Alamo Area Parents Summer 2018

10 FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

Get Your Kids

Off Their Phones

THE Hottest

& Outdoors

SUMMER CAMPS

2018-19

EDUCATION GUIDE

Pediatrics Kid-Friendly Dental Behavioral Health

San Antonio • Boerne • Hays County

(210) 233-7000

CommuniCareSA.org

M O S T P R I VAT E I N S U R A N C E S , M E D I C A I D / C H I P, A N D M E D I C A R E A C C E P T E D

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

Summer 2018 June, July, August 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

How to Get Kids Off Their Phones & Outdoors This Summer

6

Events

8

Writers/Editors Cari Brown Nathan Thompson

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

Hidden Benefits of Summer Camp

14

Sponsored by Sea World San Antonio

Kids Corner

16

Health Care Choices

20

Choosing a School for Your Student

22

Sponsored by BASIS Charter Schools Inc.

Stories from the Alamo

26

Sponsored by Battle for Texas: the Experience

features Education Guide

10

Summer Camp Guide

18

Top 10 Party Places

24

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

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HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS

off their phones

& Outdoors THIS SUMMER

by: Cari Brown

We’ve all been in a meeting or a social gathering and seen our peers constantly scrolling through their phones or texting while supposedly “listening” to what’s going on around them. Personally, I find this at worst, infuriating, at best, RUDE. I doubt I am alone in this feeling. I’ve noticed this is more common among my younger colleagues who have grown up with social media and smartphones, which makes sense, but it’s certainly not limited to younger people.

Let’s talk about OUR kids.

Kids are growing up with smartphones and devices and it’s not necessarily a good thing.

Sure, it’s great to be able to look up the definition of a word or find out why your dog’s ears are itching within a matter of seconds, but how often are our kids actually using their phones to learn? The answer; not often.

The majority of the time kids spend on their phones is used texting and using social media. This is problematic for a many reasons: Childhood Obesity . Children’s health specialists

have found a link between the increased rate of childhood obesity and frequent exposure to social media. It nice to have the data to back it up, but it doesn’t take a health specialist to realize more time sitting and staring at

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a phone equals less time moving around and being active.

Childhood Myopia (near-sightedness). Childhood myopia has more than doubled in the past 50 years. Research shows that spending long stretches of time looking at screens and not looking at the world around them is increasing the rate at which children develop nearsightedness.

Mental Health. Today’s teenagers are suffer-

ing from mental health issues more than any generation in the past. There is no one reason for this, but constant exposure to social media is a part of it. Cyber bullying has been at the root of severe depression and sometimes even suicide among some teens. Research has shown that teenagers who are constantly on their phones are more likely to be lonely and depressed.

Socializing. As children and teens are spending more time online and engaging in social media, they are spending less time developing social skills, learning to pick up on nonverbal communication, and making “real” friends.

Potential for Abuse. Cyberbullying isn’t the

only kind of abuse children may fall victim

to as a result of social media. Certain apps like Snapchat have become a haven for child predators. Predators are posing as young children or teens and enticing children to send or receive pornography and/or to arrange times and places to meet up. Snapchat’s design makes it difficult for law enforcement to catch these criminals.

regularly. Plan outings on the weekends and require that they be media free. Texas in the summer is brutally hot, as we all know, so plan activities that involve the many swimming holes in our area. Go to a museum or find indoor activities that offer discounts for children or families.

Make Rules. This might not be as hard as you think. The idea of regulating your kids’ screen time might make you want to pull your hair out just thinking about the battle you will undoubtedly be facing. Actually, some kids feel relieved to not use their phones as much.

Eat Together. This can be tough when taking

into account the differing schedules of family members. Set a goal to eat dinner together and when you do, make it completely free of media.

But There is good news!

As we become more aware of the dangers associated with phone use and social media, we can do something proactive about it: Model Good Behavior. Kids don’t do things they

don’t learn. Stay off your phone! You can’t expect your kids to stay off their phones if you aren’t doing it yourself. You may not even realize how much you’re using your phone.

When your kids are talking to you, give them your FULL attention. Children report feeling sad and unheard when they see their parents on their smartphones all the time.

Teach Your Kids. Our kids aren’t dumb. Rather

than nagging them to stay off the phone, teach them the dangers. Teach them about the correlation between being in nature and increased physical and mental health. Tell them about the dangers of Snapchat and other apps.

Plan Family Activities. Find something that

everyone will enjoy and make it happen

Read. Read to your kids, read with your kids, read around your kids. Try a family book club. Harry Potter, anyone? The One and Only Ivan? There are tons of books that are appropriate and enjoyable for young people and adults alike.

Move Your Body. Take walks in the evening with your kids. Bike ride together. Enroll your kids in swimming or karate lessons or camps that involve sports or adventure. Take them rollerskating or bowling. Join a rock climbing gym or enroll in a group exercise class together.

You Got This!

The idea of keeping your kids off their phones may seem daunting and next to impossible, but it doesn’t have to be! Know why it’s important, teach them why it’s important, and offer them healthy alternatives. You got this!

Cari Brown was born and raised in Texas and has lived in the Hill Country for over 20 years. She has extensive experience working with children and victims of abuse.

Cari enjoys spending time on her porch with her husband and two wild and free-spirited children, and she makes pretty good salsa. Follow on twitter @prettygoodsalsa

www.hillcountryparents.com

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

june

July 6-27: Balcones Heights Jazz Festival

June 1-10: Kerrville Folk Festival

For four consecutive Friday evenings, the festival’s laid back and family-friendly atmosphere will welcome an estimated 4,000 jazz fans. Die-hard fans have been known to stake out their claim, lawn chairs and blankets in tow, days in advance of the event at favorite spots at Wonderland of the Americas.

The Kerrville Folk Festival is a fun, familyfriendly event that has been held annually for over 45 years. Every day there are multiple performances by exciting artists, plus harmonica and ukulele workshops.

June 7,14,21,28: Live @ Landa Live at Landa is a concert in the park series on Thursdays in June at Landa Park Dance Slab in New Braunfels. For thirty years local musicians have performed all kinds of music in the beautiful outdoors of Landa Park.

June 8-10: Texas Folklife Festival Get ready for the biggest cultural celebration in Texas! Located on the grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures on the UTSA Hemisfair Campus, the three-day event showcases the Lone Star State's diversity and rich heritage through a wide variety of ethnic food, music, dance, arts, and crafts.

july July 4: H-E-B 4th of July Spectacular Join H-E-B for the largest Independence Day celebration in New Braunfels, featuring live music and fireworks over Landa Lake. Come early, bring a picnic and enjoy the show!

July 4: Independence Day Celebrations Enjoy festivals, concerts and fireworks celebrating American independence at locations all across the San Antonio area, including Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts and crafts show along the River Walk and extravaganzas at local them parks.

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august August 3-4,10-11: Fiesta Noche del Rio To honor the Tricentennial Celebration, the Alamo Kiwanis proudly presents the 62nd Annual Fiesta Noche del Rio featuring a cultural cavalcade of artists. Under a starry Texas sky, performers will mesmerize patrons with music, dance and song from the outdoor stage of the atmospheric Arneson Theatre on the San Antonio River Walk.

August 24: Back to School Dive-In Movie at Das Rec Celebrate the beginning of a great school year in New Braunfels with a Dive-In Movie at the Das Rec pool! Float in the pool while you watch Moana on our poolside big screen.

Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

August 31: Labor Day Artisan Show on the Riverwalk Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to the artisans who are anxious to share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden. The show is family-friendly and free to attend.

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.

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80% of Learning

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

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2018-19

Education Guide Your guide to successful a school choice

There is no doubt about it: our kids are the future. Finding the right educational facilities for our children can be difficult, stressful, and time consuming, so we went ahead and have selected our favorite primary, secondary, and specialty schools just for you!

Primary Schools Tiny Planet Preschool | 5205 Fredericksburg Rd, SAn antonio Tiny Planet is a Preschool designed to enable all children to enhance self-esteem and positive feeling toward learning. Their priority is to continue to spread their philosophy of Modern Education with traditional values throughout the world.

the Morgan Center | 1215 Ervendberg Ave, New braunfels The Morgan Center is an Inclusive Center committed to providing quality care while educating your children in a structured, secure and loving environment. It is our philosophy that early childhood should be a time of fun, exploration and discovery.

San Antonio Country Day Montessori | 4194 Jung Rd, SAn antonio San Antonio Country Day Montessori is a special environment for the child to cultivate his/her own natural desire to learn.

Their country setting includes eight classrooms, gardens, a large playground, and a barnyard complete with animals.

Primrose School of Shertz | 4993 Shertz Pkwy, shertz Primrose SchoolsÂŽ is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience. We partner with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life.

Basis Primary North Central | 318 E. Ramsey Rd, SAn antonio The internationally-renowned BASIS Curriculum Schools network aims to empower students to achieve at a globally competitive levels with a transformative K-12 academic program.

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Secondary Schools Keystone School | 119 E. Craig Place, SAn antonio Keystone School has been a haven for San Antonio's bright and motivated children since 1948. Their diverse community of engaged learners in grades PK3-12 enjoys small classes, master teachers, and interdisciplinary instruction at our warm and historic campuses.

Premier High School | 1928 s seguin ave, new braunfels The process by which students achieve credits is unique at Premier High School. Instead of the entire class following along as the teacher lectures, the students work independently through their units and complete a test for each unit.

Antonian college Preparatory | 6425 west ave, san antonio At Antonian College Preparatory High School, they build traditions of excellence every day. Traditions of success do not happen by chance. Rather, they are forged through vision and hard work and require a commitment to personal excellence.

School of Science & Technology| 1450 ne loop 410, san antonio The educators at School of Science and Technology continually strive towards maintaining the high academic standards that will powerfully propel us into the 21st century.

specialty Schools Brooks collegiate academy | 4802 Vance jackson Rd, SAn antonio Brooks Collegiate Academy (BCA) is a tuition- free charter school.

The only SLAM! (Sports, Leadership and Management) College-Prep Program in Texas! Grades PreK 3-High School.

Sunshine cottage school for deaf | 603 e Hildebrand ave, SA In addition to providing the very best early identification and intervention services for children, Sunshine Cottage offers a comprehensive day-school program for children, preschool through fifth grade, with state-of-the-art educational and hearing technology.

Brain balance | 1551 N Walnut ave, New Braunfels At Brain Balance Center of New Braunfels we understand the pain and frustration of watching your child struggle with learning or behavioral issues. Here, and at our centers around the country, we have helped thousands of kids overcome their challenges. www.hillcountryparents.com

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Multi-camp Discounts & Partial Scholarships Available!

For complete camp descriptions and to register, please visit: itec.utsa.edu or email questions to itec@utsa.edu

Texas Workforce Commission Governor’s Summer Merit Program SESSION DATES: Main Campus July 16 - July 20 July 23 - July 27 July 30 - August 3 August 6 - August 10

Age: 14-21 Years of Age Cost: Free for Qualified Students

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Downtown Campus June 11 - June 15 June 18 - June 22 June 25 - June 29 July 9 - July 13

Location: UTSA Main & Downtown Campus Lunch: Provided to all Participants

Over 45

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Purchase any full price general admission ticket at the Splashtown ticket booth with this coupon before 4pm and receive a second ticket of equal or lesser value free.

Offer cannot be combined with any other discount.

Offer valid for up to 6 tickets purchased. Offer Expires 9/09/18. PLU:428/429 Hill Country Parents

n!

Hidden Benefits Summer Camp TH E

OF

Sponsored by SeaWorld San Antonio

BY: JACK HARVEY

93% of campers said:

Each summer, over 14 million children and adults attend camp programs at over 14,000 day and resident camps. These camps offer a variety of programs from the traditional swimming, horseback riding and climbing/ rappelling to specialized camps for those interested in computer science, marine biology and conservation, sports, and arts. There are religious camps, camps for children and adults with special needs, and travel camps.

There is a summer camp experience for every child. Here in south Texas, we are blessed to be in a hot bed of camps from the Hill Country to the coast.

"The people at camp helped me feel good about myself."

But there is more to camp than swimming, the camp-out night, snorkeling or playing basketball. Hidden in the midst of all of the fun activities at camp are opportunities to develop life skills self-esteem, leadership and teamwork, independence and grit. Camp gives kids an opportunity to meet and develop friendships with people that are different from them. These skills are often not the focus during the school year but have shown to be beneficial to kids as they develop in high school and succeed at the college level. A study done by the American Camp Association found the following results:

In the ever busy world of technology and appointments, soccer practice and homework, summer camp provides an opportunity for kids to step away into a new situation and become better kids. Caring, adult role models provide a supervised, positive environment where safety is held in the same regard as fun. Many summer camps offer campers an avenue to connect with the natural world that is often lost in today’s society.

74% of campers said: "At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first."

70% of parents said: "My child gained self-confidence at camp."

69% of parents said: "My child remains in contact with friends made at camp."

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who have joined together to share knowledge and experience with each other and to ensure the quality of camp programs. They provide numerous resources for parents on their website www.acacamps.org.

Jack Harvey is the Camp Director at SeaWorld Camp in San Antonio, TX. SeaWorld Camp offers weeklong day and resident camps for campers age 2-college. More information can be found at SeaWorldSanAntonio.com/education

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Make friendships that go deeper.

Day Camps: 2-13 year olds | Resident Camps: 5th -12th grades | Family Overnights

Call 210-520-4732 and mention this ad to receive a 10% discount. or register online at www.SeaWorldSanAntonio.com/education *Program components, pricing and availability subject to change. © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Kids Ea FREE t Mond ays

T U E S D AY S 79¢ BONELESS W E D N E S D AY S $1.29 TENDERS

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983 N Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130

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www.hillcountryparents.com

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Kids Corner

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B REAK HOLIDAY flip flop P LAY

H OT BEACH OCEAN

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Special Advertising Section

CITY of NEW BRAUNFELS PARKS AND RECREATION 110 Golf Course Rd. New Braunfels 830.221.4350 | nbtexas.org

Your kids can spend their summer in New Braunfels doing fun-filled activities such as games, crafts, movies and more. Campers will enjoy adventures including arts and crafts, nature, cooking projects, drama, science experiments, sports and surprise events.

LASER LEGEND

A PLACE to SKATE 11925 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio 830.625.9105 | aplace2sk8.com

A place to skate is the only indoor skate board park in South Texas, allowing skateboarding to take place rain or shine. Check out our website for summer camp information!

PLAY-WELL TEKnologies Multiple Locations play-well.org/camps-2018.shtml

A day camp that’s out-of-this world! Laser Legend edu-tainment blends projects, gaming & even snowball fights into a summer that’s not-so-easily forgotten!

Join us for LEGO®-Inspired engineering summer camps that explore STEM concepts through learning with LEGO®. Dream it, Build it, Wreck it, Repeat! Choose from themes like robotics, minecraft, star wars, girl-power and more! Let your child's imagination soar with tens of thousands of LEGO!

iTEC SUMMER CAMPS

SCHOOL of ROCK SAN ANTONIO

7505 N Loop 1604 East # 101, San Antonio 210.444.9025 | laserlegend.com

Multiple Locations 210.458.5201 | itec.utsa.edu

109 Gallery Cir #101, San Antonio locations.schoolofrock.com/sanantonio

iTEC's camp programs share the common theme of hands-on exploration conducted in a fun and educational environment, designed to encourage curiosity and excitement in the interesting fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (S.T.E.A.M.).

Have your kids Rock-n-Roll all summer long at School of Rock San Antonio Summer Camps! From Beginner to Advanced, they'll learn guitar, bass, keys, drums or vocals.

MAD SCIENCE Multiple Locations 210.651.1143 | madscience.org

Mad Science transforms laboratory science into fun, interactive learning experiences for kids. Our programs have been experienced by over 6.5 million children.

NEWKS ADVENTURE CAMP 325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels 830.625.9105 | texasadventurecamp.net

Adventure camps are week-long sessions and offer an action-packed experience. Rafting, zip line, campouts, Schlitterbahn, paintball, team building, orienteering, archery, camp dance, swimming, tubing, and much more will make this the best week of your child's summer!

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SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio 210.520.4732 | seaworld.com/san-antonio

Do you know a child that loves animals and the ocean? SeaWorld Camp offers week-long, day and residential programs for campers ages 2-25.

TEXAS SKI RANCH 6700 IH 35 N, New Braunfels 830.627.2843 | texasskiranch.com

Texas Ski Ranch offers weekly sessions of Half Days, Full Days, Adventure Camp and Overnight camps. Campers spend the week wakeboarding, snowboarding, wakesurfing, skateboarding, paintballing and more all while surrounded by some of the greatest coaches and counselors Texas has to offer!

The Best Week of Summer EVER!

BOOK NOW: CAMPTSR.ORG 830-627-2843

www.texasskiranch.com

Hourly Drop-In Daycare * WITH *

No Commitment!

Date N ight Drop-Off

Open

Weekends

17319 N Interstate Hwy 35 in Schertz 210.651.3610 • PlayTodayDropIn.com 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.

Ault & Ault Orthodontics 217 N CM Pkwy.

512-396-5151 AultOrtho.com

For reliable, dependable orthodontic treatment, give Ault & Ault Orthodontics a call. Your initial exam is FREE. Located in San Marcos.

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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Sponsored By: BASIS Charter Schools, Inc.

Every young learner is unique. For this reason it is important to choose a program that accommodates your student’s personal needs and interests. Finding a school that your child enjoys and is challenged by is the first step in putting them on the path to success.

Every parent should consider the following four short and long-term factors in choosing a school for his or her child.

Mastering basic learning techniques: The instruction a student receives in their first few years at school forms the foundation for future academic endeavors. It is essential that young students learn how to properly study and absorb new material.

When researching schools, consider the emphasis they place on proper learning techniques. Is the content reinforced using multiple methods and approaches? A quality curriculum will revisit lessons frequently enough so that students retain the information.

Schools should also support their students in developing connections between different subjects, so that they may apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Teaching academic accountability: Students often need help staying on top of their schoolwork. This means learning how to track and measure progress on multiple assignments at once.

These organizational and time management skills are best taught at an early age, usually during elementary school, in preparation

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for the numerous classes and assignments students will juggle during high school. Pay attention to how the school promotes academic accountability. This might include daily/weekly planners or frequent progress reports.

Freedom to explore intellectual interests: Students who are not interested in their classes struggle to focus and subsequently master concepts. Alternatively, students who are captivated by their coursework will retain knowledge and return to school each week eager to learn more.

You can give your student an advantage by choosing a program that allows them to explore their intellectual passions.

College acceptance rates & scholarships: As you are evaluating different schools, consider how each will set your student up for success in college. You should research each schools’ college acceptance rates, and the average scholarship dollars earned by graduates of those programs.

A college education is an important stepping-stone to many modern careers, and financing that education is equally important!

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

Summer Party Places 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.

lil' friends day school Lil’ Friends offers a unique private party space for your little one’s birthday with spacious indoor facilities and age appropriate playgrounds.

the majestic theatre The Majestic & Empire Theatres are San Antonio's premier performing arts facilities featuring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and live events. Many of their shows and events are made for families and children.

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—the'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 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 2897 Thousand Oaks, SA 210.668.6659 lilfriendsdayschool.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

SAN ANTONIO AQUARIUM PROUDLY PRESENTS:

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

RECEIVE 10 %OFF ADMISSION USING PROMO CODE:

ALAMO www.sanantonioaquarium.net

®

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

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The Interior Sacristy Doors of the Alamo Chapel 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 pivital moment in the fight for Texas Independence.

These Spanish colonial doors were removed from the interior of the Alamo chapel in the 1950s and acquired by W.O. Clark who assisted in the removal of the doors. Behind these very doors the women and children within the Alamo laid during the final assault.

These women and childrenwere the family members of some of the defenders fighting against the forces of General Santa Anna.

They were inside the sacristy because it was one of the only areas inside the Alamo church that had a roof. In fact, they survived the 13-day siege from behind those doors.

Following the battle Susana Dickinson and the other women and children were escorted to General Santa Anna’s headquarters by his men. Santa Anna interviewed them all and then gave each widow two silver coins and a blanket after they swore allegiance to him. He then instructed them to go on their way and share what they had witnessed at the Alamo.

The message Santa Anna had hoped would be conveyed is that those who wish to take up arms against the Republic of Mexico would meet the same fate.

Many use the phrase “if these walls could 26

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talk” but if these doors could talk they would let visitors into the very stories from these women and children who survived the siege.

The doors are currently on display at Battle For Texas where visitors find themselves side-by-side with them while inside a recreation of the 1836 Alamo with the sound of the impending battle surrounding them.

"

It's about bringing to life and giving homage to the people who were at the alamo...

Re-enactors bring to life stories from the Texas Revolution and those from the artifacts encased inside the museum. Daphne Y’Barbo, an 8th generation Tejana from Houston, portrays Juanna Navarro as part of the museums ongoing living history programming. She connects visitors with the emotions and struggle of non-combatants at the Battle of the Alamo as well as the history of artifacts, such as the sacristy doors. “It’s about bringing to life and giving homage to the people who were there at the Alamo, their real life fears and what they prayed about while never losing faith behind the sacristy doors”, Y’Barbo explains.

View the sacristy doors and Live the Story® by visiting Battle For Texas at the Shops at Rivercenter; Alamo Plaza. For more information visit www.battlefortexas.com

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

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“GET OFF THE ROAD & COME ON IN”

1295 Common St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 515-5854 www.DavidekLaw.com

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

*Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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

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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

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)

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SAN ANTONIO AQUARIUM PROUDLY PRESENTS:

KIWI THE SLOTH! SAVE UP TO $12 Present this ad to receive $2 off each adult and $1 off each child full price Discovery Tour admission. Limit 6.

Between San Antonio & New Braunfels, Off IH-35 exit 175 Not valid with any other offer, discount or program.

Exp. 8/31/2018 #151 NaturalBridgeCaverns.com • 210-651-6101

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

RECEIVE 10 %OFF ADMISSION USING PROMO CODE:

ALAMO www.sanantonioaquarium.net

$3.00

OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE IN STORE OR ONLINE!

ONLINE CODE: SUMMER18HCP Offer good until 8/31/18.

Call 210-520-4732 and mention this ad to receivee a 20% discount on summer camps.

With the purchase of a Laser Game Valid one per person. Can not be shared.

Coupon must be presented to receive the offer.

Not valid on group events or with any other offers.

Exp. 8/31/2018 7505 N Loop 1604 E, Ste 101, Live Oak 210-444-9025 www.LaserLegend.com

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up to

$

30 off*

For rates, hours, events and private cabanas call 210-227-1400 • www.SplashtownSA.com

*Any Adult or Child’s General Admission Before 4 pm. $5 off per person for up to 6 people.

Must be presented at front ticket booth. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

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