Lawrence Kids Winter '21 by Four Birds Media

Lawrence Kids Winter 2021

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Lawrence Kids Winter 2021

Season’s Readings

How to Spell Success This Winter

The Lamb’s Seasonal Essentials

Life at the Toy Store

These Lawrence Kids - Honor Moon

Raising Voices: Lawrence Children’s Choir

Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

In the Classroom: Deerfield Art

The Best Sledding Spots in Lawrence

table of contents photo: Amber Yoshida a project of Four Birds Media info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com (785) 766-5669 Thank you for reading.

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Season’s Readings

by Dan Coleman from the Lawrence Public Library First Snow, by Bomi Park Maybe the closest anyone has come to matching the magic and mystery of the ultimate winter picture book, Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day, this quiet story follows the same arc: A child awakens, realizes it’s snowing, gears up, and heads outside. South Korean author/illustrator Bomi Park made her debut with this gem in 2016, and here’s hoping she follows it up soon with something just as quietly grand. If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here, by Simona Ciraolo A summer-loving boy’s older sister torments him with warnings about the harsh winter ahead, but when the seasons change, he finds joy in snow, ice, hot chocolate, and other winter delights. Ciraolo’s illustrations are bright and cheery as a gelato shop in her native Italy. Brave Irene, by William Steig This winter tale by the creator of Shrek is less acerbic than much of his work for children. A young girl must trudge through a blizzard to deliver a gown, sewn by her mother, to the mansion home of a duchess. Along the way she faces a series of difficulties but fulfills her duty anyway. Irene’s awareness of her own strength through perseverance may have been reward enough, but she also gets a fancy dinner and night of dancing with a duchess for her troubles. Maple Syrup Season, by Ann Purmell, illustrated by Jill Weber Late winter and it’s time to tap the maples in this fascinating look at the entire process from one family’s point of view. Shackleton’s Journey, by William Grill A good Antarctic survival story always reminds me that Kansas winters aren’t so bad, and none is colder than William Shackleton’s 1914 expedition. British author/illustrator William Grill here uses colored pencils to document countless historical details in a deceptively simple style, just the kind of thing we all wanted to draw with stick figures in fifth grade. The Snowman and the Sun, by Susan Taghdis, illustrated by Ali Mafakheri This Iranian import features a happy but natural new twist on the classic friendship of child and snowman. It turns out the water cycle can bring a snow person right back down to be remade after they melt and evaporate. I guess all the bittersweet tears I shed for Frosty and Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman weren’t even necessary.

Snow Play, by Birgitta Ralston What to do when a simple snowman isn’t enough anymore? How about making glow cones, an ice slide, a snow castle, or a snow Loch Ness Monster instead? These ideas and many more are explained in this how-to manual for winter weather. Red and Green and Blue and White, by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Based on a true story, this book depicts the year when, regardless of their religious backgrounds, citizens of Billings, Montana displayed menorahs in their windows in solidarity with a Jewish family whose home was vandalized in an act of hatred. The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll, by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney Jerry Pinkney, an iconic children’s book creator who passed in 2021, left a legacy of beautifully illustrated books like this, a Depression-era story about several sisters choosing one another over presents at Christmas. Pay homage to the master watercolorist by checking out this or any of his other more than forty books in the library. The People Remember, by Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise This book celebrates the last seven days of the year by observing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, embodied here with rich illustrations and descriptions of African American historical and cultural milestones. Chinese New Year Wishes, by Jillian Lin, illustrated by Shi Meng This warmly illustrated book, available in a bilingual Chinese-English edition on the children’s world language shelves at the library, shares one child’s celebration of the holiday with his family, along with information about its origins and a photographic section explaining various traditions. Groundhog Weather School, by Joan Holub, illustrated by Kristin Sorra Ned Ryerson? No. Punxsutawney Phil! A book crammed full of information about groundhogs? Bing! And the science of winter weather? Bing again! Time to take Groundhog Day back from regretful adults (even you, Bill Murray) and return it to the rodents.

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We have arrived at the halfway point of the 2021-2022 school year and nearly two years with the impacts of Covid-19. How is that even possible!? As parents and educators continue to address gaps in knowledge, behavior challenges, and other student struggles, we can get bogged down in negativity. We look backwards and mourn what was lost or question choices. As a school counselor, I try to help others focus on positivity and actions within our control. We are emerging from the pandemic. Students are reconnecting with friends. Universal access to traditional learning provides a healthy routine for children and parents. Those are all positive things to celebrate! In this nearly “normal” school year, though, kids still have a wide variety of academic abilities and social skills. Some struggle a lot. Those of us in the elementary arena have the privilege of helping students learn to read, read to learn, understand numbers, explore creativity, gain friendships, and strengthen social-emotional skills. We care for students seven hours a day and care about them the other eighteen. Those eighteen hours are perhaps even more critical. The time outside of school dramatically affects student achievement within the school day. It’s perhaps not what you think. It isn’t necessarily family income or structure (intact versus divorced, single parent, foster parent, grandparenting) that has a direct connection to overall student success. In my opinion, the most well adjusted students have some common influences easily accessible to any adult looking to provide their student the best elementary experience. So, what else can we do? In the spirit of this W-I-N-T-E-R issue, I’ve spelled out some attributes that successful students tend to possess with their adults. Watched. Successful students are watched, particularly on the internet. Kids protected through parental controls and other monitoring are less likely to be exposed to explicit pop-up ads, forums on selfharm, racist commentary, or cartoons engaging in adult acts. Whether it’s Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, video games, or other easily accessible sites, kids are at a high risk of unsuitable exposure. One funny video on TikTok or innocent Google search might be followed by something inappropriate. GTA (Grand Theft Auto) includes intense violence, blood, strong language, and sex acts; Fortnite is rated for teens and it’s either kill or be killed; Squid Game is repetitive extreme violence. Students with internet monitoring have a sustained innocence, less screen time, and less emotional stress from inappropriate content. Independent. Self-sufficient students thrive in elementary school! They learn to organize their backpacks, select clothing, pack lunches, clean up after themselves, tie shoes, zip coats, and ask for help. Asking for help is huge in successfully navigating life. Some students might report a problem or stand in a doorway helpless rather than asking for what they need. Students with improved verbal skills will ask for clarification rather than sitting confused during a lesson. Independence also means being allowed to fail AND learn from it.

Students who forget a stuffed animal for show and tell learn when not rescued by a well-meaning adult. Noticed. Well-adjusted students are recognized just for existing. They hear things like “Good morning,” “Tell me about your day” and “show me your art project.” Their adults provide both quality time and quantity together. Family dinners, trips to the library, reading, crafts, attending special school and extracurricular activities and hugs also help kids feel noticed. A child who feels noticed receives praise for effort and not just achievement. When a child feels noticed, heard, and included... they feel a sense of belonging and worth. Adults have made an investment of positive time and attention and the payoff shows through self-esteem and school success. Ten. Thriving elementary students get about ten (or more) hours of sleep each night. Those hours are needed for a healthy immune system, focus, positive behavior, and mental health. When students are tired, they struggle to learn new concepts and negotiate stressful situations. Rested students are more positive, get better grades, maintain friendships, and miss fewer days of school. The sleep environment is also crucial. Children with healthy sleep routines turn off electronic devices at least thirty minutes before bed, avoid caffeine, and wind down with habits like reading before bed to relax. Exercise. The flourishing child gets much more than a specials rotation. Physically active kids have lower levels of depression and stress and fewer behavior challenges. Fit kids have a more positive self image, too. There are many simple ways to get additional exercise in Lawrence. Whether it’s around the neighborhood, downtown, or on a trail, a walk is physical and provides a great time to connect with an adult. Helping with chores (inside and out), jumping on a trampoline, biking, video fitness games, or yoga are other options at home. Lawrence also offers many classes and clubs for gymnastics, dance, basketball, and more. Swimming is one of the best ways to get healthy and drain extra energy for kids. Once Covid-19 numbers improve, the Indoor Aquatic Center will be a great option for winter fitness. Role Models. The lucky elementary student has a variety of positive role models. These adults live by example, showing the child how to act, care for themselves, treat others, develop healthy routines, and navigate a variety of situations and relationships. Often it’s parents or direct caregivers, but role models can be found in numerous places. If a child is being raised by a single mother, maybe an uncle or neighbor becomes invested and provides additional attention and affection. Grandparents can be awesome providers and attention-givers, along with parents of peers, coaches, friends of parents, community leaders, and more. The best role models make healthy choices, have a variety of interests, encourage the well-being of children, and show respect to others. The happiest and highest-achieving students aren’t the wealthiest or necessarily have the highest education in their homes. They benefit from the investment, love, and protection from their adults. Those are the best gifts we can give any child. LK

How to Spell Success This Winter Elizabeth Halsey, counselor at Woodlawn Elementary, helps parents steady their child’s pandemic mindset during the winter months.

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The Lamb’s Seasonal Essentials Jon and April Lamb, with their kids Charlotte (10) and Henry (9) keep their hands busy. Jon teaches in the English department at KU and April is THE April of April’s Sweet Treats. When the family isn’t decorating cookies (they help, really!) the family makes the most of the winter season. photos by Amber Yoshida

•Neighborhood Reflector Hunt: This is a fun game to play outside when the sun goes down super early. We hide reflectors around the neighborhood, equip everyone with a flashlight, and hunt down all the reflectors.

•Sledding: Of course, we love sledding and playing in the snow. Memorial Drive is an amazing place to go and dodging trees adds a layer of difficulty.

•Lazy Days at the Library: We love going to the Lawrence Public Library. We leave with multiple bags of books to keep us busy on cold days.

•Advent Calendar of Good Deeds: In December, we have an advent calendar that is

others-focused. Every day we do something for someone else. It ranges from gift baskets to toy donations. Our favorite was handing out five-dollar gift cards as people went into the store.

•Lights: Looking at Christmas lights is a must. Grab hot chocolate, a fun treat, and off we go to see all the fun lights around Lawrence.

•Long Walks: Getting outdoors even though it’s cold is a priority for us. Taking long walks

around the neighborhood or even different parts of town is a great way to discover new things.

•Getting Cozy by the Firepit: Often in the winter we gather around a fire in our driveway with friends or in the basement watching a movie. A warm fire brings us together.

•Fancy Dinners: Putting together a fun, “fancy” dinner is a great tradition. We get all dressed up, make something fancy, and eat by candlelight.

•Hot Chocolate: Our supply of hot chocolate must be endless in the winter. It’s a great after-school treat to get the children talking about their day.

•Snow Ice Cream: When it snows, we make snow ice cream. It’s easy, and the children think it’s so cool.

Life at the Toy Store The Downtown Lawrence institution has been the hub for holiday presents for decades. The crew who runs the shop dishes on the highs and unexpected lows of living amongst the toys. photos by Amber Yoshida

Some of the benefits of owning a toy store are pretty obvious: relaxed dress code, unlimited snacks, and getting to spend your days surrounded by toys. Others are less measurable. “We get to watch kids grow up,” says store owner Nick Guffy. “That’s really the kicker. We get to play a pretty big role in celebrating some of the biggest days in a kid’s life. We meet them as babies and help celebrate birthdays and holidays. You can’t really top that.” Guffy knows a thing or two about the toy store business. He is the third generation to make a living amongst shelves of toys. His mom, Margaret Warner, took over the business from her parents, who opened the original Toy Store in Topeka in 1975. The Lawrence shop opened in 1998. “Yeah, I grew up in a toy store,” Guffy says with a laugh. “It was great, but when that’s all you know, you don’t know how cool it is. I had to leave the business for a bit to really appreciate it.” Guffy, along with his wife Emily, run the two shops with his mom and spend “countless hours” making sure kids in the area have a place to touch the toys and make detailed lists for Santa. The job isn’t all fun and games, however. “I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining,” Guffy says with a smile. “But we work incredibly hard and we work long hours. These boxes don’t unpack and organize themselves.” The Toy Store features three floors of colorful, creative toys. From open to close, the wooden floors creak under small feet as kids dash from books to dinosaurs to Legos. The staff want kids to touch the toys and try them. Emily Guffy says she knows a lot of people use the store as a destination, she just hopes they occasionally purchase a gift from the shop. “Touching and experiencing the toys is very important,” Emily Guffy says. “Coming into the store should be fun. We love to see kids and parents laughing and trying toys. That’s the goal: bring happiness to kids.” Though the number-one selling item in the store is Legos (they are a nationally recognized seller), Nick Guffy says they are open to all toys but they lean into tactile, learning toys. “We don’t do much with digital toys,” Nick Guffy says. “We try to supply toys that get kids away from screens. Especially the past two years, when kids have spent so much time staring at a screen, we want to provide options to get them off the screens and, if they’re lucky, learn something while having some fun.” The holidays are, of course, the busiest time of the year. “Without question, the holidays are the busiest,” Nick Guffy says shaking his head emphatically. “We have about fifteen employees and we’ll be working all of them as much as we can. It will be a lot of fun, but a lot of work.” Nick and Emily purchase toys for the holiday rush up to ten months

in advance. Because of their planning, they haven’t expreienced many supply chain delays. “We have the toys,” Nick says. “So instead of playing with toys here and ordering online, shop online and pick up the toys here. If you walk out our doors with a gift, you don’t have to worry about delays in delivery!” The Toy Store is located at 936 Massachusetts Street in dowtown Lawrence and thetoystoreonline.com. LK

These Lawrence Kids

Honor Moon

Group forms free period pantry to serve community A group of girls in Lawrence are taking action to help an underserved population in their community. The idea is simple: menstrual supplies should be available to all who need them, especially young people. “Unfortunately, talking about your period can be embarrassing for some people,” explains Hazel Powers. “That prevents people from accessing the supplies they need to safely menstruate. We just wanted to do something to help make that easier for people.” To help alleviate the potential embarrassment and ease financial limitations, Powers, along with seven other Lawrence girls, formed Honor Moon, an inclusive period pantry and nonprofit organization that aims to provide access for anyone and everyone who menstruates to the hygiene products they need, free of judgement and charge. The idea grew organically from a conversation Powers had with her mother. “One day I just asked my mom what homeless people do when they are on their period,” Powers says. “That led to a bigger conversation about stigmas and challenges some people face. So, we started thinking about what we could do to help, especially transgender and nonbinary people who are not comfortable buying period products on their own.” The girls of Honor Moon had done volunteer work before, which helped inform them of the need for basic hygiene products. “We were volunteering together with the National Charity League to help supply period products,” Giova Rubenstein says. “We collected so many that it really opened our eyes to the huge need in our community and how important it was to do something to help.”

What the group has developed is a testament to what the kids of Lawrence can accomplish when they work toward a common goal. In a short time, Honor Moon was off the ground and accepting donations from downtown businesses. Van Go designed a distribution box. Bishop Seabury accepts donations during school hours. The KU School of Social Welfare has offered mentorship and printing services. “I really like how this has become a community project,” Oliva Hazlett says. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a business say no to a donation or not let us set up information about Honor Moon.” The group has had some guidance from the KU School of Social Welfare. Associate Professor Meg S. Paceley offered practical advice on steps the girls can take to expand the reach of Honor Moon. “The girls who started Honor Moon have been so innovative and inclusive in their ideas—the advice offered by members of the KU SSW was just to supplement their already great ideas,” Dr. Paceley says. “We discussed providing educational ‘pop-up’ sessions during open pantry times to provide information for people attending the pantry. We also suggested collaborating with other social justice focused organizations to promote collaboration across Douglas County.” While the girls are proud of what they’ve accomplished, they certainly don’t think their work is done. “I think the more we accomplish, and the more people we help, the more we want to do,” says Maeve Nichols. “We keep coming up with more and more ideas.” Powers echoes Nichols’s enthusiasm. “We really want to build this to go beyond us,” she explains. “We’re not going to all be in Lawrence forever. So we want Honor Moon to be sustainable and last long-term so more people can benefit from the products.” The group is thrilled with the community help they have received. They beam when they explain they can’t remember a time a business refussed to help. The biggest challenge now is reaching individuals that are in need of the products.

The friends, representing Free State High School, Lawrence High School, and Bishop Seabury, wasted little time.

“We have a growing social media presence,” Powers explains. “But that doesn’t always reach the people that need the information. We’re looking for ways to help spread the word.”

“Hazel called us all and we agreed to meet and talk about ideas,” says Lilly Wall. “We talked about goals and what we really wanted to accomplish with this project. We thought of ways we might be able to get local businesses involved. It kind of grew from there.”

Honor Moon now distributes free pads and tampons from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the third Thursdays and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the third Sundays of each month. The pantry is located at 512 E. Ninth Street, Studio 1. LK

RaisingVoices Through practice and passion, the Lawrence Children’s Choir is raising vocals, spirits, and futures. photos by Amber Yoshida

“This role, artistic director for Lawrence Children’s Choir, is an honor,” Gabe Lewis-O’Connor says. “The course of my life was altered because of my experience with the choir when I was younger. Not to be dramatic, but I don’t take this responsibility lightly.”

of something bigger. The choir emphasizes working together to create something beautiful. I like being a part of that.”

When he was younger Lewis-O’Connor never intended to make music a career. In fact, he didn’t have much interest in singing past junior high music class. That’s when Janeal Krehbiel stepped in and changed the course of his life.

“We hold these kids responsible for practicing and learning their parts, for sure,” he says. “We really let them know that a major aspect of a successful choir is each part doing their fair share. There are no unimportant voices and they are a small part of a big production, but each and every part relies on the others to succeed. People will judge you on your preparedness. Can you help the choir? Are you ready to do your part?”

“If you’ve ever met Janeal, you know how persuasive she can be,” Lewis-O’Connor says with a big laugh. “She mentioned I was a pretty good singer and that I should look into the Lawrence Children’s Choir. Well, she was right. I think I still owe her a debt of gratitude.” Lewis-O’Connor’s introduction to LCC isn’t unique and speaks to the persuasion and perseverance Krehbiel used to launch the choir thirty years ago. Krehbiel taught elementary music in Denver, Colorado, high school choral music at Hesston Public Schools, and for eighteen years, she was the children’s choir director for the Bethel College Mennonite Church before moving to Lawrence to teach in the school district. It wasn’t long after moving to Lawrence that she made the decision that Lawrence needed a professional-level children’s choir. “My husband and I had considered relocating to Lawrence for years,” Krehbiel explains. “When the opportunity to teach in the district was available, we made the jump. It wasn’t long after the move that I decided to go for it and form the children’s choir. I just knew Lawrence had the talent for a high-level choir.” Krehbiel launched the Lawrence Children’s Choir in 1995. Thirty years later the group that started as a modest idea has blossomed into a Lawrence institution. “The way the choir gets kids to buy in and really give all they can to make the choir better is fantastic,” says Cindy Hart. Cindy’s daughter, Tilly, has been in the choir for eight years. “Even through the pandemic, when kids were practicing virtually, they really kept kids engaged and motivated to practice music and stretch their talent. To be honest, we were a little surprised when Tilly wanted to pursue the choir, but we are so thrilled with the lessons she’s learned and the habits she’s established from her experience with LCC.” Tilly Hart loves singing and learning new techniques, but LCC has taught her more than just how to expand her vocal range. “It’s challenging, that’s for sure,” the thirteen-year-old Raintree student says. “They really push us to get better and work hard to be the best we can be. I like the challenge and I like being part

Lewis-O’Connor says that lessons learned from singing in the choir go well beyond the concert hall.

The Lawrence Children’s Choir supports five separate, age-appropriate choirs. From age three (Capo Choir) through sophomores in high school (Ambassador Choir), a child can progress from basic vocal education to technical proficiency. The Capo Choir serves the youngest singers by musically engaging children through singing games and singable songs in a small group environment. The Ambassador Choir is a select chamber group. With a focus on personal preparation, ensemble independence, and advanced literature, the Ambassador Choir serves as an inspiration for the younger singers in the organization, and the face of the Lawrence Children’s Choir at community events and private gatherings. “Kids want to be here,” Lewis-O’Connor explains. “These kids in the choirs are passionate about the choir and the community they form while involved with LCC. We don’t have to hassle them to practice or focus, even the youngest kids. It’s a testimate to the families involved and the community that has been cultivated by Janeal.” The choir has established a national reputation, collaborated with the Kansas City Symphony, and performed at festivals across the country. “We’re proud of our history and excited about our future,” Lewis-O’Connor says. The group is back to in-person rehearsals after a year of Zoom meetings. Just being in the same room makes things sound better. “It’s definitely better to be in-person,” Tilly says. “We did a lot of practices online and that got kind of hard after awhile. I know I’m really happy to be back with the choir.” Lewis-O’Connor says that past year has been challenging, but the future is bright. “Hey, if we can survive a year of singing to a computer screen, I think we can survive almost anything.” LK

Boys & Girls Club

Youth Year of the

photos by Amber Yoshida

Each year the Boys & Girls Club nominates kids who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles as their Youth of the Year. The winner will be announced January 27th at Liberty Hall. And the nominees are...

Ohene Danso Ohene is a freshman at Free State High School. He is the son of Naomi and Alfred Danso. This family might ring a bell, as Ohene’s sister, Akosua, was a candidate for Youth of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Just like his big sister, Ohene plans on attending an Ivy League school. He is most interested in Princeton. Ohene is a fantastic combination of academic and athletic talents, as he intends to major in information technology in college and hopes to become a professional volleyball player. Fittingly, Ohene plays volleyball whenever he can, including the volleyball team at the Center for Great Futures.

Audrey Rice Audrey is a junior at Free State High School. The daughter of Kimberly Abbey, Audrey is looked up to by all of her younger peers at the Center for Great Futures. She is always quick to stand up for her younger friends and make sure everyone feels included. After flexing her basketball skills in the Ball 4 All league at CGF, Audrey tried out for the women’s basketball team at Free State High School. This checks out perfectly as the WNBA is on her list of career aspirations. Audrey also hopes to be a nurse as well. Her short list of colleges is between Kansas and Kansas State.

Azura Clark Azura is a sophomore at Lawrence High School. She is the daughter of Kylene Dickerson and Marlon Clark and takes her role as big sister very seriously. A member of the Boys & Girls Club since kindergarten, Azura is appearing in her second Youth of the Year competition. She agreed to participate for a second time the moment her first appearance ended. Azura plays on the Lawrence High varsity women’s basketball team. On YOY work nights, you’ll find her hustling from the LHS gym to the Center for Great Futures. She is also a member of the Lawrence High AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Azura wants to attend the University of Connecticut or Baylor University and plans to major in psychology. She has career aspirations of becoming a therapist for athletes.

Arabella Gipp Arabella is a freshman at Lawrence High School. The daughter of Jessica Gipp, Arabella has been a Club kid since she was five years old. She jumps in to any BGC activities as possible. Arabella has danced in multiple Lights On Talent Shows, played on volleyball and basketball teams, and is even the current manager for the Ball 4 All Lakers team. Arabella just wrapped up her first high school season of volleyball at LHS and is already playing on a Club team. Like her fellow candidates, you can find Arabella at the Center for Great Futures most every day after school. She hasn’t narrowed down colleges yet, but intends to major in political science and sports and exercise science. Arabella hopes to become a politician and a volleyball coach.

photo by Hannah Hurst

In the

Classroom

Deerfield Elementary art teacher Hannah Hurst challenges her students by keeping them on their toes, getting their hands dirty, and making sure their heads are in the clouds. From self portraits to clay pets, Hurst has a way of inspiring minds too often dulled by screens.

When did you know you wanted to be an art teacher? I was sitting at the kitchen table filling out my college application and I asked my dad what I should pick for a major and he said, “Well, you like kids and you like art, how about art education?” So I clicked that box and I’ve been grateful for that suggestion ever since! What is the major thing you want kids to learn from art? I want my students to love art and have a passion for art. My hope is that they will leave Deerfield with a great appreciation for art and design with the added benefit of being able to think creatively. Creative thinkers become critical thinkers and that’s what the world needs more of. In an increasingly digital world, how do you motivate students to create tactile projects? I use the digital world to excite and inspire my students by making very engaging “how to” videos and using things like the filters on Snapchat to show them how proportions work or trends on TikTok to introduce art concepts. They live in a digital world so this method of instruction speaks to them and gets them excited about learning. I tend to lean on the digital world for instruction to build their motivation and then the screen goes off and we are fully engaged in our tactile world in the art room, which I think is incredibly beneficial to children’s development. Children today spend so much time in front of screens that I feel like it’s my duty to give them a reprieve from the digital world. Fortunately, art offers such a delightful variety of supplies and tools that kids are naturally excited to use their hands to make art. What’s the biggest challenge for elementary students in art class? How to use a real Elmer’s glue bottle. That is hands-down the biggest challenge and it doesn’t matter how many times I say, “Dot, dot, dot, you don’t need a lot,” there will be a lot.

What brings you the most joy in the classroom? Oh my goodness, I can’t say any one thing because there are so many things that bring me joy. Getting to see kids do or experience things for the first time is always pure teacher joy. My fifth graders designed record albums this year and some of them didn’t know what a record was or had never listened to one. Playing records with them and showing them how the turntable works, how the songs are organized, the crackling of the album combined with the kids’ curiosity and delight in something new— that’s pure joy. Passing out clay to kindergarteners for the first time... for kids that have never seen or touched clay before, their eyes just light up with the newness of it. When your fourth graders come in and you slyly announce, “Today is clay day,” and they burst into cheering and applause, that’s some serious joy. I had a fourth grader who was from Saudi Arabia and I showed an image of people engaged in a tradition from Saudi Arabia and this child stood up and shouted with glee, “Those are my people!” When you can make connections for kids and give them an opportunity to share who they are in a safe and loving environment—that’s joy. LK

It has to snow sometime, right? Get your sleds, toboggans, and snowboards ready....

1. Centennial Park - Between 6th and 9th Streets, Iowa St and Rockledge The thirty-five-acre park is one of the most centrally located parks in Lawrence. Oregon Trail settlers once used the land now known as Centennial Park as an area to graze livestock as they traveled west. The most popular sledding spot is the big hill just west of the 9th street parking lot. On a snowy day, cars fill the lot and families take to the hill en masse. The wide sledding area has a steep downhill which levels on a large field. Get moving too fast, and you might need the foot brakes before landing in the creek. North of the parking lot and playground is another popular hill. Though not as steep, when ridden correctly, the hill offers a longer ride. Centennial Park is filled with hills and trees, so ditch the crowds, take a walk, and find your own sledding slope.

2. “Dad” Perry Park (two parks) 1200 Monterey Way & Harvard and Parkside Road The park is named in honor of the “Father of Gymnastics in the State of Kansas,” L. R. “Dad” Perry. The forty-five-acre park is filled with naturally wooded areas, native grasses, and includes nature trails that wind throughout the park. In addition, two large park shelters with restrooms and parking are available for families and groups to reserve. Both west and north parks feature solid sledding slopes. The hills near the west playground are steeper and more popular. The playground is on a small plateau with short, steep hills bordering the east and north sides. Tall natural grass puts the brakes on any runaway sleds. The north park has smaller hills, perfect for younger children (and lazy parents). Also, the vast open field is perfect for snow angels, snowmen, and snowball fights. The more adventurous sledders can take to the woods. The central portion of “Dad” Perry Park is dense woods dissected by trails. Many steep, tree-lined routes are available, but sled at your own risk!

3. Campanile Hill - North Side of Memorial Drive Is there a more iconic sledding destination in Lawrence than in the shadow of the symbolic bell tower? Even after recent construction on “The Hill” the long slope directly north of KU’s Campanile remains a “must-do” for Lawrence sledders. The hill is wide enough to comfortably accommodate the crowds

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and it’s almost a guarantee that someone will build a snow jump. Without question, Campanile Hill features the most varied selection of rides. Everything from sleds and skis to trash sacks and cardboard boxes will likely be spotted. Speed junkies have been known to forgo the grassy hill and opt for the ice covered sidewalk (bring a helmet!). If classes are in session, parking can be an issue so plan on walking from your car. Be aware that students like to hit the hill after hitting the bar, so you might have to cover Jimmy’s ears a few times. Don’t forget to bring a camera and capture the views of Lawrence and Douglas County.

4. Carruth O’Leary Hall - 1246 West Campus Road The hills just beyond the parking lot behind Carruth O’Leary Hall on KU’s campus are often overlooked by Campanile Hill sledders. The hills are steep and fast, so they may not be the best fit for younger kids. The parking lots west of Memorial Stadium have cut the length of a few routes, but many options remain for the more daring. If you can dodge sidewalks, a great run could land you on the banks of Potter Lake. Beware of rocks and branches covered by the snow. Like Campanile Hill, parking can be an issue when classes are in session. The buildings on campus may be open, so you might be able to sneak in for a quick restroom break or to warm your hands and toes.

5. That Hill at the Dam East of Clinton Lake - E. 900th Road / Near Outlet Park For the older kids and parents that are a bit more adventurous, head out west to Clinton Lake. Park on E. 902nd Road and hike up the hill to E. 900th Road. BE VERY CAREFUL AND WATCH FOR TRAFFIC. Be sure to watch for rocks and hold on tight - the ride down is fast and not for the meek. We warned you! LK

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