New Braunfels Parents Spring 2018

KIDS CORNER

Spring & Summer

RIVER Guide SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

TOP 10

SPRING IES ACTIVIT

INSIDE

SPOTLIGHT on SPECIAL NEEDS 2018-19

EDUCATION GUIDE

15900 LA CANTERA PKWY, STE 6698 TheShopsAtLaCantera.com | 210.582.6255

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

Spring 2018 March, April, May 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 Shelby Wetz • Shelby@NBParents.com

Raising Charitable Kids

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Events

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How to Keep Kids Learning Over the Summer

Writers Shelby Wetz Nathan Thompson

12 To be included in this directory: Tina Stallings, Karen Borrell, or Shelby Wetz 210-226-7536

Absolutely Clean Since 1947 2018 River Guide

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Tips for a Fun and Safe Vacation

Kids Corner

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Health Care Choices

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Spotlight on Special Needs

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PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS, INC Since 1947

VALET SERVICE

What to Know about Sensory Processing Disorder

features Education Guide

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Summer Camp Guide

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Top 10 Spring Activities

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RAISING CHARITABLE KIDS by: Shelby Wetz

How many times have you complained that your children have too many things and don't appreciate it? My house is overflowing with toys that my children lose interest in faster than they should. Much to my disbelief I hear my daughter say, “I’m bored!” at least three times a day. To be completely honest I have no idea how that is even possible. She has a room FILLED with things to keep her happy and that is after we have donated BOXES of toys and other items.

I want my children to know of the less fortunate, to want to make a difference and change in this world. My 14-year-old son can act pretty entitled at times. I have told my mother before that I wish he could take a trip to a less fortunate country and see what its really like to want a pair of shoes. Not just because everyone at school thinks they are cool but because you need them to protect your feet and you don’t have any.

It really has me thinking; How do we Raise Charitable Children in todays society? I feel like it can be challenging, and at times feel impossible. We are raising children in a time where kids have phones at the age of 7, name

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brand clothing makes you popular, and getting the newest game is a “necessity”.

I know that we all enjoy doing and buying for our children – but are we doing them an injustice? I think we are! We as parents are responsible for teaching our kids. Here are some ideas to help you jumpstart your child's charitable side.

Volunteer To get your children hooked on giving their time as well as money, find volunteer opportunities or charitable projects that your child is interested in. Our community has many great volunteer opportunities for our children.

The New Braunfels public library offers volunteer options for children between the ages of 13-18. http://www.nbtexas.org/1556/VolunteerOpportunities Summer camps such as Slumber Falls located here in New Braunfels also have many volunteer opportunities. https://slumberfalls.org/summer-camp/volunteer-staff/

Churches are also a great recourse for volunteering because they offer so many ways to be a part of something that really benefits others.

Oakwood Baptist in New Braunfels offers more than 10 different ways to be of service! http://www.oakwoodbaptist.org/connect/serve/ Because volunteer opportunities for smaller children can be hard to find, try a service-oriented group like the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America. I personally have my daughter enrolled in girl scouts and I truly appreciate the values it is instilling in her. When my youngest is old enough he will join boy scouts and I am really looking forward to that. http://www.girlscouts.org/ https://www.scouting.org/

Show them that others are less fortunate This brings me back to my 14-year-old. We don’t need to leave to a third world country to

expose them to poverty and the less fortunate. Undoubtedly there are neighborhoods near us where children might not have many toys or a safe playground to play on, or even worse. No food to eat, no clothing to wear, no heat in their home. Exposing children to such things can be a bit of a shock but also a real eye opener. There are numerous homeless shelters that have great volunteer opportunities. If you are local to San Antonio there is an organization called Mission Of Grace, Feeding The Homeless Under The Bridge. https://missionsofgrace.org/under-the-bridgefeeding-the-homeless/

Donate My last suggestion is the easiest without a doubt. Instead of selling used items give them to someone in need. Every few months we go through our home and find things we have either lost interest, no longer fit into or just simply no longer need. Try donating to an organization that isn’t going to sell them but give them to people in need. I know that the women’s shelter of New Braunfels takes donations of used items that are in good condition such as clothing, household items and children’s toys. We have donated to them before and they are always very grateful. A simple internet search will easily guide you to the type of origination you feel like donating to.

It’s a win-win, you get rid of the clutter in your home and someone who really needs it gets it.

In truth, kids don’t learn how to be kind from reading about it in a textbook, but rather from doing. The more kids witness or experience what it is like to give, the more likely they will develop a charitable spirit. That’s how we’ll raise the next generation to be kind, caring people. That’s really the goal, right? What are you doing to help your children learn the value of giving to others? www.hillcountryparents.com

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

march

April 27-29: Crawfest New Braunfels

Remember the 1836 siege and Battle of the Alamo with thirteen days of interactive living history programming and special events to commemorate the battle anniversary.

This event is what the coolest crawfish lovin people look forward to year after year. 2018 is the Year of the Joker. Rock out to Whiskey Myers and Austin's own Vejello, taste the awesomeness of the BATTLE OF THE ROUX Gumbo Cook-Off.

Feb 23- March 6: Battle of the Alamo Commemoration

March 9-18: SXSW Each year the SXSW Music Festival hosts a curated mix of artists performing in bars, clubs, parks, churches, hotels, and more in Austin, Texas. Come out and see some of the best music not only from Texas, but from around the world. Many events are 21+ so make sure to search out family friendly events.

March 10-18: Spring Break at Schlitterbahn Schlitterbahn New Braunfels will be opening their Blatenhoff park all through Spring Break! This part of the park is home to the world’s most award-winning waterpark ride, the Master Blaster, known as the most exciting uphill water coaster in the world.

april April 13-15: Poteet Strawberry Festival Located in the heart of the Artesian Belt, Poteet is recognized as the “Strawberry Capital of Texas”. The Poteet Strawberry Festival includes concerts, dancing, rides, gunslingers, rodeo performances and, of course, lots of strawberries.

April 19-29: FIESTA!!

More than 100 unique events satisfy every taste and interest and draw spectators from around the city, nation and world. Come celebrate Fiesta San Antonio and see what this city is all about! More than half of the events are FREE and family-friendly.

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may May 5: Cinco De Mayo Celebrations Cinco De Mayo celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army's defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. Check your local city for more Cinco De Mayo events.

May 5: Wein & Saengerfest Don't miss the annual Wein & Saengerfest!

Along with wine and craft beer tasting, Wein & Saengerfest offers a host of entertainment and activities that include continuous live music, a grape stomp, artisan market, food seminars, a Chef ’s Showdown and activities for the kids. This is a FREE, family friendly event so we'll see y'all there!

May 17: Culinaria Festival This is your chance to see San Antonio and the surrounding area's best chefs all in one place. All you pay is the admission fee! and you'll get the chance to rub elbows with some of the brightest food stars in the area, not to mention taste all the culinary creations they've designed. This is a must-see for foodies!

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.

610 Landa Street New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 625-1234 • ChildrensDentalArk.com

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

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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 BASIS.ed is an International educational network that manages world quality schools in three complementary markets: free, openenrollment public charter schools; tuition-based domestic metroarea private schools; tuition-based international private schools.

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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 Achievers Center | 5084 De Zavala Rd, SAn antonio Achievers Center for Education, based in San Antonio, Texas, is the only accredited, regional private school recognized by the Texas Education Agency that serves students functioning two or more grade levels below age appropriate.

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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HOW TO

Keep Kids Learning over the summer by: Shelby Wetz

Ahhh summer. Every summer I start off happy the kids are home and by the end I’m more than ready for them to be back in school. There are so many fun activities to do during summer vacation such as, swim, take a trip, have sleepovers, or spend a day doing absolutely nothing at all. But what about learn? I always worry my kids will lose half of the things they learned the previous school year because they aren’t using it during the few months of summer vacation. Researchers call it the "summer slide". “Children in particular, need a break from the demands of formal schooling,” said Matthew Boulay, founder and CEO of the National Summer Learning Assn. “No child, however, should take a break from learning.” If your kids aren’t engaged, they can slide. So, the key is to find ways to make summertime learning interesting and fun. How do we keep our kids learning over the summer break?

Here are some free or inexpensive resources to keep kids engaged:

READ! Most local libraries offer a summer reading program. What a great way to keep your kids goal oriented, focused and learning! Our local library even offers something for younger kids. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages parents to read 1,000 books to their children before they start kindergarten. This is a year around option for kids ages birth to five years old.

Other great reading activities: •

Swap and discuss books with friends.

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There are tons of online resources for encouraging and tracking reading, including Scholastic, Sylvan, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), PBS Kids, Sync (audiobooks for teens).

•

Play Summer Reading Bingo. Fill the squares with different reading challenges and experiences.

Enrolling NOW for the 2018-19 School Year!

210.496.6033 • CountryDaySchool.net • 4194 Jung Rd

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VISIT EDUCATIONAL PLACES! Museums, zoos, aquariums and parks are all great learning opportunities. On Tuesdays, The Witte Museum of San Antonio offers Free knowledge Tuesdays. From 3-8pm guests can enjoy free admission. https://www.wittemuseum.org/free-knowledge-free-tuesday/ Other options: •

Take nature walks in the park and write stories inspired by them.

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Visit the museum and ask your child to pick something that interests them and write a report or create a poster presentation.

ADD MATH ACTIVITIES! Find math opportunities in everyday activities such as grocery shopping, turn that ever so popular water bottle flipping into a math challenge, or make geometry shapes with items in your home.

Here are some great outdoor math activities: •

Have an even and odd number beanbag toss.

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Make a hula hoop clock to review time related problems.

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Build 3D shapes with sticks.

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Have a shapes scavenger hunt (Want more of a challenge? Look for 3D shapes instead!).

SCIENCE CAN BE COOL! My kids love making homemade slime, kinetic sand and playdough. Turn their interest into a science experiment and really tune into their creative side. Remember: the internet is full of recipes to make slime, kinetic sand and playdough. Here is our favorite kinetic sand recipe: http://onelittleproject.com/how-tomake-kinetic-sand/ Whatever approach you decide to take this summer, make it fun. Remember, this is a break from the strict regimen of learning and your kids will benefit from that.

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River Guide 2018

It’s River Time!

It is that time of year again, when we gather the kids, load up the cooler, and head to the river!

Living in Central Texas, we all know the thrills of tubing the river on a hot day. Whether you’re a seasoned tubing family or novice, these tips will help your family have the best river day possible!

presented by:

River Guide 2018

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Kids Corner

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Word Bank S P RIN G GR EEN BLO SS O M BLO O M

F LOW ER FRIEN DS RAIN B OW FUN

BEES GAR D EN WEATH ER

Kids Corner Help Chester the Rabbit get to his Carrots!

Have a wonderful Spring!!

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Special Advertising Section

ALAMO GYMNASTICS CENTER

MAD SCIENCE

16675 Huebner Rd. | 210.479.8285 alamoareagymnastics.com

Multiple Locations 210.651.1143 | madscience.org

What a great way for your kids to spend their time when school is out! Day camps are available for ages 4 and up. Camp runs Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm with extended care available until 6:00. The daily schedule includes gym time, arts and crafts, games and various special programs.

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

CAMP ALAMO

More than 12,000 children and teens have taken part in Camp Showbiz, our community’s premier summer theatre arts program.

With a focus on fun, learning, and creativity, your child will be sure to have an experience they won't soon forget!

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio 210.225.1391| thealamo.org

The Alamo invites you to make new friends and immerse yourself in Texas history for a week this summer at Camp Alamo! Children ages 9 – 13 will discover what it was like to live on the 1830s Texas frontier in our immersive experience.

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.

DRAMA KIDS Multiple Locations | 830.216.7222 dramakids.com/san-antonio-tx/

When school is out – Drama is in! We offer different week-long programs that are run on half and full day schedules. Campers always deliver a great performance for families and friends at the end of the week.

I9 SPORTS CAMPS Multiple Locations 210.887.7138 | i9sports.com

i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps & clinics with a focus on fun & safety. We aim to help kids succeed in life through youth sports.

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MAGIK THEATRE CAMP SHOWBIZ 420 S Alamo St., SATX 210.227.2751 | magiktheatre.org

MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPS OF SA 12915 Jones Maltsberger Rd., #200 SA 210.495.2787 | saspa.org

This camp combines fun and knowledge of the performing art skills necessary to be in a professional production, including acting, dancing, singing, writing a biography, choreography and a camp T-shirt.

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!

WITTE MUSEUM CAMP 3801 Broadway, San Antonio 210.357.1900 | wittemuseum.com

Spend your Summer at the Witte! From dinos to cowboys and whales to wild weather, the possibilities for learning are limitless. Find your student’s favorite camp and register today!

Located in New Braunfels, this co-ed camp for ages 9-16 offers exciting & action packed week-long sessions during the summer.

NEWK’S ADVENTURE CAMP

High ropes, rafting, tubing, Schlitterbahn, paintball, Enchanted Rock camp-outs, rock climbing, repelling and much more! This will be the best week of your summer!

For More information: Adventures@newkstennis.com. 830.625.9105 www.texasadventurecamp.net

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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.

Acorn Pediatrics 15303 Huebner Rd.

210-697-2400 AcornPediatricsSA.com

Dedicated to providing family-centered, quality healthcare for children from birth through college.

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 Christus Santa Rosa Hospital 600 N Union Ave.

830-606-9111

ChristusHealth.org/SantaRosa/New-Braunfels

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

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.

Coulter Family 830-624-4774 Counseling CoulterFamilyCounseling.com 831 Landa St Ste. C

We use cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, supportive and family systems counseling theories and techniques to create a safe and confidential place for clients to gain awareness and grow.

Cute Smiles 4 Kids 823 Bandera Rd.

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!

210-435-3333 CuteSmiles4kidstx.com

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

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80% of Learning

is Visual

Dr. Toni Racoma, O.D. • 210.960.5494 www.VistaVisionSA.com Special Advertising Section New Braunfels Orthodontics 1535 Common St. Northeast Children's Dental San Antonio/Schertz

Pegasus Pediatrics 1020 Townsend Stone Oak Orthodontist 18720 Stone Oak Pkwy.

830-625-0414 FoundMySmile.com

Dedicated to providing the highest quality pediatric care available to our patients.

210-659-8000 NEDSA.com

Creating happy, healthy smiles one child at a time. Our dental team is highly skilled and loves working with children.

210-370-3061 PegasusPediatrics.com

Our clinic provides pediatric medical services for infants, children and teenagers.

Stone Oak Orthodontist is dedicated to "raising the bar" for orthodontic care. We develop a personal relationship with StoneOakOrthodontist.com each patient and provide a better life through a pleasing smile.

210-402-3322

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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Affordable counseling for children and families.

BASIS schools are ranked the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

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Our BASIS San Antonio Primaries are accepting K–5 applications for the 2018-19 school year!

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24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE 800.532.8192

Find your school at BTXschools.org

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HOME OF THE BOBCATS

Top 10

Spring Activities SAN ANTONIO ZOO The San Antonio Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals representing 750 species on 56 acres, of which 34 acres are public pathways. It is the perfect place to spend a spring afternoon with the kids.

STARS & STRIPES DRIVE-IN THEATRE Head over to the drive-in theatre in New Braunfels for a vintage double feature experience! Head there early for dinner at the 50's cafe.

CIBOLO NATURE CENTER About 20 minutes outside of San Antonio near Boerne, Cibolo Nature Center is lovely place to spend enjoying diverse ecosystems in the beautiful spring weather.

SHOPPING AT MARKET SQUARE This outdoor shopping provides the full experience of color, culture, sights, sounds, and creativity San Antonio has to offer. Dine at the world-famous Mi Tierra, or visit more than 100 locally owned shops.

TOUR THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER Take a boat tour down the San Antonio River and learn about San Antonio's culture and history. Experience the Riverwalk from inside the water!

MCKENNA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM Discover a world of art and creativity, science and technology, culture, health and history. McKenna Children’s Museum - a collection of educational exhibits designed to stimulate learning and encourage imagination.

SPRING BREAK AT SCHLITTERBAHN Schlitterbahn New Braunfels will be opening their Blatenhoff park all through Spring Break! This part of the park is home to the world’s most award-winning waterpark ride, the Master Blaster.

NEW BRAUNFELS RAILROAD MUSEUM The New Braunfels Railroad Museum has Kids' Fun Day every first and third Saturday each month. Come interact with trains on all levels, including interactive exhibits and exploring real retired train cars!

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.

GO FISHING AT A STATE PARK Spring is the time the fish are really biting! At all Texas State Parks, you don't need a fishing license to try your hand at catching the big one. In addition, many parks rent out all the gear you need.

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3903 N St Mary's, SA 210.734.7184 sazoo.org 1178 Kroesche Ln, NB 830.620.7469 driveinusa.com/nb 140 City Park Rd, Cibolo 830.249.4616 cibolo.org

514 W Commerce St, SA 210.207.8600

Multiple Ticket Booths, SA 210.227.4746 goriocruises.com 801 West San Antonio St, NB 830.606.9525 mckennakids.org 588 S. Union Ave, NB 830.625.2351 www.schlitterbahn.com/ home/new-braunfels 302 West San Antonio St, NB 830.627.2447 newbraunfels railroadmuseum.org 1000 Prospect St., San Marcos 512.392.6711 wonderworldpark.com All Over Texas 512.389.4800 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks

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Spotlight on Special Needs What to Know About Sensory Processing Disorder by: Shelby Wetz As a mother of a child with sensory processing disorder I understand the daily struggle. The looks others can give you, the opinions of family and friends. “Maybe you’re letting her get away with too much,” “it’s all in her head,” “spank her.”

I have heard it all from friends, doctors, even strangers. Thankfully my family is extremely supportive, and they follow my lead.

When my daughter was about 9 months old I started to notice she was having a hard time self soothing. At 2 she started asking me to dry her hands because they were sticky; they weren’t. At the age of 3 her clothes started becoming “too tight.” She wouldn’t wear panties, socks, shoes.

The clothing I could get her to wear was several sizes too big for her. I remember one winter I took her into the store. It was cold outside, but my daughter was dressed in tights, flip flops and a long sleeve shirt. All of which were way too big. A woman stopped me and told me I should be ashamed to have my daughter out dressed like that. I ignored her and did what I had to do in the store and left. I should have educated her. My daughter isn’t like other children, and that is ok.

She is amazing, caring, self-conscious, anxious, and picky. I wouldn’t change a thing about her.

For more than a year I tried to convince her doctor that something was off and that she needed help. I explained that her meltdowns weren’t temper tantrums but full on disconnected meltdowns. Her doctor simply told me to spank her. At this time she was in kindergarten and the meltdowns before school and entering the school were so bad I was in his office begging for help! That was the last time we saw that doctor.

Thankfully we attend an amazing, compassionate school that takes time with my daughter.

Others are not so lucky. As a mother with a child with SPD I want other parents struggling to know that they're not alone. Other parents 26

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out there are struggling too and are there to be supportive and listen. I wish I would have found this out sooner because for a while I felt discouraged and alone.

One of the most important things I have learned about Sensory Processing Disorder as a parent is that no two children are alike. Sensory needs are on large spectrum. It is complex. One of the biggest obstacles I face as the mom of a child with SPD is most people simply don’t understand what it’s like for my daughter to navigate through the challenges that everyday life throws at her.

SPD is a condition where a person has trouble processing sensory input. This can lead to individuals having issues with regulating moods and behaviors. A child with SPD feels overwhelmed by what appears to be normal amounts of sensory input. For example, normal noise, light, touch or taste can be an issue for a SPD child. As a parent, I have seen a child who can be so fun and so smart turn into someone I don’t know or understand at the blink of an eye. I have watched as she cries because her clothes that she tried on and picked out are “too tight”. Or when she is so excited to go to her friends birthday party and after driving all the way there, she won’t enter the building because she can see all the other kids. Some days I feel defeated, though things are getting easier.

If you or someone you know has a child with sensory processing disorder here are a couple resources I have found helpful: - Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Support (a Facebook group) - https://www.spdstar.org/basic/home-activities

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Bring this ad in for $20.00 off your newborn session.

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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. 5/31/2018 #151 NaturalBridgeCaverns.com • 210-651-6101

JOIN A FITNESS CLASS!

830-500-7348 Bring this coupon in for $10 off Any Kids Program or Massage.

Expires 5/31/18

545 Creekside Crossing 830-500-7348 New Braunfels, TX 78130

545 Creekside Crossing New Braunfels, TX

Mention this ad and get: NO Enrollment Fee & $10 OFF any Kids Program.

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OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE IN STORE OR ONLINE!

ONLINE CODE: SPRING18HCP

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Offer good until 5/31/18.

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. 5/31/2018 7505 N Loop 1604 E, Ste 101, Live Oak 210-444-9025 www.LaserLegend.com

Bring this coupon in for $20.00 off your newborn session.

Expires 5/31/18 New Braunfels, TX beksphotography.wixsite.com/beks

Ask about our Party specials including the best pizza you ever tasted!

up to

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

(3-12 year olds) up to 3 per visit

6909 N Loop 1604 E (Inside Rolling Oaks Mall) 210-375-3737 • InflatableWonderlandSA.com/

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*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.

After March 31st, price increases to $54.99/ea (when you purchase 4 or more.)

WORLD-RENOWNED CURRICULUM NEW THEATRE ACTIVITIES EACH WEEK CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS PERFORMANCES FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE FULLY

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Lanette Alvarez 830.660.1111 RelianceRR.com/LanetteAlvarez www.hillcountryparents.com

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