Alamo Area Parents Fall 2018

TOP 10

KIDS S ACTIVITIE INSIDE

Physicals/Immunizations/Sick Allergy Testing & Treatment Weight & Diabetes Management Asthma • Skin/Acne • ADD/ADHD Psychological Disorders In-House Lab

VISIT ONE OF OUR SAN ANTONIO LOCATIONS! Live Oak 7939 Pat Booker Rd Ste 130 Live Oak, TX 78233

Old Hwy 90 & 151 1227 Enrique M Barrera Pkwy San Antonio, Tx, 78227

Westover Hills 9002 Culebra Rd. Ste 100 San Antonio, TX 78251

210.998.2410

210.538.8386

210.437.3990

McCreless Shopping Center 4130 S. New Braunfels Ave Ste 110 San Antonio, TX 78223

Helotes 9708 Business Pkwy Ste 118 Helotes, TX 78023

Bulverde Marketplace 17026 Bulverde Rd. Ste 105 San Antonio, TX 78247

210.562.3972

210.372.9898

210.981.5543

COMING SOON

visit us at almouiepediatrics.com

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contents ............

Fall 2018 September, October, November Serving the Greater San Antonio and New Braunfels area, including Schertz, Helotes and Bulverde Published By Hill Country Publications 210-226-7536 Editor & Art Director Nathan Thompson graphics@HillCountryPubs.com

Alamo Area Cover by: Angela Lynn Portraits | AngelaLynnPortraits.com

Graphic & Print Design Nathan Thompson

New Braunfels Cover by: A. Leigh Photography | ALeighPhotography.com

Account Managers Tina Stallings • Tina@HillCountryPubs.com Karen Borell • Karen@NBParents.com

Back to School: Back to Reality

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Events

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Halloween Fun & Safety

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Writers/Editors Nathan Thompson

To be included in this directory: Tina Stallings, Karen Borrell at 210-226-7536

Spotlight on Special Needs

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Back to School Tips for Special Needs Students

Kids Corner

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Shopping Guide

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Health Care Choices

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A Charter School Mom's Love Letter

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Sponsored by BASIS Charter Schools Inc.

Stories from the Alamo

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Sponsored by Battle for Texas: the Experience

features Shopping Guide

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Top 10 Kids Activities

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Like Us on Facebook, to enter our contests & you could be the next big winner!

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BACK TO SCHO OL BACK TO REALITY

by: Danielle Line It's the end of July and back to school time is just around the corner. Where did the summer go? My daughter just finished kindergarten in June. I look back to when she entered kindergarten last fall; I was so unprepared and

Are you where I was last year, new to your child's school and unsure of what to do? Or maybe you just haven't started thinking about it yet? Read on for some steps you can take to help you prepare for back to school time.

confused. What did we need to get? Where did we need to go? What forms did I need the doctor to send in?

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING I am looking forward to an easier transition this year. I have some real back to school parenting experience under my belt and my daughter loves her school. An added benefit this year? She's been attending a summer day camp at the school so the environment is still familiar and friendly to her.

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VACCINATIONS & CHECKUPS Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date. Most schools require your child to have certain vaccinations as well as an up to date physical examination and dental checkup. If you are unsure, contact your school as early as possible so you have time to schedule the necessary pediatric and dental appointments.

Your pediatrician may also require extra time to fill out any forms your school requires.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES & NEW SCHOOL CLOTHES Shopping for school supplies was always my favorite back to school ritual when I was a kid. I loved to pick out new notebooks and folders with my favorite cartoon characters and pop stars on them. Most kids also love getting a new wardrobe to go with their new grade level, even if your school requires the children to wear uniforms.

Retailers have already started their Backto-School sales where you can find rock bottom prices on all school supplies, school uniforms and kids clothes. If you haven't received your child's list of required supplies, it's a good idea to start stocking up on the basics like paper, pencils, pens, glue and crayons. You'll need them for homework assignments and you may want to have extras on hand to donate to your child's classroom throughout the school year.

GET BACK INTO THE HABIT Most of us tend to break the rules when summer comes. Daytime lasts longer so we go to bed later; which means we may sleep in later. Early August is a good time to start reinforcing bed time as well as wake up time.

Believe me, this will save a lot of hurried mornings caused by over-sleeping or crankiness due to lack of sleep.

Many parents provide their kids with workbooks of age appropriate homework assignments to do throughout the summer. For those of us who don't, now is a good time to start it up. You can buy the workbooks at the Back to School sales. You don't have to overload your child with assignments; just enough practice to refresh their memory should do.

PLAY DATE TIME It's easy for kids to fall out of touch with each other over the summer. Families go on vacation and get involved in summer activities that keep them busy. Now is a good time to set up play dates with school friends your child hasn't seen since school let out.

They will feel more comfortable when school starts if they are surrounded by friendly faces. If your child is attending a new school, try to meet parents at registration and arrange play dates to acquaint your child with other kids in their grade level.

TAKE A TRIP TO THE SCHOOL Make a visit to their school to get them familiar with the environment. Many school offices do not open until August. If your school isn't open yet, walk around the outside and talk about the school layout.

Back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents alike. With a little planning ahead, the transition from summer to school can be organized and stress-free for all. www.hillcountryparents.com

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events ............

september

October 27-28: Dia De Los Muertos

September 1-3: Labor Day Weekend Events

Join us for El Dia de los Muertos presented

by La Villita. Translated literally as "the Day of the Dead," this Mexican cultural tradition is a celebration honoring departed loved ones. Creative and respectful altars are set up around town to commemorate loved ones who have passed on.

Labor day weekend is a time to hang out with family and friends, and there's no better place than in the Hill Country! Float the numerous rivers, BBQ at the park, or just hang out and relax with the family on this national holiday.

September 6-9: SA World Heritage Festival The World Heritage Festival is an annual collaborative event to celebrate and promote our San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Festival is a five day celebration spread throughout the five San Antonio Missions and surrounding area and has something for everyone .

September 25-30: Comal County Fair & Rodeo All your favorite things about the rodeo and county fair are coming to you here in Comal County. BBQ Cook Off, Rodeo events, antique shows, and much more!

october October 5,6,12,13: Octoberfest SA Show the family our unique German-Tex history. Head over to the Beethoven Halle und Garten to celebrate the ultimate German festival with music, food and dancing, plus German specialties, like bratwurst, reubens and beer.

October 14: Believing for Bryleigh Benefit Concert There's no better way to spend a Sunday than out at the Believing for Bryleigh Benefit Concert. It is a great time for a great cause hosting fun activities for the whole family at River Road Ice House in New Braunfels.

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november November 2-11: Wurstfest Come out for a unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun!

Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas! Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, and much more.

November 3: Diwali SA Currently a single-night festival, the purpose of the Diwali San Antonio “Festival of Lights” is to celebrate Indian culture and traditions by featuring traditional Indian dance, entertainment, food and booths selling goods from various parts of India. In India, the Diwali celebration is akin to New Year’s Eve and it represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.

November 9-11: Luminaria Arts Come to Light Luminaria is San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists. Overseen by San Antonio's creative leaders, it is free of charge and showcases all art forms in an outdoor setting and inside various venues downtown.

Visit our Website at HillCountryParents.com for our full list of events!

Our mission is to guide children through their dental experiences while providing comprehensive dental care in a friendly environment.

Boutique Studio - IN -

DOWNTOWN NEW BRAUNFELS - SPECIALIZING IN -

610 Landa Street New Braunfels, TX 78130

NEWBORN & BABY’S FIRST YEAR

(830) 625-1234 • ChildrensDentalArk.com

ALEIGHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM • 636 S. CASTELL AVENUE

80% of Learning

is Visual Same Day Emergency Appointments Available Walk Ins Are Welcomed Catering to children ages 0-20 to provide a range of children’s dentistry services from preventative to restorative. We offer in-office conscious sedation and general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free, safe and comfortable experience.

Accepts: • Private PPO’s • Military • Delta Care HMO • Most major insurance plans as well as Medicaid & CHIP • Interest-free financing

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Open every Saturday 8am-12pm

210-435-3333

Dr. Toni Racoma, O.D. • 210.960.5494 www.VistaVisionSA.com

823 Bandera Road San Antonio, TX 78228

www.cutesmiles4kidstx.com www.hillcountryparents.com

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HAVE FUN THIS HALLOWEEN AND STAY SAFE WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS!

and While out and about on Halloween, it's easy to forget about traffic, although it is a popular holiday, drivers are not used to pedestrians walking in the road. Cross at street corners and crosswalks, look . both ways, and remember to teach children proper street etiquette

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familia r areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Be creative with costumes, but always remember: safety first. Decorate , use costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible seen. be and see light colors. Have kids carry flashlights to help them

When sorting through candy at the end of the night, be sure to throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper, or looks as though it has been opened.

Halloween can be one of the most fun and exciting nights of the n! year! Make sure to have a spooky spectacular time this Hallowee 14

Saturdays with discounts available

September

Back to School S.T.E.A.M PreK-2nd Grades: Sept 8th 3rd-5th Grades: Sept 15th

October

Spooky Engineering

PreK-2nd Grades: Oct 13th 3rd-5th Grades: Oct 20th

Fall Camps Session Dates: NOVEMEBER 19th

K-2nd Grades: Unplugged Thanksgiving 3rd-5th Grades: RPG

NOVEMBER 20th K-5th Grades: Fall Food Science

MULTI-CAMP DISCOUNT: TAKE 5% OFF WHEN YOU SIGN UP THE SAME PARTICIPANT FOR BOTH CAMP SESSIONS.

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Come See Santa!

Come start the season off with a day filled with fun at New Braunfels Candle Company! Santa will be here and we will be taking photos and showcasing our new Winter Fragrances.

Tips for Autistic & Special Needs Students BY: Kristin Whiting

Most parents look forward to the end of August because it is back to school time. Back to school time for parents with children who have special needs can be a mixed blessing. Transitions and change are difficult for all children, but particularly children with autism. Here are some tips for parents to help make back to school time more pleasant for you and your child with autism.

BEGIN GETTING INTO THE ROUTINE EARLY

CONSIDER GETTING A HAIRCUT EARLY

Some children with autism don't like getting haircuts and if they start to associate haircuts with school it will add to their anxiety.

GLASSES

If your child wears glasses, and he doesn't wear them during the summer (which I don't recommend), have him wear them at least a week prior to school starting.

Make a picture schedule of the morning routine and start following it. Start getting up a little bit earlier each day and going to bed earlier at night.

This will make thing easier instead of waiting until the night before school starts and saying, "School is tomorrow. You need to go to bed at 8:00" when your child has been staying up until 10:00.

THINK BEFORE BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES.

In my experience children with autism do not generally like the feeling of new clothes. To send a child to school with all new scratchy clothes might be a bit of sensory overload. Instead, consider buying used clothes or washing them several times before school starts. Encourage your child to wear his new clothes and shoes at home.

GET OUT THE CALENDAR

Use a calendar to mark down the days until school starts. Put a picture of a school bus on the date of the first day of school. Read books and watch t.v. shows about going back to school.

MEET THE TEACHER

Make plans to meet the teacher ahead of time.

For tips on meeting the teacher, read my article Meeting the New Teacher.

Kristin Whiting has over 20 years experience in the field of education, including teaching and administrative experience. She is currently doing what she loves best - teaching. She is a Special Needs Preschool Teacher.

She loves to write and in addition to her two blogs, she is a regular contributor to Yahoo Contributor Network, Ezinearticles.com, Squidoo and Hubpages.

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C AT E R I N G

PA RT Y P L A N N I N G M A D E D E L I C I O U S LY S I M P L E

(830)626-9464 983 N Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130

15% off your Catering order expires 10/31/2018

$5.00 OFF

when you spend $25 or more Not valid with any other offers expires 10/31/2018

www.hillcountryparents.com

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Kids Corner

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Word Bank FALL T URKEY HARV EST P IE

SCH OOL P UMPKI N SPOOKY leaves

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Kids Corner

Start

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Shopping Guide Local & Holiday Shopping Shopping isn't always easy. In order to help ease your shopping woes, we put together this list of our favorite local and holiday shopping options in the Hill Country.

New Braunfels Candle Co. 555 S Castell, NB 830.302.7675 NewBraunfelsCandleCo.com

New Braunfels Candle Co offers a variety of candle fragrances and other natural products. Each candle is hand poured and packaged in the New Braunfels, Texas studio using 100% U.S. grown soy wax, cotton-core wicks, fine fragrance oils and apothecary inspired packaging.

Lil' Coonies Cottage Childrens Boutique

2327 Gruene Lake Dr, NB 830.214.0910 Facebook.com/LilCooniesCottage

New Braunfels' own boutique just for kids in Gruene Lake Village. Unique pieces from preemie-16 years old! Everyday wear to baptismal, baby bags, shower registries, and more.

Camera Exchange

6635 San Pedro Ave., SA 210.349.4400 CameraX.com

Camera Exchange carries the latest in digital cameras, studio equipment and accessories.

They also offer a wide variety of photography classes and a great selection of cameras to rent.

La Villita

418 Villita, SA 210.207.8614 Facebook.com/LaVillitaHistoricArtsVillage

In 1939, La Villita Historic Arts Village was established and the neighborhood was adapted into a center for teaching regional arts and crafts and to serve as an artists market. Come see the unique artisan crafts they have to offer!

The Gruene Kid Children's Boutique

1706 Hunter Rd, NB 830.214.6032 Facebook.com/TheGrueneKid

A full-scale childrens boutique in the heart of Gruene! Preemie-16 for boys & girls! Providing clothes for every occasion to all the kids in your life!

SAS Shoes

Paper Bear

Today, while many shoe companies have outsourced their production to third party contract manufacturers, SAS sticks firmly to their founders' vision of proudly handcrafting the finest comfort shoes in their own factories.

Heartworks Co./ Paper Bear has always been an "alternative" store that offers a wide selection of very affordable products that are unusual. This is clearly reflected in the product selection and value we offer today.

Nature's Treasures

4103 N I-35, Austin 512.472.5015 NTRocks.com

514 W Commerce, SA 210.207.8600 GetCreativeSanAntonio.com/Explore-SanAntonio/Market-Square

Nature’s Treasures is a one-stop Rock, Mineral, Crystal & Metaphysical store for your shopping pleasure. They bring you Earth Treasures in a vast variety of specimens personally selected for their beauty and power.

Enjoy the sights and flavors of old Mexico at Historic Market Square. Explore over 100 locally owned shops and stalls, all at a festive indoor mall famously described as the largest Mexican market outside Mexico.

Multiple Locations SASShoes.com

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218 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos 512.396.2283 PaperBear.com

Market Square

SOY CANDLES • HANDMADE SOAP • Bath Bombs Candle warmers • & much more!

www.hillcountryparents.com

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Special Advertising Section

Health Care Choices

Children are our most precious resource, so we have compiled this list to help you find the best health care provider for your kids. www.HillCountryParents.com/Directory

Location Contact

Details

ABCD Pediatrics 2115 Stephens Place

830-214-6708 ABCDPediatrics.com

Providing caring and informed attention to your children’s health and well being as they grow and thrive into adulthood.

A.I.M. 7410 Blanco Rd, ste. 250, SA

210-838-5351 AimLLCConsulting.com

A.I.M. provides consultations and evaluations for students suspected of having a disability. These can be provided on an as-need basis or throughout the school year.

Almouie Pediatrics Multiple Locations in San Antonio

AlmouiePediatrics.com

Almouie Pediatrics is committed to the highest quality healthcare for infants, children and adolescents. Our trained professionals are devoted to assisting you in providing the best care through all stages of your child’s life.

CentroMed Multiple Locations

210-922-7000 CentroMedSA.com

CentroMed has a team of pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners trained to take care of children's healthcare needs.

Children’s Dental Ark 610 Landa St.

Our mission is to guide children through their dental 830-625-1234 experiences while providing comprehensive care in a ChildrensDentalArk.com friendly environment.

Children’s Hospital 210-704-2011 of San Antonio CHofSA.com 333 N. Santa Rosa

One of the best pediatric medical centers in the US, offering a complete range of health care services for children.

830-606-9111

Our innovative and interdisciplinary team is committed to rapid diagnosis and treatment while delivering the best outcomes available for our pediatric and adult patients.

Located in New Braunfels.

CommuniCare Health Centers Multiple Locations

210-233-7000 communicaresa.org

CommuniCare advances healthcare access to families in the community through its full-service, high-quality primary healthcare system. We treat our patients like family.

Cute Smiles 4 Kids 823 Bandera Rd.

210-435-3333 CuteSmiles4kidstx.com

Ranging from preventative to restorative dentistry, our office offers in-house conscious sedation and general anesthesia, providing a pain-free, comfortable, and fun experience for your children!

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital 600 N Union Ave.

ChristusHealth.org/SantaRosa/New-Braunfels

HealthLink Fitness & Wellness Center 830-500-6900 ResoluteHealth.com 555 Creekside, NB

We believe wellness is a way of life. HealthLink Fitness & Wellness Center works to positively change the health and well being of our members with innovative programs and useful tools to help you make healthy choices.

New Braunfels Dental Art 833 Landa St.

Having a great smile means different things to different people. We listen carefully so we can provide treatment that will achieve your goals.

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830-629-7494

NewBraunfelsDentalArts.com

www.hillcountryparents.com

Myopia can keep your child from seeing the full picture.

SPECIALIZING in SPECIAL LEARNERS

Learn more about CHAMP – the study of an investigational eye drop being evaluated to slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children.

CONSULTATIONS & EVALUATIONS FOR:

Autism • Dyslexia • ADHD • Intellectual Disability Neuropsychological • Learning Disabilities in Math, Reading, or Writing Depression • Anxiety • Speech Therapy Fine Motor Delay • Giftedness • Counseling Articulation Disorder • Language Disorder 7410 Blanco Rd, Ste 250, San Antonio AimLLCConsulting.com • 210.838.5351

All study-related visits, tests, and drugs will be provided at NO COST. In addition, up to $200 per year will be provided for glasses or contact lenses.

To pre-qualify for this study, your child must: • Be 3 to 10 years of age • Have been diagnosed with nearsightedness Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates Judy Rittimann jrittimann@mcoaeyecare.com 210-697-2006

www.thechampstudy.com

CHILDHOOD ATROPINE FOR MYOPIA PROGRESSION

Special Advertising Section Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates 9157 Heubner, SA North Central Baptist Hospital 520 Madison Oak Dr San Antonio

210-697-2006 SyneosHealth.com

Learn about CHAMP – the study of an investigational eye drop being evaluated to slow the progression of myopia in children. All study-related visits, tests, provided at NO COST.

North Central Baptist Hospital provides high quality care and is best known nationally for several services in particular BaptistHealthSystem.com such as, Surgical Specialties, Women’s Health, Pediatric Care and Orthopedic Medicine.

210-297-4000

Resolute Health Hospital 555 Creekside Crossing, NB

830-500-6000 ResoluteHealth.com

Since 2014, Resolute Health Hospital has been passionately committed to providing the San Antonio and New Braunfels communities with compassionate full-service medical care.

Tooth Transitions San Antonio/ Bulverde

830-438-1153 ToothTransitions.com

At Tooth Transitions Pediatric Dentistry, we do everything we can to make your child's experience fun and fearless.

Locations in San Antonio and Bulverde.

Vista Vision 427 N Loop 1604 W. Ste 203

210-960-5494 VistaVisionSA.com

Comprehensive, personalized eyecare and eyewear for the entire family. Dr. Racoma, O.D. examines and treats patients as young as 6 months and is an InfantSee provider!

www.hillcountryparents.com

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A CHARTER SCHOOL MOM'S

Love Letter Sponsored By: BASIS Charter Schools, Inc. A S A C H A R T E R S C H O O L PARE NT, I am confident that my children are preparing for the future with the best possible education. Guided through an advanced curriculum that encourages discovery and exploration of new concepts and ideas, they are equipped with success tools and shown how to achieve their goals.

Many of their teachers have first-hand professional experience or advanced degrees in their field, so their teachers are both knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach. I appreciate that my curious kids have realworld experts to answer their questions, and they always dedicate additional time throughout week for further discussion or instruction if it’s needed.

Our charter school has a reputation for being academically rigorous, so I was concerned it may be difficult for my children, who didn’t have prior formal school experience. But starting them out in kindergarten has given them the ultimate advantage, preparing them now for continued success throughout their academic career. The curriculum began with the basics, and it continuously builds upon itself as concepts are mastered, while instilling essential skills like critical thinking, logical reasoning, accountability, organization, and time management to make learning easier. They are accustomed to the pace and depth of coverage and are developing effective study habits and social skills early. From day one, they’ve been set to high standards, high expectations, and high character values.

My children are part of a community of engaged learners who support and encourage each other and recognize that they can achieve more together. I am certain that their love of learning and respect for each other’s abilities and opinions will give them an unmatched advantage in reaching their goals.

Every parent should have the confidence and pride that I feel in my school.

A strong core of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses are well-balanced with humanities, arts, Mandarin, and PE, from kindergarten and on. Health and fitness are emphasized, and children take regular movement breaks throughout the day. They also practice martial arts to develop focus, strength, and confidence, while learning controlled selfdefense moves.

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Sincerely, a charter school parent

BASIS Charter Schools, Inc. operates the top-ranked public high schools in the Nation and also offers primary programs for young students.

Help your student reach their fullest academic potential and unlock their future, visit tx.enrollBASIS.com today!

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Top 10 KIDS ACTIVITIES SAN ANTONIO AQUARIUM San Antonio Aquarium offers several birthday party packages to ensure that your special day is absolutely perfect. Please contact education@sanantonioaquarium.net for details.

BATTLE FOR TEXAS: THE EXPERIENCE Experience the daily lives of early Texas settlers, the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution, and the climactic battle in which the Alamo defenders sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom.

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE The Majestic & Empire Theatres are San Antonio's premier performing arts facilities featuring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and events

LANDA PARK Landa Park offers picnic facilities under the shade of giant, ancient oak trees. Walk or jog on the parks special trails, or ride a miniature train that chugs around the 51 acre park.

DAS REC A great place for birthday fun in New Braunfels! With two indoor birthday party rooms, they can accommodate both large and small parties.

DAVE & BUSTERS Dave & Buster’s kids parties are perfect for all ages. With kid-friendly food to keep them fueled for fun and hundreds of games in their Million Dollar Midway, there’s something for everyone. We'll do the work—they'll have a blast!

SPLASHTOWN SAN ANTONIO Looking for a party at a great waterpark? Splashtown San Antonio has party packages to fit your needs! Packages include lunch, admission for 10 guests, and an hour in the birthday area.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO At the San Antonio Zoo, it's always a party! Check out all the coolest animals the park has to offer and let the Zoo do the rest! Packages include entry, cupcakes and ice cream, food, and rides.

WONDER WORLD PARK This unique San Marcos Park offers great attractions including Mystery Mountain and Water Falls, tours of the Balcones Fault Line, a 110 ft. observation tower, an anti-gravity house, train ride, and wildlife petting park.

SPRING LOADED INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK What kid wouldn't want to spend their birthday with their friends jumping at Spring Loaded? Package include 8 kids, private party room and a two hour jump pass.

6320 Bandera Rd, Leon Valley 210.310.3210 sanantonioaquarium.net

849 E Commerce, SA 210.592.6825 battlefortexas.com 224 E. Houston St, SA 210.226.5700 majesticempire.com 154 Landa Park, NB 830.221.4350 nbtexas.org/156/landa-park 345 Landa St, New Braunfels 830.221.4350 dasrec.com 849 E Commerce St #740, SA 210.951.3600 daveandbusters.com

3600 IH 35 N, San Antonio 210.227.1400 splashtownsa.com

3903 N St Mary's St. SA 210.734.7184 sazoo.org 1000 Prospect St., San Marcos 512.392.6711 wonderworldpark.com 6700 South IH 35, NB 830.237.7039 springloadedparks.com

2018

COVER KID

CONTEST Submit your child’s photo for a chance to be on the cover of one of our two family publications!

HillCountryParents.com/cover-kids-contest www.hillcountryparents.com

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sam houston's saddle, blanket, boots and spurs Sponsored by Battle for Texas: The Experience

All summer, Hill Country Parents are bringing you Stories of the Alamo, an article series highlighting some of the most incredible artifacts from the Alamo, Texans stood their grounds against a powerful Mexican army, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for Texas Independence.

General Sam Houston, who would later become the first elected President of the Republic of Texas, was a leader known to be as rough and untamed as Texas itself. He was born in Virginia in 1793 and spent much of his formative years around Cherokee Indians, becoming familiar with their language and customs.

After serving in the Creek War, Houston began to study law and became the District Attorney of Jacksonville, Tennessee. In 1823, he was elected to Congress and by 1827 he was Governor of Tennessee and a staunch supporter of President Andrew Jackson. In 1829, Houston saw his fortunes in Tennessee crumble. A broken marriage caused him to resign the governorship and go west to Indian Territory. In 1832, in need of a fresh start, Houston went to Texas and found lasting fame. With the outbreak of the Texas Revolution in 1835, Houston was named commanding general of the Texas Army. Amid cries of “Remember the Alamo”, Houston led the Texas rebels to victory over a substantial part of the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, captured General

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Santa Anna, and brought Texas independence. In his words, “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may”.

Among the many items on display at Battle For Texas: The Experience are Sam Houston’s saddle, blanket, boots and spurs. It is believed that Sam Houston wore these very spurs at the Texas Revolution Ball in 1837.

Battle For Texas Creative Director, Martin Vasquez, explains how special it is to have such items on display so close to the site of the Battle of the Alamo. “It is believed that Sam Houston was wearing these boots and spurs on the plains of San Jacinto as he defeated General Santa Anna’s army. These unique artifacts witnessed the birth of the Republic of Texas”, says Vasquez. As a living historian and re-enactor with over 20 years immersed in the Texas Revolution, he says it is a truly remarkable opportunity to bring to life the stories attached to the artifacts on display at Battle For Texas. “Our team of re-enactors have a wealth of knowledge and they really bring to life the stories that each of these artifacts has to tell. The knowledge they engage our visitors with, is beyond what you get in books and the traditional museum setting.”

View these relics from Sam Houston and Live the Story® by visiting Battle For Texas at the Shops at Rivercenter; Alamo Plaza.

For more info, visit www.battlefortexas.com.

®

EAT. DRINK. PLAY. WATCH.

849 E. Commerce st. • 210-951-3600 • Located inside the shops at rivercenter hours: sun-thur 10am-midnight • fri-sat 10am-2am

www.hillcountryparents.com

27

Traveling Gypsy Antiques & Collectables

“GET OFF THE ROAD & COME ON IN”

336 Landa St, New Braunfels • 830.608.1626

1423 McCullough 210- 226-7556 Mon-Thur 10:30-9pm, Fri 10:30-10pm Sat 11-9pm

www.TravelingGypsy.com

Enrolling NOW for the 2018-19 School Year!

210.496.6033 • CountryDaySchool.net • 4194 Jung Rd

I’m your local New Braunfels Expert!

Residential, Farm & Ranch, Land & Commercial

830.914.9769

GoldenLionRealty.com Proud Member

Cinderella von Hach, REALTOR® GRI, ABR, MRP

28

www.hillcountryparents.com

PreK - High School 4802 Vance Jackson Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 • BCA.brooksacademy.org

Engineering with LEGO Summer Camps ®

Find a location near you at www.play-well.org

MALLEABLE Custom Jewelry & Repair

830-730-7360 MalleableJewelry.com 2965 IH 35 N, New Braunfels (INSIDE HEB)

www.hillcountryparents.com

29

TAKE A SIDE TRIP TOKIWI THE SLOTH! FLAVORVILLE SAN ANTONIO AQUARIUM PROUDLY PRESENTS:

Kiwi the sloth is one of many animals you can touch and feed at San Antonio Aquarium this summer.

$5 OFF $20 Dine-in purchase only

No cash value. No copies or reproductions accepted. Not valid with any other discounts, special offers or promotion. One offer per table.

Tax and tip not included. No substitutions.

Valid only at Shops At Rivercenter Johnny Rockets.

Offer expires 1/31/19.

POS: Disc5off20 ©2017 The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc.

RECEIVE 10 %OFF ADMISSION USING PROMO CODE:

No cash value. No copies or reproductions accepted. Not valid with any other discounts, offers or special promotions.

One offer per table. Tax and tip not included. No substitutions. Valid only at Shops At Rivercenter Johnny Rockets.

Offer expires 12/31/17. POS: Disc5off20 ©2017 The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc.

ALAMO

www.sanantonioaquarium.net

$3.00

OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE IN STORE OR ONLINE!

ONLINE CODE: FALL18DSA Offer good until 1/31/19.

15% OFF

your catering order expires 10/31/2018

30

www.hillcountryparents.com

$5.00 OFF

when you spend $25 or more not valid with any other offers expires 10/31/2018

www.hillcountryparents.com

31

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK, you can come to us.

Come here, stay here, heal here. We provide a healing environment with quality, compassionate care for children and their families.

At Baptist Children’s Hospital at North Central, we know the care of your child is important to you. Especially if your child is sick, injured or critically ill, or needs to be admitted to a hospital or emergency room.

Choose a hospital that has a dedicated Pediatric ER, Pediatric Unit and ICU to ensure your child gets the specialized care they need, when they need it most. At Baptist Children’s Hospital at North Central, we’ve got what it takes to help heal your child’s hurt.

Atrium Entrance

Baptist Ortho Hospital

North Central Baptist Hospital

EMERGENCY Entrance

Need a Pediatric Doctor?

Call us at (833) 297-6088 or visit BaptistHealthSystem.com/peds

BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL At North Central

520 Madison Oak Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78258