January 2023

KIDS, FIND THE SECRET WORD

Inside this section is a secret word somewhere. Can you find it? Enter it on our coloring page on page 16 for a chance to win a prize.

Hint: the word begins with R .

The two students pictured, a sixth grader and a first grader, are participating in one of Spring Hill School’s buddy activities. Having a buddy helps younger students feel secure and looked out for as they learn from a role model, while older students learn from leading by example and exercising compassion.

Spring Hill School is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year! Since 1977, this kindergarten through sixth grade school has cultivated engaged and inspired learners. We foster a community of students and families who create a supportive environment through inclusion, compassion, and embracing diverse perspectives.

Through a versatile curriculum and a Design Thinking approach, Spring Hill keeps pace with each student, tapping into their intrinsic motivation and fully preparing them for middle school and beyond. From one year to the next, teachers are responsive to the individual learning path of their students while providing a shared classroom experience among peers.

Students and families at Spring Hill experience a sense of belonging that comes from every teacher knowing every student, from all of the students knowing each other regardless of age or grade and through ongoing partnership with parents and guardians.

Learn more at springhillschool.org.

About the photographer:Norma Calderón, Spanish & Cultural Studies Teacher, often takes photos for Spring Hill. She possesses a true community spirit and an eye for magic moments!

January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month

Editor’s Note

There were a few qualities I sought out when I was looking for my ideal place in which to live—It had to have excellent schools, lots of culture, proximity to nature at its best and idealistic people who cared about helping the world.

I found it right here in this county of almost 280,000 people. In decades of living in Santa Cruz, I’ve never been bored and I’m always appreciative of the fact that tourists pay fortunes and travel hundreds and thousands of miles to enjoy what I wake up to every day.

I had to live over the hill for work for too long and it was torture. Yeah, the weather was fine, but there was far less to do around San Jose than there is here.

On any day you can find a great concert, a poetry reading or lecture, an art exhibit, a free street performance by truly talented people, a notable author sharing his or her work, a great bookstore and places to buy used vinyl, CDs or amazing clothes.

There are schools to teach kids mountain climbing, art, music, dance, goat farming and goat yoga – and fruit picking and pie sampling and a diversity of restaurants so broad that in all these years I still haven’t hit them all.

We are still a boutique community, especially compared to the rest of the country that seems homogenized with the same strip malls on an endless loop like you see from San Jose to Sacramento. And we have a graceful population

filled with people who want to do good above all. I have infinite respect for them and they are too many to name in this short space.

But my goal for 2023 is to help show you more of the things that keep this place special. That’s what print and online publications are really for, isn’t it?

We will keep profiling moms who make a difference, people who make charity and good will their main motivations and schools and teachers that go the extra mile.

And we will, as always, take your suggestions for the cream of the Santa Cruz crop and feature them. This is, after all, a joint community effort.

Thanks for your help getting through 2022 and let’s make our journey of growing up in Santa Cruz shine in 2023.

Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

By Jeanette Prather

What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

Dahlia, 7, Gault, Elementary School

I don’t set New Year’s goals, but I do try to find one thing to work on and make better. For last year it was reading, and I did great! For this year coming, I want to work on my spelling. I do think I can make it better because I will be going into third grade.

Osvaldo, 7, DeLaveaga Elementary School & Marcos, 8, DeLaveaga Elementary

School

We don’t have resolutions yet. We’ve never made them in the past, but we probably will make one for this coming year.

Elyce, 8, Eva, 8, Ella, 8, Main

Street Elementary

We want to go to a cheer competition and be in it this year. We’re very confident that we can make it into a competition.

Landon, 10, Ocean Grove Charter School

I want to accomplish being the fastest swimmer on my swim team. I’m already faster than my brother, but I want to be faster than the other swimmers on my team. I think if I keep practicing, I can do it.

Kyle, 10, Vine Hill Elementary School

I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions yet for 2023, but I wanted to score a goal in my soccer season this past year, and I did. I’ll probably come up with a new resolution for this year, I just don’t have one yet.

Jackson, 12, Ocean Grove Charter School

I want another arcade machine this year. We already have one, but it doesn’t have Pacman. Since we saved up to get the first one, I think we can do that again this year to get another machine.

Grace, 14, Pacific Collegiate School

I get solid straight As now, and I definitely want to keep them going. I’ve never had a B in my life, and I don’t plan on having one next year. I’m pretty sure that I’ll stay a straight A student because I’m not going to change anything that I’m doing right now.

Adrianna, 18, Cabrillo

For this coming year, I want to work on building a career from my education, as well as my training skills at Cirque.Tumble.Cheer. I think I’ll meet my goals because I started my requirements for my medical career as well as just leveled up at the studio.

DENTISTRY FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS

New patients welcome!

Dr. Jackson likes to see children early to help assure healthy smiles later on. In fact, we recommend a first visit around the time of your child’s first birthday. Call Us!

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Schools Help Find Solution for Child with ADHD

BY JEANETTE PRATHER

PART I1I

Jeanette Prather knew she faced an uphill battle getting help in school when her son was diagnosed with ADHD. This series documents her struggles and the help she received, and yes, it has a happy ending. You can read part 1 at growingupsc.com/how-to-help-yourchild-with-adhd-in-school and part 2 at growingupsc.com/how-did-publicschools-help-a-student-with-adhd.

Short of forfeiting or strongly amending Luke’s Individualized Education Plan plan, my search was not being met with much success. He was on the waitlist of every charter school in the area, with principals and directors of programs expressing empathy towards our situation but also explaining that their hands are tied. “There are too many kids in this district with IEPs now. We just don’t have the resources to accommodate anymore,” they would regretfully tell me.

Thank goodness that one of the principals of an alternative program, Ocean Alternative, went out of her way to help me. She spent an extended period of time on the phone with me mid-summer while I was on a shopping trip in Target. “I’m sorry that we can’t help you, but I do think there’s some sort of independent studies program offered through the SVUSD. Don’t you and your family live in Scotts Valley?” She asked. “Yes!” I replied.

She was at her computer so she told me she would look up the program and let me know if it’s still offered. When she confirmed that it was, the first thing I did when I got home was pop my computer open and start the research.

At this point, it was July 2022 and time was not on my side. I reached out to the SVUSD immediately and was met with prompt responses.

HOW SVUSD IS SUPPORTING LUKE’S NEEDS

Luke attended the in-person meeting with me, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, Alexandra Friel, and the Director of Special Education, Amy Churchill. After I riddled off the past six years of struggle that I’ve witnessed and experienced as well, they told me about the independent studies program. None

of us were certain that we could pull off an educational model that would support Luke’s pretty extensive IEP requirements while in some sort of independent studies program, but they understood that I was a “hard no” on putting Luke in full-time, mainstream middle school. I didn’t feel strong-armed like I had in previous meetings, and in fact, felt like they were putting Luke and his needs first. Especially Churchill, who emphasized the importance of helping Luke succeed in whatever model that looked like.

“Our top priority is that whatever model we come up with, supports Luke’s needs as best as possible,” said Churchill.

After Churchill and Luke’s former IEP team connected for his transitional IEP meeting, almost less than two weeks before the start of school, I heard word that his former IEP team didn’t think he would do too well in some version of an independent studies model. Needless to say, I was freaking out a bit.

When the time came for a final meeting with Churchill to go over her proposal for this year, I was nervous that they were going to pull the plug on the entire thing and he would end up at his default neighborhood school full-time, Scotts Valley Middle School. Not to say there is anything wrong with that middle school, but a full-time mainstream program in any form had failed us on multiple levels in the past.

That last meeting was pleasant, however. My husband and I sat at our dining room table on a zoom with Churchill waiting for the inevitable news of Luke not making it into the independent studies program, only to find that Churchill was able to draft a sort of hybrid model for Luke that provided in-person services at SVMS that meets the number of hours he’s allotted in his IEP, as well as participate in the independent studies program. It was the best of both worlds!

In just a little over a month into this new schedule we had developed our flow. The SVUSD has worked tirelessly to help accommodate Luke so that he’s no longer the kid falling through the cracks. A hybrid model is not something offered

to the masses, but they dove into a very personalized education approach for us, which is exactly what Luke needs.

This overt accommodation of Luke’s needs by the SVUSD may be an indirect influence of a current California lawsuit ruled winter of 2021 that lifted some restrictions placed on students with special needs not having access to independent studies nor in-person educational support.

According to EdSource.org, Assembly Bill 130 was past July 2021 that required California schools to offer in-person classes and services to all students except the few who qualified for independent studies.

“Some students in special education — such as those with severe cognitive or developmental disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks, or students who were especially vulnerable to Covid — could not attend in-person school for health reasons, but were shut out of independent study because it wasn’t specified in their individualized education programs,” wrote a November 5, 2021 article titled, “California Students with Disabilities Can Enroll in Independent Study, Judge Rules” by Carolyn Jones. “As a result, those students have been at home, receiving little if any formal education.”

While this situation didn’t apply to my family, the result and subsequent fall-out of the ruling has provided Luke many more options that were not available to him in the past. The SVUSD does not offer this hybrid model to every child, but they have been very clear that they will do their best to accommodate and make arrangements per child, per

situation. And the fact that they took so much time trying to curate the best educational fit for Luke, was refreshing.

He works with his independent studies teacher and me in the morning doing math, science and social studies, which he happily completes each morning. His sense of accomplishment and selfconfidence has increased exponentially because of this. Then midday, he attends his in-person Resource Specialist Program class and Physical Education at SVMS.

Every 30 days we have a zoom check-in to make sure that things are still working out well for him after wrapping the first one at the beginning of September. The feedback from Luke has been like night and day compared to the O.G. fulltime in-person model of mainstream classroom education. He says he actually enjoys school now (a first!) and walks with a little pep in his step.

“I felt like I was trapped at my old school, and it was not that fun because we had to do a lot, a lot of work,” said Luke. “How I feel about my independent studies and in-person school situation is great. It’s a good mix for me and I feel successful now. I actually understand what I’m learning!”

Do you have stories about how to handle special needs and special abilities students? Have you found successful alternatives you can share? Please write to editor@ growingupsc.com

“

A hybrid model is not something offered to the masses, but they dove into a very personalized education approach for us, which is exactly what Luke needs.

See how a mother found help in the conclusion of a three-part story of a mother in crisis

Private Schools: How to Decide

This mother has sent children to public and private schools. Here’s what she learned.

BY PAIGE BERARDO

With heightened awareness of the impact of stereotypes and biases in our world, I considered the labeling in this publication of private schools as ‘a posher place to educate children’ as an opportunity to provide another perspective about fee-based schools.

I get it: “posh” is an easy name to call a private (or independent) school. With an annual tuition—what families often look at first—I’ve heard the misperception many times.

The thing about labeling however is that it affects expectations—of people, places, experiences, everything. I bristled momentarily at the description because it fails to uphold the central idea of education-- learning.

My perspective comes from personal and professional experience with both types of schools, but I am not an expert. I offer my perspective to encourage readers who are hopeful and committed to their children’s education to investigate all their options. Options do exist.

Although I am currently employed by an independent school, I am a longstanding supporter of public schools and have years of experience in the public education arena.

Two of my three children graduated from public schools (as did I). I ran an education foundation that raised money and funded programs for public schools, and was elected to the Board of Trustees, serving a four-year public governance term in a TK-8 district. I’ve been on many public school committees from strategic planning, scheduling, budget, negotiations and program advisory, to do my part to help.

I mentioned two of my three kids. My third child went from K-7th in public schools and then moved to an independent school in 8th grade.

The main reason for the move is because he’s a social learner; he understands when he talks about things. He needs to be visible and engaged, to be able to ask frequent questions and clarify. That’s challenging in classrooms of 20-30 pupils.

We wanted an educational experience that offered more individualized learning in smaller class sizes to keep him interested. The closer he moved to high school, the more it seemed his interest in school waned. In public school I watched his grades slump while his self-esteem spiraled.

I am thankful every day that he moved. He probably misses being in the bigger public school environment where he could disappear from time to time— fly under the radar. I’m glad his current teachers don’t let him do that. And the anecdotal feedback I get when for he involves me in a the preparation for a debate he’s having in history, or when

PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER

How will your child get to school? Your child’s school likely needs to be within a certain distance of your home or workplace, unless the school provides transportation.

• Class size? Is your child more comfortable with more or fewer peers?

• Will you need before- or after-school childcare? Some private schools provide this, but others don’t.

• Can you afford tuition? Private school is a major expense for most families. Scholarships are often available, but they may come with strings, like parental volunteer hours.

• Does the school offer the services your child needs? Does the school have special education programs or on-site nurses who can administer medicine.

• Can all of your children attend the school? Schools that teach more grade levels and prioritize sibling admissions could make life easier for your family.

• Will you be expected to stay heavily involved at the school as a parent? Some private schools require or promote more parental involvement in school activities and decisions.

• Extracurricular Activities? Does the school offer sports, art, music or activities that can shape a child’s life beyond academics?

he talks to me about what he’s reading and what he thinks about it—is proof that he’s switched-on at school. That’s what I want to see: evidence of thinking, consideration of new ideas, interest in learning.

Independent schools provide different educational models, standards, and practices than public schools. These different ways of educating, these different approaches, offer alternatives to families to achieve what I believe everyone wants; the best education possible for their unique, highlyindividual children.

That is probably the best place to start when considering public or private education: how does your child best learn? What are things that are important to have in place to support your child’s

education? Do you have ideological, religious, or other considerations that would impact your decision?

There is no educational panacea. Public schools are right for some kids, independent schools are right for others. Ruling out one model however by assuming that it’s only for the wealthy takes a lot of good options off the table.

In addition to giving my son a learning environment that addresses his needs, the independent school he attends offers our family a values-aligned education. Public schools, because they are government entities, operate, in general, within the definition of education that the State of California defines as satisfactory.

Now that I’ve been in both worlds, I believe the main difference between

public and independent schools is in their decision making. Independent schools operate outside the realm of public governance, are accredited by agencies like the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and are independently governed by a Board of Directors.

In an independent school, decisions align with their values, and their values represent the community they serve. Decision making and accountability at an independent school is directly connected to the community it serves.

Whatever an independent school’s values—be it small class sizes, innovation, more intense academic rigor, citizenship, longer school days, faithbased education, a focus on a particular subject area like performing arts or STEM, design-thinking, project-based learning, faculty who are subject-matter experts—they have the independence, the freedom, to make programmatic and personnel decisions to support their values. They can act swiftly to adjust to (for example) new research, new understanding of achievement, stress, or child development, and technological advancements.

Public schools, including public charter schools, must operate in accordance with state and federal law. Even charter schools operate with oversight from their local authority, or authorizer, their County Office of Education or State Board of Education.

If you develop a list of criteria essential to your child’s optimal learning environment, you can assess various schools to see how they might address those criteria. Visit them. Both public and private schools have opportunities to get to know the school before a student enrolls there. Visiting a school will help you get to know its community— and assess fit.

Public schools are free. Independent schools are tuition-based. For many families, like mine, paying tuition is a high bar. I never thought I could afford it. Here’s what I’ve learned. Every independent school I looked at offers a Financial Aid program. These are in place to help independent schools attract a diverse community of students and families who also believe in the values of the school. The school my son is in has students from Watsonville to San Jose. His friends come from all over, but the one consistency is that their parents believe in the type of education his school offers, and in that commitment to its values, create a strong community.

BIRTH MATTERS

Medi-Cal Coverage – Doulas & Donor Milk

BY LAURA MAXSON, LM

Birth doulas can be on-call for up to 4-5 weeks for each doula client. That means being ready to go at a moment’s notice, day or night for a birth that often lasts much longer than an 8 hour shift.

DOULA CARE IN CALIFORNIA IS A COVERED MEDI-CAL SERVICE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2023

Details are still being worked out, so it is unclear exactly when local doulas will be authorized to accept Medi-Cal payments. There is paperwork to be filed and hoops to be jumped through before the program is fully off and running, but the gears are turning.

The Medi-Cal Doula care will include emotional and physical support, provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. These preventive services simply need to be recommended by a doctor, midwife or other licensed member of the healing arts. Once recommended, the doula would be authorized to provide:

• one initial visit

• up to eight additional visits that may be provided in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits

• support during labor and delivery (including labor and delivery resulting in a stillbirth), abortion or miscarriage

• up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits after the end of a pregnancy

Doula care is generally an outof-pocket expense rarely covered by insurance. This leads to inequities in care where those with more disposable income receive beneficial care out of reach for those with limited resources. Those qualifying for Medi-Cal will now be eligible for birth and postpartum doula care.

Most currently practicing doulas are eligible to apply to become MediCal providers, and Cabrillo College is set to begin offering a course to train new doulas beginning this fall. These classes will be offered at no cost to students and will result in a certificate, the opportunity to complete hands-on practice situations, and assistance with the paperwork involved in applying to become a Medi-Cal provider.

Medi-Cal will pay doulas well below the current going rate that independent

doulas received. It will be interesting to see how doulas accepting Medi-Cal might make this viable; perhaps working in teams to help minimize the stress of being on-call.

Birth doulas can be on-call for up to 4-5 weeks for each doula client. That means being ready to go at a moment’s notice, day or night for a birth that often lasts much longer than an 8 hour shift. Being on-call is a challenging lifestyle.

Plans are always prefaced with “if I’m not at a birth,” and doulas with young children need a variety of possible childcare arrangements in place to cover a full month - every time they have a birth booked.However it plays outMedi-Cal recommending and paying for doula care is definitely a step in the right direction.

BETTER MEDI-CAL COVERAGE FOR HUMAN DONOR MILK FOR BABIES AS OF DECEMBER 2022

According to the California Breastfeeding Coalition’s December newsletter, a new Medi-Cal policy:

• specifies pasteurized donor human breast milk (PDHM) is billable with Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code T2101

• identifies Mothers’ Milk Bank San Jose and UC Health Milk Bank in San Diego as “licensed and approved” providers of donor human milk under all Medi-Cal plans

• provides clear criteria for the

RESOURCES

• Medi-Cal update (milk) - files. medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/bulletins/ artfull/ph202211.aspx#

• Doula FAQ - www.dhcs.ca.gov/ provgovpart/Documents/DoulaFAQ-Sheet.pdf

• Find doulas and lactation supportwww.birthnet.org

circumstances in which prescriptions for donor human milk will be approved by Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal providers can now arrange for the provision of donor human milk for outpatient newborns when:

• infant has a documented birthweight of less than 1500 g

• a congenital or acquired condition places the infant at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and/or infection

• infant has a qualifying condition determined by the neonatologist or pediatrician*

• mother has a condition making their own milk insufficient in quantity or medically unsafe

• mother’s milk must be contraindicated, unavailable (due to medical or psychological condition), or available but lacking in quantity or quality to meet the infant’s needs

Authorized providers who can prescribe Pasteurized Donor Human Breast Milk are expanded to include: physicians, advance practice nurses, (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives), and Physician Assistants, not just neonatologists or pediatricians.

This means Medi-Cal must cover pasteurized donor human milk in situations where there is a low milk supply, problems latching, an infant is not thriving, or medical situations of the parent or infant prevent breastfeeding.

Medi-Cal families can request a prescription for pasteurized donor human milk from their provider and take that prescription to either Mothers’ Milk Bank San Jose to receive milk for their infant. When HCPCS billing code T2101 is used, Medi-Cal will honor the prescription and reimburse the milk banks for the milk prescribed.

This information on doula coverage and expanded donor milk prescriptions is new, so it may be up to parents to share with providers.

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Chartwell School 2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside 831.394.3468 chartwell.org

Chartwell School, located on 65 acres in Seaside, CA, serves students with dyslexia and other related learning differences who are not currently reaching their full potential. We do this in grades 1-12 by providing targeted and direct instruction to empower learners with the skills, strategies, tools, and social-emotional mindset they need to thrive in college and beyond.

Coastal Community Preschool Lic. #444408854 & Lic.#444415615 900 High Street, Santa Cruz 831.264.5437

coastalcommunitypreschool.org

Coastal Community Preschool (CCP) serves children ages 2.3 years through 5 years with a safe, stimulating, and caring learning atmosphere. We have a curriculum that encourages development at each child’s own pace. Among our program highlights, we offer flexible year-round schedules, a highly experienced teaching staff, and a bright, secure West side location overlooking Monterey Bay. We also offer an afterschool program for TK-1st grade. Join us as we continue working with parents and caregivers to raise a community of strong, confident, and happy children.

Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm freedomschoolhouseandfarm.com

Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm offers a unique program in a beautiful setting. Our curriculum is emergent with a strong emphasis on creating a

connection to the natural world. We seek to promote and maintain basic principles of Freedom, with the goal of educating our children to be critical thinkers. Our open classroom creates a warm environment, and we encourage freedom of choice and relationship building. Set on several acres, every day is filled with the beauty of nature, joys of friendship, and fun activities geared toward artistic expression, physical movement, and the development of a lifelong love of learning

Gateway School K-8 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz 831.423-0341 www.gatewaysc.org admissions@gatewaysc.org

Gateway School provides students in grades Kindergarten through Middle School with an exemplary education. Small class sizes and programs in Art and Technology, Music, Spanish, and Life Lab Science complement an academic curriculum grounded in Social Emotional Learning. Gateway students are collaborative, creative, love learning, and become compassionate and responsible citizens. Children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder are nurtured through exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Our graduates have an inquiring spirit, are confident, and stand up for those who need help. To learn more about the difference a K-8 school model provides, visit www.gatewaysc.org and schedule a tour to experience all that Gateway has to offer!

Spring Hill

curious and creative

- 2022 Kindergarten Parent

Holy Cross School 150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.4447 holycsc.org

For 160 years, Holy Cross School has educated children in the heart of Santa Cruz, California. Holy Cross is a Preschool-8 Catholic co-educational private school that educates children in an environment of trust and respect; fosters spiritual and moral development; develops creativity and self-expression; challenges students to reach their full potential; and nurtures both mind and heart. Preschool teachers are ECE-qualified and the program is play-based with activities that are age-appropriate. The academic program includes math, science, Spanish, English Language Arts, social studies, P.E., music. Athletics programs and afterschool care are also available. Class size is limited.

Monte Vista Christian School 2 School Way, Watsonville 831.768.6101 mvcs.org

Nestled on a sprawling tree-lined campus, Monte Vista Christian School has been providing an unparalleled learning experience for nearly a century. Learners have the opportunity to reach their full potential in an IB, Christ-centered school with unmatched academic, athletic, fine arts, and equestrian facilities. MVC is a co-ed, grades 6-12, day and boarding school. We invite you to be a part of a school you can call home.

Moreland Notre Dame School, TK-8 133 Brennan Street, Watsonville 831.728.2051 mndschool.org

Moreland Notre Dame School is a TK through 8th grade Catholic School founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. We are a school community committed to providing

quality academic preparedness while educating students for life. MND seeks to express the goodness of God by fostering a sense of family, a safe environment where each child is treated as sacred, justice and service to others is expected, and diversity is welcomed and celebrated. Located in the heart of Watsonville, Moreland Notre Dame has been educating students for life for over 120 years.

Mount Madonna School, Preschool12th Grade 491 Summit Road, Watsonville 408.847.2717

www.MountMadonnaSchool.org

In their classrooms and beyond, Mount Madonna School students are part of a diverse, inspired, creative and academically vibrant learning community. We strive to prepare wellrounded human beings for college and beyond, who value collaboration, form meaningful relationships and engage with their local communities, nation and the world. Imagine ONE school, where your preschooler can move through to kindergarten and elementary, be part of a close-knit middle school community, and graduate from high school! Featuring Montessori-influenced preschool and kindergarten programs, environmental education, performing and visual arts, life skills and excellent academics. Transportation available, with bus stops throughout Santa Cruz County.

Orchard School K-6 2288 Trout Gulch Road, Aptos 831.688.1074

orchardschoolaptos.org

Orchard School, established over 30 years ago, provides a unique, yet comprehensive K-6 education. At Orchard, we weave together the magic of an extraordinary faculty, a 14-acre campus and a down to earth philosophy

Chartwell School

Chartwell has changed our family’s lives. It provides my children an individualized and targeted education that supports their academic and social-emotional learning. My boys have become the people I’ve always known them to be.”

-Parent

Mount Madonna Mount Madonna School helped me raise my child to be a well-rounded, academically strong, compassionate human, while surrounding him with a community of the same.

Robyn Pearson, alumni parent

“

We searched for months for a school that would nurture our child’s

mind. Spring Hill has exceeded our expectations. We live 30 miles away, and it is worth the effort!”

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“ Pacific Coast Charter School

PCCS fills a niche in the community because it offers an excellent solution for families who want to be very involved in their children’s education but will also want the kids to have a learning community.

- Alyson Greatorex

“ Monte Vista Christian School

All three of my children have had incredible experiences at MVC. The faculty and school community are amazing and have really helped prepare my kids for college and beyond.

Gretchen C, parent

that nourishes and honors the natural growth and development of children. Small class sizes, an organic garden and an animal farm create enriching “whole child” learning experiences that are hands-on and individualized. We provide Strong Core Academics, Lab-Based Science Curriculum, Art, Music, Physical Theater/Circus Arts, Electives, Ceramics, Archery, Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.

Pacific Coast Charter School 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville 831.786.2180 pccs.pvusd.net

Pacific Coast Charter School is a K-12 homeschool/independent studies charter within the Pajaro valley United school District. We offer a unique blend of home, community, and campusbased learning that gives students the opportunity to realize their potential through personalized educational plans which complement their diverse learning styles. Students work 20 hours a week on schoolwork and attend optional on-site general and college prep classes or enrichment workshops 2- 3 times per week. We provide credentialed teachers, free tutoring, and a wide variety of standards-based curriculum to assist your child to reach their fullest academic potential.

Pacific Collegiate School 3004 Mission Street, Santa CruzPhone: 831.479.7785 pcs@pcsed.org www.pacificcollegiate.com

Pacific Collegiate School (PCS) is a tuition-free public charter school for students in grades 7-12 to explore exemplary college preparatory learning. We inspire students to discover the interests, purpose, and passion that will enable them to thrive. We cultivate a love of learning in an inclusive community of care. Students excel through academically rich and culturally relevant learning, integrated with arts and world languages. Our curriculum empowers creative problem-solvers, effective collaborators, and engaged leaders of today and tomorrow. Visit www.pacificcollegiate.com to sign up for an information session, tour, or Zoom meeting to learn more!

Pacific Elementary School 50 Ocean Street, Davenport 831.425.7002 www.pacificesd.org

Pacific Elementary School in Davenport is a public school serving ~160 students. Families throughout the county choose us for our: High-Quality Preschool; Traditional TK-6 Classrooms; Full-Time TK-6 Home Study Program; Hybrid TK-6 Independent Study Program with 3 classroom days and 2 home study days each week. Students participate in our award-winning garden and lunch programs in which students grow, cook, study, and eat healthy food. We emphasize experiential learning, including FOSS science, field trips, media literacy, film-making, and drama. We offer a gifted and talented education (GATE) program and accelerated math. We are LGBTQ+ friendly. To express interest, visit: www.pacificesd.org/interest-forms.html

Salesian Elementary and Junior High School TK-8 605 Enos Lane, Corralitos 831.728.5518 info@salesianschool.org salesianschool.org

For more than 40 years, Salesian Elementary and Junior High School has been “Empowering Youth with Knowledge, Faith, and Love!” Located five miles from Highway 1, our beautiful hillside campus has the spirit of a home where every child feels loved. Rooted in the Catholic faith, we are a school that celebrates youth, fosters a dedication to learning, and develops moral depth through acts of service. Credentialed teachers educate the whole child with a balanced curriculum, and our 50-acre campus provides ample opportunities for students to learn from their natural environment. We welcome all families to attend our Open House on January 29th, from 2 – 4 pm. Personal tours are also available! For more information: info@salesianschool.org

Santa Catalina School 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey 831.655.9356 santacatalina.org

Set against the scenic California coast in Monterey, Santa Catalina School is where you can discover the true you. Our boarding and day school, for girls in grades 9 through 12, is

where inspired, powerful, active learning happens—in the classroom, on the field or the stage, and in the dorms. Catalina girls take ownership of their academics— including a marine ecology program that takes advantage of Monterey Bay—and they pursue their passions. True sisterhood creates a community that is fueled by curiosity, kindness, and confidence.

Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz 831.425.0519 enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org

Santa Cruz Waldorf School nurtures the whole human being in every individual, cultivating the capacity of head, heart, and hands. We offer a rich and balanced curriculum in which intellectual and artistic development are both vital and fully integrated. Specialty teachers work alongside class teachers to provide students with diverse experiences in language, movement, music, arts, games, and gardening. Our magical, rural campus is nestled in the redwoods above USCS. Our community is warm and joyful. We are committed to protecting childhood, supporting each individual, respecting nature and all life. Santa Cruz Waldorf School cultivates self-directed, empathetic, and free-thinking individuals with the courage and capacities to serve an ever-evolving humanity.

Santa Cruz Montessori Ages 18 months – 14 years Main Campus (Primary and Elementary) 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High) 244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel 831.476.1646 scms.org

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Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 14 years. Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments engage the children’s senses as they learn. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. We offer a supportive community of learners and an exciting Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences, and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.

SLVUSD Charter School 325 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond 831.335.0932 charter.slvusd.org

Since 1993, San Lorenzo Valley School District’s SLV Charter School has offered a range of programs that support a variety of learners. Active learning, parent involvement, and student voice are key components of our programs. In addition to supporting all academic areas, charter programs foster student creativity, social-emotional development, and the pursuit of individual student passions. Built on a foundation of strong ongoing teacher, student, and parent collaboration, SLV Charter boasts a wide variety of program structures including: Nature Academy’s 5-day week program (6-8), six 2-4 day a week homeschool-hybrid programs (K-12), and an independent studies program (K-12).

Pacific Collegiate School

The PCS community is one of a kind. I am so grateful for my relationships with the staff, teachers and student body. PCS gave me so many opportunities, an incredible education, and some of the most inspiring connections I’ve ever had.

- PCS Alumna, Class of 2019

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Spring Hill School 250 California Street, Santa Cruz 831.427.2641 springhillschool.org

Celebrating our 45th year! Spring Hill School welcomes you to join our vibrant community and experience how we inspire a love of learning. Our approach empowers students to value their strengths and have the confidence to try something new. Through a Design Thinking philosophy, Spring Hill values empathy as a starting point and a revise-and-refine mindset. Spring Hill students thrive academically and socially at Spring Hill and beyond. www. springhillschool.org

Tara Redwood School 5810 Prescott Road, Soquel 831.462.9632 office@tararedwoodschool.org tararedwoodschool.org

Since 1989, Tara Redwood has been empowering children to make a positive difference in the world by educating the heart & mind with mindfulness practices. We offer an integration of Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC) mindfulness education, Montessori academics, a strong focus on global studies, sciences, nature, creative arts, environmental studies, social emotional learning and compassion in action. Our campus is located on 108 acres of natural forest for daily nature immersion. Preschool to Elementary grades up to 4th. Soon to expand to 6th grade. Classes are multi-age with a low student to teacher ratio. Learn more here: tararedwoodschool.org

ENRICHMENT

Adventure Sports Unlimited 303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com

We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments with camping trips to Santa Cruz Island and Big Sur. We explore the world-renown underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. Come play with us!

Be Natural Music 740 Water St, Santa Cruz 831.515.8369

BeNaturalMusic.Live

Be Natural Music is a Jazz & Rock Music School based in Santa Cruz, with a new location in Cupertino serving our community over the hill. Our schools offer private music lessons, Real Rock & Jazz Band classes for youth and teens, workshops, and music camps. We offer musical instruction on voice, piano & keyboard, guitar, bass, drums & percussion, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, harp & beginning DJ lessons.

Cabrillo Youth Chorus. 831.479.6155

Directed by Cheryl Anderson, the Cabrillo Youth Chorus offers a comprehensive vocal music program for children 8-18 years of age, providing instruction in musicianship and theory along with exciting performance opportunities. CYC offers four levels of instruction from beginning to advanced. CYC students sing with the Santa Cruz Symphony and other performing groups, have performed in Carnegie Hall, and frequently travel to children’s choir festivals. Rehearsals take place weekly at Cabrillo College from 4:00-5:30 pm; the beginning/intermediate class meets on Tuesdays and the intermediate/ advanced class on Wednesdays. More information is available online at CabrilloYouthChorus.org.

Jim Booth Swim School

Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500

jimboothswimschool.com

Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!

Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc. 2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com

We at Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center understand how important physical movement is in developing a healthy brain in children. Healthy brain development leads to proficiency in learning and overall confidence to lead a successful life. Our gymnastics instructors take pride in offering gymnastics training packed with a lot of fun in every class! Each lesson offers a wide range of sensory integration activities through the usage of our gymnastics equipment on the floor, bars, balance beam, vault, trampolines, and foam pit. We offer a range of classes from preschool to competitive teams. Check our website to see what is available for your child today.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 www.santacruzmuseum.org/camp

Are you a super sleuth when it comes to nature? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History this Spring Break for Nature Detectives camp to solve puzzles and mysteries of the natural world. Investigate phenomena and collect evidence to draw conclusions about the natural world around us while playing fun games and making great crafts with new friends. Nature Detectives camp will run from April 4 - 8, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Registration opens January 3rd at 9:00 am. Tuition: $250 per camper for Museum members, $275 per camper for non-members.

Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation santacruzparksandrec.com.

Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation is

excited to provide fun, educational, and active classes for all ages all year round! Scholarships are available. Find our seasonal Activity Guide online – www. cityofsantacruz.com/register.

RESOURCES

Child Development Resource Center

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz 831.466.5820

Childcare.santacruzcoe.org

Finding the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions your family can make. The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, is a free, one-stop source for local families seeking early education options. Child care referral specialists can answer questions and connect you with licensed programs to meet your family’s needs. The CDRC maintains the only up-to-date list of child care and early education programs in Santa Cruz County.

The Bookakery BookakeryBoxes.com

Check out our Bookakery Boxes, monthly subscription boxes filled with picture books, recipes, baking tools, and activities, curated to foster a love of reading and baking in kids and encourage parent-child activities. Bookakery Boxes facilitate activitybased learning of reading, following instructions, counting, and more. Bookakery Boxes are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary-age children. Use code GUISC10 for 10% off any new subscription!

- Camp Parent

“

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History This camp has been the best environment that I’ve witnessed, super inclusive and I think the opportunities that this camp provides are making a big wave in the next generation’s lives!

“

Santa Cruz Parks and Rec

Santa Cruz Park & Rec has been instrumental in providing life changing programs to both of my children. JGs has been something they look forward to every summer. We are grateful to Parks and Rec for hosting such an amazing opportunity for our kids to grow and thrive!”

Adrienne McConnell

SECRET WORD _________________________

Inside this section is a secret word somewhere.

Can you find it? Enter it on our coloring page on page 16 for a chance to win a prize.

Submit your coloring entry to editor@growingupsc.com for a chance to be in our next issue! You can also mail them to Box 3505, Santa Cruz, 95063 Submissions due by January 15.

LOCAL PROFILE

Coach Still Making a Splash in Community

Jim Booth has been teaching swimming for more than four decades in Santa Cruz

BY BRAD KAVA

When last we wrote about you, you were struggling with staying in business during Covid. How did you survive when so many others went bust? Any tips for other businesses?

We had to stop our program for a few months and when we reopened there were mandates to conform to. Each teacher could only be in contact with 12 students a day, parents viewing classes had to be 6 feet apart and of course wouldn’t be in groups. This required a huge change from our group lessons and families watching their kids progress in skills.

So, for the rest of the year we only offered private classes, only one parent could watch and temporary lane lines separated the lessons. Arrows placed on the pool deck directed traffic so people remained separated and the showers were closed. Teachers wore shields as masks can’t be worn in the water. We added a person on deck to sanitize chairs and tables and got rid of magazines and books. And, of course, raised our prices.

All of this meant that we couldn’t teach as many kids each day and we had a huge waiting list, moms and dads wanted their kids active and immersed in chlorine is a pretty safe environment.

We’ve since returned to our normal routine, lowered our prices and have worked through the waiting list. We’re just waiting for the next huge disruption. We’ll be ready.

How many schools do you have and how do you supervise them all?

We teach swimming at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz and at Duncan Holbert Pool in Watsonville. Our swim programs in Tracy, Visalia and Brentwood were casualties of the pandemic.

How many people do you employ and what ages?

We have always succeeded by hiring young to be honest. We hope that they can stay with us at least for five years so the kids grow up with the teachers if they really know.

How many kids do you have in each class?

We really believe the children enjoy swimming more and learn faster when they were in a group with other children. The other kids’ success is a model for their own improvement.

Your schools seem to have a variety of ages. How young do you start them and why? What’s the best age to start kids swimming?

We start children in swim classes with their parents at four months because it’s an absolutely wonderful thing to do with your baby and they learn a step-by-step way to introduce the children to the water. We love to see the family together in the pool exploring the new environment, learning the basics of swimming and skills that will last a lifetime.

Do you teach special needs kids?

I really believe that all children, and adults, really just want to be treated with respect and kindness. We put kids in classes based on their ability and have high expectations for everyone. Many of our biggest successes were not very successful in school, but did terrific in our swim program.

How did you get interested in swimming and how did you decide to make it your career?

I love water: I bodysurf, spearfish and SCUBA dive. It was a huge mistake for mammals to come on land.

Have you taught any kids who went on to be notable?

Yes. But I won’t mention names.

Why do you have an Aquaphobics class?

More than half of American adults don’t swim and think they can’t. They can. Anyone can learn to swim and enjoy all the benefits of the water: the great exercise, fun time with your family, and to be safe around the pool. When I started this class, I studied all I could

find about desensitizing phobias. We took all of the best ideas, together with our own experience of what works. This class has helped thousands of people become confident, happy swimmers.

What’s your favorite thing about swimming?

Doesn’t everyone dream of flying through the air and floating without effort? That’s swimming. In those times when you feel like an overloaded switchboard and you want to yank all of the plugs out: Go Swimming.

BY SANDY NOVEMBRE &AMELIA FOSTER DPT

 Monarch Pilates is a full service studio offering one on one Physical Therapy, Private & Semi Private Pilates and Reformer classes. We provide a variety of services to assist through the journey of pregnancy and beyond. We are passionate about helping women to enjoy this precious time and begin parenthood with confidence in your strength.

Pilates Prep for Skiing

HOW DOES PILATES HELP WITH SKIING?

Pilates teaches and strengthens your body in many different positions. One important concept is “hip dissociation.” This is the ability to bend at your hips while keeping a neutral spine. Learning how to bend your hips, knees AND ankles will improve your dynamic control without transferring tension into the low back, knees and hips.

Skiing is dynamic, so your spine needs to be mobile and strong in all positions, but strengthening in a neutral spine will teach you how to use your quadriceps and gluteals instead of your low back.

Think of your legs like an accordion. The hips, knees and ankles should all fold evenly. If only one segment of an accordion folds, the instrument will not work. Injuries, tight muscles or weakness can cause the leg to avoid bending at certain segments.

Paying attention to the areas that won’t bend will help you identify where you can improve your strength and mobility. Use a long mirror to evaluate your spine, ankle, knee, and hip alignment with the following exercises.

Practice bending at all three joints will change your movement strategies and free your back from tension. Avoid “squeezing” your gluteals and hamstrings to integrate your strength.

HOW DO I FIND MY NEUTRAL SPINE?

• Place a dowel or broomstick behind your back.

• Keep your head, ribcage and pelvis on the stick.

• Keep the natural curves of your low back and neck.

• Stand taller while keeping 3 points of contact.

• Don’t force your head against the sitck if feeling tension in your neck.

HOW DO I BEND AT MY HIPS?

• Maintain a neutral spine while doing a half squat.

• Let your pelvis widen while squatting.

• Evenly move your knees forward and hips back.

• Use your core to keep 3 points of contact on the stick.

HOW DO I BEND AT MY ANKLES?

• Place a yoga block or stack of books under your heel.

• Stand in a lunge stance with one leg forward.

• Place your heel on the block with your foot pointing directly forward.

• Squat in lunge stance while maintaining a neutral spine.

• Allow your ankle to bend rather than rotating or collapsing your foot.

HOW DO I BEND AT MY KNEES?

• Place a yoga block between your knees to maintain alignment.

• Stand with your feet under your hip bones.

• Keep neutral spine.

• Allow ankles to bend keeping feet parallel.

• Keep a light pressure on yoga block while bending evenly at ankle, knees and hips.

HOW DO I FIND PRACTICE SQUATS WITH GOOD FORM?

• Set your feet hip width apart and parallel.

• Hold on to your kitchen or bathroom sink for balance.

• Place your knees against the cupboard.

• Imagine you are holding a yoga block to keep knee alignment.

• Allow your hips to widen as you sit back.

• Keep your knees against the wall to increase hip mobility.

• Use your core to maintain neutral spine.

• INCREASE your range by moving your feet further back.

• Allow your knees to go forward as much as your pelvis moves back as if folding like an accordion

• Maintain your foot, knee and spine alignment while you move with ease.

• Feel the work in your quads, gluteals and abs.

• Release your arms back and along your side.

ENJOY THE RIDE!

What every birthday needs, party planners.

Choosing the right foods. Deciding on a safe exercise routine. Creating a birth plan. As a mom-to-be, you have a lot of planning to look forward to. Fortunately, Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center has a whole team of specialists ready to safely guide you throughout your journey—from the support of our midwives to the added security of the only Level III NICU in the Monterey Bay area standing by. We even have live virtual classes to help you prepare for the big day.

Take a virtual tour of our Birth Center at

NO POWER, NO PROBLEM

LEFT: Noa Zands performs as Alex the lion in Mount Madonna’s middle school production of “Madagascar Jr.” in December. ABOVE: Vaden Barr, Romy Sirk-Traugh, Kenzie Culbertson and Solomon Coleman anchored the penguin roles. Photos by John Welch.

Matinee performances were planned for Dec. 10-11. At the last minute, when a power outage occurred on Saturday, a quick decision was made to add another performance at noon on Sunday and invite all of the Saturday guests to return for an early Sunday show. Audiences were wowed with the story of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria, the hip-hip hippo, who are best of friends at New York’s Central Park Zoo. When Marty escaped, the other three break free to look for him, only to find themselves reunited on a ship en route to Mother Africa in this musical adventure.

Santa Catalina Upper School

Sunday, Jan. 15, 10:30am-1:30pm

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey admission@santacatalina.org

Catalina is where you explore the true you as a thinker, creator, explorer, and friend. Come tour our beautiful campus, spend time with our community, experience our academic and cocurricular programs, and picture yourself here. Start following your dreams, and register at santacatalina.org today!

RSVPs are required.

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School

Monday, Jan. 16, 9:15-10:45am

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey lmsadmission@santacatalina.org

Come see what is truly possible for your child at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School. Join us on campus for our in-person admission open house on Monday, January 16 from 9:15-10:45am and for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day assembly at 11am. Register today at santacatalina.org!

Gateway School, K-8th Jan. 17 from 9-11am

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz www.gatewaysc.org

Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org to schedule a tour and experience all that Gateway has to offer!

Gateway Middle School Information Night

Jan. 19 from 6:30-8pm

255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz www.gatewaysc.org

Students and their parents/guardians are invited to meet our Middle School team and learn about the curriculum, social-emotional learning, and the many enriching experiences our Middle School has to offer. Visit www.gatewaysc.org to register.

Salesian Elementary & Junior High School

Sunday, Jan. 29  2-4pm

605 Enos Lane, Corralitos 831.728.5518   info@salesianschool.org

More than 40 years Empowering Youth with Knowledge, Faith, and Love. Come explore our 50 acre campus, meet the teachers (TK-8) and Discover Salesian! Visit us at salesianschool.org

Holy Cross School Open House Jan. 29 11:30am-1pm

150 Emmet St, Santa Cruz 831.423.6667 www.holycsc.org

Join us! Visitors will have the opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms and learn more about the school program. No reservations required. For more information, please call 831.423.4447

Do you have an event you want placed in our calendar?

Visit our website to submit the details! Photos for the calendar may be submitted by email. Digital images must be high resolution, 200-300dpi.

DEADLINE

The 15th of the month prior to publication month.

IN SANTA CRUZ

TOP LEFT: This family visited Monterey’s Vision Quest zoo.

TOP RIGHT: Alana and Ford Watkins, 7 months, caught at Capitola’s Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria (today’s secret word. Enter it on the puzzle page for a chance to win a prize.)

RIGHT: Santa made a stop to stock up on toys at Wonderland Toys in Aptos

BELOW: The International Academy of Dance Nutcracker at (still-named) Cabrillo College never fails to impress.

BOTTOM RIGHT: A par 4 (legs) at Seascape Golf Course.

BOTTOM LEFT: A woman in costume visits the Holiday Arts and Craft Fair at the Fairgrounds.

LEFT: We’re so sad that the Great Morgani (Frank Lima) has retired. He brightened up every visit downtown.

STUDENT’S EYE VIEW

Transitioning from High School to College

Getting into a campus club was harder than getting into school

BY GRACE TIMAN

In the media college is portrayed as the golden years of youth, celebrated as the best time in one’s life. Coming into college there are so many expectations, it’s a burning fire of both excitement and

For years I dreamed of the college application process, opening my letter to my dream school, UCLA, and starting out on the best four years of my life. I got that far, Now with the first quarter complete it’s still the hardest transition I’ve ever had. Although things are definitely not what my senior self expected, I’m slowly figuring it all out.

Within the first few weeks of college everything that I once associated myself with was stripped away. I no longer had my friends, my sport, or my established position in the community.

Moving from a school that encouraged all students to have an active voice, to a university that can drown out all but the very loudest was stifling to say the least. My college in particular is very competitive, with many clubs having lower acceptance rates than the school

itself. I didn’t make it into a single one of my top choice clubs. Without the structure and organization I was used to, the passionate and determined version of myself I once knew faded away.

In high school I was as a social butterfly, willing to befriend anyone. In college for the first time I am finding that people aren’t as willing to welcome me into their social circles like back home. I’ve found that friendships of convenience happen all too quickly. In just three months people I thought would

be with me all four years have come and passed. I find myself questioning my core values and beliefs constantly, trying to hold on to the pieces of myself that once defined me so clearly. It’s a confusing and lonely feeling. I find myself unsure of who I am and hence unsure of who is best for me.

All of this sounds terrifying but in the chaos of finals week I have been able to process these and find some conclusions to carry forward into winter quarter. First, a lack of stability will always be scary especially straight out of the structure of high school.

I found that the feeling of existential crisis that came as a result of losing the things that defined me back home. I’ve had to realize that I no longer have to be defined by the version of me that people once knew.

College is a completely new environment and if you can lean into the excitement of discovering who you are now, instead of longing for who you were then, you might just discover some unconventional experiences.

The more I watched my friends post about how much fun they were having the more it made me wonder why I wasn’t finding the same happiness.

When I took a step back and considered what I needed out of friendships I found that I had the pieces that make me happy, I was just too busy comparing them to what makes others happy.

In all honesty, I am not where I thought I would be a year ago, but I’ve learned it’s okay to not know exactly where I am in life. This is the hardest transition of my life so far. I am proud of myself regardless of what expectations I have met.

Grace Timan, 18, from Watsonville, wrote about her senior year at Mount Madonna School last year and will continue to post updates about her transition to UCLA. She plans to major in public affairs with a minor in media literacy. She’s worked at Cafe Rio and Flats Bistro in Aptos and Zelda’s in Capitola.

Pacific Elementary School

Small public school, quality programs, close diverse community, preschool through 6th grade.

Choose preschool, traditional TK-6 classsrooms, full-time home study, or a hybrid independent study program with 3 classroom days and 2 home school days/week

Award-wiinning school lunch program featuring organic and local food. Students help cook from scratch daily

Experiiential learning emphasis: year-round garden program, hands-on science, drama, field trips, high-tech innovation lab, annual student film festival

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program, including enrichment classes and accelerated math Graduating students often place above grade-level in math

Just 10 miles from Santa Cruz, attrac ting students from around the county After school programs available

Pacific Elementary School 50 Ocean Street, Davenport (831) 425-7002 www.pacificesd.org

Enquire now: www.pacificesd.org/new-family-enrollment.html

NOW

Long-Time Journalist Reflects on Career

Larson wanted to be an FBI agent originally

BY JEANETTE PRATHER

Local mom and well-known broadcast reporter, Amy Larson, sat at a roundtable discussion with a group of journalism students at Cabrillo College early December as they picked her brain regarding her colorful journalism career and the paths that she’d taken to get to where she is.

“I guess I was 21 years old when I began my career,” said Larson, who is now 38. Larson started working at Watsonville’s Register-Pajaronian newspaper after graduating from Occidental College in L.A. with a degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs. “I took the job and ran with it,” she said.

After one year of loving chasing stories, Larson decided to study journalism, so she got a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism before snatching a job working on the website at Newsday in Long Island.

After three years at Newsday, Larson decided she missed the California weather and so she moved back. “I got lucky again because KSBW was looking to hire a digital media manager. At that point, I was covering my own stories.”

After seven years with KSBW, Larson caught the attention of KRON-4 in San Francisco, where she currently covers big city stories, as well as news from throughout the Bay Area and Santa Cruz.. “I am Channel 4’s first ever digital reporter; that job didn’t exist prior,” said Larson, who’s been at the station for three years now. “My favorite beat is court reporting. I just finished covering the Elizabeth Holmes trial.”

Despite becoming an outstanding journalist, Larson says that it was never her grand vision. “Actually, I wanted to be an FBI agent. As a kid growing up, I used to love The X-Files. I wanted to be just like agent Scully.”

While not in law enforcement, she certainly works with them. “Sometimes I learn things before the police do,” she said. “KRON broke the story when those two planes in Watsonville collided in the air because I’m friends with a CHP officer.”

When asked by one of the students about her level of correspondence with police agencies as a female reporter, Larson replied, “Cops can be slimy with women reporters. There are a lot of good ones, but also a lot of slimeballs.”

Larson certainly has grit. Not only is she a top reporter, she’s also the single mother of a 7-year-old. “Being a mom is draining energy-wise, but I love it,”

she said. “My son, Logan, adds so much more balance to my life. I used to be obsessed with my job, working seven days per week; I didn’t have a life outside of it. After a while you get burned out. Becoming a mother was harder than getting an Ivy League master’s degree.”

Larson says that she’s gotten much better at setting boundaries for herself. “I’m totally fine with saying no to things now,” she said. “I give credit to Channel 4 because they do a really great job of treating their journalists well.”

A day at work for Larson might look like reporting on a story, shooting the video, editing the video, feeding that back to the newsroom and then writing the web story. “The unique thing about my job as a digital reporter, is that I do all of it whereas other reporters go out with a cameraman and a guard,” said Larson. “I write lengthy pieces, so I construct my pieces both for TV and for print. That, and then trying to get additional elements for social media. Because I do so many things on my own, it gives me a lot of options career-wise.”

One story that caught the attention of nationwide news stations that Larson shared with the class, was her cracking of the “Harbor Hooker” story. “In this

case, it really paid off to go and talk to someone who no one else would talk to,” said Larson, who also thinks that’s one of the most important roles of a reporter; to get all perspectives and share voices who might not have been shared otherwise.

Alix Tichelman was the high-end prostitute who was invited on a Google executive’s yacht in the Santa Cruz Harbor for a heroin bender and the yacht owner was found dead of a fatal overdose. “Alix panicked, left the yacht and didn’t tell anyone,” said Larson. “She ended up only spending two years in jail for involuntary manslaughter because the DA office declined to file murder charges, and she was deported back to Canada where she was originally from.”

According to Larson, the SCPD had painted Tichelman as a “black widow super villain.” Larson found Tichelman on Facebook, messaged her about possibly getting Tichelman’s point-ofview, and actually heard back. “I really just wanted to report on her side of the story about what happened on the yacht that night,” said Larson. “First, she wanted me to call her so that we could get to know each other. She got off work at midnight, so I called her three times before she would talk to me.”

Larson got Tichelman to agree to an on-camera interview via Zoom. “We Zoomed the full interview with her telling her side of the story,” said Larson. That’s when it got wild.

“I had CNN calling me for the interview, and they wanted to do a live interview with me,” she said. “I was scheduled to go live on CNN and the producer called 10 minutes before I went on to tell me that Alix’s ex-boyfriend in Georgia had also died of a heroin overdose, so she was being charged with a second murder.”

A passionate reporter and equally as passionate defender-of-justice, Larson says that journalists need to remain accountable as well as hold others accountable. “In American society, journalists need to call out falsehoods,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s just as important to be explicit about letting people know accurately what is true, and it’s equally as important to let them know what is not true.”

Stop struggling and start learning.

JOIN US FOR AN ONLINE ADMISSION NIGHT

Lower and Middle School - Tuesday, January 17 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (via Zoom)

Chartwell High School - Tuesday, January 24 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (via Zoom)

Hear from the head of school,division leads, student support team members, faculty and more.

Email info@chartwell.org to RSVP or for more information.

Chartwell School empowers children with dyslexia and associated learning differences to unlock their full potential. Through our college preparatory, strength-based program, we provide students the skills, strategies, tools and mindset needed to become successful lifelong learners.

• Grades 1-12

• 3:1 student to teacher ratio

• Individualized strengths-based educational plan for every student

• Robust student support team, including counseling, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathologists

• Project-based learning approach

• Arts, STEAM, and athletics

• 60-acre campus on California’s Central Coast

Chartwell School - 2511 Numa Watson Road - Seaside, CA - 831.394.3468 - chartwell.org

The Future is Here

We can now alter the genetic code in adult humans

BY LISA CATTERALL

The power to control our species’ genetic future is awesome and terrifying. Deciding how to handle it may be the biggest challenge we have ever faced.

-- Jennifer A. Doudna, “A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution”

Has there been a medical innovation in history that wasn’t met with some form of protest or resistance? No matter how much science teaching we add to our school systems, it still seems to just pass some people by. Vaccines have had their protesters since they were invented. I wonder about the process of teaching humans to mistrust science. How does that work? What are the moments, the messages, and the ethos surrounding a person throughout their life that make them unable to sit with the truth? What makes people react to science with fear?

When I was in college, my introductory biology class included several mind-blowing lab techniques. We could actually cut Deoxyribonucleic acid – DNA – at certain sequences, run it through a gel, and identify people by matching the size of the fragments. That was how forensic investigators performed “DNA fingerprinting,” and how something called the Human Genome Project was mapping out all 320 billion bases in the human genome.

I found it so amazing that a firstyear college student could do that. I was happy to pursue a career that just allowed me to be near such stunning technology.

Twenty years later when I started teaching biology, of course I taught this lesson to my class every year. I discovered that an initiative in California was trying to put a “PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) machine in every high school science classroom.” I also found out that biology teachers generally dreaded these new techniques. They are difficult to teach, they involve quite a lot of chemistry and biochemistry that the students taking biology really didn’t have yet, and they take hours of preparation and clean-up. All using techniques teachers didn’t practice. Before I taught biochemistry labs in high school, I did those labs every day for years in industry. Putting all of that technique on the shoulders of teachers seemed far-fetched indeed.

Last year I started a more advanced class as part of our school’s new engineering program, Biomedical Engineering. It is just what I like to teach; it has connections to real life, it’s easy to see helping the world using the knowledge gained in the class, and it’s mostly hands-on learning. I was looking for techniques to add in biochemistry

and stumbled on CRISPR for beginning students.

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. I’ve taught it for two years now and I still forget that mouthful. But it is exactly what it is in a DNA molecule and it’s what it does that is so amazing.

A company whose business was sending healthy bacteria out for food makers to add to yogurt noticed that some of their bacteria lived, and some died of viruses. They started looking for differences in the bacteria that could survive a virus. It made sense; they would prefer to have their bacteria live so they could make better products and profits. They made the discovery that the strains that lived had sequences in their DNA that matched the viruses. They had taken in a piece of the virus so they could recognize it.

Some scientists at Berkeley discovered that there was a way they were able to do this; they had a protein that behaved like a pair of scissors. When a virus the bacteria had seen before invaded, the protein was sent out to cut the virus up.

I’m trying to use simple language here, but come to think of it, this story could be told better as a children’s story with the characters “CRISPR,” “Cas-9” (the protein), Naughty Mr. Phage (the virus), and our pathfinding hero, Guide RNA

the Great.

I’m going to stop trying to explain the details in a blog, but I strongly recommend the documentary “Human Nature” for the whole story, told in the right order, by the right people.

The practical idea is this: using Cas-9 and CRISPR, human beings can alter their genetic code. We can alter one single base out of 320 billion, easily, safely and accurately. I’m not talking about doing it in embryos or sperm and eggs, I’m talking about doing it to a fully grown human, so that their genes are altered in their lifetime.

At this very moment, patients with the debilitating and terminal condition of sickle cell anemia are being cured using CRISPR. Hundreds of conditions are being researched. If you are with a research organization, you can call a lab in Redwood City and they will send you a small bottle that will knock out and/or insert any DNA sequence you like within a week or so.

By the time my high school students are finishing college, we could potentially have cures and improvements for just about anything medical. They are on the same sort of precipice humanity was on when antibiotics were about to be commercially available.

Oh no, we think, what are the implications? Designer babies? That’s

SO BAD. Of course. But the technology is not bad. The tool is not bad. The user is who we should worry about, who we should regulate, as has been true throughout history.

I know that while I am giving my high school students an absolutely amazing tool, having them perform CRISPR genetic manipulations in eleventh grade, that their social science and humanities teachers are giving them equally important tools when it comes to genetics. They need to think, they need to discern, and they need to communicate what they know. I think it’s false to say our technology outpaces our philosophy as a human race. I just hope our fear doesn’t outpace our desire to heal and help.

Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.

THROUGH 1-31

Mushroom Month In Downtown Santa Cruz January is Mushroom Month. Many Downtown Santa Cruz businesses offer special dishes, displays or products celebrating the wonder of fungus. Maps and information will be available soon to all who want to explore. You’ll find them at the Downtown Information Kiosk. downtownsantacruz.com/go/artisansand-agency.

SAT 7

Beach Cleanup 9-11am Help clean up the shores at Scott Creek Beach. Registration is required. saveourshores.org

TUES 10

Hive Live! 7-8:30pm Featured poets are Jennifer Tseng and Daniel Summerhill during this month’s event at Bookshop Santa Cruz . Jennifer Tseng will read from her award winning book, The Passion of Woo and Isolde. Daniel Summerhill will read from his latest book Divine, Divine, Divine. This event is free and masks are required. hivepoetry.org.

WED 11

Nature Journal Studio 6:30-8pm

During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Santa Cruz Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities. Santacruzmuseum.org.

THUR-FRI 12-13

Santa Cruz Warriors 7-9:30pm The Santa Cruz Warriors, the G-League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, will be at home at Kaiser Permanente Arena for two games in January against the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Come out and watch the action and see future NBA stars up close. santacruz.gleague.nba.com

FRI 13

Downtown Fridays Enjoy live bands at two or more locations along with events and activities at several downtown locations. Fun for the whole family each week through April 14.

SAT 14

So So Market 8am-6pm Find local and vintage items at the So So Vintage Market in Parking Lot #7 at the corner of Front and Cathcart Streets. https://www. sosomarket4ever.com

SUN 15

Santa Catalina School Open House 10:30am-1:30pm Catalina is where you explore the true you as a thinker, creator, explorer, and friend. Come tour our beautiful campus, spend time with our community, experience our academic and co-curricular programs, and picture yourself here. Start following your dreams, and register at santacatalina.org today! RSVPs are required. 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey

MON 16

MLK March for the Dream 10am-1pm 2023 MLK March for the Dream Parade and Rally Procession along Pacific Avenue beginning on Cathcart to Church Street to Civic Auditorium. Cityofsantacruz.com

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School Open House 9:15-10:45am

Come see what is truly possible for your child at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School. Join us on campus for our inperson admission open house on Monday, Jan. 16 from 9:15-10:45am and for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day assembly at 11am Register today at santacatalina. org. 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey lmsadmission@santacatalina.org.

TUES 17

Gateway School 9-11am. Come and learn how Gateway School inspires children’s innate curiosity and sense of wonder through daily exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Visit www.gatewaysc.org to schedule a tour and experience all that Gateway has to offer!

THUR 19

Gateway Middle School Information Night 6:30-8pm. Students and their parents/guardians are invited to meet our Middle School team and learn about the curriculum, social-emotional learning, and the many enriching experiences our Middle School has to offer. Visit www.gatewaysc. org to register.

SAT 21

Beach Cleanup 9-11am Help clean up the shores at Davenport Landing Beach. Registration is required. saveourshores.org

Exploring the Tide Pools 3-5pm The January new moon bring with it some of the best low tides of the year (often called the “King Tides”). This phenomenon is the perfect time for exploring the intertidal zone and its many fascinating creatures. Celebrate the changing of the seasons with us during this guided walk at The Hook in Capitola (Aptos, Cajastaca, and Uypi homeland). Santacruzmuseum.org.

Saturdays in the Soil 10am-noon It’s time to get your hands dirty! Learn about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. Santacruzmuseum.org.

Explore the CZU Burn Zone 10amnoon The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after nearly two years of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it with you. Join us for a series of guided tours of the burn zone in partnership with California State Parks and the Mountain Parks Foundation. We’ll explore how the landscape has responded to fire, from redwood trees to wildflowers, and banana slugs to birds, as well as share how community members can help monitor the fire’s impacts. santacruzmuseum.org

SAT-SUN 21-22

California King Tides California King Tides are coming to Santa Cruz County. King Tides mean the highest tides of the year, but also the lowest, most dramatic negative tides. These extreme low tides pose prime conditions for tide pooling, miles of beach walking and extended beach exploration.

SUN 22

Santa Cruz Harp Festival 3pm. Join harp soloists Jesse Autumn (doublestrung), Jennifer Cass (classical) and Shelley Phillips (Celtic) for a concert celebrating the different forms and musical styles of the harp. Also performing will be the all-ages Community Music School Harp Ensemble. An instrument “petting zoo” will be available at intermission for the harp-curious, along with coffee, tea and snacks. General admission $15 in advance/$20 at the door. Kids $10 in advance, $20 at the door.

CommunityMusicSchool.org.

FRI-SAT 27-28

“Mamma Mia!” Performances are Jan. 27 at 7pm, Jan. 28 at 2pm and a special sing-along performance is offered on Jan. 29 at 2pm at the Hawks’ Nest Theater at Mount Madonna School. Tickets available at mms-mammamia.brownpapertickets. com . Adults: $15; $10 for 18 and under. Tickets for the sing-along performance are $20.

SAT 28

Laura Hecox Day 11am-3pm Join us for a FREE festive day celebrating the past, present, and future of sharing the wonder of nature and science exploration in Santa Cruz County. You’ll connect with today’s local environmental leaders and partner organizations to learn and have fun just outside the Museum doors in Tyrrell Park. santacruzmuseum.org

Beach Cleanup 9-11am Help clean up the shores at Beer Can Beach. Registration is required. Saveourshores.org

SUN 29

Salesian Elementary & Junior High School Oprn House 2-4pm More than 40 years Empowering Youth with Knowledge, Faith, and Love. Come explore our 50 acre campus, meet the teachers (TK-8) and Discover Salesian! Visit us at salesianschool.org.

Submit your event at growingupsc.com

Developing Positive Traits

Building emotional resilience for Positive Parenting Awareness Month

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

It’s a new year, and time once again to celebrate all the parents and caregivers raising children and adolescents across our community. For the 11th year in a row, the County Board of Supervisors has partnered with First 5 Santa Cruz County to declare January 2023 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month, joining other California counties and the California legislature, which will pass a resolution declaring January 2023 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month across the state.

Raising children and youth to become healthy, confident, capable individuals is the most important and rewarding job parents and caregivers have, but sometimes it’s also the hardest job. That’s why proven strategies and support from programs such as the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are here to help.

Even in the best of times, stress shows up in our lives. Sometimes, it comes from day-to-day events like a big test at school or a high-stakes situation at work. Other times, it comes from major life events like a family split apart by divorce or the death of a loved one. The ability to cope with strong feelings in response to these events—whether they are routine or major—is called emotional resilience.

This year, throughout Positive Parenting Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the building blocks of emotional resilience. As adults, we can help children and teens learn and practice emotional resilience skills so that they can cope with stressful life events and emerge stronger and happier. When children and teens (and adults) have the tools and support to use positive ways of coping with strong feelings, they’ll be less likely to turn to negative ways of coping, such as acting out, using alcohol or drugs, or harming themselves.

So how can we help children and teens build their emotional resilience muscles? We can start by teaching skills in these six building blocks:

RECOGNIZE, UNDERSTAND, AND ACCEPT FEELINGS

Ups and downs are normal, so let kids know it’s OK to have different feelings. Talk about their experiences and feelings and help them learn to recognize emotions in themselves and in others. Don’t be afraid to share your own feelings, too.

EXPRESS FEELINGS APPROPRIATELY

When kids express their feelings and manage tough situations in safe, healthy ways, recognize this with your attention and observations (e.g., “I’m proud of you for telling your friend why you were upset.”). If they’re expressing their feelings in unsafe or inappropriate

ways, such as yelling, swearing, or hurtful behaviors, recognize that too, with an emphasis on what they can learn from the outburst. Acknowledge that they’re upset first, tell them what to stop doing (“Please stop yelling”) and what to do instead (“Let’s take a deep breath”). As you do this, demonstrate the behavior you’re expecting — e.g., speak calmly when telling them to stop yelling.

DEVELOP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK, INCLUDING OPTIMISM, INTEREST IN THINGS, AND CONTENTMENT

A positive, optimistic outlook can build your child’s confidence and contribute to emotional wellbeing; curiosity helps them learn. You can encourage both by pointing out the good side of events and experiences, being available and interested when your child wants to show you something, and asking your own questions about what they’re doing and creating. Being appreciative and grateful, and encouraging those feelings in your child, can build contentment.

DEVELOP COPING SKILLS

Teach children and teens problemsolving skills by playing games, setting a good example, and breaking a bigger problem down into smaller pieces. Let them practice their problem-solving skills instead of solving everything for them. Positive self-talk—”I’ve got this!”—is a great life skill, and so is knowing how and when to ask for help.

DEAL WITH STRONG FEELINGS AND UNPLEASANT SITUATIONS

We can’t completely protect children and teens from negative feelings and situations, but we can help them learn to manage their emotional responses. Stop and listen, acknowledge their feelings, and support them to find their own solutions. If needed, encourage them to take a break and return to the situation later in a calmer moment.

MANAGE STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS

When big feelings emerge in response to major events, let your child be upset and talk about why, reassure them, and try not to fix or solve everything in that

moment. Encourage them to use their coping skills and check in on them, but be ready to seek more help if needed—and remember to take care of yourself, too!

Final Thoughts: We can learn to be more emotionally resilient at any age, but life is much smoother if we learn early!

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 19 and 22, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc. org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc, or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

EDUCATION

The Pandemic in the Classroom

Do teacher shortages and COVID affect our children’s learning?

BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY

As expected, students suffered academically during the COVID pandemic. While students are now back in the classrooms, math and reading scores plummeted in 2022. Compared to 2019, math dropped 8 points in eighth grade and 5 points in fifth grade across the nation. Scores dropped 3 points in reading for both grades.

In California, fewer than half of the students (47%) passed the English language arts test, which was a 4 point drop from pre-pandemic 2018-2019. In math, only one third of the students passed, which was a 6% decline.

Stanford, USC and the UC system say that this massive decline has never been seen before and that this is an unprecedented challenge that we have to face. The disparities plaguing ethnic groups remain high, with 70% of Asian students scoring above the national standard, which is triple the rate for Latinos and Black students.

So what does this mean? We need to support our students as we ramp up our curriculum. But there’s a huge teacher shortage across the United States.

Remember when we used to give teachers shiny apples and gifts for the holidays? Those memories are long gone as students face classrooms with revolving doors for teachers, substitutes, and teacher aides. Some teachers are required to teach students with disabilities or English learners in addition to their regular classes because special education teachers are absent or didn’t return for the school year.

Many schools shut down when 30% of their staff and 25% of their students call in sick. Imagine that? Other schools are reverting to remote learning when there aren’t enough teachers to cover classes. Principals are even stepping in to teach several classes at once just to fill staffing gaps.

Teacher shortages aren’t equally spread out among subject areas. Special education teachers ranks the highest in shortages, followed by mathematics, science, and foreign language. And many teachers are having to step up to help in the cafeteria work and to work without instructional aides.

So how do we recruit and encourage college students to become teachers? First we need to pay them and give them benefits like the professionals they are. Consider this report that considered teacher wages in 26 industrialized countries: teachers in the United States ranked dead-last on the list of average pay – making only 60% of what other college graduates make.

In countries like Sweden, Germany, and Australia, teacher compensation is higher than 80% of other college

graduates. And, US teachers work more hours than other countries.

Fewer college students are entering teaching careers today. Back in the 1970s, about 12% of students planned to become teachers. Today, only 4% of college students are pursuing teaching degrees. That comes as no surprise when teaching has become a thankless job that won’t even pay a livable wage.

With increased teacher vacancies, and a dramatic drop in college students entering the teaching field, several states have eased teacher certification requirements. Some schools issue emergency teaching credentials just to speed up the process to secure the certification.

In high schools, teachers are normally required to have a bachelor’s degree in the subjects they are credentialed to teach. While that makes sense

because they need to have in-depth understanding of the subject to effectively teach a wide range of students to prepare them for higher education.

But some states, like Arizona, students can enter teacher training programs without a bachelor’s degree. The only requirement is that they enroll in college and they are supervised by licensed teachers.

In Florida, military veterans without bachelor’s degrees can receive a 5-year teacher certificate as long as they have 60 college credits (AA or community college degree) with a 2.5 GPA and pass a state exam to demonstrate their mastery of the subject-area knowledge.

This is appalling. Have we really devalued the education of our children – the youth who will take the reins and lead our nation? Teachers should be our most valued profession. They guide,

mentor, and prepare all of our children to go out into the world. How will we be able to maintain our superpower status when our future leaders don’t have the academic acumen to compete on a world stage?

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy is the founder of Merit Academy (one-on-one classes) and Merit Educational Consultants (college and educational advisory). She has written books on projects, free child care, education, and parenting. Susan hosts TEDxMeritAcademy for students to present their innovative projects and solutions. In 2019, she was California Mother of the Year.