Play & Learn 2018

PLAY + LEARN •2018-2019 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 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Contents:

PLAY + LEARN 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR

A Letter from Rob Watson ................................................... 3 Back to School Routine ....................................................... 4 Up to Date .......................................................................... 5 Every child deserves a head start! ...................................... 6 Wise Counsel...................................................................... 8 2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDERS .................................. 10-11 Safe and Secure; KidsLINK offers quality after school care ...........................12 Fresh Take .........................................................................14 2018 Fall Activities Guide .............................................18-19 Stories by Hannah Stiff, Bozeman Daily Chronicle staff

SPORTS SWAP

ALL NEW FALL PROGRAMS AT YOUR GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA Health and Fitness Programs NEW After School Programs Intro To Dance and Taekwondo Flag Football and Basketball Leagues PIR Day Programs Early Learning Programs Senior Programs Birthday Party Packages Parent’s Night Out Childcare FREE MONTHLY FAMILY EVENTS FOR YMCA MEMBERS-Join today

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR FALL FLAG FOOTBALL September 4th

Financial assistance is available to anyone demonstrating need

SATURDAY * SEPTEMBER 8 11am-2pm Gear drop off August 13th-31st at the YMCA

Trade that sports gear clogging your closets for almost new items that you can use to play! All types of equipment can be traded; cleats, football pads, dance shoes, gymnastics gear, lacrosse, soccer or even golf gear.

Swap begins at 10am for YMCA members, 11am for general public. Day includes lots of fun and games, bouncy houses, food trucks and events for people of all ages.

No gear to trade? No problem. Purchase a ticket to be part of the trade the day of the event. Visit our website for all the details. www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

A Letter from Rob Watson, Superintendent of Bozeman Public Schools August 1, 2018 Getting back into school…

Dear Bozeman Students, Parents & Community Supporters, Welcome Back to School!

For those I have not met, my name is Rob Watson and I serve as the Superintendent of Bozeman Public Schools.

On behalf of the staff and school board, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone back to school on Monday, August 27.

A special welcome to those who may be new to our community and/or new to our school district. Here are some quick facts that will get you up to date on the latest happenings in Bozeman Public Schools.

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Our school district serves almost 7,000 students in eleven school sites.

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We have eight elementary (K-5) schools, two middle (6-8) schools, one high school and one charter program serving students in grades 9-12.

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We have nearly 500 teachers and more than 800 employees. Our District is the third largest employer in our community.

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As with everything else in Bozeman, our District is growing quickly. Our newest school, Meadowlark, opened in 2013 and it already serves more students than any other K-5 school in our district.

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In May 2017, voters approved a bond initiative ($125M) to construct a second high school and renovate the existing high school.

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Construction has started on the new high school (located in northwest Bozeman), which will open in Fall 2020.

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Starting in the 2020/21 school year, our transition committee has recommended that grades 9,10 and 11 should be split between the two high schools. The 12th grade students will stay together that year and graduate with their classmates from Bozeman High.

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Starting the following year (2021/22) both high schools will serve grades 9-12. Both schools are being constructed for a capacity of 1500 students.

The attendance boundaries for each high school have yet to be determined. We will be engaging the community in a discussion this Fall to determine appropriate attendance boundaries. Stay tuned to our website (www.bsd7.org) for more information.

We are all working towards the same goal…success for our students. I believe that student success is best achieved when schools, parents, and community members engage as partners in education. Here are a few tips and suggestions for the start of the school year as we work together to provide the best educational environment for our students: •

Watch for walkers and bikers. We encourage students to walk and bike to school if possible. As traffic increases this Fall, be on the watch for walkers and bikers that will be making their way to and from school. We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping kids safe.

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Keep on reading. As educators, we know one of the most important life-long habits is reading. When there is downtime at school, we encourage students to read.

We appreciate your help in encouraging reading outside of school. Our school libraries provide a great source of materials and our public library has multiple ways to access great books, including a book mobile!

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Get involved. Parents, please make sure to get involved in your child’s school. Each school has a parent advisory council. Join the PAC and look for ways to volunteer. Staying involved is a great way to meet school staff and learn about school culture.

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Enroll in KidsLINK. After school time can be an exciting time to learn, play and make friends in the KidsLINK program. The Greater Gallatin United Way has made a commitment to help all kids engage in healthy activities during the after school hours. Find out more and enroll your child. (greatergallatinunitedway.org)

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Become a mentor. Community members can help students succeed by becoming a CAP Mentor. This rewarding opportunity requires a short time commitment, but is well worth the time. If you are interested, please contact our great community partners at THRIVE for more information. (allthrive.org)

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Stay informed. Things can change quickly in our community. Stay informed with the latest happenings in our District by visiting our website (bsd7.org) and following our twitter page (@BSD7Schools).

Thanks for your interest and your help in making 2018/19 a great school year!

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Back to School Routine S

Would an Occupational Therapist help your family?

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t can be tough work transitioning from long summer evenings and late bedtimes, to early alarm clocks ringing in the start of the school year. And that’s not just for the kids! To get your family ready for the start of school, we teamed up with Bozeman Occupational Therapist Tia Sutton to bring you some suggestions for making the new routine a lot less painful.

ometimes getting ready for school or participating in everyday activities is a struggle for some children. Sutton and her colleagues at Epicenter Therapy explain which signs to look for in determining whether your child could benefit from occupational therapy.

What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is the therapeutic use of everyday activities, or occupations, to help an individual participate in the things they want and need to do. Our team of pediatric occupational therapists are skilled in treating children

First, get your child involved in preparing for the school year ahead. Sutton recommends taking your child shopping for school supplies with you. While it might add some time to the Target run, letting your child shop for school supplies will signal that the start of school is approaching and the unstructured summer fun is dwindling. After shopping, let your child organize their backpack and desk supplies.

This offers a (hopefully) calm opportunity for your student to get in the school mindset before the first day.

The next tip may take a little more finagling.

“Begin going to bed at a consistent time and begin establishing a consistent bedtime routine,” Sutton suggests. “This may include establishing a ‘no screens’ rule after dinner etc. Kids need a full night’s sleep in order to be fully prepared for the school day.”

If you aren’t sure just how much sleep your child needs, visit sleepfoundation. org. The nonprofit website offers guidelines for how many hours your child needs based on age. The Sleep Foundation recommends adjusting to a new sleep schedule should begin two weeks prior to school starting. Each night, set an earlier bedtime and each morning set an incrementally earlier alarm. By the time school arrives, your child will be far more prepared for the early morning wake up call. Creating a soothing environment, avoiding electronics use before bed, cut-

ting caffeine and setting a good example are all tips the Sleep Foundation offers parents to set healthy bedtime habits for the whole family.

Another way to help prepare children to head back to school is by creating a visual schedule with your child. Sutton says a schedule allows children to get into school rhythms visually and may help facilitate smooth transitions throughout the day.

“For example a visual schedule may include a breakfast or eating picture, followed by a backpack picture, then a bus picture, etc. to display the desired routine,” Sutton explains.

In addition the a visual schedule, incorporating school-related activities into home life can help, too.

“This can include providing your child with age appropriate worksheets, games, and reading to complete,” Sutton says.

“Many websites, even Pinterest, provide many academic-specific activities based on age and grade. You might even incorporate a token reward system for this by giving the child something (i.e. free time, game choice, etc) in return for completing so many activities or spending a certain amount of time on academic readiness tasks.”

With a little preparation and a healthy dose of patience, your family will be off to a great start this school year!

with a variety of conditions and diagnoses to help them participate fully in school and social situations, home and self-care tasks, and the community. Common diagnoses and conditions we treat include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, fine motor delay, and visual perceptual deficits. Our knowledgeable occupational therapy team offers a variety of specialized services such as custom upper extremity orthotic fabrication, feeding intervention, infant evaluation and treatment, and aquatic therapy.

SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY NEED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Does your child do any of the following?

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Difficulty performing self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting

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Messy handwriting or difficulty typing

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Struggles to engage in purposeful play, such as difficulty playing with toys appropriately

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Does not seem to understand social cues or maintain appropriate space with peers

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Severe reactions to everyday situations, such as grocery stores, loud noises, haircuts etc.

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Trouble with feeding or is a very picky eater

If your child displays difficulty with any of these areas, or you have questions about whether an occupational therapy evaluation is appropriate for your child, please call or email Epicenter Therapy in Bozeman for more information.

Play + Learn 2018 • 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

Up to Date Ensure your kids have the vaccines they need to start the year

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he start of the school year is mere weeks away and parents are feeling it. Make sure the kid-

your insurance information.

dos have every school supply on their

Walk-in immunizations clinics will be available only on the days and times below:

scroll-sized list. Don’t forget to plan a

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shopping trip for new school clothes.

Sports equipment? Better make sure it still fits or search the internet for the

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Tuesday August 21st and 28th from 9am-11am & 1pm-4pm at the Gallatin City-County Health Department

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Thursday August 23rd from 9am11am, at the Belgrade Special Events Center

next size up.

With all the last minute school buzz, it’s important to remember your children’s vaccines. Are your kids properly vaccinated for the grade they will be entering? Do you need to schedule a vaccination ASAP? If you need help getting your child school-ready, the Gallatin City-County Health Department can help.

Monday August 20th and 27th from 1pm-4pm, at the Gallatin City-County Health Department

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the City-County Health Department at 582-3100.

First, the health department recommends contacting your family physician to obtain a list of the vaccinations your child has already received.

Check the vaccination schedule below to see if your child needs an additional dosage before school.

In addition to your child’s immunization records, health officials ask that you bring your insurance card to the appointment. Children with no insurance, or whose insurance does not pay for vaccines, qualify for vaccinations under the Vaccines for Children Program.

The health department will be hosting several vaccination clinics prior to the start of school. You must bring your child’s immunization record with you to these events, as well as

The pertussis and varicella vaccines are now required school immunizations. For more vaccine guideline information, visit http://www. healthygallatin.org/immunizations.

Daycare Vaccinations UPDATED IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING AND STAFF WORKING IN CHILDCARE FACILITIES. The Department of Health and Human Services updated the immunization requirements for children and attending a licensed child care facility and its staff. The update adds two vaccines required for children and slightly changes what is needed for staff. The new requirements will go into effect June 1, 2018 so families and childcare facilities can catch up.

The additional vaccines are as follow: • Children will need age appropriate doses of Hepatitis B (Hep B) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and one dose of varicella vaccine by 16 months rather than by 19 months of age.

• Staff requirements ad at least one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Those born in 1957 or later need one dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

There are strict regulations in place that require infants and children to have up-to-date vaccinations before they can enroll in childcare facilities and schools (public & private). Daycare and school vaccinations can be handled by the experienced team of nurses at the Gallatin City-County Health Department.

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Every child deserves a head start!

Looking for something for the younger kids this fall as the “older” kids head to the classroom? Start with the HRDC. The nonprofit organization runs Head Start preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5. The preschool program provides a variety of educational activities for children from low-income families, plus healthy meals and snacks, medical and dental care, and indoor and outdoor play in a safe, secure social setting.

Additionally, Head Start staff work hard to provide comprehensive preschool services to address the socio-emotional, nutritional and overall health of young children. Head Start educators use teaching materials aligned with the Montana preschool curriculum to get kiddos ready for school.

To find out more, we talked to Sarah Savage, Program Manager of Head Start.

Q: What days and times Head Start will be offered in the surrounding areas?

Head Start has centers in Bozeman, Belgrade and Livingston. Our Bozeman center has both full day (7 hours) and half day class options. Our Liv-

ingston and Belgrade centers offer 7 hour classes.

All our centers operate Monday through Thursday during the school year.

Q: What kind of activities will children participate in each day?

Our kids are busy each day, learning through play in our intentionally crafted environments. Each day our students will have exposure to arts, science, technology, language and literature. Our outdoor learning environments and natural playgrounds, help support healthy kids.

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Q: Tell us a little bit about the healthy food the Head Start chefs whip up for kiddos each day.

Head Start students get three healthy meals each day (breakfast, lunch and snack) during family style meals that encourage our young learners to try new foods.

What are the benefits of preschool for young children?

Preschool help establish a foundation for learning. Over 90% of Head Start graduates enter Kindergarten exceeding expectations for school readiness, this is nearly 30% higher than then general population entering Bozeman's school system. In addition, our programs support the whole child, so we go beyond academics to include support for children and family health, social- emotional well being, gross motor skills and so much more.

LEARN FOR TO PLAY FREE HOCKEY

Any programmatic or other changes to Head Start this year?

No big changes, our program has a proven history of helping our students prepare for the next great steps. Eligible families receive all these services at no cost.

Is there room left to enroll students?

YES!! We currently have opening left at all of our centers, but spaces are filling up fast, apply today.

What is the best way for parents to learn more or sign up?

Visit our website, www.thehrdc.org or come stop by our offices at 33 South Tracy in Bozeman.

Head Start Fast Facts • There are no Head Start fees for qualifying families • Parents do need to show a birth certificate and immunization record for each child • Participation numbers are limited in each city, so sign up ASAP • To be eligible, children must be 3 or 4 by Sept. 10

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Wise Counsel Tips from a School Counselor on preparing your kiddo for big transitions

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hange is hard. At least for most people. Kids are no different. If your child is approaching a milestone, like the start of kindergarten, middle or high school, you’re probably wondering how to prepare them.

Starting with the youngsters, Bozeman School District Counselor and Psychologist Sandi Quinton talks about the effect transitioning to different grades has on students. Though it’s natural to worry about five and six year olds, Quinton says the jump from kindergarten to first grade is getting easier, thanks to full-day kindergarten.

“Children probably have more difficulty transitioning from being at home or at a preschool program to being in kindergarten,”

Quinton explains. “Many young children have difficulty leaving their parents or caretakers and going to school where everything is new and different.”

From peers to procedures, rules, expectations and teacher teachers, kindergarten is a busy, stimulating time for children. Quinton says kindergarteners can also struggle with having the stamina or energy to attend a full day of school during the first few weeks.

“There are more academic demands on children in kindergarten compared to preschool which can cause some of them to feel overwhelmed,” Quinton says.

To ease the back-to-school stress, Quinton says parents and caretakers can familiarize children with the school they will attend. Meeting the principal, teachers and counselors, touring the school and classrooms, discussing procedures and rules, all help prepare students to start the year on the right foot. Parents themselves can have a positive impact on their child’s school experience.

Being positive about what will happen, making encouraging comments about how well they think their child will do in the new situation, and having peers from the school over for play dates or activities helps create a positive narrative about school.

To help kids gain the social skills they’ll need to thrive in school, Quinton recommends finding opportunities for interactions with other children.

“It is important for parents or caretakers to provide their children with opportunities to be with other children to develop social skills, to read to and with their children

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle every day, and to have conversations with their children that encourage them to explore new ideas, to be creative and to be excited about learning,” Quinton explains.

With the kindergartener ready to greet the school year, it’s time to look ahead to middle school. The years between elementary and high school are assuredly fraught with awkwardness, uncertainty and hormones. According to the nonprofit organization Great Schools, students entering middle school are anxious about three key aspects of change: logistical, social and academic. Parents, here are some tips to cope with the middle school years.

“Prior to entering middle school, it is important for parents or caretakers to talk with their children about any specific concerns or questions they may be having,” Quinton suggests.

“They may set up a time to meet the child’s school counselor, visit the school and walk through the building following the child’s daily schedule, look over the school website together, and talk about clubs and sports to join at school.”

Socially, middle school students worry about having friends at school - someone to sit with at lunch and talk with between classes. Parents can help prepare their kids by role playing or talking through different scenarios with their children. Situations to walk through include how to make new friends, how to start a conversation, and how to handle conflict.

acknowledgement helps normalize those feelings for kids. It helps them know they aren’t alone and they can handle it.”

Understanding the difference between normal school anxiety and a bigger problem is important. Signs that a child might need more or different support include changes in behavior like moodiness, anger, acting out or not participating in favorite activities. Talking about this behavior with a child can help. Quinton also advises contacting the school for additional help if you notice a big change in your child’s behavior.

“If a parent or caretaker notice signs of school refusal or separation anxiety in their children - feeling sick in the morning, being fearful of leaving parents, not wanting to go to school, seeming better as soon as they are allowed to stay home, having angry outbursts, going to the sick room, calling home, complaining about school - then it is time to seek help sooner than later,” Quinton says.

“School counselors and therapists can intervene early and provide support for the students at school to feel safe and to help them develop coping strategies for their anxious feelings.”

Private therapists can help students and families to understand what is going on and how to intervene at home.

Transition from elementary to middle school causes most students to feel somewhat stressed or anxious the first few weeks because they worry about many new things such as how they will fit in with peers, how to find their classes, how to open the locks on their lockers, how to complete or keep up with assignments from seven teachers, how and who to ask for help, and how to navigate the lunchroom or recess time.

Great Schools research also show the benefits of summer activities on the campus of school your child will attend.

After students participate an academic or recreational activity, parents are encouraged to take them on a tour of the school and grounds to get them comfortable with finding their way around more easily.

Even with all the preparation and practice for starting school in a new building, it is normal for any child to feel somewhat apprehensive and anxious about coming back to school, Quinton says.

“Most children are excited to go to school even when they feel nervous about what might happen,” she says. “Parents or caretakers can help their children by just letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous and that their peers feel that way too. That

Blossom

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDERS

Belgrade School District Aug 29............................... School Begins (Grades 1-12) Sep 3.................................................Labor Day Holiday Oct 18 & 19......................... PIR Days (No School K-12)

Bozeman School District Aug 27.................................School Begins (Grades 1-12) Aug 30................................ Full Day Kindergarten Begins Sep 3................................................... Labor Day Holiday Oct 8 & 9..............K-5 P/T Conferences (No School K-5) Oct 18 & 19............................PIR Days (No School K-12)

Nov 21 - 23.................................. Thanksgiving Holiday Nov 26.......................... K-12 PIR Day (No School K-12) Dec 24.............................................Jan 1 - Winter Break Feb 15................................... PIR Day (No School 9-12) Feb 18........................................Presidents Day Holiday Mar 18...................................................22 Spring Break

Nov 21.................................... 23 - Thanksgiving Holiday Nov 26.............................K-12 PIR Day (No School K-12) Dec 24..................................................Jan 4 Winter Break Jan 21.................................................... MLK Day Holiday Jan 22....................................... PIR Day (No School 9-12) Feb 18...........................................Presidents Day Holiday Mar 18.....................................................22 Spring Break Apr 11......................K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences 6-8

PIR Day (No School K-8)

Apr 22.................................... PIR Day (No School K-12)

Apr 12................... K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences K-12

May 27....................................... Memorial Day Holiday

May 24.............................K-12 PIR Day (No School K-12)

June 1...........................................................Graduation June 6................................................Last Day of School

PIR Day (No School K-12)

May 27.......................................... Memorial Day Holiday June 2..............................................................Graduation June 6...................................................Last Day of School

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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

Gallatin Gateway School District

Manhattan School District

Aug. 28...........................................School Begins (1-8)

Sep 3..............................................Labor Day Holiday

Aug. 29......................................... Kindergarten Begins

Sep 4.....................................................School Begins

Sept. 3............................................. Labor Day Holiday

Oct 18 & 19......................PIR Days (No School K-12)

Oct. 18-19...................................PIR Days (No School)

Nov 21-23.................................Thanksgiving Holiday

Nov. 21-23......................................Thanksgiving Break Dec. 24-Jan. 4........................................... Winter Break Jan.21........................................... PIR Day (No School) Feb. 18...................................... Presidents Day Holiday Mar. 18-22................................................ Spring Break

Dec 24........................................ Jan 2 - Winter Break Feb 18.....................................Presidents Day Holiday April 18...............................................22 Easter Break May 27.................................... Memorial Day Holiday June 2........................................................Graduation June 7.............................................Last Day of School

Apr. 12.......................................... PIR Day (No School) May 27...................................... Memorial Day Holiday June 7.............................................. Last Day of School

Monforton School District

Sep 4........................................................ School Begins

Three Forks School District Aug. 22....................................................... School Begins (1-8)

Oct 18 & 19................................. PIR Days (No School)

Sept. 3.......................................................... Labor Day Holiday

Nov 21 - 23.................................. Thanksgiving Holiday

Oct. 18-19................................................PIR Days (No School)

Nov 29 & 30...................... Parent Teacher Conferences

Nov. 2........................................................................No School Nov. 21-23..................................................Thanksgiving Break

Dec 24 - Jan 2............................................ Winter Break

Dec. 7..................................... Imery’s Tournament (No School)

Feb 18........................................Presidents Day Holiday

Dec. 24 - Jan. 2...................................................... Winter Break

Mar 15 - 22................................................ Spring Break May 27........................................Memorial Day Holiday June 6................................................Last Day of School

WILDCATS

Jan. 18....................................................... PIR Day (No School) Jan. 25............................... Speech & Drama State (No School) Feb. 18.................................................. Presidents Day Holiday Mar. 21 & 22................................... Vacation Days (No School) Apr. 19-22 ......................................... Easter Break (No School) May 19.................................................................... Graduation May 23......................................................... Last Day of School

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Safe and Secure KidsLINK offers quality after school care

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he Greater Gallatin United Way will continue its partnerships with school districts to offer quality, convenient, and affordable after school programing for families during the school year. Since 1997, the kidsLINK after school programs have been supporting student success through tutoring, homework and reading support. With programs in 31 schools in four counties, kidsLINK serves children from Three Forks to Big Timber, including kids at all eight Bozeman elementary schools and each Belgrade elementary school.

In a nutshell, kidsLINK ensures no child is home alone by offering quality after school programming. KidsLINK offers families a supervised place at schools for children to play outside, complete homework, enjoy a snack, learn a foreign language, create art and be in a safe, supportive atmosphere after school.

The program operates on school grounds as a result of long-term partnerships with Belgrade and Bozeman School Districts. Children experience an easy transition from the school day and families appreciate the convenience of on-site after school care. Last year, more than 1,700 children from kindergarten to eighth grade participated in kidsLINK each day.

“We are also pleased to offer the program without cap limits; allowing us to meet the needs of our growing communities and ensure all children have a safe and nurturing place to go after school,” kidsLINK Afterschool Assistant Karen DeCotis says.

KidsLINK is available Monday through Friday at the end of each school day until 5:45 pm.

Morning programs are also available at several school locations. These include Ridge View Elementary in Bozeman, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am

and at Bozeman’s Emily Dickinson, Hawthorne, Hyalite, Meadowlark, Morning Star and Whittier Schools from 7:15 am to 8:00 am.

The recent loss of state and federal funding, along with increased costs required the United Way to increase tuition fees. According to Greater Gallatin United Way Executive Director Danica Jamison, the agency is looking for new funding sources to offset the cuts in funding for the kidsLINK program. Though GGUW is still actively fundraising for the program, some scholarships will be available. Scholarship applications will open on August 15th may be submitted with program registration.

Registration opens August 15th for Belgrade and Bozeman families. The online registration form is available at www.greatergallatinunitedway. org/kidsLINK. Children must be registered to attend the program.

Belgrade kidsLINK Afterschool Program registration and enrollment fees still being finalized.

Check out the greatergallatinunitedway.org website for updates and to register your child on August 15. For more information, called GGUW at 406.587.2194 or email kidslink@greatergallatinunitedway.org

Bozeman kidsLINK Afterschool Program one-time registration and daily tuition fees are as follows: One-Time Registration Fees • $35 per child • $50 per family (2 or more children) Afternoon Daily Tuition Rates per Child (end of school day to 5:45 PM) • $10 per day Regular Rate • $12 per day Benefactor Rate • $8 per day Sibling Rate • $8 per day Reduced Rate (families with annual gross income of $40K or less) Morning Daily Tuition Rates per Child (7:15 AM to 8:00 AM) • $3 per day Regular Rate *If a family is struggling to make the registration fees, scholarships are available. GGUW is currently working hard to solicit funding for the scholarship fund. To donate or find out about securing a scholarship, visit www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/kidslink.

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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ART EDUCATION CLASSES AT THE EMERSON Fall 2018 For Kids  Creating with Clay  Kids Sculpt  Little HeARTs (free for members)  Fall PIR Events PIR Days: 10/8– 9, 10/18– 19, 11/26

Quality ● Convenient ● Fun ● Affordable Out-of-School Time Care

For Teens & Adults  Pottery: Beginner – Advanced  Jewelry Design  Acrylic & Oil Painting  Drawing: Beginner – Advanced  Life Drawing  Art on the Rocks Series

“I want to let you know how much our family appreciates the kidsLINK program in Belgrade. We will have 2 kiddos in the program this coming year. My son loved it last year and my daughter is excited to take part!

It is a lifesaver for our family as both my husband and I work full-time. “

Serving the families of Gallatin Valley for over 20-years!

Morning, evening and Saturday classes available To register call 406-587-9797 x 104 | www.theEmerson.org | 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman

www.GreaterGallatinUnitedWay.org/kidslink

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We seeWe patients years Kid-friendly environment with iPads and toys in the waiting area, TVs on ceiling in tr treatm tme ent ro rooms and and fun priz prizes!

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Fresh Take Jazzing up the favorite lunch staples

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t’s almost lunch packing season for parents. To get you out of a PB&J rut, we teamed up with local registered dietician Lindsay Kay Kordick to discover fun ways to turn a brown bag lunch into a nutritional adventure.

• Consider adding a “theme” to the days of the week; ie: Breakfast for Lunch Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Wednesdays, or Finger Food Fridays. This will make the weekly planning process a bit easier.

Here are Kordick’s tips for packing a healthy lunch your child will actually eat.

• Purchase a small thermos to pack soup or leftover pasta or other hot dish.

• Involve your child in the planning and preparation of lunches to help reduce the likelihood of lunches coming home uneaten. This is also a great opportunity for a quick lesson in balanced eating!

• Use a bento box to help make the planning and packing process easier. Assign each section of the box a food group;

vegetables in one section, fruit in another, protein and starches in another, etc.

• Make a small pizza using a street taco tortilla, crisped in a nonstick skillet, topped with sauce, cheese, and even some chopped veggies.

• Tacos or quesadillas (tasty even if eaten cold) are a great way to include (and disguise) some healthy foods like beans and greens.

• If your child loves breakfast foods; hardboiled eggs, Canadian bacon, and a small bagel or mini pancakes create a desirable lunch. Make sure to include a serving of veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, and a fruit.

• Kids love foods on a stick! Make some skewers with leftover meat, cheese, and veggies.

• Pack a healthy dip, such as hummus or guacamole, along with cut up veggies and baked pita chips.

• Pasta salad is a great way to include some lean proteins, such as tuna or chicken, along with veggies. Involve your child in making the salad to help them feel a bit more invested in the process, and the likelihood of foods coming back home will be reduced!

Junior

Ridge Kids at the Ridge Athletic Clubs is your one-stop kids’ fun zone!

Packages

Let the Ridge Party Specialists help you plan your child’s next birthday party! Kids will have a blast swimming in the pool, jumping in the bounce house, and exploring in the playzone. Choose from our basic package and à la carte menu or our premium package to design the perfect party for your child. All parties are 2 hours long.

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Lease ski

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

start october 1, 2018!

DATE NIGHT Take the night off and let the Ridge Kids staff take care of the kids!

We’ll have 4 hours of playzone fun with pizza, tunnels, swimming, games, and a movie and popcorn. Date night occurs the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. Children must be potty-trained to participate in Date Night.

NO SCHOOL/PIR DAYS When school is closed, your children will join a Ridge Kids staff member for a half day camp filled with fun!

ski season will be here before we know it! the round House is your family headquarters.

1794210

406-587-1258

www.roundhouse-sports.com 1422 W. Main | bozeman, Mt

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

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

HELPING KEEP YOUR KIDDOS ON THE RIGHT PATH

Bozeman Health Pediatrics

From sports physicals and well-child checks, our Bozeman Health Pediatrics team of specialty providers helps keep your kiddos happy and healthy.

Locations in Bozeman and Belgrade 406-414-4900 BozemanHealth.org/pediatrics

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

KIDDOS ARE OUR SPECIALTY

Bozeman Health Pediatric Therapy We take great pride in our diverse team of highly skilled therapists with varied backgrounds and vast experience, who provide physical, occupational, speech, and language therapies for children.

406-414-4675 BozemanHealth.org

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle

2018 Fall Activities Guide

*All schedules are tentative and subject to change.

Bozeman Parks:

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

including Special Olympics, Chess Club, Dog Agility Club, Muleterro, Cycling, Lacrosse, Swimming, Track, Wrestling, and more. www.bozeman.net/government/recreation

drawing, printmaking, jewelry design, ceramics, and more. Scholarships available. www.theemerson.org or education@theemerson.org.

Bozeman Parks and Recreation: Multiple programs for multiple ages, 9797. Youth and Young Adult classes, including painting, sculpture,

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:

Cat Cuddler Program: Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd., 406-404-3068. Junior Volunteer Program, Ages 6-16, accompanied by an adult. www.heartofthevalleyshelter.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

Music Together Bozeman: 2607 Spring Creek Drive, 406-570-2839.

Parents and Children take lessons together. www.musictogetherbozeHorsemanship Lessons: Cedar Ridge Equines, 555 Rocky Rd., 530-263man.com 3433. 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 Art Splot: 111 S Grand Ave., #211, 406-587-8424. Ages 6+, Art Enrich- songwriting. www.musicvilla.com

Arts:

ment 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

Physical:

Bozeman Karate: 610 Professional Drive Ste 1, 406-994-9194, info@ bozemankarate.com. Bozeman’s only traditional karate school! Discipline, Self-Defense, Quarterly Panels for Parents, Classes 4+, every abilArts on Fire: 200 S 23rd, Suite A1, 406-586-8081. “Paint your own pottery” studio. Wednesdays are Kids Days! Paint and Fire is Free to kids ity, Lil Dragons, Kids Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, year-round. www.bozemankarate.com 17 and younger. www.artsonfirebozeman.com or email artsonfirebozeman@gmail.com.

Cunningham’s ATA Martial Arts: 2622 W Main Ste E, 406-556-8792,

Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle info@cunninghamsata.com. Ages 4+, Taekwondo, life skills, weapons training, and more. www.cunninghamsata.com

Montana Mixed Martial Arts: 2010 N 7th, 406-570-0758. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling. www.montanamma.com

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

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

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Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association: Rink at Haynes Pavilion, Fairgrounds, 406-586-5557. Youth League for Boys and Girls, ages 5 and up. www.bozemanhockey.org

Bridger Creek Golf Course: 2710 McIlhattan Rd.,406-586-2333. Pee wee and Junior Golf Lessons into September. www.bridgercreek.com

YMCA:

YMCA: 3673 Love Ln., 406-994-9622. Multiple programs for all ages,

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

Parents Night Out, PIR Day Camps, Sport PIR Day Camps, Active AfterSchool Club, Swimming, Flag Football, Basketball league, Y Cheer, Y Dance, and more! www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Mountain Air Dance: Emerson Cultural Center, 111 S Grand Ave., 406-

Theater:

595-0909, cathy@mountainairdance.org. Ages 2 and up, Aerial silks, low Kaleidoscope Youth Theater: 1602 W. Beall St., 406-587-3642, kytadflying trapeze, aerial hammock, aerial yoga, hoop and more. All levels. ministration@gmail.com. Offers PIR Fun Days, 8-week theater sessions. www.mountainairdance.org www.kytbozeman.org

Lone Mountain Gymnastics and Swim School: 1237 N Rouse, 406587-1180. 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

Ellen Theater: 17 W. Main St., 406-585-6918. TATE Academy. Afterschool 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@vergethRidge Athletics Club: 4181 Fallon Ave., 406-586-1737. Kids Play Zone, eater.com. Youth and Teen classes in musical theater, comedy improv, Supervision, Birthday and Party Reservations, Swimming Lessons, and more. www.ridgeathletic.com/services/kids

Grades k-2 and 3-5, and Teen Theater. www.vergetheater.com

swimming

Martial artists get better grades!

New classes are begiNNiNg Now w

gymnastics trampoline

2622 W Main St # E, Bozeman, MT 59718 info@cunninghamsata.com

406-556-8792

active learning preschool

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Play + Learn 2018 • Bozeman Daily Chronicle