the process early. The idea generation may take time to process. Sit down with him and brainstorm all the experiences he has had during his high school years. Be speciﬁc and include everything, even events that may not seem signiﬁcant. Include activities beyond school, such as clubs, church events, travel, milestones or even a meaningful conversation. Within this list, he should be able to identify events that have meaning below the surface, that represent who he is on a fundamental level, or have been life changing.

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Helpful Tips Share these helpful tips to guide your essay writer in the right direction. Go deep, not wide. Avoid spreading the essay thin by trying to cover too much. Pick one or two main points or experiences and dig in. Ask these questions: How did your vision grow because of the experience? Did your goals and aspirations change?

Proofread. This may seem like a no-brainer, but for goodness’ sake, have your student check the spelling, grammar and punctuation. Suggest that he read the essay aloud to himself. Encourage him to ask a friend, parent or teacher to double-check it. Point out that some spelling mistakes won’t be caught by the software’s spell checker, and more nuanced errors can slip through, such as using

the phrase “for example” five times in the same paragraph. Above all, remind him that there is a college out there for him; the trick is to find the best match. While SAT scores and academics indicate potential, admissions officers want to hear how he stands out from the crowd. af Jennifer VanBuren, M.Ed. is an educator, mother of three and has recently added childbirth doula to her list of skills.

Find something new. The admissions officer will have the chance to read about accomplishments in the fill-inthe-blank portions of the application. Use the essay to showcase what couldn’t be covered elsewhere. Use an authentic voice. Skip the thesaurus. Be natural. Advise your child to let his personality show through. This is his chance to be creative. The essay should not be too business-like, nor should it be overly quirky. Jeff Brenzel, dean of undergraduate admissions at Yale University, says, “I think it’s actually best to present yourself as who you are to a college, rather than how you imagine that they might want you to be. You want a college to take you, not your imaginary friend. Right?” Watch the tone. Lynn Radlauer Lubell, founder of Admission By Design, a College Consultancy writes, “If you come across as a spoiled child, a stuckup rich kid, lazy, sarcastic or a cynic, the admissions team might decide that you are not the right fit for their school. A bit of well placed humor is fine, but don’t try to be a comedian.” Get the basics right. The average word count for college essays range from 250-600 words. Stay within the range. If the essay is short, don’t fill it with fluff. Find examples that demonstrate your statements. If you state that you have strong leadership skills, explain what makes you an effective leader. Then discuss how you exhibit these characteristics. If the word count is too high, find places you may have rambled on or gotten “flowery” with your language. If you gave three examples of experiences you have had, instead of cutting out detail, cut out one of the examples. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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B Y J E N N I F E R VA N B U R E N

El Ensayo de la Universidad Hay algunas cosas que simplemente no puede hacer por su hijo(a). El examen de conducir. La entrevista de trabajo de verano. O el muy esperado ensayo de la universidad.

Consejos y Trucos Para Preparar a Su Estudiante

Plan de temas probables Aunque usted no puede escribirlo por él/ella, si hay cosas que puede hacer para ayudar. Desde apoyar su investigación hasta revisarlo dos a tres veces en busca de errores de ortografía, puede animar a su hijo(a) a mostrar su mejor yo. Llegar a conocer un poco sobre el proceso proporcionará el conocimiento para guiarlo en la dirección correcta. Muchas aplicaciones proporcionan varios temas de ensayo de los cuales elegir. El truco está en escoger un tema que le permita demostrar mejor sus cualidades individuales y fortalezas. El ensayo es su oportunidad para que el oﬁcial de admisión lo conozca mejor.

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Según “The College Board,” hay tres tipos básicos de preguntas. “Descríbase a sí mismo,” qeste tipo de preguntas por lo general toman esta forma: “Por favor, complete una declaración personal de una página y envíela con su solicitud”. Si su estudiante selecciona esta pregunta, anímelo a incluir información que no fue incluida en el resto de la aplicación. “Explique por qué quiere asistir a nuestra universidad.” Su estudiante necesitará hacer un poco de investigación para responder esta pregunta. Ayúdele a enfocarse en sus metas y cómo le puede ayudar esta universidad en particular a lograrlas. Pídale que considere incluir lo que él/ella puede contribuir para la universidad. “Hablar sobre un tema.” Aquí, los oﬁciales de admisión están buscando un buen equilibrio entre la inteligencia y la creativi-

dad. Mientras se espera que el estudiante exprese puntos de vista individuales, también se espera que respalde ideas con hechos y ejemplos concretos.

Generar una Lista de Experiencias ¿Cómo le puede ayudar a su estudiante a empezar? Anímelo a que comience el proceso temprano. La generación de ideas puede tomar tiempo para procesar. Siéntese con él/ella y piensen en todas las experiencias que ha tenido durante sus años en la preparatoria. Que especifique e incluya todo, incluso eventos que pueden no parecer importantes. Incluya actividades más allá de la escuela, tales como clubes, eventos de la iglesia, los viajes, hitos o incluso una conversación significativa. Dentro de esta lista, debería poder identificar eventos que tienen significado por debajo de la superficie, que representan quién es él/ella en un nivel fundamental, o han sido cambios de vida.

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Consejos Útiles Como padre, usted puede compartir estos consejos útiles para guiar a su escritor del ensayo en la dirección correcta. Vaya profundo, no amplio. Evite extender el ensayo delgado intentando cubrir demasiado. Escoja uno o dos puntos principales o experiencias y profundice. Haga las siguientes preguntas: ¿Cómo creció su visión debido a la experiencia? ¿Cambiaron sus metas y aspiraciones?

Corregir. Esto puede parecer una cosa muy fácil, pero por favor, dígale a su estudiante que revise la ortografía, la gramática y la puntuación. Sugiérale que lea el ensayo en voz alta a sí mismo. Anímelo a pedirle a un amigo, un padre o un maestro que lo revise por segunda vez. Indíquele que algunas faltas de ortografía no las detecta el corrector ortográfico, y más errores matizados pueden pasarse, cómo el uso de la frase “por ejemplo” cinco veces en el mismo párrafo.

Por encima de todo, recuérdele a su estudiante que hay una universidad para él/ella; el truco es encontrar el mejor partido. Mientras que los resultados de los exámenes SAT y el logro académico indican potencial, los oficiales de admisión quieren conocer cómo se destaca de los demás. af Jennifer VanBuren, M.Ed. es una eduacadora de Georgetown y madre de tres niños.

Encuentre algo nuevo. El oficial de admisión tendrá la oportunidad de leer acerca de sus logros en la parte donde rellena el espacio en blanco en la aplicación. Utilice el ensayo para presentar lo que no pudo cubrir en otros lugares Use una voz auténtica. No use el tesauro. Que sea natural. Aconséjele a su hijo(a) dejar mostrar su personalidad. Esta es su oportunidad de ser creativo. El ensayo no debería ser demasiado serio, tampoco debería ser demasiado extravagante. Jeff Brenzel, Decano de Admisión de Pregrado en la Universidad Yale, dice, “Creo que es realmente mejor presentarse tal como es a una universidad, en lugar de cómo se imagina que podrían querer que usted sea. Quiere que una universidad lo acepte a usted, no a su amigo imaginario. ¿Verdad?” Observe el tono. Lynn Radlauer Lubell, fundadora de Admisión por Diseño, una Asesora de la Universidad escribe, “Si usted da la impresión de ser un persona malcriada, rica presumida, perezosa, sarcástica o cínica, el equipo de admisión podrían decidir que usted no es el adecuado para su escuela. Un poco de humor bien colocado está bien, pero no trate de ser un comediante”. Obtenga correctos los conceptos básicos. El promedio de recuento de palabras para los ensayos de la universidad está entre 250-600 palabras. Manténgase dentro de los límites. Si el ensayo es corto en palabras, no lo llene con palabras sin importancia. En su lugar, encuentre ejemplos que demuestren sus declaraciones. Si usted dice que tiene fuertes habilidades de liderazgo, explique las características que lo hacen ser un líder eficaz. Luego cuente sobre alguna vez que exhibió estas características. Si el recuento de palabras es demasiado alto, encuentre lugares en donde pudo haberse desviado del tema o pudo haberse puesto “florido” con sus palabras. Si usted dio tres ejemplos de experiencias que ha tenido, en lugar de suprimir detalles, quite uno de los ejemplos. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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education guide 2015-16

Private Schools Ace Academy Cathedral School of Saint Mary’s Challenger School Fine Arts Academy Holy Family Catholic School Hyde Park Schools Jardin De Ninos Interlingua Magellan School Magnolia School Rawson Saunders School Redeemer Lutheran School San Juan Diego Catholic School St. Andrews Lower & Middle School St. Andrews Upper School St. Austin Catholic School St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School St. Gabriel’s Catholic School St. Helens Catholic School St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic School St. Louis Catholic School St. Mary’s Catholic School St. Theresa’s Catholic School Santa Cruz Catholic High William’s Community School

3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin www.austingifted.org 910 San Jacinto, Austin www.smcschoolaustin.org 15101 Avery Ranch Rd., Austin www.challengerschool.com 1521 Joyce Ln., Round Rock Allandale www.dancediscovery.com Avery Ranch 9400 Neenah Ave., Austin www.holyfamilycs.org 3901 Speedway, Austin www.hp-schools.org 11400 N. MoPac Expwy., Austin 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin www.austinbilingualschool.com 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 R.R. 620, Ste. 300, Lakeway 7938 Great Northern Blvd., Austin www.magellanschool.org Lake Travis www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com 2614-A Exposition Blvd., Austin www.rawsonsaunders.org 1500 W. Anderson Ln., Austin www.redeemerschool.net 800 Herndon Ln., Austin www.sjdchs.org 1112 W. 31st St., Austin www.sas.org 5901 S. Parkway, Austin www.sas.org 1911 San Antonio St., Austin www.staustinschool.org 9300 Neenah Ave., Austin www.saviochs.org 2500 Wimberly Ln., Austin www.sgs-austin.org 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown www.shclions.org 120 W. Oltorf, Austin www.st-ignatius.org/school 2114 St. Joseph, Austin www.slcsaustin.org 520 Washburn St., Taylor www.stmarystaylor.org 4311 Small Dr., Austin www.st-theresa.org 1110 Main St., Buda www.sccstx.org 13584 Pond Springs Rd., Austin www.williamscommunityschool.org

512-206-4070 512-476-1480 512-341-8000 512-255-8844 512-419-7611 512-658-2996 512-246-4455 512-465-8344 512-465-8333 512-432-5317 512-299-5732 512-466-2409 512-782-2327 512-266-9620 512-476-8382 512-451-6478 512-804-1935 512-299-7800 512-299-9800 512-477-3751 512-388-8846 512-327-7755 512-869-3244 512-442-8547 512-614-6622 x245 512-352-2313 512-451-7105 512-312-2137 512-250-5700

3yrs-12th PreK, 4-8th PreK-8th 3rd-5th PreK, 4-8th K, 4-8th 9th-12th Inf-3rd 3 yrs-7th 3-13 yrs. Indi. Instr. 1st-9th Dyslexia K-8th 9th-12th 1st-9th 10th-12th PreK-8th 9th-12th JrK-8th PreK-8th PreK, 3-8th PreK, 4-8th PreK-8th PreK, 4-8th PreK, 4-8th PreK-8th special needs

Montessori/Preschools/Kindergarten All Saints Episcopal Day School Children’s Center of Austin Copernicus Academy Country Home Learning Center Extend-A-Care For Kids Froggin Learning Center Ivy International School Kiddie Academy of Pflugerville Kiddie Academy of Cedar Park Rainbow Station Spicewood Country School Stepping Stone Schools

209 W. 27th St., Austin www.allsaintseds.org 512-472-8866 6507 Jester Rd. Bldg. 2, Austin www.childrenscenterofaustin.com 512-795-8300 8100 Bee Caves Rd., Austin 512-329-6633 4308 N. Quinlan Park Rd., Austin 512-266-6130 4605 N. IH 35, Austin www.copernicusacademy.com 512-904-9511 1310 US Hwy 183 North, Austin www.countryhomelearningcenter.com 512-331-1442 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 77 area campuses www.eackids.org 512-472-9402 Corner of 360 and 2222, Austin www.frogginlearning.com 512-345-3764 9511 FM 620, Austin www.ivyinternationalschool.com 512-501-0620 2617 Kelly Ln., Pflugerville www.kiddieacademy.com/pflugerville 512-270-9988 1602 Medical Pkwy., Cedar Park www.kiddieacademy.com/austin 512-920-3028 11651 W. Parmer Ln., Cedar Park www.rainbowstationaustin.org 512-260-9700 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin www.spicewoodcountry.com 512-346-2992 Locations throughout Austin Metro www.steppingstoneschool.com 512-459-0258

3-K Inf-PreK 18 mos-PreK Inf-13yrs Inf- PreK AfterSch 1-10yrs Pres-K 6wks-12yrs 6 wks-12 yrs Inf-12yrs Inf-K Inf-K

Licensed Home Daycare Dragonfly Forest

Cedar Park

www.thedragonflyforest.net

512-293-3560

3-5yrs

Resources Brain Balance 3267 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 118, Austin www.brainbalancecenters.com 512-328-7771 Behavioral issues EduCenter by Nets 1900 Cypress Creek, Ste. 101, Cedar Park www.educenter4me.com 512-996-9260 SpeTutoring, entrepreneurship, specialized therapy Extra Credit 8820 Business Park #300, Austin www.extracreditaustin.com 512-689-0236 Medical and educational occupation therapy Sylvan Learning Centers Six Austin metro area locations www.sylvan.com See ad on page 1 Tutoring

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THE

HOMEWORK REPORT Are Kids Getting Too Much Homework, and What Are Some Schools Doing About It? s and ller classe offer sma ss SA E re A st e e lik th Schools reduce ework to m o h d e limit r encounte students

by Jeannie Ralston

Julie S. was always happy to see her sons after school, but up until a few months ago she used to also feel some dread. That’s when the homework battles began. Her oldest—a freshman at a public high school in a suburb west of Austin—would immediately shut himself up in his room. He was having trouble keeping up with the homework load, which could sometimes run three hours a night. To get him out of his room and into his studies, Julie had to cajole, beg and yell. It left her— and the whole family—exhausted. “I didn’t want to shout at him at the end of the day. It set the tone for the rest of the evening,” she says. She began to worry that her son was depressed. “He didn’t have any down time,” she says. But this past January, Julie found relief at a small private school, AESA Prep Academy in southwest Austin, which is designed to assign less homework and give students time for other afterschool pursuits. She says the transformation in her son and her entire household has been dramatic. “He’s not rushing to his room any more. He joins in with the family,” she says.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Studies have come to varying conclusions about the value of homework, but many Austin educators, acknowledging that more homework does not necessarily mean that students are getting a better education, are trying to manage the assigned study load. The National PTA recommends keeping homework to 10 minutes per grade level per night (which would translate to 120 minutes, or 2 hours, for 12th graders). Austin ISD does not use a formula for determining appropriate amounts of homework; instead, it’s up to campus principals in collaboration with teachers to determine amounts of homework that “reflect what that campus values,” says Pauline Dow, AISD chief academic officer.

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Dow does say, however, that in early elementary grades, students are often asked to read with parents for 15 to 20 minutes and maybe do a simple math assignment. “Daily homework at an early age gets them into the routine of reviewing what they’ve learned,” says Dow. But as students get into middle and high school, loads can grow to three, four, even five hours a night, according to Austin parents. One mother says her high school senior has pulled an all-nighter at least once to meet all the demands. Many parents say they don’t have family dinners together on weekdays, or hardly see their kids Monday through Thursday evenings. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Education found that all this homework was having

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negative impacts on students’ health—sleep deprivation, headaches, exhaustion, weight loss and stomach problems. “Our findings…suggest that researchers, practitioners, students and parents unpack why the default practice of assigning heavy homework loads exists, in the face of evidence of its negative effects,” say the co-authors.

NEW APPROACHES “Can you imagine in our own lives if we worked an eight hour day and then we had to come home and work three to four more?” says a mother whose three daughters are in 7th to 10th grades in Eanes School District. “We’d go crazy. This cannot be good for kids.” Barbara Garza came to the same conclusion when her twin sons were in 6th grade at one of Austin’s elite private schools, where she served as a high school dean. They were playing high-level tennis and their lives were out of balance, she says, with little time to be together as a family. She started AESA Prep Academy in 2009 (AESA stands loosely for Academic Excellence for Scholars, Athletes and Artists) with the theory that a school can be academically rigorous without grueling homework loads. The trick, she says, is to stay small; class size at AESA ranges from three to eight students. “Our teachers have time to have many meaningful exchanges with every student to make sure they are all mastering the material,” says Garza, who instructs teachers to keep homework assignments to no more than four hours a week for juniors and seniors. No homework is assigned for grades two through seven, except for studying for a test or working on a special project, such as science fair. Other Austin institutions are trying new approaches to homework, as well. St. Andrew’s School, a private institution for grades 1 through 12, used to tell parents how much time they could expect their kids to be doing homework, but Kama Bruce, head of the lower school, says administrators have stopped giving out such guidelines because they found teachers felt they had to fill that time. Now, teachers are asked to make sure what they’re assigning will enhance what students have learned in class. “To do more work is a big ask after eight hours at school,” says Bruce.

TIME MANAGEMENT St. Andrew’s also tries to assign homework that isn’t due the very next day, but more in the medium future—either four to seven days out. This means students can choose times to get the work done that fit into their schedule, which helps develop time management skills, Bruce says.

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At St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, another private institution for grades 6 through 12, parents are told that their high school students can expect a maximum of 45 minutes of homework per class per night—which is the length of an average class period. However, Kim Garey, academic dean, emphasizes that teachers do not give the maximum assignment every night. She also notes that students have free time during the day to accomplish much of their studies. “Teachers have constant conversations about why we’re giving assignments, how it will help the students,” says Garey. “The goal is not to overwhelm them.” Indeed, Garey reports that the homework load at St. Stephen’s is actually less than it was 20 years ago.

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homework at aus

KILL AND DRILL

Parents also grumble about homework that doesn’t seem relevant or is mindless (known as “kill and drill” work in educating circles) or feels like a substitute for learning in class. Most educators believe homework should reinforce or deepen lessons learned or prepare students for topics to be discussed in upcoming classes—especially in the case of reading literature for English class.

One frequent complaint about homework is that projects often come due at the same time. “Some nights we get nailed with a mountain of it; other nights it can be light,” says a mother of three children in grades 6 through 12. “It’s hard to plan.”

The big concern shared by parents and educators is that instead of fostering a love of learning, excessive homework can turn students off. “You cannot fabricate motivation and creativity but you can nurture it, and if you’re not careful you can destroy it,” says Bruce of St. Andrew’s.

St. Stephen’s has addressed this issue by making a master Google calendar with upcoming assignments available online. The rule is that if a teacher is adding a third project or test for that grade level, students can reschedule the due date.

Finding that line between helping and hurting is the challenge all schools face today. af

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Jeannie Ralston lives in Austin and is a mother of two. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic, Real Simple and Texas Monthly.

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BY DR. THERESA WILLIS

Is Your Family Medicine Cabinet Up to Date?

ith summer winding down and a new school year starting up, it’s a great time to look through the family medicine cabinet and make sure you are prepared. Here are a few of the questions I get asked frequently about over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Are store brands okay?

The FDA regulates OTC medication, and all medications are required to list ingredients on their label. Check labels to compare. For example, the brand name allergy medication Claritin is the drug loratadine, and the generic version is the exact same medication. It is safe and generally less expensive to purchase generic versions of most brand name medications. Flavorings and forms may differ though, so if your child tolerates chewable tablets but hates liquids, it may be worth the expense to pay for the brand name tablets.

Should I treat a fever?

Fevers do not necessarily have to be treated. If your child’s temperature is around 100 to 102 degrees F and she is acting well, eating and drinking and not overly fussy or uncomfortable, it is perfectly okay to just watch her. Dress your child lightly for comfort. Avoid cold baths, which may cause your child to shiver or become more uncomfortable. If the fever is causing discomfort, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are perfectly good choices to treat fever. If your child is having severe belly pain, headache, vomiting or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to put a call in to your doctor.

Q 32

What can I give for cold or flu symptoms? Treat the fever, if needed. For coughs and sore throat, a teaspoon of dark honey mixed with a

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teaspoon of lemon juice is an effective home remedy for children over the age of 1. Warm saltwater gargles are also helpful for a sore throat in older kids. Most OTC medications have minimal effectiveness for cold and flu symptoms. If you feel you need to give your older child a cold medication, stick with single ingredient preparations, so that you don’t need to worry about duplicating or overdosing medications.

What if my child has an allergic reaction?

What about minor injuries, cuts and scrapes?

Benadryl in oral form is important to have around for milder allergic reactions to food, insect bites or exposure to irritating plants. Topical preparations of Benadryl or hydrocortisone can also help. If your child has had a serious reaction to a food or insect bite or sting, talk to your doctor. You may need to have injectable epinephrine, such as Epi-pen or Auvi-Q, available. A serious allergic reaction includes symptoms such as cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, swelling of the face or tongue and difficulty swallowing. Never hesitate to call 911 for a child who is having these severe symptoms.

For a minor injury like a twisted ankle or bruised knee, you can apply an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; wrap the pack in a towel. Elevate the affected limb. If your child will not bear

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weight or has a significant limp, get it checked out. Cuts and scrapes should be cleaned with warm water and soap. A product called Wound Wash, which is sterile water solution in a spray can, is great for cleaning out minor road rash and dirty abrasions. After cleaning, apply a topical antibiotic and lightly cover the area with a bandage.

OTC

Most OTC medications have minimal effectiveness for cold and flu symptoms. If you feel you need to give your older child a cold medication, stick with single ingredient preparations, so that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to worry about duplicating or overdosing medications.

What do I do with expired medications?

Check your medication expiration dates. The date is often printed directly on the packaging. If the medication is expired, dispose of it safely. Visit disposemymeds.org to find local pharmacies that can dispose of prescription medications safely. af Dr. Theresa Willis is a board certified pediatric physician practicing in Austin.

Your Family Medicine Cabinet

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, for fever reduction and pain relief (Note: Do not give aspirin to children under age 12. It has been linked to Reye Syndrome, a rare disorder that affects the brain and liver, and can be fatal.)

Adhesive tape Allergy eye drops Antibacterial ointment, for minor cuts and burns Antifungal cream, for diaper rash Bandages in a variety of sizes Benadryl, for allergic reactions Calamine lotion, for minor skin irritations Cotton balls and swabs Disinfectant and alcohol wipes, for minor cuts and scrapes Dosage spoon or cups Gauze pads in a variety of sizes Hydrocortisone cream, for insect bites and stings Insect repellent Nasal aspirator bulb Petroleum jelly, for minor burns and abrasions Soap, for disinfecting cuts Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher; do not use on infants under 6 months old)

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BY RICHARD SINGLETON

I’m prone to star t this little ditty with a lilting sob story about how I used to walk to school three miles, both ways…in the snow…up hill. But I rode the bus. I did walk several hundred feet on a slight incline of sand and pea gravel, though. Hard times. I guess it was my matriculation through the Piney Woods Preschool Academy

that prepared me for that intrepid walk up the driveway and onto the bus. Oh, and by Piney Woods Preschool Academy? I mean that I grew up in the piney woods of East Texas. Where there was no preschool academy, only piney woods. Consequently, my preschool was a medley of backyard adventures, playing in the once-a-year snow, getting run over by my bicycling friend, cracking his skull open with a toy gun (the gun thing may have come before the drive-by cycling event), taking a claw hammer to my toy-train rocker, playing electronic football with my best buddy and a sometimes adventure with a mysterious imaginary friend.

Leave it to the generation of broadband internet ser vice, smar t phones and skinny jeans to launch online preschool.

All this is to say that we’ve come a long way, baby…I mean, Preschooler. It probably cost my mom and dad about 97 cents to provide me with my preschool “curriculum.” Okay, $2.97. It

was a cast iron gun and a pretty hefty hammer. It was the ‘70s. You could get a new car for the price of a tank of gas in today’s dollars. Almost.

Preschool Has Come a Long Way, Baby

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These days, preschool is extortion…I mean expensive. Some would argue—and they might be right—that you get what you pay for. But some folks just can’t or won’t pay the hefty price to ensure that little Johnny isn’t crackin’ skulls out on the front lawn. Even so, there might be another option. Leave it to the generation of broadband internet service, smart phones and skinny jeans to launch online preschool.

Cue the naysayers. Yes, there are some definite dangers with the online preschool approach: too little tactile learning, too much screen time and relying on inertia instead of engagement, to name a few. I tried a semester of home schooling one year. It was clear after about 30 seconds that I’d be a lot better off just building a shrine to public education and paying some much needed homage. Some folks are amazing teachers. I’m not. Some preschool parents won’t be cut out for guiding their intrepid 3 and 4 year olds through the process of online preschool. It’s okay. You can learn if you want, or you can outsource—the education, not the kids. No harm, no foul. As you might imagine, researchers recommend limited screen time, so online preschool isn’t about plopping Junior in front of an iPad and calling it good. It’s no Ron Popeil “set it and forget it” preschool rotisserie. Two main online outposts seem to be the most widely known and used purveyors: CHALK and ABC Mouse. Both serve well over 60,000 preschoolers. You’ll have to dive into their websites to see if either or neither is right for you and your little one. There could be some amazing advantages if you find a way to pull it off. If you work from home, you may never have to get out of your pajamas again. (Okay, I didn’t have room for that in the con paragraph, so it snuck in here.) But, honestly, imagine the logistics of not fighting traffic, of moving at your own pace and of saving huge amounts of money. Also, imagine that you control your child’s pace, gauge her own special context, direct her exposure to playground dueling and what and when she eats her snacks and lunch. I’m not poking fingers at traditional preschool. My son had a great one. But they are less individualized than what you can do at home. Finally, lest you think this is some whack-a-doodle idea from a columnist who got run over by one too many bikes in his own preschool years, the state of Utah has successfully implemented its own state-funded, online preschool: UPSTART. It’s had reported success and continues to grow. Obviously the jury is still out, but there might be a very bright future for parents who want to put in the hard work of guiding their children through their own preschool experience. At the very least, you have options, and for today’s busy, engaged and intelligent parents, that might be just what you need. af Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

August 2015 l austinfamily.com

August

2015 calendar

C O M P I LED BY BETTY KEMP ER

++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates

Family Events

Family Events page 36 Parenting Events page 43 Storytimes page 46

Saturday August 1 SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN ++ Show times vary by date. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $25. thelongcenter.org or 512-474‑5664.

SUMMER SATURDAYS 6 to 7 p.m. Celebration Church, 1202 Rabbit Hill Rd., Georgetown. FREE. celebrationchurchtx.com.

FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 12 to 3 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.

MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS MEMPHIS ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255.

UNTANGLED YARNERS ++ 12 to 2 p.m. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑323‑5123.

BIG MEGA WORKOUT: AGES 12+ 9 to 10 a.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org or 512‑457‑5100.

HAIRSPRAY ++ 7:30 p.m. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr. FREE. zilker.org or 512‑974‑4002.

FREE FIRST SUNDAY 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512‑478‑2335.

REFLECTIONS ++ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress. $12 Adults, $8 Youth. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.

FLYING THEATER MACHINE PRESENTS DINOS! ++ 2 to 3 p.m. The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave. $5 (free for babies). hideouttheatre.com or 512‑443‑3688.

AUSTIN PET EXPO ++ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinpetexpo.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE DOMAIN ++ 2 to 5 p.m. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. FREE. m.simon.com.

FRANK REAUGH: LANDSCAPES OF TEXAS AND THE AMERICAN WEST ++ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10 to 7, Thursdays; noon to 5 Saturdays and Sundays. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. FREE. hrc.utexas.edu. GRAPE UP! FULL INCLUSION EVENT AGES 2-8 ++ 10 a.m. Pease Elementary School Playground, 1106 Rio Grande St. FREE. johnson-center.org. NATURE PLAY HOUR ++ 10 to 11 a.m. Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. WESTCAVE PRESERVE PUBLIC TOUR ++ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., Round Mountain. $10 adult. GIANT CHESS ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe. FREE. giantchess.org. LEGO LAB 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. LIVE MUSIC AT THE DOMAIN ++ 2 to 9 p.m. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. FREE. m.simon.com.

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AUSTIN SYMPHONY CONCERT IN THE PARK ++ 7:30 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. austinsymphony.org.

Deep Eddy Movie Night, August 1 DEEP EDDY MOVIE NIGHT: TOY STORY 8:45 p.m. Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave. Included in pool admission. austintexas.gov or 512‑472‑8546.

Sunday August 2 FRIENDSHIP DAY PUBLIC ART TOUR: NYC IN ATX 10 to 11 a.m. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. FREE. landmarks.utexas.edu. AUSTIN PET EXPO 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinpetexpo.com.

Monday August 3 CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Memphis see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1. SUMMER MOVIES ++ 10 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Southwest Theater, 13729 Research Blvd. $1. southwesttheaters.com. CHESS CLUB ++ 6 to 7 p.m. Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7372. CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Memphis see Saturday 1.

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Tuesday August 4 SUMMER KIDS CAMP ++ 10 a.m. Moviehouse and Eatery, 8300 North FM 620. FREE. themoviehouse.com.Trailer Food Tuesdays 5 to 9 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. trailerfoodtuesdays.com. CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Memphis see Saturday 1; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1.

Wednesday August 5 WORK LAB AT THE BLANTON ++ 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE with admission. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482. HIGH NOON TALKS 12 to 1 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. DEEPER DIVES ++ 1 to 2:30 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE with admission. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482.

Blues on the Green, August 6 and 12 ARTS AND CRAFTS 6 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188.

BLUES ON THE GREEN ++ 8 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com.

NIGHT CRAFTERS 6 to 8:30 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8700.

CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1.

MOVIES AND POPCORN ++ 7 p.m. Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Rd. FREE. covenantaustin.org. WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONTRA DANCING ++ 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512‑453‑4225.

Thursday August 6 FIRST THURSDAY: CONGRESS AVE. All day. South Congress Ave. FREE. firstthursday.info.

Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than $15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com

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CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1.

Friday August 7 LIVE MUSIC AT THE DOMAIN ++ 6 to 9 p.m. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. FREE. m.simon.com.

Live Music at the Domain FISH GALLERY KIDS ++ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fish Gallery Kids, 6500 N. Lamar Blvd. FREE. thefishgallerykids.com. UPCYCLE THIS! 6 to 8 p.m. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7460. SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT ++ 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos. FREE. smpaa.us/events/summerinthepark. UNPLUGGED AT THE GROVE ++ 8 p.m. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512‑474‑9991.

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MUSIC IN THE PARK: TEEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. tx-pflugerville2. civicplus.com. VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS ++ 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 East 41st St. Adults $5. METZ MOVIES UNDER THE STARS ++ 8 p.m. Metz Rec Center, 2704 Canterbury St. FREE. austintexas.gov. CONTINUING: Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

Saturday August 8 BRIGHT LEAF HIKES 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512‑459‑7269. MARKET DAYS ON THE SQUARE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com. PINE STREET MARKET DAYS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pine Street, Bastrop. FREE. bastroptexas.net or 512‑303‑6233. GRAPE UP! FREE FULL INCLUSION EVENT AGES 2-8 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pease Elementary Playground, 1106 Rio Grande St. FREE. johnson-center.org. HANDS-ON-HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin St., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670. ICE CREAM FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. $10 at the gate. WHAT’S THE STORY, STEVE? ++ 10 to 11 a.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd. Pay what you wish. moveyourtale.com.

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DUCK DERBY 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Austin AmericanStatesman, 305 S. Congress Ave. FREE. austinduckderby.com. SECOND SATURDAYS ARE FOR FAMILIES 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th. $10 per family or $5 for members. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512‑458‑8191. SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP 12 and 2 p.m. Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8820. LEGO LAB ++ 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. SUMMER SATURDAYS 1 to 5 p.m. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St. $5. frenchlegationmuseum. com or 512‑471‑8180. SUMMER FREE FAMILY SERIES: SONG OF THE SEA 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.

Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Saturday 1; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1.

Sunday August 9 CHATTERKIDS LIVE CITY-WIDE PLAY DATE 12 to 8 p.m. Locations vary. chatterhood.com. UNTANGLED YARNERS 12 to 2 p.m. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov/ recycled-reads or 512‑323‑5123. SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH STACI GRAY 3 to 4:45 p.m. Baby Earth, 106 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. babyearth.com. CONTINUING: Austin Symphony Concert in the Park see Sunday 2; Flying Theater Machine see Sunday 2; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Sunday 2; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1.

Austin Ice Cream Festival, August 8 BIG BAND BASH 8 to 10 p.m. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Rd., Lakeway. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov. CONTINUING: Summer Movies see Monday 3; Chess Club see Monday 3; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1.

Tuesday August 11

MOVIES IN THE PARK: MALEFICENT 8 p.m. Katherine Fleischer Park, 2106 Klattenhoff Dr. FREE. wellsbranchmud.com.

Monday August 10

CONTINUING: Grape Up! see Saturday 1; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see

CRAFTERNOON 2 p.m. Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑1010.

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FAMILY ACTIVITY NIGHT: PUZZLES AND GAMES 6:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.

August 2015 l austinfamily.com

CONTINUING: Blues on the Green see Wednesday 5; Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Movies and Popcorn see Wednesday 5; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs see Tuesday 11; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

Thursday August 13

Circus Chickendog, August 15-23 AMY’S ICE CREAM TRICK OLYMPICS 7 p.m. Amy’s Ice Cream at the Grove, 9600 IH35 Frontage Rd. FREE. amysicecreams.com. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS COLORADO SPRINGS ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Kids Camp see Tuesday 4; Summer Movies see Monday 3.

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Wednesday August 12 ARTS AND CRAFTS ++ 6 to 7 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. SOUND AND CINEMA: THE NEVERENDING STORY 7 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org.

ART LAB FOR THE LITTLES 11 a.m. Terrazas Branch, 1105 S. Fifth St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑3625. SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK: GEORGETOWN 8:45 p.m. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. FREE. parks. georgetown.org. CONTINUING: Fish Gallery Kids see Thursday 6; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs see Tuesday 11; Summer in the Park Concert see Thursday 6; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6.

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Friday August 14 MOVIES AT THE LAKE: ET 9 p.m. Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Rd., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com. CONTINUING: Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Friday 7; Metz Movies Under the Stars see Friday 7; Reflections see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs see Tuesday 11; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Village International Folk Dancers see Friday 7; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

see Sunday 2; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Sunday 2; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Untangled Yarners see Sunday 2; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1.

Monday August 17 ALAMO KIDS CAMP: THE PARENT TRAP 10 a.m. Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N. US Hwy. 183. $1 to $3. drafthouse.com. CONTINUING: Summer Movies see Monday 3; Chess Club see Monday 3; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1.

Saturday August 15 ASSUMPTION DAY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinisd.org/bash. CIRCUS CHICKENDOG ++ 2 and 3:30 p.m. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $12. chickendog. net or 512‑974‑4000. CONTINUING: Grape Up! see Saturday 1; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Hairspray see Saturday 1; Lego Lab see Saturday 8; Live Music at the Domain see Saturday 1; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Stock Austin see Saturday 1; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1; What’s the Story, Steve? see Saturday 8.

Sunday August 16 FAMILY YOGA IN THE PARK 11 a.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. austinparks.org or 512‑477‑1566. CONTINUING: Circus Chickendog see Saturday 15; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Austin Symphony Concert in the Park see Sunday 2; Flying Theater Machine

Tuesday August 18 CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Kids Camp see Tuesday 4; Summer Movies see Monday 3.

Wednesday August 19 NATIONAL AVIATION DAY TODDLER ENRICHMENT MEETING 10 a.m. Brentwood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco. FREE. texaslll.org. MOVIE NIGHT 7 p.m. Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Rd. FREE. covenantaustin.org. CONTINUING: Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 12; Deeper Dives Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

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August 2015 l austinfamily.com

CONTINUING: Circus Chickendog see Saturday 15; Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Friday 7; Reflections see Saturday 1; Village International Folk Dancers see Friday 7; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

of three healthy, nonperishable food items or suggested $5 cash donation to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas). austinchronicle.com.

Austin Arts Block Party Saturday August 22 at the Long Center YOGA IN THE PARK August 23 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stacy Park, 1400 Alameda

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS SALT LAKE ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255.

Dr. FREE. austinparks.org or 512‑477‑1566.

Thursday August 20 BLANTON’S THIRD THURSDAY 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482. CONTINUING: Fish Gallery Kids see Thursday 6; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Summer Movies see Monday 3; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6.

Friday August 21 MUSIC IN THE PARK 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. tx-pflugerville2. civicplus.com.

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SUMMER FREE FAMILY SERIES: NOCTURNA 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. CONTINUING: Circus Chickendog see Saturday 15; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 15; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Grape Up! see Saturday 1; Lego Lab see Saturday 8; Live Music at the Domain see Saturday 1; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 1; Reflections see Saturday 1; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1; What’s the Story, Steve? see Saturday 8.

Sunday August 23

AUSTIN ARTS BLOCK PARTY 1 to 6 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org or 512‑457‑5115.

CONTINUING: Austin Symphony Concert in the Park see Sunday 2; Circus Chickendog see Saturday 15; Flying Theater Machine see Sunday 2; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Sunday 2; Reflections see Saturday 1; Untangled Yarners see Sunday 2; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1.

Monday August 24 CONTINUING: Chess Club see Monday 3; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Salt Lake see Sunday 23.

HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2100 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE (with donation

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Tuesday August 25

Monday August 31

CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Salt Lake see Sunday 23; Summer Kids Camp see Tuesday 4.

NIGHT CRAFTERS 6 to 7:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library.austintexas. gov or 512‑974‑7400.

Wednesday August 26

CONTINUING: Chess Club see Monday 3; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1.

WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY CULTURE NIGHTS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 12; Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Salt Lake see Sunday 23; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

Thursday August 27 ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS LAS VEGAS ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6.

Friday August 28 CONTINUING: Deeper Dives see Wednesday 5; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Friday 7; Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Thursday 27; Work Lab at the Blanton see Wednesday 5.

Saturday August 29 CONTINUING: Grape Up! see Saturday 1; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Lego Lab see Saturday 8; Live Music at the Domain see Saturday 1; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Thursday 27; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1; What’s the Story, Steve? see Saturday 8.

Parenting Events Saturday August 1

LITTLE TEXAS HOMESCHOOLERS 10:30 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org. NURTURING PARENTING ++ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3.

Wednesday August 5 LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10 a.m. Austin Library North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. texaslll.org.

CRIANZA CON CARIÑO – CLASES DE PADRES ++ 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. PARENTING CLASS 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454‑3743.

GO TO WWW.AUSTINFAMILY.COM FOR WEEKLY PRIZES

Monday August 3 SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP 11 a.m. Plaza Level Park, 111 Congress Avenue. FREE. Internationalautismministry.com or 737‑247‑8142. CRIANZA CON CARIÑO – CLASES DE PADRES ++ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.

Tuesday August 4 LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10 a.m. Christ’s Workshop, 212 E. Monroe. FREE. texaslll.org.

Sunday August 30 CONTINUING: Flying Theater Machine see Sunday 2; Frank Reaugh: Landscapes see Saturday 1; Live Music at the Domain see Sunday 2; Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Thursday 27; Untangled Yarners see Sunday 2; Westcave Preserve Public Tour see Saturday 1.

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Thursday August 6 CRIANZA CON CARIÑO – CLASES DE PADRES ++ 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. POSTPARTUM SUPPORT GROUP 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 7 p.m. North Austin Medical Center, Room 2B, 12221 N. Mopac. FREE. texaslll.org. CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3; Nurturing Parenting see Tuesday 4.

CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Saturday 1; Nurturing Parenting see Saturday 1.

Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512 864 3008.

Monday August 10

LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10:15 a.m. Will Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. texaslll.org.

PLAYDAY FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS: LET’S GO CAMPING 9:30 a.m. FREE with pre-registration. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-864-3008. CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3.

Tuesday August 11 Saturday August 8 PARENTS’ MORNING OUT 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for children with special needs, 2-5. FREE with pre-registration. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-773-1366.

CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3; Nurturing Parenting see Tuesday 4.

Wednesday August 12 TODDLER TIME 9:30 a.m. FREE with pre-registration.

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Thursday August 13 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Thursday 6; Nurturing Parenting see Thursday 6; Postpartum Support Group see Thursday 6.

Saturday August 15 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Saturday 1; Nurturing Parenting see Saturday 1.

Monday August 17 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3.

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Tuesday August 18

Thursday August 27

CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3; Nurturing Parenting see Tuesday 4.

CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Thursday 6; Nurturing Parenting see Thursday 6; Postpartum Support Group see Thursday 6.

Thursday August 20 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Thursday 6; Nurturing Parenting see Thursday 6; Postpartum Support Group see Thursday 6.

Saturday August 22 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Saturday 1; Parenting Class see Saturday 1.

Monday August 24 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3.

Tuesday August 25 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3; Nurturing Parenting see Tuesday 4.

Wednesday August 26 TODDLER TIME 9:30 a.m. FREE with pre-registration. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject. org or 512-864-3008.

Saturday August 29 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Saturday 1; Parenting Class see Saturday 1.

Monday August 31 CONTINUING: Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres see Monday 3.

Storytimes Public library story time events listed here are free unless otherwise noted and are subject to change. Please contact before attending. Austin Public Library story times are too numerous for our calendar, but include story times for all ages. There are also dual language and Spanish story times. Visit the Austin Public Library website for information. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.

MONDAYS BABY BOOKWORMS STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. INFANT STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com.

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FAMILY STORYTIME 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. BABY BOOKWORMS STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. ALL AGES STORYTIME 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.

TUESDAYS BABY AND ME STORYTIME 9:30 a.m. Georgetown Library, 402 W. 8th St., Georgetown. library.georgetown.org. BABY AND ME STORYTIME 9:30 a.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. leander.lib.tx.us. BABY STORYTIME 10 a.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. tx-pflugerville2.civicplus.com. STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 12701 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. barnesandnoble.com or 512‑263‑7402. TODDLER STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Lakeway laketravislibrary.org. BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11 a.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. tx-pflugerville2.civicplus.com. READING DOG PROGRAM 11 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com. STORYTIME 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 2701 Parker Rd., Round Rock. barnesandnoble.com or 512‑600‑0088. STORYTIME AND CRAFT 6 and 7 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org. PAJAMA STORYTIME (AUG. 25 ONLY) 6:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.

WEDNESDAYS BABYTIME 9:30 a.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov. WOBBLES STORYTIME 9:30 a.m. Georgetown Library, 420 W. 8th St., Georgetown. library.georgetown.org.

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PRE-K STORYTIME 10 a.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. leander.lib.tx.us.

STORYTIME 10 a.m. Briarcliff Community Center, 22801 Briarcliff Dr. laketravislibrary.org.

BABY STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100, Lakeway. laketravislibrary.org.

CHILDREN’S STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Georgetown Library, 420 W. 8th St., Georgetown. library.georgetown.org.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov. TOT TIME STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com.

THURSDAYS BABYTIME 9:30 a.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov. STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUM 10 a.m. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St. frenchlegationmuseum.org or 512‑472‑8180. HOLA, HOLA! SPANISH STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com.

TODDLER STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. BOW WOW READING DOGS 12 to 1 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. ALL AGES STORYTIME 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com. STORYTIME 7 p.m. Barnes and Noble, 2701 Parker Rd., Round Rock. barnesandnoble.com or 512‑600‑0088.

SATURDAYS

INFANT STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com.

BABY BLOOMERS 9 to 11 a.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512‑469‑6200.

STORY PALS STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Georgetown Library, 420 W. 8th St., Georgetown. library.georgetown.org.

STORYTIME 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 14010 Hwy. 183. barnesandnoble.com.

KIDS CLUB 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. tx-pflugerville2. civicplus.com.

R.E.A.D. DOGS 12 to 2 p.m. Georgetown Library, 420 W. 8th St., Georgetown. library.georgetown. org or 512-931‑7716.

FRIDAYS BABY AND ME 10 a.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. leander.lib.tx.us.

CUENTACUENTOS: STORYTIME EN ESPAÑOL (AUG. 22 ONLY) 2 p.m. Barnes and Noble, 5601 Brodie Ln. barnesandnoble.com or 512‑892‑3493.

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focus on advertisement

doctors

Dr. Julio De la Fuente

Smileworks Orthodontics Dr. De la Fuente received his bachelor’s degree in biology from UTSA as part of the 3+4 program (3 years of college plus 4 years of dental school). He completed this exclusive and challenging program at the top of his class. Dr. De la Fuente is also a graduate of the orthodontic residency program at UTHSCSA. See ad on page 11

Dr. Linda Lopez

ADC Circle C Dr. Lopez is from the Rio Grande Valley. She received her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. She completed her internship and residency at University of Texas Southwestern in Austin. Dr. Lopez speaks conversational Spanish and enjoys preventative, developmental and general pediatrics. See ad on page 11

Dr. Rachel Montgomery

Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was spent at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 33

Dr. Marty Montgomery

Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Marty Montgomery comes from a family where all the children were drawn to dental careers early in life. A graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Marty attended Tufts Dental School in Boston. He completed his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in pediatrics. See ad on page 33

Dr. Betty Richardson

Dr. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, and a PhD in psych/mental health nursing. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. See ad on page 45

Dr. Theresa Willis

ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 11

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PIENSA POSITIVO El Poder de la Lengua

Sin importar la fuerza corporal, la parte de nuestro cuerpo que tiene la fuerza suficiente para destruir o construir la armonia de nuestro ambiente es nuestra lengua. Palabras tienen el poder de herir a otro cuando estas salen de la boca con una mala intencion. Recuerda que somos co-creadores de nuestro entorno. Para comunicar con fuerza y construir ten encuenta tres aspectos: el tono de tu voz, tu lenguaje corporal, pero sobretodo tu intencion. Si tu intencion es negativa es mas que seguro que el receptor no reaccionara positivamente. Pero si tu intencion es buena y genuine, sera suficiente para que impactes de una manera constructiva. Ponlo en practica y veras. Piensa Positivo.

The Power of Your Tongue Without considering physical strength, the part of your body that has the strength to destroy or create harmony in your environment is your tongue. Words can destroy or harm others when spoken with a bad intention. We are creators of our own environment. To communicate with strength and make a positive impact, consider the following three aspects: the tone of your voice, your body language and above all, the real intention of your message. If your intention is negative, it is more likely that the receptor will not react positively to your comment. On the other hand, if your intention is positive and authentic, it will impact in a constructive way. Put it in practice and you will see. Think Positive.

by Leslie Montoya, host of Despierta Austin

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KID ONE Staycation Adventures From travel costs to work obligations, lots of factors prevent us from leaving town for a traditional vacation…but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time right at home. Why not plan a staycation? It’s more than just free time at home; it’s an intentional stretch of fun and relaxation for the whole family. IT’S A TREASURE: Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt. Geo means earth and cache means hidden item. Geocaches range from small (like a film canister) to large (like a metal lunch box) and usually hold a log book and tradable items. Find them just down the street or in remote wilderness areas. Our state parks offer a Geocaching Challenge. All you need is a GPS unit or a downloadable smart phone app. GLOBETROTTER: Take a virtual tour. Several amazing museums offer “virtual” sneak peeks, like the Smithsonian, the children’s museums in Indianapolis, Boston or Miami, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Visit Paris for a day: explore the Louvre, enjoy croissants, read a Madeline story and watch “The Red Balloon.” NATURE CALLS: Most state parks offer family friendly activities. This August, you can become a Junior Ranger at McKinney Falls. Complete the activity book and earn your official badge! At Buescher, learn the basics of fishing. IN MY OWN YARD: Enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard. Set up a tent and sleeping bags, cook s’mores and take turns telling ghost stories. Download the Night Sky app to identify stars, planets and even satellites. UNDER THE STARS: Find a portable telescope or binoculars, or use your own eyes to enjoy the summer sky. On Fridays and Saturdays through mid-August, the UT Department of Astronomy hosts free viewings on the Painter Hall Telescope. Or take a drive to the Hill Country State Natural Area. af The YMCA afterschool program is the ideal out-of-schooltime opportunity for your child to grow academically, emotionally and physically. Y Afterschool offers a constructive balance of counselor-led activities and free time for child exploration. Curriculum is aligned with TEKS standards and includes daily enrichment activities. YMCA of Austin provides CATCH physical activity curriculum, time for homework, a nutritious daily snack and outside playground time. To register, visit AustinYMCA.org or call 512-236-9622.

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just for by Carrie Taylor

grins

Keep Calm or Run Away Someone help me someone help me SOMEONE HELP ME, was my internal monologue during my first experience with vacation Bible school. Surrounded by children. Small ones, who kept hugging me. For context: I have a one-year-old baby who is perfectly content with chewing on his shoe for an hour, so to say I was out of my element is a gross understatement.

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I had never seen so many terrifying energetic 4 to 5 year olds in one space. I felt like a pioneer studying an alien culture. It was fun, I have to say, until I saw It. The Meltdown. Honestly, it should be documented in child-rearing textbooks, and I can write it, as the scene will forever be etched into my memory, next to the equally scarring entry of my sister giving birth. I didn’t know if either of us was going to survive, truth be told. Her dilated pupils, her half-undone ponytail. Her hands flailing and feet kicking. Her screams echoed in the hallways, and the running of workers’ feet to her room matched the frantic beating of my heart. Oh. Sweet. Baby. JESUS. WHAT IS HAPPENING?! I had stopped mid-sentence in a conversation with a fellow-volunteer, who happens to be a kindergarten teacher, to stare, and I literally felt like I was going to pass out. I looked to my friend’s face in search for

a similar reaction, but instead saw she had moved on and was searching for a misplaced Dr Pepper. Actually, no one in my immediate proximity seemed remotely phased by the torture screams. What is wrong with these people…I thought to myself as I watched the mother arrive at last to scoop up the dry-heaving child, narrowly missing an assault of projectile vomit. It was my first encounter with the meltings of a 4 year old, and it was of epic proportions. It is to you, pre-school and kindergarten teachers, that I salute. It is to you, parents of any child ever capable of making noise and older than 1 year old, I tip my hat. One day you will all have to sit me down and explain how you produce Zenlike patience in the face of screams and bodily fluids. af Carrie Taylor is a native Texan and mother of one.

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