BDC play and learn 2017

PLAY + LEARN •20172018 SCHOOL YEAR AND ACTIVITY RESOURCE•

A SPECIAL P U B L I C AT I O N OF THE

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Contents: Back To School ..................................................................3 The Safe Route to School .................................................4 Stay Healthy, Get Vaccinated ...........................................6 Wisdom Behind a Healthy Smile .....................................7 Catching Vision Problems at an Early Age ....................7 Smartphones: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly...... 8-9

PLAY + LEARN 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

2017-18 School Calendars ....................................... 10-11 kidsLINK Afterschool ......................................................12 Fuel Kids' Success with Right Food Choices ..............14 Healthy Kids Recipes ......................................................15 Head Start Gets a Fresh Look In Belgrade ..................16 Bozeman Afterschool Activities ....................................17 2017 Fall Activities Guide ........................................ 18-19 Stories by Hannah Overton, Bozeman Daily Chronicle staff

GRAND OPENING

CELEBRATION

CHECK OUT ALL THE FALL PROGRAMS AT YOUR NEW GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA. Fitness Programs ALL NEW After School Programs Sports Programs PIR Day Programs Early Learning Programs Senior Programs Check out our full line up of fall programs www.gallatinvalleyymca.org or call 994.9622

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th 1pm-5pm AT YOUR NEW Y

A CARNIVAL OF FUN

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR FALL FLAG FOOTBALL AUGUST 29th

Financial assistance is available to anyone demonstrating need

Bouncy Houses • Climbing Wall Food Trucks • Jousting Arena Magic Show • Petting Zoo Dancing to music by Western Skies Face Painting • Carnival Games Annual Cleat Swap (see website for more info) Tours of the new YMCA

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Back to School

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ummer is winding down. Nights are getting cooler and days are getting shorter. “Back to School” signs are popping up in the windows of major retailers. Students in the Gallatin Valley are gearing up for what they hope will be the best year yet. This year, they will make the team, ace the test, try a new activity, and finally take a flawless yearbook picture. They just have to make it through that first day of class.

For the older kids, the first day back is nothing new. They will have their outfits lined out the night before, and they’ll be looking forward to seeing their friends the next morning in the hallways. For younger students, the first day might be a little more nerve wracking. They might be wondering will I make friends? Will I like my teacher? Will I find the cafeteria? It may be tough to sleep the night before the first big day. Elementary school can be a tough transition for kids, but there is no need to worry. Irving Elementary 5th Grade Teacher Ruth Carr has a few ideas on getting young kids ready for the first day of school.

Form a Routine

It would be hard for anyone to go from playing all day and staying up late to waking up early and sitting at a desk. A student’s day operates on a schedule, so it is important for parents to get children into a routine prior to the school year starting. “Try and get back into a routine that involves a reasonable bedtime and wake up time,” Carr says. “This definitely helps with the transition to early mornings when school begins.”

Make Learning Fun

Children will be more excited about

the school year if they are already excited about learning. Have them spend a little time reading or solving math problems every day. The extra practice outside of class will give young students a head start when they get to school. Just make sure to keep it fun and easy. “I really like games that are hands on, easy to create and involve interaction with other people,” Carr says. “A deck of cards can be a wonderful way to practice addition, subtraction and multiplication facts!”

Sneak Peek A great way to put students’ minds at ease is to take them to their school’s Sneak Peek. The Sneak Peek is held before school starts. This low key event will give students a chance to meet their teachers and get to know their classroom before the first day of school.

Talk to Your Kids Ask your children what they are looking forward to the most. Give them the opportunity to voice concerns and try to put their minds at ease. “Remind them that they are not the only ones feeling nervous, their friends and even their teachers are feeling it too,” Carr says.

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

The Safe Route to School

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he Bozeman Public School District encourages everyone to walk or ride a bike to school. Bike safety is part of the district-wide health enhancement curriculum that begins in elementary school. For more than five years, the school district has partnered with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Task Force to ensure that every child makes it to school safely. The Safe Routes to School webpage, found by clicking on the Students & Parents tab at www. bsd7.org, is a great resource for planning routes and teaching kids important safety tips.

Planning a Route Marilyn King, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction for BPSD, recommends that parents and students plan the route together. Bozeman’s SRTS webpage offers detailed, easy to read maps of every elementary and middle school in the district.

Each school is circled by multiple “School Walking Boundary” lines. The lines start at a quarter-mile radius from the school and extend to 1.5 miles.

Each boundary line offers an estimate of how long it takes to walk or bike to school. For example, students within the half-mile boundary line to Whittier Elementary School need an average 20 minutes to walk or 10 minutes to bike the distance.

The maps already identify the safest routes, which avoid busy streets and difficult intersections. Traffic lights, crossing guards, paved trails, bicycle lanes, missing sidewalks and more are highlighted on the map and deciphered by the legend at the bottom. Parents should take the time to walk the route with their kids before sending them alone.

“Parents, of course, play the most significant role,” King said. “They must create the SRTS plan for their child and feel comfortable with it.”

The Walking School Bus Some parents may feel uneasy about sending their children to school on their own. King has a fun solution to set parents’

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle minds at ease and still allow children to get daily exercise.

She suggests neighborhood families organize a “Walking School Bus.” It’s a group of students, on foot or bicycle, led to school by one or more adults. The Walking School Bus takes planning, but the results are worth it. Parents get to visit with one another, meet their children’s neighborhood friends and ensure that kids get to school safely each day.

Start small with the Walking School Bus. Figure out where to meet in the mornings and after school. Discuss who will walk with the kids on what days and how parents will share responsibilities. Always walk the route without children first to make sure it is safe and there is plenty of sidewalk space. Be prepared for your Walking School Bus to grow. Once other neighborhood families learn about it, more children are sure to join. And the more the merrier!

Lead by Example If children see their moms and dads walking or biking to work, they will want to do the same to school. It’s good for both. “Parents and other family members are wonderful role models,” King said. “If children see their parents being physically active, riding their bikes to work or for pleasure and taking walks and hikes, they are more likely to do this as well.”

Michelle Erb, Montana’s Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, finds that doing these activities with kids offers a great opportunity to teach necessary safety skills.

“We recommend that parents begin teaching these habits at a young age,” she said. “When parents are walking and biking with their children, they should talk to them about street safety and show them how to interact with other pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.”

Street Safety Tips for Kids Teach children who are walking to: • Stop at the edge of the street and look for cars. Instruct them to make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street.

• Look left, right, left and over their shoulder for traffic.

• Continue to observe traffic when crossing the road.

• Cross at a signalized intersection whenever possible.

• Cross only at intersections and obey instructions of all traffic and pedestrian control devices.

• Be predictable and wear bright and reflective clothing, especially at night.

Teach children who are biking: • To always wear a helmet, and be sure it fits well, is adjusted to the head and covers the forehead.

• That bicycles are vehicles. Children should not ride bikes in the road until they fully understand traffic rules and show they can follow them.

• When riding in the roadway, to ride single file in the same direction as vehicle traffic.

• To obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.

• To look back and use hand signals without swerving.

• To look left-right-left and over the shoulder before crossing, turning or entering the roadway.

• To ride so others can see them, to stay out of drivers’ blind spots and to wear bright reflective clothing.

• That bikes need bike lights and reflectors.

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The most important safety tip, Erb added, is awareness.

“It is important for both bicyclists and pedestrians to pay attention and listen to their surroundings. We encourage everyone to avoid headphones that mute their surroundings and avoid cellphone use while walking and biking.”

While using the Safe Routes to School Maps and incorporating some of Erb’s Street Safety tips can help kids get to school safely, parents play the biggest role in the plan’s success. “When a child sees a parent biking to work for pleasure and taking walks and hikes, children are more likely to do this as well,” King says. “All this leads to lifelong fitness habits.”

Photo: Inspire Photo Art

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

Stay Healthy, Get Vaccinated

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ongratulations! You made it through the numerous doctors’ appointments, sleepless nights and dirty diapers of infancy. Your baby is growing up and he’s almost ready for his first day of school. I bet you can’t wait to send him off on the bus, collapse onto the couch, if only for a moment, and breathe.

Not so fast, eager parent. He can go to school, but first, he’s going to need some shots. Pediatrician Jennifer Wilkinson from Hatch Pediatrics knows the ins and outs of the Montana State Vaccine Requirements. She’ll make sure your child doesn’t get anyone, including himself, sick on the first day of school.

problems. Whooping cough is a highly contagious, persistent cough.

Vaccine Requirements

Booster shots, like the tetanus booster, provide an additional “boost” of a vaccine that has already been administered. Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years.

Montana students are required to be up to date on several vaccines. Vaccines are administered to kids so that they develop immunity to potentially fatal diseases. Once kids are ready for Kindergarten, they have to get shots for DTaP, Polio, MMR and Varicella series. Before enrolling in seventh grade, students will need a tetanus booster. “There are several other vaccines recommended, but not required, that your healthcare provider will likely recommend,” Dr. Wilkinson says.

DTaP is a single shot that will protect your child from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or whooping cough. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that attacks the heart, brain and kidneys. Tetanus enters the body through dirty wounds, causing muscle spasms and heart

The polio vaccine protects against polio, which attacks the brain and spinal cord and can leave victims paralyzed. MMR prevents measles, mumps and rubella. These nasty bacterial and viral infections have an assortment of painful symptoms. Measles spreads quickly, causing rash, fever, and failure in the brain, blood and lungs. Mumps begins with swelling in the neck, can transform into meningitis, and eventually lead to infertility in males.

Rubella also causes high fever and rash. Varicella, or chicken pox, is often a relatively mild illness, but 1 in 1000 children will have more severe pneumonia or encephalitis (brain infection,)” Dr. Wilkinson says. “It can also cause birth defects.”

Recommended Vaccines Dr. Wilkinson mentioned earlier that several vaccines will be recommended, but not required. Pediatricians recommend vaccines based on the medical history of a patient.

Second opinions are always welcome, but your pediatrician wouldn’t recommend a vaccine if they didn’t believe there was a need for it.

The flu shot is a good example. “Everyone 6 months and older should have a flu shot every fall. It is particularly important to vaccinate young children under 5, children with asthma

or other chronic conditions who are at higher risk of complications if they get sick,” Dr. Wilkinson says.

Sick Days When it comes to illness, it is not uncommon for young school children have five to eight colds and viral illnesses a year. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should rush them to the doctor. “Most children who are sick can be managed at home, and a call to your pediatrician can help you decide if they should be seen,” she says. “Children have to build their immune systems, and the only way to do that is to get sick and/or get vaccinated.”

Go to the Doctor In most cases, rest and plenty of fluids are the best medicine. If your child has the following symptoms, get them to the Doctor ASAP: • Trouble breathing or turning blue • Heavy breathing, severe cough or trouble speaking • Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea combined with lack of drinking (dehydration) • Blood in urine or stool • Fevers greater than 100.4 degrees lasting more than a few days

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

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C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H

W I S D O M B E H I N D A H E A LT H Y S M I L E * (*information provided by the American Dental Association)

By Hannah Overton

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hen I was in high school, it was always obvious who had just gotten their wisdom teeth pulled. After a day or two of recovery, students would return to class, wincing a bit and with a swollen face. One of my friends looked like a squirrel hiding a bunch of nuts and berries in her cheeks. Kids would say that chewing took some getting used to, but overall, the adjustment period was short and the pain bearable.

TO PULL OR NOT TO PULL? ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:

My mother, a dental hygienist in Liberty, Missouri, tells me that these days, a good oral surgeon can pull a tooth on a Friday afternoon and students can be back in school Monday morning, swelling subsided and relatively pain-free. Everyone is different. What hurts or causes bleeding and swelling for some may be nothing more than a lunchtime procedure for others.

*Are the roots growing in dangerously close to nerves in your jaw? A panoramic x-ray, or pano, can reveal if wisdom teeth are growing too close to nerves.

Wisdom teeth, or third Molars, begin growing in around age 17. They can cause a lot of trouble if they aren’t carefully monitored by a dentist. In some cases, Wisdom teeth cause no problems and are fine to remain intact in the mouth.

*Are wisdom teeth causing you serious pain? It is normal to have a little pain when your third molars come in, but if the pain intensifies, you may want to have them removed. *Are they crowding your other teeth and causing them to be crooked? *Is food getting trapped behind them?

*Are they getting infected? If the gums around your wisdom teeth are swollen and/or painful, it may be time to get them removed. *Did your dentist recommend removal for braces or other dental care?

The ADA recommends consulting with your dentist and getting a pano to determine whether wisdom teeth should stay or go. Dentists and oral surgeons won’t remove wisdom teeth without an x-ray. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes at a time. Floss at least once a day, and schedule regular cleanings and checkups for top dental health.

CATCHING VISION PROBLEMS AT AN EARLY AGE In order for children to reach their full academic potential, they must have good vision. How can they solve the problems on the chalkboard if they can’t even see them?

Unfortunately, vision exams have a tendency to be neglected among most families. Schools offer basic vision tests, and while they have improved over the years, they could still miss major problems. Young children may not speak up about any issues they have seeing clearly simply because they don’t know any better. The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams for children ages 6 to 18, but the first eye exam should happen much earlier than that.

When it comes to vision, the earlier the

problem is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Believe it or not, you don’t have to wait for children to be able to recognize letters and numbers in order to take them to their first eye exam. “For infants, the ideal time for the first exam is 6 to 12 months of age,” says Bridger Eye Care Optometrist Dr. Carl J. Roth.

“Quite often, parents are surprised that we can give a 6-month infant an eye examination. However, a lot of valuable information can be obtained at this first exam critical to the child’s visual development.”

are educational experiences and some would even call them fun. “Eye exams don’t hurt, and eye doctors like to brag that we do the most good and the least harm of any health care profession,” says Dr. Roth. “You would be amazed at the technology we have to determine exactly how a child sees.”

According to Dr. Roth, one out of four learning disabilities are visually related. Sadly, most vision problems are irreversible. This is what makes early detection so important. “A small After that first exam, another is recommend- percentage of visual disorders can be reversed ed when the child is three to five years of age. or improved after diagnosis, but the name of the game in eye care is preventative health Kids don’t have to worry about any needles when they visit the optometrist. Eye exams care,” he says. “Early intervention is key!”

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Smartphones: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By Hannah Overton

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didn’t get a cellphone until after I graduated high school. My parents made it clear that if I wanted a raspberry-colored Motorola Razr flip phone, I had to pay for it myself. Things have changed since then.

According to a 2016 survey by Influence Central, children get their first phone, on average, at age 10. The survey, of approximately 500 women via an in-depth online questionnaire, also found that 50 percent of kids with cellphones have social media accounts by the time they’re 12. Most children know how to operate smartphones and social media accounts better than their parents do. If you’re thinking about adding another line to your family plan for your student(s) before school begins, here are some things to consider.

The Good If being able to communicate with your child constantly is important, a cellphone is a great option. Simply call them up and find out exactly where they are. If they aren’t answering their phones, that’s no problem. Smartphones are outfitted with GPS and offer an assortment of apps, like Family Locator, Find My Friends and GPS Tracker, that let you track your child’s location. With the push of a button, you can see exactly where they are at all times.

Speaking of apps, the number of free educational apps for smartphones is endless. There are apps that help with homework, teach foreign languages, provide grammatical advice and offer educational games and tools for children. Some apps teach kids how to read while others provide mathematical equations and vocabulary definitions. Bozeman High School uses Moodle for students turning in homework assignments online, and Moodle has an app. Smartphones truly have the ability to become educational tools when used properly.

Social media apps should not be immediately dismissed either. Most schools in the Bozeman and Belgrade School districts, and the districts themselves, have their own Facebook pages. These pages keep students and parents up-to-date on current events and activities. Everything from parent-teacher conferences to fundraisers is listed on the schools’ social media websites. Plus, parents who create their own Facebook pages or have access to their kids’ pages can monitor what is being posted. Parents can see who their children are interacting with and what events they’re planning to attend. Some

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle schools post student presentations and projects online via webcam, giving parents a front row-seat to their child’s classroom progress.

Technology and social media are here to stay. We can try to keep kids away from them, but eventually your kids are going to need to know how to use them. Thousands of jobs require knowledge of computer programing, software development, social media, digital marketing and online communications. Teaching children to use technology responsibly will open more doors for their future.

The Bad With millions of apps come millions of distractions. Not all games are educational, but they sure are entertaining. Are students really going to use Facebook to find out when the Cancer Benefit Spaghetti Dinner is? Or are they going to use it to message their friends when they should be paying attention in class? A child needs to be responsible and disciplined when using a phone. The temptation to check Instagram at the wrong time can get some students with limited impulse control into trouble.

Bozeman and Belgrade School districts have similar guidelines when it comes to cellphones, laptops, iPads, and the like. Students are permitted to bring them to school and use them before and after class. With permission of the teacher, students can use specified electronics during class. Failure to follow the rules results in disciplinary action. It is a good idea to keep the cellphone on silent and put away in a backpack or locker during class.

New smartphones are ridiculously expensive and easy to break or lose.

Children also need to understand the limits of their cell service; no parent wants to open an outrageous cellphone bill because their kid went over the data limit. Parents need to explain these facts and costs when they provide the phone, and be prepared to pay them.

Staring at a screen all day isn’t good for anyone of any age, and smartphones shouldn’t take over a child’s social life. We are all familiar with the family dinner scene where kids are hunched over their phones, oblivious to the interactions around them. Smartphone/social media addiction is real. Be prepared to limit children’s cellphone time.

The Ugly “Social media is a significant part of many students’ lives,” said Marilyn King, Bozeman’s Deputy Superintendent of Instruction. “While social media may have benefits with positive effects, negative effects may include cyberbullying, stress, isolation, privacy concerns and a significant time drain.”

Also, kids who don’t guard the privacy settings of their social media accounts may expose themselves to unknown strangers able to access their information, image and location. There are some real creeps out

there. Privacy settings can be adjusted to change what people are able to see on Facebook pages, but they can’t keep strangers from initially messaging kids. The rules of “stranger danger” apply to the internet. Teach your children not to meet privately with someone you don’t know who may have found them online.

Cyberbullying is bullying done through use of electronic technology.

This includes sending mean or threatening messages or emails, posting embarrassing or harmful photos or videos, and starting rumors via email or websites. Kids can be cruel, and the internet provides another platform for them to do so.

Bozeman School District’s website, www.bsd7.org, offers a Cyber Safe page that teaches parents about safety and ethics in cyberspace. Cyberbullying is a subject within Bozeman’s curriculum, but it still happens.

“Unfortunately, our local trends, despite directly teaching about cyberbullying, mirror national trends,” King said. “Students do experience cyberbullying. The school utilizes its curriculum, discipline policy and other counseling techniques to emphasize a safe and welcoming learning environment.”

Children are smart, resilient and compassionate. With guidance, they will use their smartphones responsibly and safely. It is up to parents to set boundaries and stick to them. If you decide to give your child a smartphone, make sure you know how to use it first. Teach your children about internet safety and monitor what they are doing online.

School Year Activities and Adventures The City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department offers preschool and youth activities, swim and ice skating lessons, camps when school is out, and three public ice skating rinks.

• Activities for preschool and youth • Swimming Programs • Ice Skating Rinks and Lessons • Schools Out Explore! Camps Check us out at www.bozeman.net/ParksAndRec

Parks · Recreation · Cemetery · Forestry · Aquatics Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOP) Program www.bozeman.net/ParksAndRec · 406-582-2290

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDERS Belgrade School District

Big Sky School District

Bozeman School District

August 30 ....................................First Day of School September 4 .......................... No School, Labor Day September 18 ....................................No School, PIR October 11 ........................................... Early Release October 19-20 ...................................No School, PIR November 3 .........Early Release, End of First Quarter November 22 ....................................No School, PIR November 23-24 ..... No School, Thanksgiving Break December 22 ........................................ Early Release December 25-January 1 ........................... No School January 19 ...... Early Release, End of Second Quarter January 31 ............................................ Early Release February 16 .......................................No School, PIR February 19 .....................No School, Presidents Day March 12-16 ............................................ No School March 30 ............Early Release, End of Third Quarter April 2 ...................................................... No School April 25 ................................................. Early Release May 28 ............................ No School, Memorial Day June 2 ................................. High School Graduation June 5 ...............................Middle School Promotion June 7 .................... Early Release, Last Day of School

August 21-25 ............................ PIR Teacher Work Days

August 29 .................First Day of School, Grades 1-12

August 28.........................................First Day of School

September 4............................. No School, Labor Day

September 4 ....................................Labor Day Holiday

September 5.................. Kindergarten Full Day Begins

October 9...................................... PIR – No School K-3

October 2-3............................ No School K-5, Parent/

October 19-20 ........... PIR – Teachers Only – No School

Teacher Conferences

November 6 ................................ PIR – No School K-12

October 19-20 ............................No School K-12, PIR

November 20-24.............................Thanksgiving Break

November 22-24.... No School, Thanksgiving Holiday

December 25-January 2 ....................... No School K-12

November 27 ..............................No School K-12, PIR

January 8 ................................................ No School K-3

December 21-January 2 ....... No School, Winter Break

January 26 ............................................ No School K-12

January 22 ...................................No School K-12, PIR

February 15-16..................................... No School K-12

January 23 ................................... No School 9-12, PIR

March 5 ................................................. No School K-3

February 19 ....................... No School, Presidents Day

March 9-12 .......................................... No School K-12

March 12-16 ........................ No School, Spring Break

April 2 ........................ PIR – Teachers Only – No School

April 12.................No School K-8; K-5 Parent/Teacher

April 16-20 ..................... Spring Break- No School K-12 May 28....................... Memorial Day – No School K-12 June 2......................................... LPHS Graduation 1:00 June 8......... Last Day of School – Noon Dismissal .5 PIR

Conferences; 6-8 PIR April 13...............No School K-12; K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences; K-12 PIR May 25 ........................................No School K-12, PIR May 28 ...............................No School, Memorial Day June 3 ........................................................Graduation June 7 ............ Last Day of School, 12:45 p.m. Release

Communities rely on kidsLINK Afterschool.

www.GreaterGallatinUnitedWay.org

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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Information was compiled from District Websites. Changes may occur. Please check with your District for current information.

Gallatin Gateway School District

Manhattan School District

Monforton School District

August 29.......................First Day of School, Grades 1-8 August 30................... First Day of School, Kindergarten September 4............................... No School, Labor Day October 19-20........................................No School, PIR November 3...............End of First Quarter, Early Release November 8-9...................Early Release, Parent/Teacher Conferences November 10..........................................No School, PIR November 22-24.....................No School, Thanksgiving December 20............................................. Early Release December 21-January 1.......... No School, Winter Break January 19.............End of Second Quarter, Early Release February 19...........................No School, Presidents Day March 12-16............................No School, Spring Break March 30.................End of Third Quarter, Early Release April 2.....................................................No School, PIR May 28.................................. No School, Memorial Day June 6................. Eighth Grade Graduation at 6:30 p.m.

June 7.......................... Last Day of School, Early Release

August 29...................................First Day of School

September 5........................................................First Day of School

September 4..........................No School, Labor Day

October 19-20.............................................................No School, PIR

October 19-20..................................No School, PIR

November 22-24........................ No School, Thanksgiving Break

November 22....................................No School, PIR

November 27..................................................End of First Trimester

November 23-24.... No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 7-8..............No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences

December 8.............................................No School

December 21-January 2........................ No School, Winter Break

December 25-January 2.....No School, Winter Break

February 19........................................... No School, Presidents Day

January 19.........................................No School, PIR

February 28...............................................End of Second Trimester

February 19.....................No School, Presidents Day

March 9-16................................................ No School, Spring Break

March 12..........................................No School, PIR

March 23.......................................No School, Spring Conferences

April 2-6.............................. No School, Easter Break

April 20.......................................................... Half Day, Early Release

May 28............................No School, Memorial Day

May 28......................................................No School, Memorial Day

June 5......................................... Last Day of School

June 7..........................Last Day of School, Release at 12:45 p.m.

WILDCATS

Three Forks School District August 23....................................................................................First Day of School August 31..............................................................................Open House, 6-7 p.m.

September 4...........................................................................No School, Labor Day September 13...........................................................PIR, 2:30-5 p.m. Teachers Only October 19-20.......................................................................No School, MEA Days November 2..................................Fall Parent Teacher Conferences, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

November 3..... No School Students, Fall Parent Teacher Conferences 8 a.m.-Noon November 10.................................................................... Early Release, 11:10 a.m.

November 22-24......................................................No School, Thanksgiving Break December 8........................................................... No School, Imery’s Tournament December 13...........................................................PIR, 2:30-5 p.m. Teachers Only December 22-January 2.................................................No School, Christmas Break January 12................................................ No School, Teachers PIR 8:30 a.m.-Noon January 15..................................................... No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 19.....................................................................No School, Presidents Day March 2....................................................................................................No School March 14..................................................................PIR, 3:30-5 p.m. Teachers Only March 29-April 3................................................................. No School, Easter Break April 30............................................................................. No School, Vacation Day May 9....................................................... PIR, 3:30-5 p.m. Teachers Only Make-Up May 20....................................................................................... Graduation, 2 p.m.

May 24........................................................................................ Last Day of School

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

kidsLINK Afterschool; PROVIDING STUDENTS & PARENTS WITH THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUPPORT THEY NEED

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hroughout the state of Montana, Afterschool programs keep students safe and offer educational support while parents finish out the work day. The Greater Gallatin United Way established the kidsLINK Afterschool program in 1997. Today, over 4,000 students are enrolled in the program with 1,400 students participating on a regular basis.

Last year, in spite of a $95,000 cut in state grants, GGUW kidsLINK Afterschool continued to move forward. “Fortunately, the loss of Montana out of school time funding did not negatively affect programming in Bozeman or Belgrade,” says Program Director Megan Brenna. “A registration fee was implemented in Bozeman, and a slight fee increase was added. However, all families were still able to attend, regardless of their ability to pay.”

If a family is struggling to make the registration fees, scholarships are available. According to www. greatergallatinunitedway.org/kidslink, around $300,000 in scholarships are awarded annually. Thanks to the support of the community and several non-profits, every child will have the opportunity to sign up for the program.

Students pre-k through 8th grade

can sign up for kidsLINK Afterschool. In Belgrade and Bozeman, registration begins August 14, with forms available on the Greater Gallatin United Way website. “kidsLINK Afterschool will continue partnering with enrichment activity partners from previous years, including Montana Raptor Conservation Center, Gallatin Valley Farm to school, and others,” Brenna says. “New enrichment activities will focus on STEM, career exploration, and social emotional development.”

The program is tailored to fit the community’s needs, down to the individual child’s needs. “We strive to meet each student where they're at, whether that is focusing on academic subject like reading or math or study skills, or providing social emotional support, like interacting with peers or help expressing emotions,” Brenna says.

6 Goals of kidsLINK Afterschool • Ensure no child is home alone by providing quality, affordable out of school programming that supports and engages busy families • Enhance student health by providing nutritious daily snacks and nutrition curriculum • Strengthen student well-being by providing daily physical activity with a focus on lifelong fitness • Promote student academic success by providing tutoring and homework support • Develop student interest and passion for learning through enrichment activities • Foster student mental and emotional well-being through quality staffing and ongoing professional development

kidsLINK Afterschool Communities: • • • • • •

Amsterdam Belgrade Big Sky Big Timber Bozeman Gardiner

• • • • • •

Livingston Manhattan Pray Three Forks West Yellowstone White Sulphur Springs

Registration • To sign up, visit: http://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/kidslink

• Click on the parent portal for Bozeman or Belgrade • Sign in or create an account • For questions or concerns, contact Megan Brenna at 406-587-2194 or megan@greatergallatinunitedway.org

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS @ CMB No school? No problem!

We offer hands-on adventures in science and technology that will help your child soar.

Coding, robotics, 3D printing, DIY electronics, and more!

BOZEMAN

children’s museum & STEAMlab

Explore the full schedule of after-school programs and PIR day camps at www.cmbozeman.org.

Lone Mountain Gymnastics

Keep your kids active all year!

Gymnastics - Swimming Trampoline Educational Preschool

Lone Mountain Gymnastics and Swim School 1237 N. Rouse, Bozeman

587-1180

www.Lonemountain.biz

for details and online registration

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Date Night

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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AT THE RIDGE ATHLETIC CLUBS! PARENTS: take the night off and let Ridge Kids take care of the kids! We offer four hours of fun, swimming, games and pizza!

Date Night occurs the 2nd and 4th Fridays each month, and is available for children ages 2-12. Kids must be potty-trained.

4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT (406) 586-1737 • ridgeathletic.com

ART EDUCATION CLASSES AT THE EMERSON Fall 2017 For Kids

 Creating with Clay  NEW: Kids Sculpt  NEW: Community Creation  NEW: Little HeARTs  Fall PIR Events PIR Days: 10/2–3, 10/19–20, 11/27 For Teens

 Pottery: Beginner – Advanced  Acrylic Painting Basics  Drawing Basics  Jewelry Design Morning, evening and Saturday classes available To register call 406-587-9797 x 105 | www.theEmerson.org | 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Fuel Kids’ Success with Right Food Choices Getting out of bed on that first morning of school can be tough for some kids. As the freedom and fun of summer wanes, it is time to reharness the focus and point it toward academics.

Proper fitness and nutrition play a huge roll in keeping a child’s attention and energy levels high throughout the school day. Lindsay Kay Kordick, registered dietitian and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, has some helpful tips and recipes to ensure that your child has a successful school year. “Growing bodies and minds need plenty of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals,” Kordick said.

“These can be found in plant-based foods, lean proteins and whole grains.”

First things first: Breakfast is crucial. A healthy breakfast lays the foundation for the rest of the day. Make sure your child’s morning meal has plenty of fiber and is low in sugar. If cereal is your child’s go-to, Kordick recommends finding a cereal that has less

than two grams of sugar and at least three grams of fiber per serving.

Bear in mind, there are plenty of other breakfast options. “Children tend to like nut butter on toast or yogurt and fruit. Smoothies are popular as well and are easy to take in the car on the way to school,” she said.

While schools nationwide make efforts to provide the most nutritional food available, packing a lunch is the best way to ensure your children get the healthy food they need.

Take your children to the grocery store and let them pick out some fruits and vegetables.

If they help with shopping, they are more likely to eat their lunch. Options are endless too; just make sure to avoid processed foods, which lack nutrients.

“A sandwich is typically a popular choice, but don’t forget about options such as dinner leftovers or soup, which can be heated and placed in a thermos to stay warm,” Kordick said.

Snacks are as important as any meal. Good snacks will keep energy up, especially in highly active kids. A handful of nuts or dried

fruit can go a long way between meals. The best snacks are whole foods such as fresh fruit or vegetables. An apple with a little peanut butter or a bag of carrot sticks can hold children over until dinner and keep them focused for the remainder of the school day.

It can be easy to reach for little packages of cookies or sweet snacks, but beware of them. They are high in salt and sugar and have little nutritional value. You can usually always find healthier versions of snacks. For example, air-popped popcorn is a healthier choice than chips or crackers.

The benefits of a healthy diet are enhanced when you add exercise. Experts recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. Luckily, we live in a place with endless activities. Hiking, bike riding or skiing with your child is beneficial for both of you, and doing the activities together provides a chance to bond. The Gallatin Valley has so many parks and organizations, it is easy to find an activity for everyone to enjoy.

Combine exercise with some of Kordick’s awesome food recipes, and your child will feel great all year.

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Healthful Microwave Popcorn Serves .... 1 or 2

Microwave popcorn contains trans fats. Yes, even the LIGHT versions. Go ahead- read the label. ALL contain partially hydrogenated oil.

Studies have shown that these evil fats can actually raise your cholesterol more significantly than saturated fats. The recommendation is to avoid them. Completely.

One of my patients told me about this trick for microwave popcorn. SO easy. I had to try it for myself. NO fats needed. And no air popper needed. Flavor it as you see fit. Try my version for pumpkin pie popcorn!

1/3 cup popcorn kernels 1 brown paper bag 2 staples (I used my stapleless stapler because I was SCARED,

Breakfast Popsicles

Yield ~3 popsicles (depends on size of molds)

That's right! Popsicles for breakfast! Make these ahead of time and bring them out on those especially warm mornings during late summer and early fall! Kids will be sure to not skip breakfast those days!

but I have read that others use staples without a problem)

Place kernels in bag and fold top over twice. Secure with staples. Place bag in microwave on popcorn setting.

Wait.

1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup almond milk 1/2 cup berries (frozen are fine) 1 cup granola of your choice, divided

Enjoy!

Combine yogurt, almond milk and berries in a blender and mix until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup granola.

For pumpkin pie popcorn, add 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice and 1 Tbsp white sugar to bag prior to popping. Shake well once popped, then serve!

Pour mixture into popsicle molds and "top" (bottom) with 1 Tbsp granola. Freeze until solid and enjoy!

Nutrition Info per 1 bag: 93 calories, 1 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 3.5 g fiber

Nutrition Info per 1 popsicle: 131 calories, 3 g fat, 9 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

406.587.KIDS (5437) • 108 N. 11th Av Ave Bozeman Dr. Nasim Aleagha is a board certified pediatric dentist who is in network with most insurances including Healthy Montana Kids and Medicaid.

Head Start Gets A Fresh Look In Belgrade The HRDC Head Start program has had a busy year in Belgrade. “HRDC is building a new Early Childhood Education center in Belgrade which will include four new classrooms and an incredible natural playground,” said Early Childhood Education Director Sara Savage. “These classrooms will replace our current building, which had one classroom that offered two half day classes.”

We are a gentle and friendly practice that sees all patients from birth to teen and those with special needs.

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The new facility, located at 82 7th Street in Belgrade, will be open this fall. Full day classes will start from 8am to 9am and are available to children ages 3-5.

“With the new facility, we will be able to open three extended day Head Start and Preschool Development classrooms for the upcoming school year, providing additional support to local working families,” Savage said.

HRDC Head Start has served the Gallatin Valley for 15 years, with classrooms also available in Bozeman and Livingston. The goal of the free federally funded program is to prepare young students for success in their future education. “Our incredible staff support the child in their school readiness through the development of language and literacy, cognitive and motor skills, but also their health and social emotional development,” Savage said.

Funding for the new location came from a grant through Head Start, construction financing, local donations and the sale of the existing facility in Belgrade.

The natural playground is still in the works, with all funding coming from fundraising. “The bulk of our donations have come from incredibly generous local businesses such as Kenyon Noble, MT Gardens, and Montana Hardscapes, among others,” said Outreach and Special Events Coordinator Robin Mayor. “All of the dollars raised and in-kind donations will be used

to build a playground that will enhance the educational experiences of kiddos in the Belgrade community for generations.”

The natural playground will feature a sand space, swinging bridge, climbing hill, and inventor’s lab.

To aid in fundraising or find out more about the campaign, visit https://www.classy.org/campaign/ belgrade-head-start-playground-build/c135489. “Individuals can make a general donation to the Head Start Playground fund, or they can join us in creating their own fundraising team,” says Mayor. “Individuals and teams have raised nearly $700.00 of our $5000.00 goal.”

HRDC Head Start accepts applications year-round, so it is never too late to enroll. However, all three centers are filling up quickly. To apply, visit the thehrdc.org, or call 406-586-9652.

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

BOZEMAN SCHOOLS After School 2017-18 Sports Activity Programs BOZEMAN MIDDLE SCHOOLS

6-7-8 INTRAMURALS

2017-2018 ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

6TH GRADE INTRAMURALS

CHIEF JOSEPH & SACAJAWEA

The online registration process and sports physical form only need to be completed ONCE/year. Any physicals completed after May 1, 2017 will be accepted for the 2017-2018 year.

In-district fee is $80.00/Sport.

Tennis August 30 - October 12 START DATES

Co-ed Volleyball August 30 - October 11 M/W Wrestling ($80) January 15 - March 9

August 11 – November 17 Speech and Debate October 2 – January 27 Fall Parent Meeting August 9, 2017 @ 6 pm in BHS South Gym

Winter:

Wrestling November 16 – February 10

Boys’ Basketball October 30 - December 11 M/W

Swimming November 16 – February 10

Girls’ Basketball October 31 - December 12 T/Th

Girls Basketball November 16 – March 11

Volleyball August 28- October18

Girls’ & Boys’ Track April 2 - May 9 M/W

Boys Basketball November 16 – March 11

Basketball January 3 - February 23

Bozeman High School

THE COMPLETED ONLINE FORMS WITH PHYSICALS AND FEES IS DUE BEFORE THE START DATE!

7TH & 8TH GRADE GIRLS

Fastpitch March 19 - May 18 Track March 26 - May 12

7TH & 8TH GRADE BOYS Football August 28 - Oct 16

Wrestling January 15 - March 9 Basketball October 23 - December 15 Track March 2 - May 12 INTRAMURALS DO NOT REQUIRE A SPORTS PHYSICAL OR THE FULL PARTICIPATION BOOKLET. Separate registration packets will be available at each school at the beginning of each intramural season. FEE IS $60 PER SPORT FOR INTRAMURALS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WRESTLING ($80)

Tryouts for soccer, golf, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, fastpitch, and tennis begin on the first day of practice. Late tryouts are only permitted in circumstances beyond a family’s control and approved by activities director.

Additional information can be found at www.bsd7.org – quick links – activities.

Online form submission is mandatory.

A Sports fee of $100 ($50 for Cheer) must be submitted to the Activities Office. Physicals must be dated after May 1, 2017 for the 2017-18 sports year.

Athletic forms are available August 1, 2017 and can be found online at www. bsd7.org – Quick Links – Activities.

Fall:

Football August 11 – November 17 Girls Volleyball August 11 – November 11 Soccer August 11 – October 28 Cross Country August 14 – October 21 Golf August 10 – September 27 Fall Cheerleading/Dance

Winter Cheerleading/Dance November 16 – March 11

*All schedules are tentative and subject to change.

9-12 Intermural Basketball TBA Winter Parent Meeting November 15, 2017 @ 7 pm in BHS South Gym

Spring:

Track and Field March 19 – May 26 Girls Fastpitch

March 19 – May 26 Tennis March 19 – May 19 9-12 Intermural Spring TBA Spring Parent Meeting March 19, 2018 @ 7 pm in BHS South Gym

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

2017 Fall Activities Guide Bozeman Parks

Bozeman Parks and Recreation: Multiple programs for multiple ages, including Special Olympics, Chess Club, Dog Agility Club, Muleterro, Cycling, Lacrosse, Swimming, Track, Wrestling, and more. www.bozeman. net/government/recreation

Library

Bozeman Public Library: 626 E. Main St., 406-582-2420, bozemanlibrary. org/kids. Programs include: Pokemon Club, Books and Babies, Chess Club, R.E.A.D Aloud to a Dog, Book Club, Lego Club, and more. Call the Children’s Desk, 406-582-2404.

Museums

Children’s Museum of Bozeman: 202 S Willson Ave., Corner of Willson and Olive, 406-522-9087. Spring Break and PIR Day Camps, Music Mondays, Pre-K Science Days, STEAMlabs, Winter Wonderland, Toddler Garden, Physics Playground, and more. www.cmbozeman.org.

Museum of the Rockies: 600 W Kagy Blvd., 406-522-8122. Programs include: Early Education Programs, Tours and Tots, School’s Out Days, Homeschool Courses, Taylor Planetarium and more. Check museumoftherockies.org for new exhibits, calendars, and programs.

Animal Lovers

*All schedules are tentative and subject to change.

Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture: 111 S Grand Ave., 406-587-9797.

Youth and Young Adult classes, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, jewelry design, ceramics, and more. Scholarships available. www.theemerson.org or education@theemerson.org.

Dance

Montana Ballet Company: 2304 N Tracy Ave., Ste C-3, 406-582-8702, info@montanaballet.org. Classes available for all ages and abilities. www. montanaballet.org

Tanya’s Dance Co.: Belgrade 406-388-1501, Bozeman 406-586-6611.

Classes available for 18 months and up! Parent Tot, Tumbling Tots, Creative Movement, Kinderdance, Cheer, Ballet, Clogging, Hip Hop, Flexibility, Jazz, Dance Team, Private Lessons, and more. www.tanyasdanceco.com

The Dance Center: Emerson Cultural Center, 111 S Grande Ave. Ste 210A, 406-920-1247, thedancecenterbozeman@gmail.com. 2 and up. Creative Dance, Ballet, Advanced Contemporary, Modern FUNdamentals, and more. www.dancebozeman.com

Music

Bozeman Music Lessons: 1103 Reeves Road W Ste A, 406-920-1177, mikeparsonsmusic@gmail.com. Lessons available for all ages, Bass/Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Piano, and more. www.bozemanmusiclessons.com

Cat Cuddler Program: Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd., 406-404-3068. Junior Volunteer Program, Ages 6-16, accomMusic Together Bozeman: 2607 Spring Creek Drive, 406-570-2839. Parpanied by an adult. www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org. ents and Children take lessons together. www.musictogetherbozeman.com Horsemanship Lessons: Cedar Ridge Equines, 555 Rocky Rd., 530-2633433. Barrel Racing, Private Lessons, Group Horsemanship Beginner and Intermediate, Group Rodeo. www.cedarridgeequines.com .

Music Villa: 539 E. Main St., 406-587-4761, lessons@musicvilla.com. Music Lessons for any age, nearly any instrument, including voice and songwriting. www.musicvilla.com

Arts

Physical

Programs, including after school lessons, PIR Day Programs, using several different types of media, and incorporating music, creative writing, and outdoors themes. www.artsplot.com

bozemankarate.com. Bozeman’s only traditional karate school! Discipline, Self-Defense, Quarterly Panels for Parents, Classes 4+, every ability, Lil Dragons, Kids Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, year-round. www. bozemankarate.com

Art Splot: 111 S Grand Ave., #211, 406-587-8424. Ages 6+, Art Enrichment Bozeman Karate: 610 Professional Drive Ste 1, 406-994-9194, info@

Arts on Fire: 200 S 23rd, Suite A1, 406-586-8081. “Paint your own pottery”

Cunningham’s ATA Martial Arts: 2622 W Main Ste E, 406-556-8792, info@ studio. Wednesdays are Kids Days! Paint and Fire is Free to kids 17 and cunninghamsata.com.

Ages 4+, Taekwondo, life skills, weapons training, younger. www.artsonfirebozeman.com or email artsonfirebozeman@gmail. and more. www.cunninghamsata.com com.

Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle Montana Mixed Martial Arts: 2010 N 7th, 406-570-0758. Brazilian Jiu-

Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association: Rink at Haynes Pavilion, Fair-

Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling. www.montanamma.com

grounds, 406-586-5557. Youth League for Boys and Girls, ages 5 and up. www.bozemanhockey.org

Big Sky Aikido: 421 W Griffin Dr., 406-585-1100. Ages 7-16, sword work, beginner-advanced. www.bozemanaikido.com

Bridger Creek Golf Course: 2710 McIlhattan Rd.,406-586-2333. Pee wee

Spire Climbing Center: 13 Enterprise Blvd., 406-586-0706. Pre-school

YMCA

Climbing, Afterschool Climbing Beginner/Intermediate, Youth Climbing, Ages 5 and up. www.spireclimbingcenter.com

Mountain Air Dance: Emerson Cultural Center, 111 S Grand Ave., 406595-0909, cathy@mountainairdance.org. Ages 2 and up, Aerial silks, low flying trapeze, aerial hammock, aerial yoga, hoop and more. All levels. www.mountainairdance.org

Lone Mountain Gymnastics and Swim School: 1237 N Rouse, 406-5871180. Classes for ages 1 and up. Movement Mania, Jumpers and Bumpers, Recreation, Team Gymnastics, Trampoline, Tumbling, Water Babies, Swim Kids, and more. www.lonemountain.biz

Ridge Athletics Club: 4181 Fallon Ave., 406 -586-1737. Kids Play Zone, Supervision, Birthday and Party Reservations, Swimming Lessons, and more. www.ridgeathletic.com/services/kids

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and Junior Golf Lessons into September. www.bridgercreek.com

YMCA: 514 S 23rd Ave., 406-994-9622. Multiple programs for all ages, Parents Night Out, PIR Day Camps, Sport PIR Day Camps, Active After-School Club, Swimming, Flag Football, Basketball league, Y Cheer, Y Dance, and more! www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Theater

Kaleidoscope Youth Theater: 1602 W. Beall St., 406-587-3642, kytadministration@gmail.com. Offers PIR Fun Days, 8-week theater sessions. www. kytbozeman.org

Ellen Theater: 17 W. Main St., 406-585-6918. TATE Academy. After-school programs provide youth of all ages technique-based theater arts training. www.tateacademy.org

Verge Theater: 2304 N 7th Ave. Ste C-1, 406-587-0737, info@vergetheater. com. Youth and Teen classes in musical theater, comedy improv, Grades k-2 and 3-5, and Teen Theater. www.vergetheater.com

610 Professional Drive Suite 1, Bozeman

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Play + Learn 2017 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

5 REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

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5 4 3 2

Event Notifications

Keep up on the events happening in your community: The Christmas Stroll, The Montana Wedding Event, Farmers Markets, and Art Walks just to name a few!

Classifieds

Buy and sell items, offer skills for hire, find a new job, or find your next place to call home. Sometimes the information in the classifieds section just can’t be found anywhere else, so you don’t know what you’re missing out on.

Sales, Discounts, and Coupons!

Local businesses will buy advertisement space from a newspaper in order to promote their business with opportunities for you to save.

The Paper is Online on Your Device!

You don’t have to pick up a printed version to enjoy all the benefits of reading your local newspaper!

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL PAPER IS SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY SUBSCRIBE TO THE BEST:

Voted the best daily newspaper in Montana 2 years in a row!

CALL 587-4491