Back To School 2021

BACK-TOSCHOOL TIME What’s inside?

• Welcome to the 2021-22 school year, page 4 • Berthoud school celebrating 100 years, page 5 • Got homework?, page 9 • Thompson students to see a “mostly normal” school year, page 16 • Song lyrics reflect pandemic’s effect on Berthoud schools, page 19 • Help students stay physically healthy by supporting mental health, page 21

BWS

BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”

© Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME

July 29, 2021

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME

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July 29, 2021

Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year D ear Thompson Community, Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to congratulate the BHS Class of 2021 at their graduation ceremony at Berthoud High School. It was so exciting Guest to celebrate Columnist their accomplishments alongside the Berthoud community and wish these talented students the very best as they embark on their limitDr. Marc Schaffer less futures.

We could not Thompson be more proud School District of them.

Our recent summer school program was also a tremendous success and we are now excited to welcome students back for another year of learning and growth.

Here in Berthoud, we’ve not only been busy putting together the building blocks for the new school year, we’ve also been spending a lot of time getting our campuses refreshed and ready for the first day of school. In particular, our district bond team has wrapped up several projects and is also hard at work on many others that will benefit our families and staff. Here are a few of the items that the team has focused on: Berthoud Elementary School and Ivy Stockwell Elementary School: exterior entry modifications flooring • abatement of asbestos materials mainly flooring • building additions • mechanical system upgrades

Turner Middle School: flooring in hallway and some classrooms • track surface • surface replacement on the playground • entry security upgrades • kitchen equipment Berthoud High School: • exterior signage track artificial turf field and field lighting flooring in some rooms, halls and in the commons • mechanical system upgrades I am so proud of our students, families and staff for what we have overcome together throughout the past several months. The pandemic created many unique challenges for all of us. Yet it also provided an opportunity for us to work together in new ways to provide the high-quality education that students deserve, while also taking the steps needed to help ensure their safety. Throughout the year, I saw so many examples of families and staff working together in refreshing and interesting ways.

I am very happy that we will be able to return to a greater sense of normalcy this year, utilizing what we have learned to further enhance our programs and services.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or to your school team. We are here to help and want to do all that we can to assist you and your student.

Thank you again for your amazing support. We look forward to another tremendous school year!

Sincerely, Dr. Marc Schaffer Superintendent Thompson School District

School supply lists can be found at each school website.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021

Index

Berthoud school celebrating 100 years .............................. 5 Berthoud Elementary.......................................................... 6 2021-2022 school calendar .................................................. 7 Summer fun with the historical society ............................. 7 Ivy Stockwell Elelmentary .................................................. 8 Got homework? .................................................................... 9 Turner Middle School .......................................................... 10 Tips for dorm room and campus safety .............................. 11 Berthoud High School ......................................................... 13 Popular prom songs from the last 10 years ....................... 13 Get crafty with personalized school supplies ..................... 14 What you need to know about children and Type 1 diabetes 15 Thompson students to see a “mostly normal” school year 16 What teens should know about vaping and e-cigarettes .. 18 Song lyrics reflect pandemic’s effect on erthoud schools Treat kids to lunches that meet all needs .......................... 20 Help students stay physically healthy ............................... 21 Promote healthy weight starting with school lunch .......... 22 Our school supply drive for the 2021-22 school year has begun. Please bring school supplies to our office at 440 Mountain Ave. and we will sort them and divide them evenly between Berthoud El, Ivy Stockwell and Turner Middle School.

Thank you to our advertisers who make publications like “Back to School Time” possible.

Academy for Dental Assisting Jones Excavation Careers Longmont Dairy Berthoud Bash New Freedom Church Berthoud Vision for Life New Paradigm Medical Brown’s Shoe Fit Northern Colorado Credit Union B-Town Orthopedic & Spine Center of the Rockies Crossroads Dermatology PVREA Gargot Farms University of Northern Colorado Good Samaritan Women’s Clinic Hood, Dr. Steve Back to School 2021© is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Editorial content is provided by Surveyor staff writers and the Thompson School District. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents. It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.

Subscription rates are $37 per year to residents of the 80513 zip code and $47 per year to zip codes other than 80513 and $37 or $47 for online.

All additional information regarding individual schools, fees, registration and testing dates, alternative education options and other resources can be found at thompsonschools.org or call 970-613-5000.

BWS BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR

Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot

970-532-2252 440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513 www.BerthoudSurveyor.com Facebook • Instagram • Follow us on Twitter @berthoudsurvey

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME

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A LOOK AT BERTHOUD

W hen Berthoud schools open this fall it will mark 100 years since the community’s junior and high school students began classes in the new school building (no longer standing) erected at the northwest corner of Ninth Street and Massachusetts Avenue. That site — presently occupied by Turner Middle School — was the location of erthoud’s first unior-senior high school, a building constructed by local contractor John A. Bell for the Tales of the for cost 8 , 8 . . The unior high school consisted of Little Thompson grades 7 and 8 with the high school made up of students in grades through .

According to Berthoud historian Helen McCarty Fickel when Bell was building the school he was also constructing a craftsman-style bungalow for his family at 908 Mountain Ave. When Bell overran his school budget he made good on the contract, absorbed the losses, halted construction of his dwelling and moved into the basement of the unfinished house until he was able to finish. ell’s brick bungalow presently houses The Cottage Realty.

Mark French efore the erthoud unior-Senior High School Surveyor Columnist building was built at the northwest corner of Ninth Street and assachusetts Avenue in , first through twelfth-grade students living in erthoud attended classes in a two-story, red-brick school building located in the center of present-day ickel Park. The east half of the building had been built in 1897. A mirror addition that was the west half of the school was constructed in 1908.

After the new unior-senior high school was built in , the old school one block away in present-day ickel Park became erthoud’s elementary school. irst through sixth-grade students attended the school. There was no indergarten. ural students continued to attend first through eighth grades in one of the community’s country schools. If they wished to attend the high school they were responsible for transporting themselves to Berthoud since school buses were not made available.

The new school building heralded Berthoud’s entry into the modern world.

While the school was under construction in the summer of the local newspaper published “Some Facts About Berthoud’s New High School Building. The facts included uilding about s uares feet semi-basement with two stories above concrete foundation wall of olden fire brick, with rough panels and white smooth trimming, laid in pattern design has fan system of heating and ventilating gymnasium in basement, x feet with foot ceiling to have balcony; manual training and domestic science rooms; furnace room, lockers and toilet also in basement auditorium on first floor, x feet with stage and balcony; the largest room in town; the superintendent’s office four school rooms and entrance to auditorium also on first floor on second floor there will be five school rooms and entrance to balcony of auditorium the side wings to stage will be used for library ... ” When the school was approaching completion in uly the local tabloid observed, The tinting and decorating of the walls of the high school building is completed and the building is even more beautiful within than outside. The walls looked so well in the white finish of the plaster that we uestioned the advisability of incurring the extra expense of decorating at this time. But we are convinced. There are some things that have a higher than mere utilitarian value, and we are sure that all who see the beautiful finished ob will feel the school board acted wisely. The furniture has been purchased and when it is in place we will have that grand opening fete that Mr. Bell has promised us for the last year and a half.”

School opened for the - school year on onday, Sept. , .A total of students were enrolled in the high school with 3 of them being freshmen. The high school staff consisted of C.B. Whitehouse (Superintendent , iss dith imson atin and nglish , iss Dora Newell odern

anguages and Science , iss Iva eaird History and nglish , rs. Wolford Commercial Department , iss Cora Dumbauld usic and Art , and eslie Dunnell anual Training and Athletics .

The Berthoud High School athletic mascot was the Bears.

The unior high school included 3 seventh graders and 8 eighth graders. Their teachers were iss ary utler seventh and rs. Hugh . Perry (eighth).

The original school building that became the erthoud lementary School housed first graders, 3 second-graders, 3 third-graders, fourth-graders, 33 fifth-graders, and 3 sixth-graders. iss Ivy Stockwell the namesake of erthoud’s modern-day Ivy Stockwell lementary School was the teacher of the second grade. ne century later in school-aged children in the erthoud community will attend erthoud lementary School, Ivy Stockwell lementary School, Turner Middle School or Berthoud High School. The total number of students is not yet known but it is certain to be many times less than it was 100 years ago in when the school year began with high school, unior high, and 180 elementary school students respectively.

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Berthoud Elementary School A

fter a recent weekend trip with my family, I started scrolling through all of the photos on my phone. Hundreds of those photos were of students, staff and events at Berthoud Elementary. Revisiting those memories, after the challenges we faced together last year, demonstrated the resilience of our students, parents and staff. Regardless of the circumstances, our students were able to learn and grow, and there were big smiles behind the masks. The photos also reinforced how important the incredible relationships at Berthoud Elementary School are to me. It is truly a privilege to serve at such an outstanding school.

Who’s new at Berthoud Elementary We are pleased to welcome the following new staff: • Brittany Volden — Kindergarten Teacher • Amy Redder — Part-Time Interventionist • Courtney Eyre — Intensive Learning Center Teacher • Lisa Shykula — Technology Facilitator • Linda Cornell-Jones – Attendance Clerk Holly arcia School Health ffice Assistant What’s new at Berthoud Elementary • Summer bond work — Work this summer includes ventilation pro ects, a new gym floor and some mechanical and grounds repairs. We are so grateful for the support of the community to allow for an improved learning environment for our students.

• Science of Reading training — Our staff will engage in ongoing literacy training and the implementation of a foundational literacy program in grades K-3.

Melanie Patterson • Safety — The safety of our students and staff continPrincipal at Berthoud ues to be an important priority for the 2021-2022 school Elementary School year. There will be information shared prior to the start of the school year, regarding the most up-to-date health and safety guidelines.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Berthoud Elementary School, 560 Bunyan Ave., 970-613-7500.

Principal Melanie Patterson.

• Community support — We are appreciative of the continued support of our PTA for their work on an outdoor sunshade project and the Berthoud Bash for continuing to invest in Mirror TV systems for our classrooms.

• School activities and events — We are excited to plan for the return of our Career Fair, after-school clubs and school events during the 21-22 school year.

Upcoming events: • August 16 — Kindergarten transition day Back To School Night – 4 - 5:30 p.m.

• August 17 — First day of school I am so excited for the 2021-22 school year to begin. It will bring new opportunities to impact the lives of our students in meaningful and supportive ways.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we will continue to empower our students to become thinkers, achievers and leaders.

School Calendar 2021-2022

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Please visit the Thompson School District website at www.thompsonschools.org to view this calendar online.

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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Ivy Stockwell Elementary School W

e couldn’t be more excited this school year as we return to school full time — and with the ability to see our student’s and staff’s faces. Yay! Also, we are super excited to have volunteers, at some capacity, back in the buildings, which is impactful on so many levels. We will once again continue the tradition of having our fall school carnival and appreciate all of the volunteers who support the execution of such an incredible experience for our community. We are looking forward to our students experiencing more hands-on and interactive learning again!

We have been so fortunate to have the support of our community and the Thompson School District as our new additional classrooms will surely help with the continued growth we are experiencing in our school.

Also, we are extremely grateful to the Anne Marie Sanchez Berthoud BASH School Fund that helped Principal at Ivy Stockwell purchase additional literacy intervention Elementary School materials, science kit updates, and professional learning and development around our STEM focus and instruction.

We’d like to introduce and welcome new Ivy staff members: Dianne Robbins — Academic Interventionist Kyiana Webb — English Language Acquisition Teacher Kathryn Breding — Learning Center Aide What’s new at Ivy Stockwell Elementary: • A refreshed and functional STEM Lab that we can’t wait to use with students this school year.

Two eading Corps volunteers to help support filling students’ reading gaps impacted by the pandemic.

Ivy Stockwell Elementary, 175 Fifth St., Berthoud, 970-613-6100.

Principal Anne Marie Sanchez.

A new gym floor.

• Playground improvements.

Upcoming events: Back to School Night on Thursday, August 12th (more information will be sent out to Ivy families in early August).

Our Ivy school family is proud to serve our Berthoud community. We look forward to a positive, engaging and overall incredible school year. We couldn’t do what we do without our talented staff, incredible parents/guardians, supportive community and awesome students. This year is going to be another great one because we all work together to do what we can to support students and provide them with such thoughtful and caring experiences.

Thank you, Berthoud!

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

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Got homework?

Try these 10 tips to ease the task, even make it fun

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

As the lazy days of summer come to an end, does the idea of buckling down and doing homework after working all day at school seem, well, a bit … boring?

Homework can be, if not fun, at least engaging, while also giving a taste of the work world. ou can learn tips for becoming motivated to do it in the first place, disciplined to carry it out step by step and creative in how to reach the finish line.

Homework and large pro ects can fit around sports, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, time with friends, and the ever-present appeal of social media and still allow you to meet your other commitments.

The first homework tip is probably obvious find a spot free of distractions and family activity that also is quiet and well lit. Turn off the television and put aside the cell phone and tablet to avoid hearing pings of new messages. Try mom or dad’s office to get a grownup feel of working. o to the library for an entirely new environment and change of scenery that can be an energy booster. Or name a place in the house, such as the kitchen table, as the official homework spot with a Do Not Disturb sign.

Second, have the tools in place necessary to do the work, such as paper, pencils, a dictionary, thesaurus and calculator, or any other supplies and special materials.

Third, consider time management, setting aside a specific time of day for doing homework, but not right before bedtime. Better yet, schedule it right after school or following afternoon activities, and give it a timeframe, such as 3 3 to p.m.

Fourth, create due dates for long assignments and projects, breaking up the tasks into smaller parts, each with its own deadline. This works even for those who like to procrastinate and put things off to the last minute since there is something in the planner. Work up to the last minute on that part of the project,

then go on to the next task.

Fifth, create a to-do list, putting “1s” by the top items that need attention right away, followed by “2,” “3” and onward for tasks that can be done that day, later in the week, or have no real-time consequences. Check off items that are completed, and create new to-do lists as the current one becomes messy.

Or write up a new list each day that includes not just homework, but errands, chores, job shifts, practices and activities.

To help accomplish tips three to five, use a planner with time labels, serving as a reminder of when assignments are due and to give an overall vision of how the day will be spent. The planner breaks the day into chunks of time, where tasks can be assigned to each chunk in order of importance. Be sure to include breaks, even five or minutes, to stretch, do physical activity or check social media. Time the breaks to make sure you return to work, refreshed and ready to go.

For the seventh tip, divide homework into hard and easy tasks. Do the hard tasks first, when alertness and a higher level of energy are important. Then do the easy stuff, even if you’re tired since it will go quicker. If the assignment has to be turned in a couple of hours, first work through the easy stuff to get it out of the way, then move on to the trickier portions to maximi e the grade.

Eighth, estimate how long each assignment and task will take, shaving off five to minutes to encourage focus and speed. e self-forgiving if any of the items take longer than expected. Time yourself and write down by the minute or quarter-hour the time spent on each part of the task to help with future planning.

Ninth, create a reward system for getting the tasks done. or example, give a point for every assignment completed before the deadline for every five points earned, go for a treat, such as a favorite dessert, or an extra minutes of a favorite activity, such as reading or gaming. Be sure the incentive is small and frequent, helping with focus and motivation and allowing for many small wins that lead to a bigger win.

Lastly, have a positive attitude about homework, realizing how important school is for preparing for postsecondary education and a career path. The skills learned in school will be used later in life, where the work world and personal goals also have their own schedules, deadlines and due dates.

GIVE THE GIFT OF NEWS!

BWS BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR

Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot

A subscription to the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor is only $37 in the 80513 zip code and $47 elsewhere, read the Surveyor online — $37 per year.

For more information go to BerthoudSurveyor.com

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July 29, 2021

Turner Middle School

Dear Turner students and families, Wishing you a warm welcome back to Turner Middle School (TMS). There are some new faces this year and we are eager to get this year underway and all the good things to come.

We are also excited for students and families to see all of the physical changes that have taken place in and around TMS over the summer. Some of the most impactful changes include our eighth-grade science room and Industrial Tech room make-overs.

New flooring throughout all the main hallways and a complete makeover to our main entrance both inside and out. We are a little disappointed that our new lockers were not available for installation over the summer but instead are now scheduled for winter break.

Brandy Grieves Principal at As we prepare for students, I wanted to Turner Middle School share that Turner continues to recognize and actively support Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). These supports are implemented in schools and designed to acknowledge appropriate student behavior. At TMS, our PBIS motto is PRO and our TMS Dragons strive to have and be a PRO: *Perseverance * Respect * Ownership each and every day.

This year, we will continue our PRO advisory class and students will be assigned to one of eight castles. During these classes and throughout our school day we will continue to teach students consistent school expectations, acknowledge when students act responsibly, and re-teach expectations to encourage successful behavior. We have a number of rewards and incentives that students are able to work toward as part of the PRO (PBIS) program.

These rewards and incentives include the following: • Castle kudos (teachers nominate students for this recognition when the student has done a random act of kindness, has demonstrated improvement in class, or has shown leadership in another way).

Student of the Month recognition (teachers nominate students for this award).

P affles Dragon tokens are earned by students and can be entered into raffles and castle competitions .

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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Turner Middle School, 950 Massachusetts Ave., 970-613-7400.

Principal Brandy Grieves.

•Dragon Lair School Store (use earned Dragon Tokens to purchase items).

Please make note of the following: NEW middle school hours: School starts at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 4:05 p.m.

Let’s be ready to learn! Our warning bell rings at 8:48 a.m. and we ask that students are seated in their classroom and ready to learn at 8:50 a.m. Our goal is to decrease our tardies and increase our learning time for all students.

Thanks for your help in meeting this goal.

Back to School Night: Please join us on August 16 from 6 - 7 p.m. We will begin in the gym and address all families, then everyone will be released to visit your student’s classrooms and browse around the school.

We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you and your family. Our working closely together will better ensure we do our best to support your student’s success at TMS. See you soon!

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

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Tips for dorm room and campus safety

can’t hurt to schedule certain classes, particularly if they take place after dark, with a friend so you can walk to and from Life on a college campus can be excitclasses together. Security experts say that elevators and stairing, especially for freshmen enjoying wells are common places for assailants to target victims. If you their first taste of life away from home. ever feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and err on the side As exciting as campus life can be, it also of caution. can be a bit nerve-wracking for students • Install window alarms. Many retailers sell batterywho have never before had to fend for operated window alarms that can be adhered to windows. The themselves. alarms will activate if Administrators and security personthe window is opened or nel work to make school environments the glass breaks. These as safe as possible, but incidents can alarms can provide extra happen on any campus. A recent report security even if your dorm from Campus Safety and Security, there room isn’t on the ground were 38, reported criminal offenses, Above: Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe with programfloor. including burglary and identity theft, on mable electronic keypad.

• Be alert when college campuses in the United States in Right: SimpliSafe door and window sensor ridesharing. The safety . resource Safety.com says Students need not live in fear on camrideshare crimes are on the rise. pus but embracing various safety measures can make life at school that much Always identify your driver and vehicle safer. before getting in and ask the driver to • Hide or lock up valuables. ou never know what may catch the eye of a identify your name, as he or she will thief. Devices and cash are near the top of lists of most commonly stolen posseshave it and your destination. Wait for sions, but a desperate student may steal notes or even expensive textbooks if he the ride in a safe place and try to avoid or she is struggling. Always close doors and lock dorm rooms when leaving. eep riding alone. valuables out of sight at school. Consider buying a dorm room safe and lock your • Maintain personal health. e sure to visit the doctor and stay current on locker at all times. necessary vaccinations, such as the one for meningococcal disease. The Centers • Prepare for emergencies. Research the school’s policies on emergency for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk for meningococcal disease in preparedness. Some have text alert systems for emergency situations like adcollege students is slightly higher than the risk in other teens and young adults verse weather conditions, while others have clear guidelines on what students who are not attending college. ther communicative diseases can spread more should do if they feel threatened in any way. Participate in fire drills and learn easily on campus as well. the nearest exits and protocols for emergency evacuations.

Campus and dorm safety is multifaceted. Informed students can reduce their • Utilize the buddy system. ost campuses are safe to move around, but it risk of being involved in accidents or being targeted by criminals.

Special to the Surveyor

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July 29, 2021

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 29, 2021

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Berthoud High School

We are excited to invite our students back to our building beginning in August. Freshmen will be joining us on Monday, Aug. 16 with the rest of the student body joining us on Tuesday, Aug. 17. We are excited about some of the major changes that have taken place on our campus over the summer as part of the district bond improvement projects. Some of these improvements include a security vestibule at our main entrance, remodeled commons area, remodeled front office, new flooring in many key locations, new paint and new classroom furniture.

Also, there are improvements to the athletic facilities and parking.

We are thrilled to have the majority of our amazing staff returning this fall. We will be welcoming six new staff members. Kristen Vigil, Math; Kari Hansen, Science; Karen Weigel, SpanGordon Boschman Principal at Berthoud High ish; Deanna Mendenhall, Re-engagement Specialist; Claudia Olivas and Silvia Flores, Night CustoSchool dians. all sports are set to begin first practices on Aug. football and boys golf and Aug. softball, cross country, boys soccer, girls volleyball and cheer). Please see our website, berthoudspartans.org for on-line registration information.

We look forward to engaging with our incredible students and families in the next few weeks and continuing living out our motto, Our Business is Kids!

Berthoud High School - 850 Spartan Ave., 970-613-7700.

Principal Gordon Boschman

Popular prom songs from the last 10 years Special to the Surveyor Prom and music go hand-in-hand. The soundtrack to prom or any celebration sets the mood of the evening and contributes to the memories students will create on the big night.

When people reminisce about their proms, the songs that topped the charts in their graduation years frequently serve as reminders of all the fun they had with friends, especially on prom night.

Various organizations track the hit songs year after year, but Billboard magazine is a leader in ranking top songs on the charts. Here’s a look back at Billboard’s chart toppers that peaked during prime prom season over the last 10 years. ockstar by Da aby ld Town 8 In Yankee Paul

oad by il Nas

y eelings by Drake

Despacito by uis onsi and Daddy Cheap Thrills by Sia, featuring Sean

Uptown unk by featuring Bruno Mars

ark

onson,

Happy by Pharrell Williams 3 lurred ines by featuring T.I. and Pharrell

obin Thicke,

Somebody That I Used to now by otye, featuring Kimbra

by Adele

olling in the Deep California

urls by

aty Perry, featuring Snoop Dogg

usic and memories go together. It remains to be seen what the most popular prom tune will be, but it will surely be one students remember for years to come.

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July 29, 2021

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Get crafty with personalized school supplies

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

Do school supplies seem boring in solid colors or repetitive with the same kittens, puppies and stripes every year?

Before sending kids off to school, get them involved in a few crafty projects to not only personalize their school supplies but to make other parts of school more interesting and fun.

One place to start is with Poly Cover Composition Books and poly or plastic two-pocket folders, which are slick and see-through, making them great for tracing images.

Use paint pens to write and draw whatever the child imagines, such as their name and a picture of their favorite cartoon figure or animal. e sure to get nail polish remover and cotton swabs to erase mess-ups since paint pens are forgiving. If the child doesn’t like free drawing, go online to find simple pictures they can outline and then color in. Let the paint dry for a couple of hours before using the books or folders.

Another option for decorating composition books or solid-color spiral notebooks is to use washi tape cut to size with a pair of scissors. Apply the tape along the spine binding to create a frame and add some words from a typed-word tape roll, or cover the entire book by applying the tape in long strips. Make sure the strips are long enough to wrap over the top of the cover onto the back to avoid any peeling. Another option is to alternate tape to create a striped effect, using a solid color or glitter for one row and a pattern or design for the next row.

The washi tape also can be used to decorate locker mirrors and note boards.

For either one, line the tape along the outer edge and press down, then trim any excess. At the bottom or top, stick on a favorite phrase, such as “Create Happiness,” to serve as a positive reminder for the day.

Other supplies to decorate include Number 2 pencils and ballpoint pens to keep them from getting lost or mixed up with other similar supplies. Add pom-poms or glitter to the writing utensils, wrap them in washi tape, or spray paint them in a favorite color and add polka dots with a Sharpie.

To take decorating the utensils to a new level, turn them into flowers. Hold a utensil and the stem of a silk or plastic flower next to each other and wrap floral tape in a circular fashion from top to bottom, then back to the top. e sure to save room for the cap or eraser.

The utensils and other school supplies often get transported via a backpack, which also can be individualized in a few crafty ways. Add iron-on patches or sew-on appliqués, spelling out the child’s name or creating a design. Follow the instructions on the back of the package of whatever product is chosen.

Other things to try include pinning on badges or brooches onto the backpack fabric, attaching keychains to hang off zippers, and drawing on the fabric, using fabric paint, colored permanent markers or fabric makers — make sure the color is dark enough so that it will show. Use stencils to add a design using the paint or markers to draw it onto the fabric, or opt for some glitter glue.

Other ideas include adding buttons, attaching them with needle and thread or hot glue, or sewing on large ribbons tied in bows. Also tie on pieces of cloth to zipper tabs, writing words on the pieces, or glue on rhinestones or studs on pockets using fabric glue or hot glue.

Kids often have papers they need to keep track of, so have them make a fabric-covered paperweight with a favorite design or image or their initials.

Start by cutting fabric into strips and adhering the strips to a two- to threeinch rock with a product called Mod Podge, an all-in-one glue, sealer and

finisher. Cut out initials or a shape such as a heart using felt and adhere it on top of the fabric.

Once kids start decorating their school supplies, they might want to try some other craft projects.

Have them make pom-pom flower bou uets. Place green pipe cleaner parallel with the tines of a fork extended out 3 inches and wrap yarn perpendicularly around the tines. Fold the pipe cleaner over the yarn, slide everything off the fork and wrap the two pieces of pipe cleaner together. ake several flowers and wrap the stems with a ribbon.

If kids have cards they want to give for birthdays and other occasions, they can make their own. For hand-stitched cards, start by cutting a flower, animal, or other shapes out of medium to thick construction paper. Punch holes along the border of two pieces of card stock and stitch them together, using embroidery floss, thin twine or yard. Add a pipe cleaner stem to the flower or some buttons to give some flare.

Once students get creative, they’ll be in the mindset for school. Creativity is multidisciplinary using different mediums and tools. It allows for self-expression, promotes thinking and problem-solving and is even shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Get kids excited for school with these fun projects or search for more — the internet has multiple ideas for making anything from paper sack puppets or tissue paper butterflies to family mailboxes to exchange letters and notes.

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What you need to know about children and Type 1 diabetes

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor

Many people are to some extent familiar with Type 2 diabetes. This generally is found in adults and has to do with several factors including lifestyle and ultimately the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and the fact the body doesn’t use that insulin effectively. Type 1 diabetes generally develops during childhood and is an autoimmune issue where the body is no longer able to produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Without insulin, blood sugar can’t get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream. High blood sugar is damaging to the body and causes many of the symptoms and complications of diabetes. With type 1 the body’s own immune system which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes left undiagnosed can become life-threatening. Symptoms can develop over months or weeks. Sometimes severe symptoms can develop very quickly even within a 24-hour period.

A child or teen who is urinating frequently, drinking large quantities and still very thirsty, losing weight, and becoming more and more tired and ill is the classic picture of a child with new-onset type 1 diabetes. If a child who is potty-trained and dry at night starts having accidents and wetting the bed again, diabetes might be the culprit.

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake) that destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This process can go on for months or years before any symptoms appear.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention new diagnosed cases of Type diabetes have significantly increased around the world and in the United States. There are many theories why Type 1 diabetes has seen such a drastic increase in the past 100 years including cholesterol, maternal diet, mode of delivery, infant feeding, childhood diet, virus exposure, antimicrobials in early childhood, vitamin D deficiency, pollution, and exposure to common chemicals like phthalates, nitrates/nitrites and mercury. Research has shown some people have certain genes (traits passed on from parent to child) that make them more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes, though many won’t go on to have it even if they have the genes. Unfortunately, researchers have yet to provide a definitive answer.

Although it is easy to make the diagnosis of diabetes in a child by checking blood sugar at the doctor’s office or emergency room, the tricky part is recognizing the symptoms and knowing to take the child to get checked. Raising the awareness that young children, including infants, can get Type 1 diabetes can help parents know when to check for Type 1 diabetes.

Sometimes children can be in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when they are diagnosed with diabetes. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, the body can build up high levels of an acid called ketones. DKA is a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization and immediate care with insulin and I fluids. Symptoms of D A include the above-mentioned symptoms as well as weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath and confusion.

There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but researchers are working on preventing the disease or preventing the further destruction of the islet cells in people who are newly diagnosed. There are many new advances in how the disease can be managed as well including insulin pumps and wearable technology to keep track of blood sugar making a serious illness a little easier to handle.

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Thompson students to see a “mostly normal” school year

By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor As the beginning of the 2021-22 school year approaches, students at all levels in the Thompson School District (TSD) will see a much more normal-looking school year from what they have experienced since March of 2020.

Students at all grades levels across the district will be in school, in-person, full time while social distancing measures, mask mandates and other such pandemic-related stipulations that defined the last year-plus are no more. Sports and other extra-curricular activities are also expected to return to pre-pandemic format; shortened seasons, adjusted schedules, mask requirements and the like have been removed.

While TSD leadership was quick to point out that extra precaution measures will be in place, public education in the district will look and feel a lot more like 2019 than like 2020 and the spring semester of 2021.

“It will feel more normal still with the caveat that there are still precautions in place … it will be normal as long as we can maintain a safe atmosphere,” said TSD Chief perations fficer Todd Piccone. It will feel normal but we’re still living with C ID and that’s not going away so we have the plans in the later steps behind to make sure everyone is still protected,” The optimism and excitement for the upcoming school year were palpable with the district officials who discussed in detail the plans for - education with the Surveyor last Thursday.

The students are equally excited.

It’s definitely going to be a relief. I can guarantee there’s going to be a lot of kids who didn’t get to see a lot of each other and I think everyone is going to en oy the school year a lot more ust because we don’t have so many nitty-gritty restrictions,” said incoming Berthoud High School (BHS) junior Christian Foxworth. Foxworth participated in a feedback session along with student representatives from all TSD schools last spring where they shared their thoughts and feelings with district leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer. oxworth’s sentiments were echoed by Ally Padilla, who will begin her senior year at HS next month. Said Padilla, I am definitely looking forward to things going back to normal, I really miss it, freshman year was really the only year I had that was a full year of school that I got to experience everything I wanted to and if my senior year is able to do that again I think it would be a great way to go out … I think students will be really happy to be able to see each other without any constrictions.” aylee Padilla, Ally’s younger sister, and a soon-to-be freshman at HS, described the last year-plus at Turner Middle School as “challenging” and “frustrating,” saying, “I think the inconsistency of it all, we were always changing, all the kids try to be on the same page and when you’re online and then go in-person it’s hard to know where everyone is at. Caylee is also eager to see the expected return to normalcy, It’s really about the experience that you remember at school so it’s really important to have that full experience. Now, it will make learning easier and more enjoyable.”

All three students are also heavily involved in athletics and said the restrictions placed not only on their sports but on the school day made their favorite extra-curricular hobbies less enjoyable. Ally explained that, as an accomplished member of the HS cross-country, basketball, and track and field teams, being able to adequately fuel and hydrate her body prior to games, meets, and practices was made difficult as most teachers refused to allow students to remove their masks to eat or drink.

There were definitely times where I became frustrated because I felt like I couldn’t get into a good place during the day to get myself ready to do athletics, I run a lot and we need to be hydrated, especially during track when it was so hot and hydration is a big part and it became frustrating when I felt like I couldn’t eat or hydrate as much as I needed to,” Ally said.

The return to a much greater semblance of normalcy, all three students said, will not only make learning easier but will also be a great boost to their mental and emotional health. This fact is not lost on district leadership as Dawne Huckaby, TSD Chief Academic fficer explained, Students learn through the experiences, the shared culture and experience are important so getting back into school together, we’ve been working, especially at the secondary level with some cooperative learning structures that will help to continue to engage kids in the learning process.”

Equally important, Huckaby said, is for the students who may be struggling not only academically but also emotionally, to have the support structure of teachers, counselors and staff in place. Huckaby said that “when students were remote, it was easy for them to be remote,” but with the return to full-time in-

person instruction, It’s easier for them to be seen by an adult connections can be made, greater opportunity for adults to observe behaviors and we can be more proactive in responding to a student that may be experiencing some depression.”

Piccone explained that the district will work hand-in-hand with arimer County health authorities should adjustments to the plan be needed. TSD revised the definition of an outbreak from two positives cases in a school upwards to five positives and said that each school will be treated uni uely to their own circumstances.

Piccone also said the district will be providing access to the vaccine for students, staff, and parents at each school at their respective Back to School nights next month and the TSD will have roving vaccine operations that will travel from school to school this fall. Currently, anyone over the age of 12 is eligible for the vaccine, and, according to county data as of Wednesday, July 21, 35.2% of county residents age 11-17 are fully vaccinated and 40.8% have received at least one dose.

Controversial Critical Race Theory not included in TSD curriculum The subject of Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a part of the American education lexicon over the last year. The controversial and largely academic theory which is highly complex and detailed essentially posits that systematic racism is a part of American society.

Critical race theory is a practice. It’s an approach to grappling with a history of white supremacy that re ects the belief that what’s in the past is in the past, and that the laws and systems that grow from that past are detached from it,” Kimberlé Crenshaw, a founding critical race theorist and a law professor who teaches at UC A and Columbia University, wrote on CNN.com.

While in une members of the National ducation Association, the county’s largest teachers’ union, approved a plan to promote teaching C T in all states, the theory will in no way be a part of the TSD curriculum. “We do not teach Critical ace Theory, anywhere, we teach the content standards and it’s not in our Colorado Academic Standards,” Huckaby said emphatically.

The 2021-22 school year will begin on Aug 16. for all kindergarten, sixth and ninth-grade students and for all other students on Aug. 17.

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What teens should know about vaping and e-cigarettes Special to the Surveyor Teenagers confront a considerable amount of peer pressure as they navigate their way through adolescence. One of the more challenging situations teens confront is the pressure to smoke. Thankfully, anti-smoking campaigns have made great strides in preventing the number of young people who smoke tobacco products.

According to the American Lung Association, in 2015 9.3 percent of high school students reported smoking cigarettes in the past 30 days. That’s a remarkable 74 percent decline from 1997. That’s encouraging news, though there’s still a lot of work to do to help teens avoid smoking entirely.

Modern teens face challenges regarding tobacco that are entirely different from those faced by their parents decades ago. Back then, cigarettes were the primary, most readily available tobacco product.

But teens now must also confront e-cigarettes and the mountain of misinformation about them. The ALA highlights the following facts about e-cigarettes to help teens make healthy choices.

• E-cigarettes are not safer than traditional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, an umbrella term that includes vapes, hookah pens or JUULS, have not been proven to be a safe alternative to cigarettes. Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are inhaled and the products produce an aerosol cloud of nicotine or other substances.

• JUUL pods contain nicotine.

The ALA notes that every JUUL pod contains nicotine, and some even claim to have as much

Community giving starts at school

Special to the Surveyor

When people want to give back, many look to support national charities and other causes that they hold near and dear. Certainly these are worthwhile causes. However, giving back on a local level is a great way to help the people you see every day.

Schools are the heart of many communities. School buildings may serve as gathering spaces for sports practices or meetings for various organizations. Even though schools are likely to receive municipal funding for certain operations, budgets are frequently being cut and schools may need all the help they can get. This year the boundaries of the budget may be pushed even further as schools revamp their spaces and implement certain safety protocols to confront the pandemic. Now more than ever schools may need help. Here’s how to do just that.

• Volunteer your time. Find out ways you can volunteer time at school. This may be helping teachers make copies of assignments, supervising children at recess or lunch hours, serving as a chaperone at school functions, or being a coach or mentor for afterschool activities.

• Attend and participate in fundraisers. Fundraisers are essential to help offset costs for many special events and services for students. Whenever possible, give wisely through fundraisers.

• Provide supplies for classrooms. Teachers often have to supplement their classrooms with supplies bought out of pocket. Reach out to teachers to see which items they need and do your best to supply them.

• Join the PTA or a similar school-sanctioned organization. Many groups perform functions that facilitate strong connections between home and school.

Joining and working with such organizations can improve the school experience for everyone.

• Buy “Box Tops”-affiliated products. The Box Tops for Education program donates $0.10 per box top label collected and submitted by schools back to that school.

More than 80,000 elementary schools have earned money through the program to buy equipment and supplies. Box Tops can be found on many different food packages.

• Treat the teacher. In addition to supporting Teacher Appreciation Days and other school events, send in an uplifting note, snack or another way of showing you appreciate his or her efforts.

Schools play integral roles in many communities, and efforts to give back can begin on campus or through school-sponsored programs.

nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, regularly smoking products that contain nicotine is considered a major preventable cause of premature death and disability.

• JUUL smoke may look different, but it›s very similar to regular cigarette smoke.

The ALA notes that the aerosol cloud produced by JUUL smoke tends to look different from the smoke clouds produced by other e-cigarettes and even traditional cigarettes.

However, JUUL smoke contains many of the same chemicals as traditional cigarettes. The American Cancer Society notes that some of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke include formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, carbon monoxide, and ammonia.

• Even “nicotine-free” e-cigarettes likely contain nicotine.

According to the ALA, there are no rules governing how e-cigarettes or e-juice are made, so there’s no way for consumers to know exactly what these products contain. But the ALA says virtually all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, even those that imply they don›t.

• The adolescent brain is sensitive to the effects of nicotine.

A 2012 study published in Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine found that the adolescent brain is especially sensitive to the effects of nicotine. Studies of people who smoked during adolescence concluded that such people were at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment later in life.

Modern teens may not feel the same pressure to smoke traditional cigarettes as teens did in recent decades. But the pressure to try harmful e-cigarettes can be significant, and teens who learn about these dangerous products may be better equipped to resist them.

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Song lyrics reflect pandemic’s effect on Berthoud schools

B

ack in the early 70s when I was a young guy just starting my teaching career at Berthoud High School (BHS), I used to enjoy listening to the Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me.” You probably know it. I’ve read and heard some references to it in the last 16 months as the country dealt with the pandemic. When the editor of the Surveyor asked me to write this column, reflecting on the last year-anda-quarter and sharing my thoughts about the upcoming school year, I thought of those lyrics and decided to let them guide my thoughts.

“Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.” I don’t need to elaborate on the “pain and sorrow” our students, families, and staff endured as the pandemic so dramatically affected school as we knew it. We all acknowledge there has been plenty of both.

“You just call on me when you need a hand.” With USDA funding, Thompson School District’s (TSD) Nutritional Services Department distributed 76,000 meals free of charge to Berthoud students during remote instruction. Using federal funding to add to the district’s supply of Chromebooks, TSD ensured every Berthoud student had a device they could use for remote learning and worked with area internet companies to provide service. As parents asked for ideas and activities to address their children’s social, emotional and recreational needs during remote learning, TSD provided weekly age-appropriate ideas and links. This summer 120 Berthoud kids participated in various summer school options designed to help them catch up or get excited about continuing learning in 2021-2022.

“I’ll help you carry on.” Recognizing the critical role that athletics and other extracurricular activities play in the lives of secondary students, TSD joined other districts to offer opportunities for athletic competitions: Sports seasons occurred at different times than usual, spectator numbers were limited, and some other aspects were different. But despite so much uncertainty, Berthoud competitors shined as

they won numerous individual and team championships and awards. BHS teams also garnered Guest academic championships and received other recog- Columnist nition.

“If we are wise, we know there’s always tomorrow.” Our students and staff exhibited remarkable resilience as they dealt with never-before challenges during the pandemic. So, what does “Tomorrow” look like? Elementary students will see increased emphasis on reading proficiency as their teachers continue to receive intensive professional development in the science of reading. Middle and high school students will experience an emphasis Stu on increased achievement as their teachers receive Boyd professional development to promote excitement and interest in learning. All staff will receive equity training as TSD promotes a fair chance of succeeding in school for all our students, training which will impact social and emotional learning and academics. And sports and activities will look much like they did pre-COVID. Students, staff and families will note improvements this fall in all four Berthoud schools as 2018 bond funds and BEST grant money have been used to improve facilities. (Thank you, Berthoud voters.) Berthoud Elementary and Ivy Stockwell students will enjoy fully completed additions. Berthoud has also received mechanical repairs and a new gym floor while Ivy now has an improved ventilation system.

At Turner new lockers are on order, innovation labs have been refreshed, and many repairs and replacements have been completed.

BHS students and families will enjoy new stadium lights at Max arr, new furniture in most classrooms, and polished concrete floors — beautiful and durable.

Thanks to contributions from the Town of Berthoud and the Berthoud Schools Fund, Turner and BHS received TV projection systems.

Bond funds provided both schools with secure vestibules to enhance safety. inally, TSD is in the final stages of ac uiring a school site in Farmstead. We’ll need to build there in not too many years.

I know that 2021-2022 will be a great year for our kids. To repeat ill Withers, We know there’s always tomorrow. I’m confident that “Tomorrow” students will be in school every day and that the previous C ID restrictions will be significantly relaxed or eliminated.

I know how eager our teachers are to interact in person with their students and how committed they are to provide high-quality instruction, yet being ever mindful of the academic, social and emotional toll that the last five uarters of school exacted.

I’m looking forward to seeing parents and volunteers back in schools and to resuming active partnerships with businesses, higher education and the community to benefit our students. I can’t wait to attend plays, concerts, carnivals, athletic contests and other events at all four schools to cheer on our kids.

I’m proud to represent Berthoud kids and the Berthoud community on the Thompson school board and to serve a district that values all students and staff so highly. We’ve come through a really tough time and have learned to count on each other. Please “Lean on Me” when I can help. Contact stu.boyd@thompsonschools.org.

Follow the Thompson School District on facebook and twitter @ThompsonR2J Visit their website at thompsonschools.org

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Treat kids to lunches that meet all needs

Special to the Surveyor

The school lunches parents enjoyed are being replaced with fresh ideas that accommodate todays’ kids and schools.

School lunch may seem like a relatively easy concept for parents to master. However, day in and day out, enterprising moms and dads grow anxious over what to put into kids’ lunch boxes or bags.

Parents have foods they want their kids to eat, and then there are foods their grade-schoolers will actually consider. Schools may also place limitations on what kids can bring to school due to allergies or school rules on sweets versus healthy foods. Then there’s the packaging itself. Parents may weigh the benefits of everything from clever accessories to ecofriendly materials.

Removing school lunch stress is easy. Once these steps are conquered, sending children off to school with acceptable meals becomes that much easier.

Foods

Keep a running list of must-have foods to stock the pantry. This will make it easier when it’s time to go shopping. Picky eaters may return again and again to familiar comfort foods. As long as the child is getting enough vitamins and growing, there should be little issue in letting him and her eat the same foods day in and day out. Because parents cannot police what their children eat at school, it’s better to devote time to introducing new foods during breakfast or dinner.

Involve kids in some of the food decisions, especially since they are the ones

eating the lunch at school. Certain foods may not keep well or become less appealing after sitting in backpacks until lunchtime. Respect kids’ input and try to make some changes accordingly.

Restrictions

Researchers have estimated that food allergies affect one in every 13 children under the age of 18 in the United States alone. That equates to two in every classroom. The group Food Allergy Research & Education says eight foods account for the majority of all reactions: peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs, wheat, fish and shellfish. Parents should be cognizant of common food allergies and be considerate of other kids in the classroom who may have allergies by limiting some of the most common allergy-associated foods in their children’s lunches.

Packaging

The way foods are presented can improve the dining experience. Just ask professional chefs who go to great lengths on creative “plating” in restaurants.

Children who are fussy about foods touching might enjoy one of the economical (and eco-friendly) designs of reusable bento boxes, which separate foods into different sections. They also help parents pack perfect portion sizes for healthier eating habits.

Snack and food containers now come in colorful and clever designs that appeal to the toy-lover in most kids. Also, lunch gear manufacturers are thinking outside the sandwich to offer pouches and baggies that are leak-proof so that smoothies, soups and yogurts can be enjoyed during lunch, too.

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Help students stay physically healthy by supporting mental health

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor

When you think of health many people think about staying physically healthy. However, mental health is ust as important as staying physically fit.

In fact, they are linked.

People who suffer from mental illness tend to have lower immunity. In several studies published in the National Library of Medicine, good mental health has been shown to improve the immunological mechanisms not only that regulate the health of a person but they are also important to how individuals adapt to the environment around them and reduce inflammation in the body that unchecked can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease.

The American Psychological Association also confirms that stress, particularly long-term stress, can reduce the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body which are needed to fight viruses.

In a regular school year once dozens of students are packed into rooms together in close proximity colds and other common viruses and bacteria abound but with more drug-resistant “superbugs” being seen in the U.S. as well as new strains of coronavirus still a concern staying healthy mentally and physically is more important than ever.

Mental health includes our psychological, social and emotional well-being.

Going through the trials of living through a pandemic has been challenging for children and adults and as a new school year approaches it’s more important than ever to check in with the young people in your life about how their mental health is.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009. In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009.

The pandemic certainly hasn’t helped. According to one study published by the CDC emergency department visits by children age 12 to 17 for suspected suicide attempts were significantly higher during much of the pandemic compared to previous years. The same study showed that adolescent girls were impacted the greatest with these hospital visits rising more than 50% during the winter of 2021 compared to 2019 nationwide.

Mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy. Because many health behaviors and habits are established in adolescence that will carry over into adult years, it is very important to help young people develop good mental health.

The good news is that humans are incredibly resilient, and teens are no exception. Even if you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health condition or challenge there are strategies that can help.

Children and adolescents need to feel connected to their family and school to be mentally healthy and reach their full potential. Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends provide that sense of connection.

Just knowing the adults in their life care about them can improve outcomes for teens dramatically. The following are tips to help young people stay healthy mentally or help those who may be struggling: • Communicate openly and honestly, including what their values are.

• Supervise children and adolescents to facilitate healthy decision-making.

• Spend time with them enjoying shared activities.

• Become engaged in school activities and help with homework.

• Volunteer at their school.

• Communicate regularly with teachers and administrators.

Although mental health issues can feel like a major obstacle there are small steps everyone can take to stay healthy. Mentalhealth.gov recommends the following: • Getting professional help if you need it • Connecting with others • Staying positive • Getting physically active • Helping others • Getting enough sleep • Developing healthy coping skills If you or someone you know are struggling, reach out to a local mental health professional or consider these options: Colorado Spirit — A support line the provides safe and anonymous counseling by trained professionals for people of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, hopelessness, worry or even cabin-ever due to the pandemic. Phone: 970-221-5551 Lifestance – In-person and telehealth counseling for children and adults including families and couples. Accepts all major insurances including Medicaid.

Offer appointments within 7 days. Phone: 970-310-3406 Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development — Specializes in adolescent substance abuse, mental health and trauma. Accepts Medicaid and other major insurances. Phone: 970-221-0999.

Suicide crisis intervention: Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County — 482-2209 Crisis Assessment Center (Loveland) — 624-1635 Larimer Center For Mental Health (Loveland) — 494-9870 -hour Colorado ental Health Crisis ree, confidential, and immediate professional help for mental health, substance use, and emotional issues.

Providing information, referrals, and connections to further support and solutions. Offering a crisis support line, crisis walk-in centers/stabilization units, mobile care, and respite care.

1-844-493-TALK (8255) www.ColoradoCrisisServices.org or text-phone number 38255 and type TALK in the message.

Safe-2-Tell — Colorado provides students and adults in CO an increased ability to both prevent violence and report concerning behaviors by making safe, ANONYMOUS reporting.

Make a report: 1-877-542-7233 safe2tellco.org mobile app.

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Promote healthy weight starting with school lunch Special to the Surveyor

Although there are a variety of theories behind the growing obesity problem plaguing North American adults and children, the most consistent findings point to caloric intake as the culprit. Here’s a simple equation to get to the root of the problem: Calories eaten > calories spent = weight gain.

According to National Health Examination Surveys, adult obesity trends in the United States between 1976 and 2014 indicate the percentage of the adult population classified as obese has roughly doubled to more than 38 percent in the last three decades. Children may be learning eating habits from their parents, potentially contributing to rising obesity rates in children as well. Recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate one in five school-aged children and young people in the United States is obese. In Canada, the Public Health Agency says roughly one in seven children is obese.

Teaching children healthy eating habits starts at home and can extend to what students are given to eat while at school. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says schools across the country are working hard to improve school nutrition.

Here’s how parents and school districts can help make school lunches more nutritious and delicious and lower in calories.

Control snack intake.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that more than one-fourth of kids’ daily caloric intake comes from snacking. Choosing smarter snacks may help reduce overeating. Good snacks can include grain products that contain 50 percent or more whole grains by weight; snacks in which the primary ingredient is a fruit, a vegetable, dairy product, or lean protein; snacks that are a combination food that contain at least a 1/4 cup of fruits or vegetables; and foods that contain no more than 200 calories.

Read nutritional information.

When selecting foods for school lunches, parents should read the nutritional information to make sure they know exactly what they are feeding their children. Select foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in fiber and nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Go with water.

Rethinking beverage choices can help control kids’ caloric intake. Many people don’t realize just how many calories beverages add to their daily intake. Even a six-ounce, 100-percent apple juice can include as many as 96 calories. Sodas and other soft drinks pack a hefty caloric punch. Water, seltzer and unsweetened iced tea are healthy beverage options. If milk is the go-to beverage, choose a reduced-fat version.

Introduce new foods.

Children can be notoriously picky eaters, but with patience and perseverance, parents can introduce new, healthy foods at lunchtime. Yogurt, hummus and salsa are healthy and can add flavor to vegetables and fruit. When making sandwiches, exchange refined breads for whole-grain varieties. Choose lean protein sources, and go heavy on vegetables and fruits for natural fiber,

Did you know?

Special to the Surveyor Many stores employ “loss leaders” during the back-to-school shopping rush.

Essentially, loss leaders are products sold at a loss to attract customers into the store. Retailers hope shoppers will be tempted by a “penny deal” or another steep discount and then stick around, ultimately purchasing full-price items.

Shoppers can use loss leaders to their advantage. Those looking to save on school supplies should watch the circulars and commercials for these barely break-even deals and stock up on loss leaders, according to the savvy shoppers at The Krazy Coupon Lady.

This may require shopping for supplies over the course of a few days, as stores may feature different loss leaders during the week. By doing so, at the end of the week, shoppers may end up with much of their school supplies at quite the discount.

which will create feelings of satiety.

Read the school menu.

Let children indulge in ordering from the school menu when healthy options are featured. Urge them to try something unexpected, rather than sticking to chicken nuggets or pizza days.

Healthy eating habits begin in childhood and can be initiated with school lunch.

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