Bear Essential News Sept 2021, Phoenix Edition by Bear Essential News

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September 2021 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

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FAMILIES

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FEATURE

NEWS

Con n ected Kids

Exit from Afghanistan A Special 9/11 F lag Find a Field Trip 3 rd-G ra ders!

Looking at kids’ online activity Pages 12 & 13

Spotlight on Toys to Treasure News Highlights page 5

NEWS & more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 8, 14 & 22

in Bear’s helpful guide Pages 17 thru 21

Valley Metro art contest form & details on Page 6

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arly Mahlmeister teaches third grade at San Carlos Elementary in Chandler. She has also taught first and second grades, but she says she really loves teaching third grade. Third graders have “a level of independence that I enjoy,” explains Mahlmeister. She notes that these older students can be called on to lead activities and can read instructions on their own. Student Brianna notes that her teacher is funny, patient, understanding and kind. Brianna nominated Mahlmeister to be Teacher of the Month. Mahlmeister is proud to have been born and raised in Arizona. She graduated from ASU and has been teaching since 2003. Before she moved to Chandler, Mahlmeister taught in Tempe. She earned her master’s degree in elementary education in 2008. When she was a student, Mahlmeister says her favorite subject was math. “I loved math, that was always my favorite,” she says. She also loved to write even though she did not consider herself a great writer. Now, she enjoys teaching reading and writing. Move On When Reading

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2 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

means the subject is especially important for thirdgraders, and Mahlmeister says she strives to make her students the best writers they can be. In her leisure time, Mahlmeister enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and two sons. “We like to go camping in the Mogollon Rim,” she says. “In winter, we do desert camping near Picacho Peak and in Pinal County.” Mahlmeister also enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She says she has always enjoyed being around kids, whether at family gatherings or when working as a babysitter. As a teen she worked in a senior RV park, and she says that the experience helped her decide that she would rather work with kids in her future career. An early moment in the spotlight came when she was 4 years old. Mahlmeister modeled some clothing for a community event. She says she doesn’t remember it, though, but it is in her scrapbook. “My best advice is: you can always learn. There’s always something to be learned,” says Mahlmeister. On her school webpage, Mahlmeister writes: “I believe every child is capable of learning and I strive to make that a possibility.”

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Making Connections With Math! This month let’s make connections with math. As most students return to in-person learning, they may be worried about “rusty” math skills. And possibly you’re a bit worried about helping with “today’s” math. I’ve discovered some fun books for older children 3rd–8th that introduce geometry in a novel way. I was so interested in how children might react that I invited my 12-year-old friend, Jesse Gray from Cross Middle School, to review the book. Together we read and enjoyed the book. After reading the book, “Sir Cumference and the First Round Table” by Cindy Neuschwander, I asked Jesse for his feedback. He especially liked the characters and the illustrations that were colorful, fun and provided helpful clues. The story was interesting because there were numerous problems to solve. When Jesse’s mom picked him up, she laughed and said she had just purchased a protractor for school. This book is one of several that “teach” geometry concepts but many others cover additonal math topics. Check them out. If your child is younger, a great way to help them is to use stencils or cardboard shapes. Children always seem to enjoy tracing and coloring shapes and in a short time will be able to begin naming shapes as well as recognizing the written words. Going a bit further, if you cut a handful of various shapes, your children will enjoy creating patterns and designs including stars and ﬂowers.

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News Highlights

Toys to Treasure and Trade!

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Nearly two decades after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, the Taliban regained control last month of most of the country as the U.S. began to withdraw. After President Joe Biden announced the total withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan earlier this year, the military began departing on May 1. In early July, the U.S. EVACUATED Bagram Airfield, the largest military installation in Afghanistan. Shortly after that, Biden moved up the deadline to have the troops out by Aug. 31. The Afghan military quickly lost ground against the Taliban, and the U.S. Embassy in Kabul was evacuated as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled his own country on Aug. 15. The images and stories that followed elicited sadness and anger around the world as U.S. citizens and many Afghan citizens who helped the U.S. military over the last two decades struggled to flee the country. Thousands of people were hurriedly evacuated by plane from the Kabul airport. Tragically, 13 U.S. military members and 169 Afghan civilians died in two bombings just outside the airport on Aug. 26. The U.S. military presence in Afghanistan dates back to 2001. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush sent U.S. troops to Afghanistan to seek out the terrorists who planned the attacks and the Taliban members who aided them. At the peak of the U.S. presence, there were nearly 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. Then President Barack Obama announced plans for a full troop withdrawal by 2016, but

. Air Force

Many Afghans Leave As Taliban Takes Control

that did not happen. When President Donald Trump took office, he negotiated a deal with the Taliban that involved the U.S. withdrawing its troops fully by May 1 of this year. Before Trump left office, U.S. troop levels were reduced to 2,500. The Taliban first gained control of most of Afghanistan after a civil war in 1996. The Taliban were known for their repressive treatment of the Afghan people, particularly women. While the Taliban leaders have promised peace and order in resuming control of the country, there are many who have voiced concern about the future and safety of Afghan citizens.

Honoring Those Lost On 9/11 20 Years Later For anyone old enough to remember, most can tell you exactly where they were on 9/11/01 when they heard the news that a terrorist attack was unfolding in New York City. It was shortly after sunrise in Arizona when people were waking up to the news that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center (WTC). As America and the world stayed glued to their televisions to keep informed of what was happening, more planes were attacking. Nineteen members of the terrorist group al-Qaeda boarded four commercial airplanes, hijacking them and overtaking the cockpits. American Airlines Flight 11, carrying 76 passengers and 11 crewmembers crashed into the north tower of the WTC at 8:46 a.m., EST. At 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the south tower of the WTC. There was a total of 60 passengers and crew on that flight. At 9:37

a.m., American Airlines Flight 77, carrying 59 passengers and crew crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon. Before the fourth plane crashed, the south tower of the WTC collapsed. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, PA, at 10:03 a.m. The target for this plane is believed to have been either the White House or the Capitol. There was a total of 40 passengers and crew on this flight. Passengers on this flight overtook the terrorists, but the plane crashed killing all on board. The north tower of the WTC collapsed at 10:28 a.m. Close to 3,000 people perished in the attacks, including NYC firefighters, police officers and Port Authority officers. A previous terrorist attack at the WTC took place in 1993. A bomb exploded in the parking garage killing six people and injuring over 1,000. The WTC sustained minimal damage. One World Trade Center was built and opened in 2014 on the site where the WTC stood. There is a 9/11 Memorial & Museum on the site in honor and memory of those who perished on 9/11.

Have you ever wanted to hold onto a toy hoping that it might be worth lots of money someday? Well, you might not be wrong—collectibles have been selling at record-breaking prices recently. Last month, a factory-sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million—the most expensive video game ever sold! That record may not last long if the last year of video game sales are any indication though. Earlier this year, a sealed copy of Super Mario 64 held the title after it sold for $1.56 million. Just before that sold, the title belonged to a sealed copy of The Legend of Zelda after it sold for $870,000. Another popular collectors’ item set a record last month, this one for a sports card. Recent Record-breaking Sales for Toys: • Super Mario Bros.: $2 million • Superman comic: $3.25 million • Honus Wagner card: $6.6 million

A T206 Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $6.6 million! That title was previously held by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for $5.2 million. The Honus Wagner cards were distributed between 1909 and 1911. There are only about 60 of the Wagner cards in the world and most of them are not in great shape—not surprising considering the cards are more than a century old! Wagner was one of the earliest athletes to have ENDORSEMENT deals. He made money with his image and name selling soda, gum, gunpowder, razors and more! No collectible conversation would be complete without talking about comic books. The Man of Steel flew into fans’ hearts when he appeared as the first ever comic book superhero—in Action Comics #1 dated June 1938. At the time it was released, the comic book sold for 10 cents. When the mint-condition comic sold in an auction earlier this year, it went for a record-breaking $3.25 million! So how was an 83-year old comic still in such great shape? It was buried in a stack of old movie magazines for years and has only been sold a handful of times—last in 2018 for more than $2 million. September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 5

Valley Metro’s 2021

Cool Transit STUFF

ART CONTEST Open to all 3rd graders!

3rd Graders Need to Enter the Valley Metro Cool Transit STUFF Art Contest Now!

1. It’s free! 2. It’s fun! 3. It’s just for you! Use your imagination and show the community how Together We Go on Valley Metro! What is your most favorite place to go to in town? You can probably get there on the city bus or light rail train! Our contest is a fun way to learn about getting around on public transportation. Your art may even inspire people to try transit. Enter today for a chance to have your artwork published in the Valley Metro calendar. Each winner also receives a fantastic prize package. The 2021 Cool Transit STUFF contest ends on Friday, October 8th. It’s time to start your masterpiece and get your entry in!

Some Past Winners!

Entering contests is an outstanding achievement; it provides happiness, enjoyment, and personal satisfaction.

Please visit

valleymetro.org or call

6 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

602.253.5000

for all the latest updates.

Get the Scoop! Book Tells the Story of a 9/11 Flag by Reporter Madison Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 Recently I read the book “30,000 Stitches” written by Amanda Davis and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. The book is an amazing story about the American flag that flew over 90 West Street days after the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. The flag quickly became tattered, so it was taken down to be retired. It was stored for many years until a tornado destroyed Greensburg, Kansas. Volunteers from New York went to assist and took the flag with them. Once the flag was in Kansas, volunteers decided to repair the flag with pieces of their flags that were damaged by the storm. The patchwork version of the flag then traveled from one state to another until it visited all 50 states. As it traveled, in each state volunteers worked to restore the flag back to the original 13 stripes and 50 stars. There were all different kinds of people that helped restore the flag, including teachers, mothers, soldiers, first responders, family members of 9/11 victims and children. During the flag’s last stop in Joplin, Missouri, on Sept. 11, 2011 (10 years later), 1,067 tornado survivors stitched the flag. When the flag was done it was 30 feet wide and 20 feet tall again with 30,000 stitches and was returned to New York City.

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

Learning About President Lincoln by Reporter Briana Williams Arizona Desert Elementary

One interesting fact I learned was that one piece of the flag even came from a piece of the flag that President Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot. If you want to visit the flag

MORE STITCHES, page 8 ➧

‘Luca’ Tells a Fishy Tale of Friendship by Reporter Ysrael Hernandez, Arizona Virtual Academy Have you ever seen best friends meet for the first time? What if they were sea monsters? Most likely not. But you can if you watch the movie “Luca.” Luca Paguro lives with his mom, dad and Grandma. The family lives unseen underwater. And they’re perfectly okay with that. Except for Luca. Luca gets curious one day and finds land monster belongings. He also meets another sea monster who brings him to the forbidden surface! Luca gets curious and goes to the surface again! Alberto, his new friend, shows him how to walk. Luca and Alberto become good friends. Luca keeps sneaking off to the surface, without his parent’s permission. When Luca finds he will be sent away from home, he panics and tells Alberto. They decide to swim to the town. They keep their identities hidden so no one will know, because the people of the village kill sea monsters. Giulia, a girl from the village, befriends Luca and Alberto. Luca and Alberto end up training for a race with Giullia. “Luca” is a really good movie. It is from Disney/Pixar and it is rated PG. I think that it is heartwarming, sad and, best of all, it shows friendship between kids. I think that anyone who watches this will cry just a little.

Imagine being a self-taught lawyer. Imagine going on to be a legislator and loudly opposing slavery. Imagine then that you are elected President of the United States! Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on Feb. 12, 1809. According to history.com, Lincoln lived in a log cabin with only one room. It had only one window. Lincoln moved to southern Indiana in 1816. His formal schooling was only three short periods in schools. Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. They had four children. Only Robert, the first born, lived to adulthood. Some of Lincoln’s achievements include: • Teaching himself law and passing the bar examination in 1836. • Won the election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846. • Lincoln was President from 1861 until he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865. Some things you may not know about Lincoln, according to google.com: • Lincoln personally test-fired rifles outside the White House. • Lincoln created the Secret Service hours before his assassination. • Grave robbers attempted to steal Lincoln’s corpse. • Lincoln is enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. One of Lincoln’s famous quotes is, “Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.”

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September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 7

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Get to Know Painted Turtles by Reporter Zhanna Hernandez, Arizona Virtual Academy Have you ever seen a painted turtle? I recently read a book called “My Little Book of Painted Turtles.” The book is written by Hope Irvin Marston and illustrated by Maria Magdalena Brown. A painted turtle’s diet is plants, bugs, frogs and beetles. Their predators are minks, foxes, otters, raccoons, owls and hawks. When a painted turtle senses danger, they will quickly hide by pulling their heads, legs and tail into their shell. There are many more fascinating facts about painted turtles, but you will have to read the book yourself in order to find these facts out. This was a great book that I feel I could read over and over. There are nine books in the My Little Book series and each book introduces you to another animal in nature.

More Stitches

Continued from page 7

today, it is on display at the National 9/11 Museum. This year is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and author Amanda Davis will be hosting a book tour on social media. Visit www.amandadavisart.com for more information on the tour and book. MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

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LUNCH?

Image: shutterstock.com

chool is back in session! Some parents prefer to pack lunches for their children instead of school lunches. When we pack our lunches, we can ensure our children are getting balanced meals that include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Packing your own school lunch can have so many benefits!

Healthy & delicious ideas for lunch time!

• Pack smarter, be healthier When you pack your own lunch, you can control what you put in there which means you have more control over the health of the foods and can pick foods you actually enjoy too. By doing this you ensure that you’re choosing foods that are healthier than what might be offered at school.

• Less Temptation Don’t be tempted by going through the cafeteria line! When you pack your own lunch it’s easier to turn down the unhealthy options.

Worried about not being able to heat up your lunch at school? Here are a couple ideas for no-heat lunches!

Pizza Roll-Up Lunch Box s.com

• Cost Depending on how you shop for groceries, it can be easy to save more money when you pack your own lunch! You can pack leftovers or buy things in bulk.

Stay Informed All School Year Long!

Image : budg etbyte

• 1 small whole grain bagel, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 1 hardboiled egg, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup cucumber slices • 1 large apple, ¼ cup peanut butter, ½ cup pretzels, 4-5 celery sticks, ½ cup raisins • 1 cup tuna salad, 10-12 whole grain crackers, 4-5 celery sticks, 4-5 mini red bell peppers • 10 whole grain crackers, 2 oz sliced cheese, 2 oz salami, ¼ cup almonds or walnuts, ½ cup dried fruit, ½ cup carrots • Pizza Roll Up Lunch box. Recipe can be found here: https://www.budgetbytes.com/the-pizza-roll-up-lunch-box/

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Every month, Bear Essential News delivers fun, relevant, thought-provoking news and features. But did you know that a lot of our news is written by our energetic and aspiring Young Reporters? Students in grades 3 through 8 can become Young Reporters, and their teachers can get involved as Advisers, helping them come up with interesting story ideas and submitting their stories. Reporters cover what interests them—school happenings, community events, new movie releases, newly published books, sports or clubs they do and places they visit. Young Reporters write for Bear’s Get the Scoop! pages and have interviewed all sorts of fascinating people.

Get Writing as a Young Reporter! Kids all over Arizona write for Bear Essential News, and you can, too! The Young Reporters Program is FREE and teaches you the basics of journalism, sharpens your writing and gives you real-world experience. Your stories could appear in Bear Essential News, Arizona’s leading newspaper for young people and their families, and many are permanently posted on Bear’s website. Sign up for the FREE Young Reporters Program (for kids grades 3–8). Print out the YR sign-up form at BearEssentialNews.com (click on Young Reporters). Fill it out, have a parent sign the bottom, and mail it in. Bear will send you its awesome Young Reporters Kit!

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Send us a drawing of a UFO for a chance to be published in October’s feature on UFOs and Flight! Entry Deadline Sept. 23, 2021

! O UF

I can’t wait to see more cool UFOs!

Mail your UFO Drawing to:

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UFO Contest Name: ___________________________ Age: ____ Address: ___________________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Tel. #: _____________________________________ Parent Signature: ____________________________ 10 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

Girl Scouts Honor Traditions, While Embracing New Challenges It’s a mix of the tried and true and the brand new. Every day Girl Scouts honor beloved traditions and embrace exciting new experiences! Girl Scouts have always learned skills that they can apply in the real world, and now 28 new badges will embolden girls to navigate a changing society and build the futures they want for themselves and the world. The new Girl Scout badges focus on entrepreneurship, math in nature and digital leadership. These badges also address some of parents’ top concerns for their kids as they face an increasingly digital world, helping girls develop an entrepreneurial mindset toward technology, learn STEM skills while

exploring nature, and build confidence and safe practices online. One time-honored tradition that folks anticipate each year is the Girl Scout Cookie Program, which will take place across central and northern Arizona from Jan. 17 to Feb. 27, 2022. Fan favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas will be joined by a brand new cookie, the Adventureful! This indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel flavor and a bit of sea salt is sure to become a new favorite! Girl Scout Junior, Hope Bellefeuille, is looking forward to her adventures this year. “I am looking forward to seeing my friends and I am hoping we

Bellefeuille is re ady for

new adventures !

will get to go to surf camp together!” she says, adding, “I am really looking forward to earning my Bronze Award this year. It’s really special. It’s the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn!” Hope and the other members of Troop 3725 will be hosting a food drive, participating in holiday parades and selling Girl Scout Cookies. The troop is also “planning to build a little library for my school,” says Hope. Now is a perfect time to join Girl Scouts! Right now troops are looking to add girls for the new school year. Girl Scouts brings families together through badges and outdoor activities, special events, and product programs like the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Best of all, Girl Scouts supports your girl’s academic success, learning, dreams and goals in an all-girl safe space where she can be her true self. Are you anxious to try the new Girl Scout Cookies, Adventurefuls? Go to www. girlscoutcookies. org to sign up for notifications as soon as cookies are available in your area. If you are interested in becoming a Girl Scout, a volunteer or a troop leader, visit girlscoutsaz.org/join.

Join Girl Scouts today! Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 11

CONNECTED KIDS

Education & More Online As much as kids enjoy being connected online, did that undergo a major change when kids were forced to go online for school and to stay connected with friends and family? Of course, but kids were adaptable. During the pandemic families were forced to find the best online option for students, but many were 12 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

*Pew Research Center

ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE

looking to go back to a brick and mortar school, says Digital Elementary Principal Allison Voltaire. She works with ASU Prep Digital and says that this school year has a whole different vibe from last school year. “Families are grateful to have virtual opportunities for their children” this year because it gives them greater flexibility, Voltaire explains. She says a strength of online education is the personalization available. “We can personalize instruction so easily in a digital platform. We can make accommodations for students right from home,” she says. So too. Her tips for successa need for preferential ful online learning are for seating or extra time on students and their family assignments is easier to members to remember accommodate, she says. the camera and watch The logistics are more their surroundings. She manageable online, too, says kids are now used Voltaire says. She notes to having a camera pointImage: shutterstock.com that online school is ed at them, but others “perfect for so many students in the house sometimes because they really, truly learn at different rates, forget! and we’re able to provide that so easily online.” She advises stuAccording to Voltaire, “Young kids have adaptdents and parents to ed extremely well” to online school, but she adds “give yourself a learning that careful attention to social-emotional learning curve. Allow yourself Digital Elementary Principal is key. She says this may involve students playtime to get comfortable Allison Voltaire ing together virtually, having a cooking lesson or and explore…and learn a pet show, or going outside to look for rocks or the platform” that your school uses. clouds for a science lesson. “One thing we knew…we did not want them online for seven hours a day,” says Kids ages 5 According to the 2020 Common Sense CenVoltaire. So educators to 8 who have sus, which looked at media use by kids 8 and DEVISED ways to have their own tablet younger, in pre-pandemic times kiddos were in students get up, get or phone: front of screens about two and a half hours a moving or go outside. day. Children between 5 and 8 averaged just “We call it Sun Devil 67 percent over three hours of screen time per day. Most Learning Time and that *The Common kids spent that time watching TV or videos (73 is their independent work Sense Census percent). Gaming accounted for 16 percent of time,” she explains. 2020 young kids screen usage, and reading on an electronVoltaire says that it is ic device took just 3 percent of the time. important for kids, parents or The Common Sense Census gathered its data up caregivers to have patience—with until mid-March 2020. So while it found that kids under themselves, with each other and with teachers,

Kids Are Connected

Image: shutterstock.com

ost kids were online quite a bit before the pandemic. You may have watched a viral video, laughed at a meme or gif that your friend texted to you, played games online, or video chatted with out-of-state grandparents or cousins. A lot of kids are connected, but the last year and a half changed things in a big way. Being online went from being a convenience to becoming a necessity for kids and families. The number of older kids who said they were almost constantly online jumped from 24 percent in 2015 to 45 percent in 2018—and that was before the pandemic! According to the Pew Research Center, another 44 percent of the kids ages 13–17 surveyed in 2018 said they went online several times day—that means that roughly 90 percent of teens were constantly or regularly online! According to that Pew Report, a third of teens reported that it was easier to connect with a friend online than to attempt to see them in person—again, before Covid! And nine in 10 teens reported using their phones to pass time. The most popular social media platforms for teens are YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat, according to Pew Research. In a Statista report from March 2020, the most popular social media platforms for kids under 11 are TikTok and Snapchat, with kids ages 9 to 11 most likely to use these platforms.

Teens who say they are almost constantly online: 45 percent

Stay Safe Online! Visit these helpful sites

www.netsmartzkids.org www.webwisekids.org www.commonsensemedia.org

8 spent only 1 percent of their screen time on homework or video chatting, those activities definitely ratcheted up during the past year. The pandemic changed not just the quantity, but the quality of screen time for kids, says Kimberlee Swisher, clinical assistant professor with the ASU School of Arts, Media and Engineering. “One thing that came out of the pandemic that’s really good about kids’ screen time is that people put out all of these amazing free resources,” says Swisher. She notes artistic content like Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, author/illustrator of the Elephant and Piggie books, and Don’t Let the Pigeon… books. Swisher says that Adobe and AutoCAD also made creative tools more accessible for students, often through their schools.

them. You can make these image collages and draw 46 percent, of kids ages 2 to 4 have their own tablet or phone. Over two-thirds, 67 percent, of those 5 to on them and really craft these really visual messag8 have their own device. es,” notes Swisher. Swisher says being connected to the Swisher says digital tools can give kids new internet and having so much content ways to be creative and REFUTE the false on demand is a game changer message she believes society too often tells for kids and parents. “That kids—that they are either artists or not. Average time kind of ‘always on, any time, She feels that time spent creating content always available’ makes it or viewing along with a parent can be kids 5 to 8 spend much harder for parents to valuable, as opposed to time a kid on screen each restrict,” she says. spends alone watching videos. day: 3 hours and According to Swisher, The Common Sense Census noted 5 minutes when kids learn to make that watching online videos on sites their own media, like building like YouTube increased dramatically for *The Common a meme, it’s a way to “easily, young kids between 2017 and 2020, from Sense Census quickly and cheaply” deliver a 19 to 39 minutes a day. And that doesn’t 2020 message “into this pixel format or count time on streaming services or on gif format that can say a lot of things demand. More than a third of kids 8 and younger without words, and it’s fun, like cartoons.” watch online videos every day. Nearly half,

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly—Cyberbullying Do kids find their online experiences to be mostly good or DETRIMENTAL? Pew Research reports that 45 percent of teens say their social media use does not have a positive or negative effect on them—31 percent claim it is mostly positive and only 24 percent say it is mostly negative. To keep things positive, kids and parents should take steps to prevent cyberbullying. This form of harassment can include hurtful texts or emails, or posts of embarassing images or unkind comments. To find tips to combat cyberbullying, and to read other internet safety advice, visit:

Does Making Media Make Kids Savvy? Does using digital tools and being comfortable online make kids more media savvy? “I think students now have a much higher level of visual literacy than perhaps before, because they see these things all the time,” says Swisher. She says kids who make their own media can get a better perspective—it makes them producers of media rather than consumers of media. “Even if you think about something that seems kind of mundane like Instagram stories, they now have these image editing capabilities built right into

Image: shutterstock.com

www.maricopacountyattorney.org/393/ Internet-Safety

September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 13

CONNECTED KIDS

*Pew Research Center

ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE ONLINE

Kids Are Connected

Image: shutterstock.com

Teens who say they are almost constantly online: 45 percent

Stay Safe Online! Visit these helpful sites

www.netsmartzkids.org www.webwisekids.org www.commonsensemedia.org

Image: shutterstock.com

www.maricopacountyattorney.org/393/ Internet-Safety

September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 13

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Capture the Lunar Rainbow by Reporter Theron Plant, Jacobson Elementary Do you know what a lunar rainbow is? As you know, a rainbow can happen when sunlight meets moisture in the air and the moisture refracts, or changes the direction of the light, and the result is a rainbow. Did you know this event can happen at night? This is called a moonbow. Moonbows happen when moonlight meets moisture in the air, and the moisture refracts, or changes the direction of the light, resulting in a moonbow! How do you see one? Well, moonbows are fairly rare. Why? Because lots of factors must be in place in order Photo courtesy Calvin Bradshaw (calvinbradshaw.com) to have a chance of seeing one. • The moon must be in full moon phase, or near brightest phase. • The moon must be low, near the horizon (42°). • There must be moisture in the air and the moisture must be opposite of the moon. • The sky must be dark and without clouds that would block your view or the moon’s light from reaching the moisture. You might have the best chance of seeing a moonbow if you can be under these conditions and at a waterfall, because waterfalls provide a constant spray of mist. Just remember, moonbows are fairly rare, but they do occur regularly at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky. You might be able to spot a moonbow near the waterfalls of Niagara Falls, New York and Yosemite National Park in California. One last thing, some people refer to a moonbow as a lunar rainbow, white rainbow, lunar bow or a space rainbow! Those are a lot of cool names! Now that I have learned about moonbows I want to go explore!

14 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

Summer Reading Program Has Its Rewards by Reporter Gohan Delgado, Laveen Elementary

There’s no place like the library! It is nice to pick a great book and read. My sister and I completed the Maricopa Reads summer reading program at the Cesar Chavez Library. My sister and I picked up our prizes for all the reading we did over the summer. We got free books, a medal, a pin, a craft, and free food! We got a Peter Piper coupon for a free pizza, which we redeemed after the library. The pizza was yummy. We had a lot of fun and will be reading more next summer. MORE SCOOPS, page 22 ➧

Boomer’s Boredom-Busting Activity Page

All Aboard!

Hop On Boomer's Field Trip Fun Bus Clues DOWN: 1) What paleontologists really dig! 2) Go in 3) Operate a bus 4) Home of art & artifacts 5) Feathered friend 7) The ‘S’ in STEM 11) Useful items 13) Fine ____ 15) Opposite of warm 17) Spanish for one 19) Plural pronoun 20) Not out!

Boomer’s Field Trip

Manners Quiz Circle the actions in the list below that you think are not appropriate during a class a field trip.

stand quietly in line

leave some litter behind

say “this is boring” during the trip thank the tour guide talk loudly to other students

P S 10

Visit Boomer’s Most Favorite Field Trip! an Ancient (Use your imagination and fill in the blanks to complete Boomer’s story.) Giant! Last fall, Ms. Lopez took us on a field trip to ____________________

ask questions about what you see

have a fun time

START

make fun of a classmate

bring a packed lunch or snack

ACROSS: 1) Given 6) Parts of a school course 14 8) Given 9) Use your eyes 10) What __? 12) Ocean study: _____ biology 14) Place to learn 18 16) Not false 18) Coyote’s cry 20) What __ it? 21) Something learned 22) Seagoing vessel

jump off the bus

take notes during the field trip

Make You Way Through the Saguaro Maze! FINISH

and I asked if I could help her with the __________________ . We all got on the bus at ________________ and headed out for a fun ________________ . Ms. Lopez asked us what we were most excited to see, and I said _____________________ ! We got to the ______________ and Mr. Jones was there to ___________________ and then we entered the ___________ _____________ . There were all sorts of _______ to see, and the time went by fast. It was a ____________ day, and I will always ___________ about going back next year! I told Ms. Lopez ___________, and that it was my favorite field trip ever! September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 15

16 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

Field Trips Family Outings Field trips are a fantastic way to build excitement and school spirit. A good field trip will spark students’ curiosity and promote learning in innovative ways—that’s why field trips are at the top of students’ back-to-school lists. Learning outside the classroom is a key component of a great education that gives excited students the chance to jump into new experiences and to do hands-on activities. It also gives kids the opportunity to ask professionals questions about their work—maybe in science, technology, performing arts, nature or maybe in some other career field. They also can ask what kind of education and background is helpful for landing such a job. Wondering what fun and exciting field trips are available nearby or a short driving distance away? Boomer Bear has done the research for you, beginning on this page. The guide lists places that are fun, entertaining and educational for classrooms and for families with homeschoolers. As an article by the National Education Association about these findings notes, “educational trips had a positive, lasting impact on (the students’) education and career because the trips made them more engaged, intellectually curious and interested in and out of school.” For many kids, one of their most exciting school experiences this year will be field trip day! When you know that your class is going on an excursion, you can hardly wait to get out the door in the morning and get to school. A field trip

offers students an amazing adventure, where education and pure fun collide! A field trip can stimulate all kinds of questions and can give students a new perspective on things that have been covered in class. A field trip can be a good learning tool for kids who absorb things better through hands-on exploration. But a field trip can be great for kids of any learning style. Kids can see and experience subjects in a way that isn’t always possible inside a classroom. Learning isn’t limited to the classroom, and it’s not just for teachers and students! The next time you go on a family excursion, turn it into an educational outing. Find out if the museum, zoo or historical site you’re visiting offers tours or behind-the-scenes opportunities. Some places have docents who are there just to answer your questions. Bring a small notebook and take notes on your visit. Parents, if your child talks non-stop about his or her favorite subject or is full of countless questions that you can’t always answer, find the places and the people to share and celebrate your kid’s enthusiasm! Plan a trip to a place that relates to your child’s special interests. While there, read the signs together and ask your child relevant questions. Check ahead of time and find out if there are days with special events or activities. Teachers, parents and explorers! Here is Boomer Bear’s Field Trips & Family Destinations Guide—it lists places and classroom resources that can spark inspiration, imagination and learning! The guide is available year round on our website: BearEssentialNews.com. Images: shutterstock.com

For unforgettable fun and learning, few things are as fabulous as a field trip! Here is Bear Essential’s 2021–22 Guide for Field Trips and Family Destinations!

Field Trips & Family Destinations 2021–2022

Fun Classroom and Family Outings Throughout Arizona—All Year Long! 2022 ARIZONA SCITECH FESTIVAL

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

The Arizona SciTech Festival is a multiweek, colorful showcase of more than 1,000 science, engineering, technology (STEM) and innovation events in over 50 Arizona cities featuring exhibits, hands-on activities, colorful shows, tours and discussions. Dates coming soon!

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the Major League Baseball team in Arizona. Since its inception as an expansion franchise in 1998, the team has won a world championship (2001) and made six postseason appearances. The club has played in front of 32 million fans at Chase Field, which features a signature swimming pool, retractable roof

(602) 343-8324 info@scitechinstitute.org scitechinstitute.org

Chase Field 401 E. Jefferson St. • Phoenix 602-514-8400 Field Trips/Family Destination www.dbacks.com

and a kids play area called the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Sandlot. For more information about the D-backs, or to purchase game tickets, visit dbacks.com

ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY 122 E. Culver Street • Phoenix 602-241-7870 www.azjhs.org

The AJHS has learning and educational exhibits, virtual exhibits and field trips that are appropriate for middle school students

Check out ALL our listings online!

and older. With the passage of the Holocaust Education Bill (HB 2241) the AJHS welcomes middle and high school teachers to use our resources to teach students about the Holocaust, while making an emotional connection to the Holocaust.

MORE FIELD TRIPS, next page ➧

September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 17

Mother Nature’s Farm Pumpkin Patch Fall Farm Tours See Field Trip guide, page 19

Sept. 25 to Oct. 31 9 to 9, 7 days a week

$10 per person includes an Oz pumpkin, a hayride, spiderweb crawl, feeding the animals and Alexander’s Adventure Maze! Picnic tables, grassy fields and large shade trees!

480-892-5874

Bring in this ad to receive

$200

OFF

Adult Hay Ride Expires 10/31/21

BEAR

Baseline Rd. between Stapley & Gilbert

www.mothernaturesfarm.com

Check Us Out Online!

BearEssentialNews.com

Flamin’ Hot Field Trips! World’s LARGEST Fire Museum • Nearly an acre of history exhibits with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 2004!

Tuesday–Saturday 10am–6pm Closed Sunday & Monday

6101 E. Van Buren

Fabulously Fun Field Trips continued from page 17

ASU EARTH & SPACE EXPLORATION DAY

781 E. Terrace Rd. ASU Tempe Campus ISTB 4 Building Field Trips/Family Destinations Cost: Free www.sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/ events

Earth and Space Exploration Day is a free annual event hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration. This event includes science related activities for students ages five and up, families, educators, and anyone interested in Earth and space. The event includes talks with scientists, interactive exhibits, 3D planetarium shows, and student science exhibits. Check our website in Fall 2021 for event details.

602-ASK-FIRE (275-3473)

www.hallofflame.org

Black Mountain BMX

We Are OPEN and

RACING!

For Dates and Times, check our website

602-999-5979

www.blackmountainbmx.com 18 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

Project: Educate card, you need to sign up online at www.bookmans.com. You will receive a confirmation email, which you need to bring to your nearest Bookmans location, along with a valid ID and proof of educator status. Kids Club: From birth to age 12 kids receive a 10% discount and a $10 gift certificate on their birthday. 1317: Kids 13-17 receive a 15% discount and a $15 gift certificate on their birthday. Visit Bookmans.com and click on the JOIN tab to sign up.

ASU WALTON SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS INITIATIVES Sustainability Solutions Family Day Dates coming soon http://sustainabilityfestival.asu.edu

Explore · Innovate · Celebrate The 2021 Sustainability Solutions Festival brings a diverse array of events for audiences of all ages to Explore · Innovate · Celebrate sustainability solutions. ASU’s rich sustainability expertise is shared with the public through hands-on activities featuring the latest in technology and research at Sustainability Family Weekend at Arizona Science Center and ASU Open Door events.

BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS & YOUNG REPORTER PROGRAM

• Guided tours

(closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day & Chrismas Day)

Boomer’s

2525 E. Broadway, Suite 102. • Tucson, 85716 792-9930 Grades: 3–8 From Bear Essential Educational Services info@bearessentialnews.com www.bearessentialnews.com Common Core Worksheets: Fresh standards-based fun sheets for classrooms to use in conjunction with the current issue of Bear Essential News. Free Young Reporters Program: Students in grades 3–8 develop as young writers by writing news stories for Bear Essential News. Young Reporters can attend monthly Zoom meetings and interview important people from our community. Free Presentations: Five dynamic topics are available from a Bear editor.

BOOKMANS

Mesa: 1056 S. Country Club Dr. 480-835-0505 Phoenix: 8034 N. 19th Ave. 602-433-0255 bookmans.com Project: Educate. Educators receive a 20% discount on all purchases. To receive your

CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT

Classroom Speakers Educational Sponsorships Free Teacher Resource/Curriculum Available 623-869-2135 www.CentralArizonaProject.com CAP offers an Arizona-specific water education program including free downloadable lesson plans for K–3, 4–6, middle and high school students that are standards-based. Lesson plans supported by mixed media tools like videos, posters and activity books! Visit www.cap-az.com/ education or call 623-869-2135 for more information.

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

3111 W. Chandler Blvd. • Chandler Field Trips/Family Destination 602-581-5370 chandlerexperience@crayolaexperience.com www.crayolaexperience.com

Discover the magic of color at Crayola Experience! Crayola Experience Chandler is bursting with 18 hands-on activities, perfect for a full day of creative fun. Name your own crayon, star in a coloring page, bring your digital art to life AND MORE! Field trips start at $9.99 per person. PLUS teachers get a free annual pass with valid ID (see site for details).

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE Performances at Mesa Art Center 4501 E. Main St • Mesa Field Trips • 480-756-3828 • Karen info@evct.org www.evct.org

East Valley Children’s Theatre celebrates 25 years of theater opportunities for youth age 8-18, kicking off with an orginial work. The Clumsy Princess, winner of EVCT’s 2020 Aspiring Playwrights Contest, runs Sept. 23– Oct. 3 in the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse Theatre in the Mesa Arts Center in downtown Mesa. Following this hysterical opening production, the next show is a holiday favorite, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the musical, on stage Dec. 2-12.

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 8840 E. Chaparral Rd. #200 • Scottsdale 602-955-7747 gcc.info@scouting.org www.grandcanyonbsa.org

Register now! The Grand Canyon Council provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards. The Scouting experience is divided into programs according to age and activities. Cub Scouts: Grades: K–5 Scouts, BSA: Grades:6–12 Venturing: 14–20 years old Sea Scouting: 14–20 years old

HALL OF FLAME MUSEUM

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS PINE COUNCIL 119 E. Coronado Rd. • Phoenix 602-452-7040 Grades: K–12 girlscoutsaz.org

Girl Scouts is the best girl leadership experience in the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risktaker, Leader)™ to change the world. Today, we continue her vision through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience which helps girls uncover and develop their potential through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness.

6101 E. Van Buren • Phoenix Mark • 602-275-3473 Ongoing dates • Tues.–Fri. www.hallofflame.org The world’s largest museum of firefighting has many award-winning educational programs, from guided tours to exciting hands-on workshops. Phoenix Magazine named our program the “Best Field Trip.” Teachers love our kid-friendly approach to fire safety, history and science. 35,000 square feet of air conditioned galleries. Reservations are required. Ages: 4 and up.

MOTHER NATURE’S FARM SCHOOL TOURS 1663 E. Baseline Rd. • Gilbert Field Trips: 480-892-5874 Mon.–Fri., (Oct. 1–31) caroline@mothernaturesfarm.com www.mothernaturesfarm.com

GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN/ SUPERSTITION SCENIC RAILROAD

4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd. • Apache Junction Field Trips/Family Destinations 480-983-0333 www.goldfieldghosttown.com

Experience Arizona history! Spend a fun-filled day rich in history. Tour an underground mine, ride the train, view reptiles and insects of the Sonoran Desert, pan for real gold and check out the Mystery Shack attraction. Educational fun! See ad in this issue.

Bring your class or the whole school for a fun farm experience. We have a package of fun waiting for you and your students. $8 per person includes a pumpkin, hayride, animals, Alexander adventure maze, the spider web crawl, outdoor games and plenty of picnic area to have your lunch. We have 47 acres to social distance!

MORE FIELD TRIPS, page 21 ➧

60,000 Square Feet of Lizards, Snakes, Frogs, Tortoises, Alligators & So Much More! Come to the

Purchase reptiles, cages, supplies, art & jewelry— All at Great Prices!

Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show and Sale October 2nd & 3rd, 2021 Sat.: 9:30 to 5:00 • Sun.: 10:00 to 4:00

Do NOT bring your ow n animals !

• Displays of exotic and native reptiles • Door prizes every 30 minutes • Meet breeders & reptile enthusiasts from around the world

Adults: $10.00 6–12: $5.00 5 & under: Free

Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington (between Palo Verde & Alvernon) Map on Web site

For more information go to www.tucsonreptileshow.com E-mail: Serpensauria@comcast.net September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 19

20 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

Boomer’s

Fabulously Fun Field Trips continued from page 19

ROOSTER COGBURN

I-10 at exit #219 • Picacho Peak 17999 E. Peak Lane 520-237-5887 groups@roostercogburn.com www.roostercogburn.com One of a kind school field trips for an open air-hands-on experience! We offer a fun, interactive animal feeding experience! Field trips are AZ State Standards based with STEM curriculum as well as reading and social studies. Materials will be available for teachers to use in their classrooms. We also offer a large picnic area perfect for lunch as well as a FREE Shooting Gallery token with every admission. Come and visit our many animals including: Ostriches, Goats, Donkeys, Rainbow Lorikeets, Deer, Diving Ducks, Parakeets, Bunnies, Chickens, STINGRAYS and more! Contact Julie for pricing and booking information.

SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd. • Phoenix Field Trips/Classroom Visits 602-273-4087 • Greg Montes greg.montes@phoenix.gov skyharbor.com/SELFGUIDEDTOURS/

Whether flying or just visiting, take a selfguided tour to check out Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Enjoy Phoenix Airport Museum located throughout the airport, with exhibitions, art and even a vintage World War I airplane. Dine at various restaurants and take in the shops. Ride the PHX Sky Train® with its own spectacular art and views of airplanes landing and taking off, surrounding mountains, and downtown Phoenix.

TOLMACHOFF FARMS

5726 N. 75th Ave • Glendale Field trips • 602-377-4747 Mon.–Fri. (Oct., Nov., Feb. & March) farmfieldtrips@yahoo.com tolmachoff-farms.com

On our guided farm tours every child will get to harvest produce to take home and experience educational farm activities. Children will gain valuable hands-on experience and they will benefit when they know where their food is coming from in the process of bringing food from the farm to their table. Cost: Varies. Grades: PreK-8

TUCSON REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN SHOW & SALE

Tucson Expo Center • Tucson 3750 E. Irvington Road Field Trips • 520-405-7020 • Oct. 2–3, 2021 Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. tucsonreptileshow.com 60,000 square feet of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Petting zoo with tortoises, alligators, snakes and other reptiles. Captive bred reptiles for sale. Cost: Adults: $10; Ages 6–12: $5 Ages 5 and under: Free. Masks Required.

VALLEY METRO TRANSIT EDUCATION Field Trips/Classroom Visits 602-523-6070 • Dolores Nolan Mon.–Fri. (Year-round) www.ValleyMetro.org

Public transportation makes our community a better place. Get transit smart! Valley Metro provides free classroom and virtual presentations to all grade levels and free travel for field trips for eligible preschool – elementary grades. Find more information at www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/ school-outreach-program Attention 3rd Graders - enter our Cool Transit Stuff Art Contest. For details check out page 2 in this issue of Bear.

The Darndest Place You’ll Ever Visit.

Rooster Cogburn

Ostrich Ranch I-10 at exit #219, between Phoenix & Tucson

NOrW ing Offe

School

FIELD TRIPS

for an Open Air–Hands On Experience! • AZ State Standards Based • STEM curriculum • Social Studies and Reading Contact Julie for info on booking groups@roostercogburn.com

520-237-5887

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM

16501 W. Northern Ave. • Litchfield Park Field Trips • 623-935-WILD (9453) Open 365 days a year Field trips Mon.–Fri. Classroom Visits • 623-935-5692 x106 www.wildlifeworld.com Your field trip will complement any biology curriculum at any grade level. Students can feed Lory parrots, learn about animal ambassadors and see some display natural behaviors during a Wildlife Encounter Show. Meet baby animals in our children’s play area and petting zoo! Cost: $8/student, $15/ adult, one adult admission free with every 10 paid students (10 student min.). We accept cash, check or school purchase order. Classroom presentations also available— valley wide. Rates subject to change.

Feed the Critters! • Ostriches • Goats • Donkeys • Rainbow Lorikeets

• Deer • Diving Ducks • Stingrays and more

For hours of operation and more info, visit us online

Have a Great Field Trip!

roostercogburn.com 17599 E. Peak Lane, Picacho, AZ

520-466-3658

September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 21

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Walt Disney World Celebrates 50th Anniversary by Reporter Brett Eymann Transitions Delta Center October 1, 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The anniversary theme is “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and the celebration will last for 18 months. Festivities will be taking place at all four theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each of these locations will come to life with a magical glow called “Beacons of Magic.” Pixie Dust will make Cinderella’s Castle glow, new lights will shimmer on Spaceship Earth and during Halloween and Christmas there will be special nighttime viewings and projection mapping shows. There will also be special golden character sculptures in all four theme parks called “Disney Fab 50.” Guests can see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Pinocchio, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bambi, Dumbo and more. Disney World has had over 21 million visitors since it opened in 1971.

22 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

September 2021 • Bear Essential News • 23

Build A Better

BREAKFAST! Banana Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

Bowl of Cereal & Milk

Fruit and Oat Smoothie

Did you know students who eat breakfast perform bet ter at school ?

www.arizonamilk.org 24 • Bear Essential News • September 2021

What Is Your BreakfastBuilding Style?

Scan the QR codes and get the complete recipes to build your own “Better Breakfast!”

Bacon and Hashbrown Breakfast Pizza

Bear Essential News Sept 2021, Phoenix Edition

Articles inside

Pages 17 thru

News Highlights