Boulder County KIDS
Tree In The Meadows Acrylic on Paper
Summit Middle Charter School, Boulder
by Victoria Prizemin, age 11
Fall Issue Volume XX No. 3 • Back-To-School Issue 2014
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www.bvcu.org ŏ 303-442-8850 Note: Many of our covers come from monthly student K—12 art displays at the Boulder Valley Credit Union at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue next to the Boulder Dinner Theatre. Check it out!
Boulder County Kids is a Division of Martin
House Publications, Inc. Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17114, Boulder, CO, 80308. Phone number: (303) 939-8767. Copyright 1995 to 2014 by Boulder County Kids. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Printed with soy-based ink. See submission guidelines at www.bouldercountykids.com
Music lessons, classes, workshops and concerts for all ages, abilities, and musical styles!
Contents
Volume 20 No. 3
Articles titled in blue are great reading for kids, green for directories.
From the Publisher...................................................................... 5
Cover Story—Victoria Prizemin......... 5
Think Like An Artist.................................. 6 Kids’ Planet...................................................... 8
BACK-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHES................. 12 Health care Directory............. 13 Quest For A Child-Rearing Manual..... 14
A New School Year................................................ 16 Seven Tips for Getting Kids Off To School............ 18
NEWS ABOUT TOWN............................. 19
Izzy’s Garden.......................................................... 20 Building Confidence and Creativity..... 21 What Do I Do Now, Romona?.......................... 22 Avery’s Avid-Reader Corner............................. 23
Best Strategy to save for college.............. 24
FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Tuition Assistance Available
Private and Group Lessons Therapy and Wellness Programs New American Roots Studies New students Early Childhood Programs receive 1/2 off Jazz Studies 3 Trial Music Lessons! Broadway Studies 'EPP JSV QSVI MRJS Music Together ® Mention this ad to receive Dalcroze Education offer. Not valid with and MUCH MORE! other offers.
The Importance of Play............. 26
HELPFUL SERVICES DIRECTORY............................. 27 Child Care/Preschool DIRECTORY........ 29–33 Private school DIRECTORY............................. 34–35
Birthday Party Directory.......... 36–37 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS................................. 38–41
Fall Calendar of Events........................ 42–45 Editor in Chief - Jennifer Martin
Cool Cover Art - Victoria Prizemin
She-Can-Do-It-All Administrative Assistant - Toni Pickett Best in the World Printers - Longmont Daily Times-Call Distribution Gurus - Impact Distribution
) &EWIPMRI 6H 0EJE]IXXI '3 www.COmusic.org
Page 4 • Bouldercountykids.com
Mascot - Indie
Locations Scout - Austin Pickett
To Perfection Editing & Proofing (really, the gal is so good!) - Linda Carlson The Most Awesome Web Designer - Bolderwomen: www.bolderwomen.com
www.bouldercountykids.com • (303) 939-8767
BOULDER County Kids
C
Photo of Jennifer by Raye Harris Photography Studio in Erie.
an you believe we are at the end of summer and going back to school? Seems the summers just fly by. School can be a very exciting and wonderful place. We wish the best to all of our Boulder County and surrounding area kids. We have lots of great ideas for going back to school and hope you will enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.
Cover Story: Victoria Prizemin
Take good care, and please be in touch!
Jennifer & Indie Jennifer Martin, Publisher www.bouldercountykids.com info@bouldercountykids.com
(303) 939-8767
Don’t miss out on the next issue.
Get the Word Out!
Reach 20,000 families in Boulder County, Broomfield County, and surrounding areas! Winter issue deadline is October 10th. That issue covers November, December and January. Please call early to reserve your space. Calendar of Events listings are published at no charge and on a space-available basis. All of our advertising information, rates and sizes are available online, please do check out our Advertising Page at www.bouldercountykids.com. Calendar events must be submitted online on our Calendar Submission Form. Receipts will be sent back to you.
Boulder County Kids • PO Box 17114 • Boulder, CO 80308
303.939.8767
advertising@bouldercountykids.com • www.bouldercountykids.com
O
ur cover artist is Victoria Prizemin. She is 11 years old and will be in the 6th grade at Summit Middle Charter School in Boulder this fall. She attended Mesa Elementary in Boulder last year. She has one sister, Sofia, who is going into the 8th grade and will attend Summit also. Victoria painted this painting when she was about 10 years old (she thinks), at Sunflower Art Studio in Boulder under the instruction of Lika Gitis. Her favorite subjects are music and art. She likes to play the piano. Victoria’s favorite food is sushi made by her mom. Her favorite movie is Titanic and her favorite TV show is Girl Meets World. Victoria enjoys alpine ski racing. She competes mostly at Winter Park, but also competes at many other ski resorts. Her favorite thing about fall is jumping into leaf piles. he cover sponsor is Boulder Valley Credit Union, which provides kids an excellent environment in which to save money and provides incentives, activities, events and mascot visits. To join, or for more information, call (303) 442-8850 in Boulder or (970) 577-0750 in Estes Park, or you can also visit www.bvcu.org
T
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Fall 2014 • Page 5
BOULDER County Kids
T hink Like an Artist
by Claudia Lewis
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a painting must be worth two thousand.”
—Arianna Bonnes, 9th grade
“Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” ~Pablo Picasso
D
id you know that Vincent van Gogh suffered from epilepsy and other mental handicaps? Did you know he only sold one painting during his lifetime? Did you know that in 1911, when the Mona Lisa disappeared from the Louvre Museum in Paris, Pablo Picasso was accused of stealing it? It was missing for two years. Do you know who took it? Did you know that the famous painter, Leonardo da Vinci was also an inventor? Despite being a dyslexic who wrote backwards, Leonardo invented the bicycle 300 years before it appeared on the road, invented scissors, and created an inflatable tube allowing people to float in water? Two of Leonardo’s works, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are the most reproduced paintings of all time.
Stories like these can bring art to life. Well known artists whose names we recognize seem almost superhuman in their artistic abilities. When you learn that van Gogh was a troubled man who was unable to support himself, or that da Vinci was dyslexic, these masters seem a bit more down to earth. Gifted artists suffer from the same human frailties as the rest of us, yet their stories inspire us and add interest to their wonderful artwork. As children are introduced to stories about the artists behind the art, they are encouraged to investigate further on their own. Exposing children to art appreciation from an early age is a gift they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. You and your kids can learn strategies for
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303.492.7188 Page 6 • Bouldercountykids.com
unpacking works of art that will enhance the experience no matter what kind of art it is or where you go to see it.
Overheard in
the art museum
As I have mentioned before, my father was the director of an art museum. I spent many childhood hours hanging out there and listening to grown-ups talk about art. It was not uncommon to hear certain phrases uttered by museum-goers that made me wonder why they were visiting in the first place. A few of my favorites: “I don’t know much about art but I know what I like.” “My third grader could have done that.” “What is that supposed to be?” “I don’t get it.” “Museums are so boring.” Having spent my childhood immersed in the museum environment, I can speak from experience that a good museum is anything but boring. Those folks were simply unprepared for their visit. Any life experience is what you make of it, and a little background knowledge goes a long way. We see it in sports all the time. Knowing the rules of the game and a bit about the players makes a sporting event more exciting. The same goes for art experiences. If you make the
effort, you can learn how to look at art in a way that will be enriching and even lifechanging for you and your children.
Many kinds of ar t
By nature, human beings are compelled to make things that are special, and there are as many possibilities for artmaking as there are people on earth. From the objects we choose in decorating our homes, to sculptures found in our public spaces, to the team logos we wear on our T-shirts, visual symbols and artistic expressions are everywhere. Each one has a story behind it. The first step in art appreciation is to acknowledge that we each have our preferences when it comes to aesthetics. Even if we don’t like or understand a work of art, it is possible to appreciate it nonetheless. There are strategies we can use to investigate art and in doing so, come to a new way of seeing. Children benefit from learning to examine the world around them more closely and question things they don’t understand more deeply. We can begin by understanding the different purposes for which art is made. The most common type of art is mimetic, pieces that mimic real life and are valued for capturing something familiar. In formal art, it’s all about the arrangement
of the elements: line, shape, color, form, texture, et cetera and how the visual elements work together. Expressionist art is most valued for how it makes you feel. Functional art serves a specific purpose such as delivering a message without the need for words. Institutional artwork, like the big blue bear at the Denver Convention Center (entitled “I See What You Mean”), is created with mass appeal in mind. Multicultural and feminist art hopes to raise social awareness and enhance cultural understanding. Which type of art is your favorite and why?
Talking to kids about ar t
As a child, I learned to love a good car trip. My dad ushered us through hundreds of museums, temples, ruins, and historic sites across North America when I was a kid. Dad would pique our curiosity with stories about what we were about to see, making each new place an adventure. In between stops, we would play “I See (or I Saw), I Think, I Wonder,” a game designed to encourage children to look below the surface of life’s experiences. For example: I saw the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. I think it was really big and pretty. I wonder why they put an arch there and why they made it so big! Dad and I would ponder the world for miles at a time. Token response games are another way for you and your child to delve into works of art. All you need is a playful mind-set and a set of token response symbols, which you can make yourself or buy on the Internet. The symbols, each representing a value judgment, might include: a heart (most liked), a hand (best crafted), a lightbulb (best idea), a blue ribbon (best in show), dollar sign
BOULDER County Kids
(most costly), a clock (took the most time to make), and a house (want to take it home). At home, give your child a variety of art images to look at and ask him to apply each of the symbols according to his assessment. At the museum, bring the symbols with you on a ring and have your child make selections from the exhibit. Encourage him to give a reason why he has applied a symbol to a specific piece. For example, “The artist used a lot of gold thread, so it looks expensive.” This game encourages participants to make inferences, express preferences, and embrace others’ perspectives. The child should understand that everyone’s opinion is valuable, especially when it can be backed up by a reason. The game can lead to discussions about things like the definition of art, beauty, originality, purpose, and creativity, to name a few. Children who are exposed to art appreciation and analysis ultimately learn to apply these concepts to other areas of life. Kids who are unafraid to ask why and how and feel comfortable expressing their likes and dislikes grow up to be curious and discerning adults. These qualities make good scientists, writers, and mathematicians as well as good artists and will prepare our children to be the creative thinkers and global citizens that our society will need for the world of tomorrow.
Nothing better than T LC to nurture children from birth to five. Tiny Tim Learning Center is now TLC. A new name and infant and toddler classrooms expand the mission of our early learning and pediatric therapy center. Let TLC nurture your child toward success. Call today for enrollment information.
T LC Learning Center 611 Korte Parkway, Longmont 303.776.7417 www.LearningWithTLC.org
“Funtastic” Playdays, Activities, Toys & Events!
Claudia Lewis has a masters in art education and teaches fine art classes to children and adults. She is also the owner of Full Circle Art & Design (formerly Lewis Graphics), offering graphic design services in the Boulder area for the past 20 years. You can reach her at fullcircle.claudia@gmail.com or call (303) 530-1534. Examples of Claudia’s and her students’ work can be found at claudialewisarts. zenfolio.com
Fall 2014 • Page 7
BOULDER County Kids Kids’ Planet... with Thorne Nature Experience Drawing by Kara Priest
SMART CORVIDS
by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II
C
orvids are the family of intelligent birds that include jays, crows, ravens, magpies, and nutcrackers. We have all of these in Boulder County. The Common Raven is the largest, followed by the American Crow. These two species have all black feathers. Both are very common in the Boulder area. Do you know the “caw-caw-caw” sound of a crow? Most kids do. The raven call sounds like a hoarse crow! You can tell a raven by its wedgeshaped tail when it is flying over you. They have long, pointed wings compared to a crow, which has shorter, more rounded wings. We have several kinds of jays here: Blue Jay, Steller’s Jay, Western Scrub Jay, Grey Jay, and rarely, Pinyon Jay. The Grey Jay and the C l a r k ’s N u t c r a c k e r a r e
Corvids that you find only high up in the mountains, usually in the subalpine forests below timberline. They are grey, black, and white birds. Both of these are often nicknamed “camp robbers” because they are usually tame enough to steal part of a sandwich from your picnic table or even from your hand when you’re not looking! We have the Black-billed Magpie in this area. They are
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Page 8 • Bouldercountykids.com
truly a “Western” bird. They are black and white with a long tail. A flock of magpies can be rather noisy, especially when there is a group of young ones just out of the nest, begging their parents to feed them. When I first came to Boulder 60 years ago, there were no Blue Jays…only Steller ’s Jays. Blue Jays were an “Eastern” United States species. But they gradually worked their way west from town to town along the South Platte River and arrived in Boulder between 45 and 50 years ago. For a relatively short time they interbred with the Steller’s Jays and we had weird hybrids that looked (and even sounded) halfway between the two species. Then finally the Steller’s Jays seemed to retreat to the western edge of town and the pine/douglas-fir montane
forests west of town, while the Blue Jays took over town and the ranches to the east. In the 1990s, the Corvids were hit by the West Nile virus. It first showed up on the East Coast with lots of dead crows being found. When the virus (which is carried by a certain kind of mosquito) arrived in Boulder County, it hit the Blue Jays and the magpies particularly hard. At least that was my observation. I don’t see the big flocks of magpies that I used to see, and there do not seem to be as many Blue Jays in town as there once were. I will be interested to see if the Corvids build up an immunity to this virus in the years to come and can thereby restore their former numbers. When I was a boy, I once rescued a baby crow that had fallen out of its nest and raised it as a pet. It was
obviously a very smart bird. It learned to say “hello” and “boy oh boy,” and it also learned to laugh like a human, which was really funny. There have been many studies done on the intelligence of ravens. I think that the Corvids in general are a fascinating group of birds in this respect. Maybe you can study them some day, even more than I have!! Dr. Thorne is founder and honorary president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year! For more information about their classes for children and youth, check them out at www. thornenature.org or e-mail info@ thornenature.org or call (303) 4993647, ext. 100 or 108.
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Fall 2014 • Page 11
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
Back-to-School Lunches
What To Do?
by Sue Van Raes
T
he stores are shouting back to school, the air starts to have a slight nip in its evening breeze and the yearning for a life with some sense of structure and rhythm is before us. Summer is fleeting. The long days at the pool and late night BBQs drift into our memories and come to an end for another year. We feel the little twinge of letting go as we settle back into another school year. I always think of the new school year as a new beginning. Many people consider this a time to revamp, recharge and get in gear for a great year with their families and themselves. Upping the anti in the area of health is a big focus for many families as we start anew. One of the biggest challenges I hear from parents as we settle back into the fall is: How do I create the everyday SCHOOL LUNCH keeping kids happy, healthy and strong? Don’t fret. It is possible to make lunch box ingredients enticing, nutrient dense and yummy for your kids. You can find your groove; it just might take a little shift in your thinking and a little preparation in your life for the ease to flow this fall. Your school lunches are never going to be easier, tastier and more efficient than if you follow the tips below, and you will also see some great lunch ideas to get you
started. You are off to a GREAT start. 1. Go container shopping: I know it sounds simple, but having the appropriate carrier makes all the difference in your ease and efficiency. T h e B E N TO L U N C H BOX is the perfect setup. It has all the compartments and containers you could want, plus an insulated chiller bag, to keep your munchkins lunch fresh. Or, buy a variety of small containers that have good lids and fit together well. Those little fingers will be so excited and amazed at what they find inside. A WIDE MOUTH THERMOS will save the day. We use it almost daily for leftovers, soups and stews that will nourish the little buddies when they need something warm. They make little mini versions perfect for a young one and easy to manage. 2. Create your menu: I always think in terms of having some easy default plans. You know, the ones where you have to think very little. Find 3 top lunches (check out the list below) that work for you and your kiddo and try to keep as much of that around for a quick and stress-free assembly. It does not have to be gourmet, complicated or require a lot of time to be
Page 12 • Bouldercountykids.com
healthy and for your kids to love lunching. 3 . Think in terms of food groups: A balanced meal is made of 4 building blocks. A protein, a fat, a carbohydrate (in its whole form is best—includes fruit) and a veggie of some kind. If you can think in this formula you will be golden. Need an example? No problem. A hard boiled egg of dish of egg salad = protein + fat (Feel free to include some flax crackers or carrot sticks for dipping) A container of strawberries = carbohydrate Left over steamed broccoli = veggie BONUS—some nuts and dried fruit for a snack 4. Make a list: Being prepared is ALWAYS the best road to success. This is also true in the world of school lunches. Once you get your GO-TO lunches down, it is easy breezy, you’ve just got to be prepared. Go to the store EVERY SUNDAY to gather what you need for the week. Then it is a SURE THING. Make your list for the week and don’t forget to include enough ingredients for dinner leftovers—they make the best school lunches. 5. Love your little one: This year, on a cold winter dark morning when I had just about had it with school lunches altogether, I stood
in my kitchen in my cozy bathrobe with my hot cup of morning tea. I stood there blank, empty and done. I said, “I can’t make another lunch. I am fried.” It took a few mystical moments but soon after my first thought I was flooded with love. Love for my kids and love and passion for health. Every school lunch is like a daily practice for me, loving my kids through food and nourishment. So when I totally dry up in the world of creativity, I can dig deep into that well of love, and there it is. I have made thousands of school lunches at this point. My kids are 17 and 13. They have never eaten lunch from the cafeteria regularly, always homemade. You can do it. Do it for love. 6. Take care of yourself: I know we hear it all the time, but sometimes we NEVER REALLY hear it! You have to take care of yourself first. Parenting will drain you. It is joyful and magical, and it is challenging and hard. The only way out of this is to feed yourself, love yourself and give as much attention to your lunch as you do to theirs. Keep your cup filled up, and you will have more to give. Food is such a primary way we show love to others, and food is such an important way we nourish ourselves. I have many ideas to share with you. Some have been my go-to’s for years: Beef and veggie stew—we premake in the crock pot all day on Sundays. Grass-fed beef, red potato (or various root veggies), celery, carrot,
onion, with beef broth for flavor and spiced and salted to taste. We top it off with kale at the end. Ari takes this in his thermos for days. Organic chicken sausage, pan-fried with rice, a small container of sauerkraut, and seaweed. Some favorite lunches are gathered from a potpourri of the other health practitioners in this community. When asked what their kids’ favorite lunches are, here is what they said: –Kim Millison, Licensed Acupuncturist. For Sam- a thermos of beans & rice, seaweed, organic apple and raw red peppers. –Deb Rubin, Licensed Social Worker (Couples and Parenting specialist). Tess loves quinoa, broccoli and crumbled goat cheese. I add cashews, a side of avocado slices and seaweed. – K r i s t i n S a v o r y, Licensed Acupuncturist, Grow Vibrant. Nora’s favorite lunches are California rolls—we pre-make rice for the week, add carrots and cucumbers and lots of gomasio and wrap it up in nori—she loves them.
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH –Erika Anderson, Licensed Acupuncturist, Boulder Sports Acupuncture. Black beans and brown rice with chopped veggies simmered in with the beans. Organic corn chips with goat cheese wedges, baby tomatoes and sliced apples! Always a winner with Jackson :). –Jessica Emich, Executive chef and coowner of Shine Restaurant and Gathering Place. Avocado and tomato salad with olive oil and sea salt. Chicken salad with dried cherries and cashews with flax crackers. Squash fries with dipping sauce. Sofie eats it up every time. SUE VAN RAES is a dynamic and passionate nutritional therapist, health coach and yoga instructor in Boulder. Sue specializes in women’s health and mind-body eating. Sue hosts both individual programs and ongoing women’s groups and retreats, both locally and internationally. Sue founded Boulder Nutrition in 2003. Sue’s recently published book, HEALTH WISE: True Health and Happiness for the Empowered Woman, is a culmination of her life’s continual self-study and work. Please check out www.bouldernutrition.com for more information.
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Doctor At Your Door Dr. Carole Gedenberg, M.D.
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www.doctoratyourdoor.co boulderdoctors@gmail.com Ages: 0-18 years. A delightful pediatrician who makes house calls on nights and weekends. Board certified pediatrician. Fees: $250. Ask about our multiple child discount. Hours: M-F: 5-10 pm, Sat/Sun: noon10 pm. See ad.
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Fall 2014 • Page 13
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH On The Quest for A Child-rearing Manual
by Jessica Dancingheart
W
hen I was a young mom, I frequented the child rearing section of the bookstore— scouring through parenting and child development books. I had several subscriptions to a variety of parenting magazines. I also bought plenty of products that promised to
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Page 14 • Bouldercountykids.com
give my children near perfect lives. I was one of the millions of consumers that feeds the billion-dollar parenting industry. I spent hours trying to figure out how to be the best mom I could be by learning from the “experts” and buying products that would give my children a head start. Because of my insecurities and fears, I was looking to the outside world for validation and direction. In essence, I was on a quest for a childrearing manual. The problem was that nobody could really give me a manual, because each of my kids was different, and I was different with each as well. If I could go back in years with the experience I now have, this is what I would tell myself. Trust your instincts and inner truth AND listen to and honor what your child needs. As a parent, you know your kids more than any expert
does. Each of your children has a unique personality, and what works for one does not work for the other. You have the privilege of getting to watch the growth and development of your children and are thereby an expert on each. Your job is to be in tune with your children—not what the experts say they ought to be. If you pause and deeply listen, you will intuitively know what to do through your connection to yourself and your children. Surround yourself with people who love you and your children for who you are not what they think you should be. Friends with advice and experts may have great ideas. Yet, their advice may not be in alignment with your values or temperament. So, while being open to suggestions, be discerning and use only that which sits well in your spirit, heart, mind and lifestyle. Painful moments pass. They are there to help you grow. In those moments, ask for help and continue to strive to grow. You don’t have to do it by yourself. Remember no experience goes wasted. The pain serves a higher purpose. Your happy moments pass. Celebrate them. Share them with friends. Take care of yourself. A fully cared for parent has more to give his or her family than one that is run ragged. F o rg i v e y o u r s e l f f o r moments when you miss the mark, don’t live up to your standards or inadvertently hurt others. You are human.
There is no point in beating yourself up by trying to change the past or hoping for a better one. Take stock of what transpired, be accountable for your mistake, learn from it and find meaningful ways to make things right. Practice gratitude. My friend who is going through chemotherapy tells me that she wakes up each morning saying, “Thank you I am alive and I get to enjoy my life and those I love today.” Most importantly, remember that you, each moment and each of your children is perfect. Instead of trying to create perfection, notice the perfection in front of you. It is easy to be happy and pat yourself on the back when your child is doing well and fitting into the norm. And it is a life-enhancing practice to take note of and celebrate how your and your children’s quirks truly are gifts to the world.
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BOULDER County Kids HEALtH I share these tidbits with you in hopes of supporting you. Please write and tell me how you were touched by this article.
Jessica Dancingheart is a mother, communication coach and the producer of The Mahalo Show (www. youtube.com/TheMahaloShow). She enjoys facilitating her clients’ “aha” moments, as they employ the tools and perspectives she shares with them. She also loves producing video stories of Real People Doing Real Things That Make A DifferenceTM. Call (303) 589-8420 or visit www. OpeningToPossibilities.com to learn more about her coaching services.
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Fall 2014 • Page 15
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
A New School Year: Three Tips for a Great Start
by Kathy Sherman
Focus on…
Photo by Erin Cox
W
e expect, depend, and delight in the rhythms and cycles that abound in our lives. The transition from the end of summer to the beginning of school is one of the most prominent and important. For the most part, students and parents look forward to this new beginning with a sense of optimism. It makes sense, though, to prepare for this annual “fresh start” by becoming well informed and as equipped as possible to help ensure the best possible school experience.
1) The Power of Your Words Within the continual flow of new research, there are always a few gems that surface which parents absolutely should know about.
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Page 16 • Bouldercountykids.com
One of these is the “mindset” theory by Carol Dweck from Stanford University. The essence of this research is that by helping children develop a “growth” rather than a “fixed” mind-set toward learning, the odds that they will do well in school are significantly greater. This is not about an expensive tutorial program or software. Rather it is simply about knowing how to use language effectively to empower our children as learners. According to Dweck, in a fixed mind-set, people believe that their basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort. So you either have talent or the “smarts” or you don’t. In a growth mind-set, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work; ability and talent are just the starting point. This “growth” view can create a love of learning and a resilience essential for accomplishment. Virtually
all highly successful people demonstrate the behaviors of the growth mind-set. Taking risks is essential in the learning process, but Dweck discovered that children who were otherwise capable and intelligent were much less likely to tackle an academic challenge if they believed that intelligence is fixed. “The most dramatic proof comes from a recent study … of low-achieving seventh graders. All students participated in sessions on study skills and the brain; in addition, the control group attended a neutral session on memory while the other group learned that intelligence, like a muscle, grows stronger through exercise —the “growth” mind-set. Training students to adopt a growth mind-set about intelligence had a catalytic effect on motivation and math grades; students in the control group showed no improvement despite all the other interventions.” —From the Effort Effect by Marina Krakovsky. The results of Dweck’s mind-set research are too significant to ignore and provide a simple, accessible tool for all adults who work with children to increase the chances of student success. Resources: Mindset, by Carol Dweck; Opening M i n d s : Tr a n s f o r m i n g Children’s Lives Through Language, by Peter Johnston.
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH 2) Checking in on Skills In the last decade or so, the expectation of what our children should be able to do with particular academic skills has accelerated. Kindergarten used to focus on learning sounds and a few sight words, and writing, primarily, was creative. Today, in addition, there has been an overall increase in the amount of knowledge covered during the school year itself. Careful monitoring is needed now to make sure that your child is able to acquire the required skills covered each year in order to manage the new learning of the next. Take time to ask questions each year to determine more precisely where your child’s specific skills fall, so that if intervention is needed it can be implemented appropriately. If your child is behind, beware of the “myths” of the achievement gap. These are all too common and typically encourage parents to “wait and see” before taking action when their child is behind in school. But when children are behind their peers in any area of achievement, they are acutely aware from the first realization and, as children, rely on the wisdom of the parent to investigate and take needed steps to remediate the problem. The “wait and see” approach is risky. Why? It is the rare child who is able to pull from behind without some help. There is almost no downside to providing a child support and/or investigating whether a learning issue is a factor, while the upside can be significant in paving the way for positive self-esteem related to learning and all that comes with it. Resources: www.ncld.org/ parents-child-disabilities/ldtesting/should-i-be-concerned
3) Balancing Academics, Play, and Rest Children’s brains are actively developing throughout childhood. Unstructured, creative play and periods of quiet help foster growth within important areas of the brain. The pacing that individual children need to learn varies from child to child, and it is challenging for any teacher to find the right pace needed to cover all the material taught that fits the needs of all children. Is the pacing of the material too fast? Is your child able to keep up with the expectations for work completed at school? Is your child exhausted and fatigued at the end of the day? Does homework take too long? If these issues arise, meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how to modify the amount of material your child is trying to manage and strategize to make sure there is a balance between academic learning and other activities. Remember that while play and other enjoyable activities may not appear to be about academics and learning, actually they have everything to do with them.
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Kathy Sherman is the director of Hillside School, in Boulder. For the past decade, Hillside has enabled students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, to reach their academic potential and become capable and confident lifelong learners. To find out more about Hillside’s specialized program, visit www.hillsidelearning.org or e-mail kathy@hillsidelearning.org or call (303) 494-1468.
Fall 2014 • Page 17
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
Seven Tips for Getting Kids off to School
Without Losing Your Cool
by Liz Emmett-Mattox, Ph.D
D
oes getting ready for school in the morning leave you and your children stressed, scattered and screaming? If so, please know that you’re not alone. Making a few simple changes to your morning routine can help your kids arrive at school feeling confident, competent and ready to learn. Here are seven ways to make your morning rush hour a lot smoother:
1 Take care of yourself.
It’s a cliche, but it’s true. Whether you go for a run, meditate, journal or just enjoy a quiet cup of tea with the morning paper before the insanity begins—do it. When you start the day feeling calm, you’re better able to deal with whatever challenges the morning may bring.
2 Make your first con-
tact with your child a good one. If your first interaction with your child is yelling up the stairs, “Are you up yet?” Try a different approach. For instance, you might wake your child with a gentle back-
rub, or have a favorite stuffed animal sing a silly rhyme. For tweens or teens, crank up their favorite song and have a mini dance party. Building in 5-10 minutes to connect lovingly with your child can prevent a lot of arguing or resistance later in the morning, saving time in the end.
3 Make a checklist for
your regular morning routine. A good checklist works because your child doesn’t have to think about what to do next, they only need to look at the list. On your checklist, use both pictures and words, specifically verbs. Next to a picture of a toothbrush, write, “Brush Teeth,” and so on. Think about the geography of your house and avoid backtracking as much as possible. For instance, when your child gets dressed, make sure they remember socks, so they don’t have to go back into their bedroom after breakfast. Make the checklist colorful and post it where everyone can see it.
4 Use a whi teboard to
m ake a ch art f or re gul ar weekly activities. For each day of the week, have two columns: one with pictures of things needed
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at school that day such as gym clothes, library books, instruments and so on. In the second column, note things needed for after school activities such as sports gear, scout uniforms or piano music. At the bottom of the chart put pictures of all the things that need to go to school every day: backpack, homework folder, lunch box and so on. With a whiteboard, you can make adjustments easily as the weather changes (add a hat in the winter), or as the sports seasons evolve (swap basketball shoes for soccer cleats). If your child is old enough, have them help make this chart.
5 Create a “launch pad.”
Near the door you use when you leave for school have a place for the things your kids need to bring with them when they leave. You might want hooks for backpacks and coats, shelves for instruments, a bin where all the soccer gear lives and so on. The launch pad helps avoid last minute scrambles to find a missing shoe, uniform or library book.
6 Use analog clocks.
Analog clocks make the passage of time much more visible and it’s much easier for a child to understand, “We need to leave when the big hand is on the 10,” than “We need to leave at 7:50.”
7 Skip the screens.
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Page 18 • Bouldercountykids.com
Nothing can derail a perfectly good morning like trying to tear your child from their favorite TV show or video game. And it’s not your child’s fault. Video games
and children’s TV shows are designed to keep your kid’s attention. And they do this really well! It’s much easier to keep it off than to turn it off. This goes for parents, too. A “quick check” often reveals an e-mail with a problem to solve, or a Facebook post you’d rather not see first thing in the morning adding stress that you just don’t need. These suggestions don’t require pricey new gear, but they do require some thinking about your family’s daily and weekly routines. They will also take some time and practice to become habitual, so don’t panic if it takes a few weeks for everyone to get the hang of the new routine. It shouldn’t be too hard to motivate your children to get on board, because they don’t like chaotic mornings any more than you do. If you want to add a little incentive, make a deal with your children that if everyone gets out the door on time with all their stuff for a week, then you’ll do something fun like go for ice cream Friday after school. Every family has hard mornings once in a while, but I hope these tips will help you get to school without losing your cool. About the Author: Liz EmmettMattox is a mom, a writer and a coach. She is the author of an e-book Getting to School Without Losing Your Cool and offers presentations, workshops and individual coaching for groups or individuals who want to transform their mornings from chaos to calm. For more information, please check out vwww.dreamgardencoaching.com/ gettingtoschool
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
News about Town... WOW!
Cool!
Ma streein t!
I’m going swimming!
FREE RIDES
R
ide Free! Longmont, a program that began July 1st. All RTD local bus routes in Longmont will be FREE for riders of all ages. Hop on and off as many times as you want, all day long, through the end of 2014. No passes, cards or ID of any kind is needed to ride local buses that travel solely within Longmont. Regional routes (BOLT, L, and J) are not included, but riders that access regional routes via a local bus can request a transfer that is good for $2.25 off the regional fare. “This is a great program for Longmont residents and visitors and an opportunity to increase ridership on Longmont buses,” said Boulder County Transportation multi-modal division manager Scott McCarey. “We see this as a win-win-win program for Boulder County, Longmont, and RTD.” More information including route maps and schedule information can be found at www.LongmontBus.com
N
ew Longmont company opens catering to babies’ health. From sun protection to handling sniffles, Baby Comfy Care has parents covered. Baby Comfy Care is a Longmont, Colorado—based company that specializes in unique baby care products. Founded by a dad and engineer who got his inspiration from his own parenting experience, he has created products that really work and that parents love. The product lines created include: Baby Comfy Nose Nasal Aspirator, Baby Comfy Nail Clipper, Baby Comfy Sun Sleeves and Sun Poncho, Baby Comfy Gummi. The nasal aspirator can be found at Walgreens and the other products can be found on their website. “Our son suffered from frequent nasal congestion and out of necessity I created a nasal aspirator that worked better than anything else that was on the market,” explains Peter Champe, engineer and owner of Baby Comfy Care. What sets this nasal aspirator apart is that it uses the parent’s own lung suction, which makes it more effective than bulb and battery type aspirators. It comes with a dishwasher/storage pouch that allows the unit to dry hygienically and keeps all the pieces together in the diaper bag. Baby Comfy Nose is available in three colors to keep sibling’s aspirators separate. For more information on the company, visit their site at www.babycomfycare.com
S
unflower Art Studio has moved to a new location in Gunbarrel at 6545 Gunpark Dr. #200. They were previously located in East Boulder at 5440 Conestoga Court off Arapahoe near 55th. In addition to Sunflower Art Studio, K-FIT kettlebell studio for kids and adults is moving into the new space. The new facility is very spacious, has great natural light, kitchenette, outside picnic area, lobby with Wi-Fi, and it is located in the busy Gunbarrel Shopping Center. Their mission is to create an environment for both children and adults that will allow them to experience a sense of serenity and an escape from daily routine. Their goal is to bring out hidden talents, develop creativity, build self-esteem and instill the fundamentals of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The art studio will offer year-round art classes, weeklong camps, no-school art days, personal classes, drawing courses and master classes. The fitness studio will offer small group classes, personal trainer classes, FMS screening, conditioning, strength building, overall health improvement and corrective movement exercises. You can find more information at www.artsunflower. com or call (720) 939-7545.
A
doctor who makes house calls in Boulder County! Imagine that you could avoid the emergency room or the urgent care center, and didn’t have to wait until the next workday to be seen. Now imagine an M.D. came right to your house and your child remained comfortably in bed while being examined. You and your child could get a good night’s rest. Dr. Carole Gedenberg grew up in Boulder and attended Fairview High School. She has recently moved back to Boulder after completeing her residency and working in Urgent Care in New York. She spent three months volunteering in rural hospitals and clinics in Argentina, where she became fluent in medical Spanish. She is the only board certified pediatrician in Boulder who makes house calls. She is available from 5 to 10 pm on weekdays, and noon until 10 pm on weekends. For one reasonable fee, she will provide personalized care tailored specifically to your child’s needs and write prescriptions if necessary. Carole’s mother is Deb Gedenberg who owns and teaches at Dream Makers Preschool on 28th Street in Boulder. You can find out more about Dr. Carole Gedenberg at www. doctoratyourdoor.co or call (720) 418-1705 to reach her directly.
Fall 2014 • Page 19
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
Izzy’s Garden by Isabella Martinez
H
ello. My name is Isabella Martinez. I am a student at Boulder High School and am currently in the 10th grade. The weather is beginning to cool while warming colors fill the trees, then fall and scatter like jewels onto the ground. Soft breezes blow through the air, bringing sweet smells and a relaxed feeling. Life feels calm, peaceful, and vibrant. The season of fall has arrived, and the whole world is full of bliss. Feeling healthy and at peace with yourself and your surroundings is very important in order to feel content. In this article I will share with you what a cleanse is and how it can be different than it is portrayed in the media. There are many different types of cleanses and many different ways they can be done. To cleanse, means to
rid the body of unwanted toxins. Often when we hear the word cleanse, we think of going on a diet or not eating certain foods. However, going on a cleanse doesn’t always mean completely eliminating specific foods from your diet forever, but rather taking a break from everyday toxins. In our world we are constantly surrounded by media, electronics and the need to always be on the go. This does not give us a healthy life style with time to relax or reflect on the simple joys of life. It is always important to eat a healthy diet and to surround yourself with
Page 20 • Bouldercountykids.com
organic and colorful foods. This is not always easy or realistic. It can be hard to completely stop eating tasty treats, so what we can do is try taking a simple cleanse, that could be fun yet a challenge. There are many simple ideas for how to do a cleanse. There is no specific time limit for doing a cleanse; it can range from being as short as one day to as long as an entire life. I think that it is a good idea to start small and slowly work your way up. You can start by experimenting what it is like to not have specific foods in your
diet or other things that you use daily in your life. For example, if you like donuts and eat them a lot, see what a day or two is like without them. If you are constantly on your phone, try to take a break from it and discover what you are missing. A simple change like this in your life can relate to a happier and healthier mind and body. Instead of eating donuts or being on your phone, try being out in nature or spending time with friends and family. Another good idea is to try and make your own sweets. Try to realize how making these changes makes you feel, and if you enjoy what you’re doing continue it. Becoming self-aware and in tune with your own body will help you to realize positive changes are taking place. Creating simple breaks from things can improve your mood and your health. In conclusion, I feel that cleanse is another word for awareness. Engaging in a cleanse helps you to connect to your own body and your soul. It allows you to experiment and challenge yourself in hard new ways. Always remember to take care of yourself and let your inner self shine bright.
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
by Dr. Jenifer Blacklock
S
cience, technology, engineering and math (STEM), are concepts that can be intimidating to young people. To minimize these reservations, teaching children to use simple building skills at an early age can begin to provide them with a solid foundation of these concepts. Building teaches children the importance of fundamental STEM skills through learning-by-doing, solving open-ended problems and interpreting 3-D space. Building skills formulate the backbone, guiding students through a stronger understanding of STEM concepts. Over the past decade, there have been several scientific articles published about the importance of learning-bydoing (1). The field of STEM has traditionally been taught by having students memorize equations and study textbooks. It wasn’t until students received their first jobs in the STEM fields that the skill sets actually were learned. Our next generation of thinkers are going to be required to tackle real-world problems that are more advanced than those we are dealing with today. To solve these problems, students must be able to apply the fundamental concepts that are learned in school. This is where learning-bydoing comes into education. When they work with their hands through building, the true foundations of STEM skills become embedded into young students’ minds. Open-ended problem solving leads to creativity and innovation, two concepts that go hand in hand, as creativity
Photo provided by Coalesce Building Academy
Building Confidence and Creativity for the Next Generation of Thinkers
leads to innovative thinkers. Creativity is something that cannot be taught in a traditional sense. Because of this, it is imperative that students learn to be creative in a lighthearted, fun manner that is open to positive feedback and inspiration. Building in a fun environment does just that. Whether it’s helping the community or designing and building a tree house for the backyard, building is actually fun! There are also a multitude of lessons and skills that can be learned through the process of building a project that can be utilized in the real world. Understandings such as “nothing is perfect,” “ideas and changes should always be brainstormed and sketched out,” and “improvements to preexisting designs should be explored” are but a few of the concepts that can be learned through this process. Building and working with one’s hands teaches realworld applications in numerous ways. Through sketching ideas on paper and then creating and building a 3-D model of the sketch, students can support their developmental
understanding of 3-D space. Through this process, students will gain better understanding of STEM concepts. Building clearly guides and supports students through the STEM fields. It opens their minds to creativity and innovation and instills fundamental concepts that are critical in the STEM fields. Building also leads students to a clearer understanding of STEM concepts. And most of all, building and hands-on learning is fun for everyone involved. (1) Dabbs JM, Chang EL, Strong RA, Milun R. Spatial ability, navigation strategy, and geographic knowledge among men and women. Evolution and Human Behavior. 1998;19:89–98. Boulder
Dr. Jenifer Blacklock is the assistant department head in the Mechanical Engineering department at Colorado School of Mines. Jenifer is active in the American Society for Engineering Education and is an advocate of using building skills to help develop strong math, science and engineering foundations. “We believe that students can learn the basics behind STEM-related fields, ultimately helping them become innovative, strong and independent thinkers through a fun, hands-on process. If you are interested in building classes for your child taught by top professionals in the field, please visit www.boulderbuildacademy.com
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Fall 2014 • Page 21
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
Drawing by Fritz Scholder
WHAT DO I DO NOW, ROMONA? Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCS Psychotherapist
Q
I have been under some stress lately with an aging parent, teenage daughter and some work-related issues. I can usually deal with stress pretty well. I have noticed in the last couple of weeks a twitch in my eye. Should I be concerned or is it even related to stress?
Signed twitchy-eyed 50-year-old.
A
Eye twitches and other nervous ticks can most certainly be caused by an increased amount of stress. Some stress in life is actually necessary to function. It’s present in our muscles when we hold ourselves upright. Some stress keeps us alert and aware.
But when, as in your situation, the stress is constant and unrelenting, it can cause problems with various systems in our bodies. This will let us know that we’ve reached a danger point. We develop symptoms that alert us to the insidious effects of constant stress and strain. Once we’ve been put on alert, what do we do about it? The usual prescription is to get more rest, cut down on the alcohol intake, and generally take it easy. I would like to add that you should learn to say “No.” No to added stress, no to making a cake for the bake sale, no to babysitting your friend’s children, no to all those additional tasks that keep you from having sufficient “down time.” Don’t go out on weeknights, sleep late on the weekends, and go to bed an hour earlier every night. Drive your car more slowly, walk at a leisurely pace, and when you see a friend, don’t just wave, stop to chat. No rushing, no multitasking, no adding on one more thing to your “To-Do” list. Does your house really need to be that perfect? Insist that other people assume some of the
Page 22 • Bouldercountykids.com
load. Get back to enjoying life, and maybe your eye will stop twitching.
Q
I have come to the conclusion that there are three kinds of people. Users, givers and decent people. I would like to be come more of a decent person rather than a giver. How can I change myself?
Signed person who needs a change.
A
There is a common misconception that if we aren’t a giver then we’re automatically a taker or a user. But there is a middle ground, a point halfway between the two extremes where we can achieve balance. Where we can help others, but not at the expense of our own wellbeing. We’ve been taught that a good person is a giving person, one who can always be counted on to say yes. Sometimes it can lead to folks taking advantage of you and your giving nature. It will be difficult for you to make the change. Not only will it involve a change in behavior on your part, but also a lowering of expectations on the part of others. They will wonder what’s wrong with you or if you’re upset about something. Hold your ground and simply say that your available time is limited and you won’t be able to help out. Like all things it will take practice to set the boundaries, to protect yourself and your priorities; namely, having balance in your life
Q
My adult son and his girlfriend are eating partners. They both weigh twice as much as they should. I am concerned about their health. Every time I bring it up, they get upset with me. What can I do to help them?
Signed concerned mom.
A
We have drinking partners and dieting partners and exercise partners, so why not eating partners? I understand you are describing a relationship that reinforces each others’ compulsive behavior. My Favorite Eating Partner is often one who doesn’t choose healthy food, who doesn’t raise an eyebrow if you order two desserts, and generally likes more of everything. We’re all susceptible to being influenced by the food choices made by those around us. It’s easier to order mac and cheese rather than a salad when that’s what our eating partner just ordered. Your question, though, was what you can do to stop this behavior in others. Actual confrontation rarely works. The best thing you can do is to mirror good behavior by eating healthy yourself. Don’t comment on their eating habits. Don’t be critical; it will have the opposite effect. They must decide for themselves to become healthy eating partners.
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Summary: A challenging, but doable read for anybody over the age of 12. On par with grade-level readings from 14 on.
Month by month, Moscow, 1937 details the process in which the Soviet Government (led by Joseph Stalin at the time), carried out “The Great Purge.� This was a yearlong period of severe political unrest, as Stalin combed through Russia, executing anybody he deemed to be a political threat or enemy, ultimately resulting in the loss of more than 1.5 million lives. Through his own personal thoughts, along with interviews of those who lived through this event, Schlogel is able to paint an incredible picture of what life was like in Russia during this hard time.
What I Liked About the Book: When looking at The Great Purge, possibly the most deadly point in Russian
history, many are quick to call Stalin a monster, and rightfully so. However, there is no doubt that Stalin’s vision for Russia was far better than the actual end result. That being said, the question must then be raised: Where is the line between a dream and terror, and once this line is crossed, how does it lead to a totalitarian government? These are all questions that are answered in Schlogel’s historical novel, and this was the main reason why I enjoyed it so much.
Fall 2014 • Page 23
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH
The Best Strategy to Save for College T
by Steve Carr
h e r e ’s a l w a y s a chance your children will grow up to be exceptional students, star athletes, and so on, and will receive full scholarships to the college of their dreams. However, one cannot count on that, and with college costs skyrocketing every year, starting a college savings plan is a great financial decision. The best time to save for college is when your little ones are newborn. Why? Because the earlier you start putting money away for college, the longer it has to grow through compounding interest and reinvesting. Note, that with the extremely low interest rates we are experiencing today, it takes even longer for your investment grow, and 18 years to college arrives quicker than you think. There are several savings plans to choose from. A 529 qualified college savings plan is an excellent choice. A 529 savings plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans. All 50 states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of 529 plan. In addition, a group of private colleges and universities sponsor a prepaid tuition plan. While the prepaid tuition plan might offer some ben-
Start Early!
efits, one must consider other factors. These plans sell units to cover the education costs at specified state (and some private) universities. But what if YOUR CHILD doesn’t want to go to a state university or the specific college that you prepay for? Then you paid into a plan that you cannot use and the funds are not transferable. You are out the money. The 529 college savings plan offers more options with greater flexibility. Federal tax breaks: Your investment in the 529 plan grows tax-deferred (contributions are made with after-tax dollars). As long as you use the proceeds to pay for education-related expenses, the withdrawals are taxfree as well.
Page 24 • Bouldercountykids.com
State tax breaks: Some states offer tax breaks on top of the federal tax treatment. If your state doesn’t have any tax benefits, check out other states’ programs. You’re welcome to invest in the 529 plan of any state. Control: You control the account, your children do not. F le x ibility: T h e plans are flexible, and you can change your investment choices at will. You can even set one up for yourself, if you’re planning on going back to school or to graduate school. No income limits: In most cases, anyone can contribute, regardless of
income, and contribution limits are very high. The best 529 college savings plan! It seems logical that you would contribute to your own state’s plan. However, your states plan may or may not be right for you. Start out by investigating the tax benefits of your state’s plan. If your state offers compelling tax benefits, then it will usually be a top contender. If not, definitely investigate other states’ plans. However, one of the drawbacks of a 529 plan is if you or your child do not end up attending college. While the benefits can be passed onto other family members, you will pay a penalty when you withdraw the funds from a 529 that are not for educational purposes. An alternative viable option is to invest funds into a ROTH IRA. You can use the funds for educational purposes and/or for your retirement. There is a limit on your income and the amount you can contribute each year, but the additional flexibility is comforting. Tips for your college students to save money while attending college: College is expensive, and the money college students spend during college can spiral out of control. Follow these tips to help make your hard-earned dollars go a bit farther. • Buy used textbooks or borrow textbooks from a friend who took the class last year. • Seek alternative transportation—walk or bike to
classes and enjoy the muchneeded exercise. Instead of driving, look into the local bus or subway system. You’ll probably be able to ride for free (or, a discount) with a student ID. • Choose the right meal plan—on-campus meal plans vary. Purchase the best plan that fits your student’s needs. If they skip breakfast or lunch anyway, why pay for 3 meals a day, when 2 could suffice? Cut out coupons, buy in bulk, and sign up for a shopper’s discount card. Be creative and plan dinners with roommates and friends instead of going to more expensive restaurants. • Monitor your spending habits—retain EVERY receipt for a month. When your thirty days are up, add up all of your expenses and see where your money went. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to cut back on unnecessarily spending once you review all of your receipts. • Be creative with your leisure time—everyone needs to unwind, and there are many opportunities to spend money ...movies, bars, cafÊs, shopping, and so on. Ask about student discounts. However, think of alternative ways to have a good time while spending less money. Plan a picnic in the park, make meals at home, go for a bike ride around town, play Frisbee golf, visit a museum. • Consider switching financial institutions—if your bank does not have branch offices or in-network ATMs on or near campus, ATM fees could escalate quickly. Credit unions cater to college students by offering free checking and savings accounts with low minimum balance requirements. They provide over twice as many in-network ATMs and branch offices nationwide than even the largest banks and offer free
BOULDER County Kids HEALtH online and mobile banking that makes it easier to keep track of your account transactions/activity to help you stay out of the red as much as possible. You can still make deposits locally for your students, and they can access the funds quickly at college. Other Options to S T R E T C H Your Dollars • Look for scholarships and student loans— Scholarship funds are available. Ask your counselors for sources. Get prepared and notice deadlines. Put together a sample application so you can easily modify it and submit it on a moment’s notice. • Modify your cell phone plan—typically students don’t need unlimited talk, text, and data on their cell phone. The campus is WiFi ready, and friends are always nearby. • Off-campus living— sharing an apartment with a friend—may seem fun and cut the price of housing in half or one-third... but friends might become a nightmare within weeks or months. They don’t clean up after themselves, party till all hours, don’t respect your space or belongings, don’t pay rent on time, and the list goes on. Just beware. • Find a job—on-campus jobs are available. They are on campus and offer flexible hours, as they understand college students’ schedules.
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Steve Carr is with the Boulder Valley Credit Union on 55th & Arapahoe in Boulder. For questions on this article, please call (303) 442-8850 or visit www.bvcu.org
Fall 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 25
BOULDER County Kids
The Importance of Play by Chelsea Patti
P
lay may be the most important factor in determining a child’s success later in life. Not their ability to recite the alphabet by age 3, not the number of flash cards they are exposed to, and not the number of expensive educational toys their parents buy for them. If this is true, why do we continue to think of it as “just play?” Perhaps
marketing trends and lack of information are to blame. Toys aimed at making children smarter make up a multi-billion dollar industry, and parents are constantly the target of their advertising campaigns. In fact, from 1981 to 1997, the amount of children’s free playtime dropped by a quarter. (Wenner 2009) However, the research implies that open-
Evidence-based, multisensory instruction to help students learn to their potential. We go far beyond traditional tutoring using proven methods.
DAYTIME INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN ADDITION TO AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS.
Call us for an academic evaluation.
Learning Pathways Boulder Office 303-499-1941 www.learningpathwayscolorado.com
Page 26 • Bouldercountykids.com
ended play is the key to developing the most highly valued 21st century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and communication. As a small child, play was my way of life. Linoleum floors turned into moats and oceans, and jungle gyms turned into castles and ships. I was constantly presented with choices of the imagination. How old do I want to be today? Seventeen, one and a half, twenty-six? Now that I’m actually twentysix and not just pretending to be, play has taken on an entirely new context. It is the epicenter of developing essential skills to be a happy, successful adult. I may not be an expert on child development, but I lived it. My mother took a job as a nanny for the first five years of my life and went on to open her own day care. She currently works for CSU in the early childhood center. Child development is woven into the fabric of my daily life. As an employee at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe, a common scenario I encounter is a parent walking in and requesting “educational” toys. Based on research about open-ended play, ALL toys can be educational. John Medina (2010:133), a molecular biologist and author of the book Brain Rules for
Baby, elaborates, “We now know that open-ended activities are as important to a child’s neural growth as protein. Indeed, the box the flashcards come in is probably more beneficial to a toddler’s brain than the flash cards themselves.” Structured learning activities such as flashcards can be useful, but they only encourage memorization, which is one of the lowest functions our brains can perform. Critical thinking is one of the highest functions a brain can perform because it involves not only retaining knowledge, but taking that knowledge and analyzing it, questioning it, and applying it to different contexts. To develop critical thinking skills children need to be challenged with something that is open-ended, meaning something free of limits, expectations, and adaptable to change. There are many fantastic open-ended building toys out there that help develop these vital and much-sought-after skills. Zoobs consist of many col-
orful pieces that snap, pop, and click together to make anything a child can imagine. Magnatiles are building tiles that magnetically attract to form 2-D or 3-D creations. Squigz, pliable suction cup pieces, offer a fun sensory experience and allow children to creatively engage by building wacky structures. Play does not have predetermined rules and therefore allows for more creative responses. This creativity poses a greater challenge to a developing brain than does a set of structured rules (Wenner 2009). Most toys that help nurture a child’s creativity are focused on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. Rory’s Story Cubes, a collection of dice with different pictures on every side, is a toy designed to spark a child’s imagination and allow them to create their own stories.
BOULDER County Kids
by Sarah’s Silks. These simple silk scarves can be turned into almost anything a child’s imagination can dream up: a superhero cape, fairy wings, or even a flying carpet. Whether play causes the development of these skills or simply provides practice for abilities that are already developing, the agreement is that play is essential. Critical thinking, creativity, and communication are only a few of the skills encouraged by open-ended play. Not surprisingly, these benefits do not stop at childhood. Adults can benefit greatly from unstructured activities as well! Every parent wants to help their child reach their full potential, and it starts with just playing.
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Communication is a growing field and undeniably important in any job. Children who are allowed open-ended play have more extensive vocabularies and better language. Developing social skills is also an important step in making friends which Medina (2010) declares to be the number one indicator of happiness. Any kind of dress-up or roleplaying allows children to create their own stories and act them out while communicating common goals to whomever is playing with them. One of my favorite dress-up toys is a play scarf
References: Medina, John. 2010. Brain Rules for Baby. Seattle, WA: Pear Press. Wenner, Melinda. 2009. “The Serious Need for Play.” Scientific American.
We are always looking for suggestions at Grandrabbit’s. If you have any questions or would like to make a suggestion, just talk to a friendly Grandrabbit’s associate at any of our three locations and check out www.grtoys.com for more information.
Drug & Alcohol Prevention
Jack & Jill Children’s Salon is the only full-service hair salon exclusively dedicated to kids and tweens in Colorado. From bobs and up-dos to buzz cuts and faux hawks, we do it all. Our talented Style Squad continuously educates themselves on the latest trends. Like them on Facebook and get a $3 off coupon. 2525 Arapahoe, Boulder 202-444-2500 www.jackandjillchildrenssalon.com
Toys Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe Find all of your favorite toys, gifts, and more at Grandrabbit’s. Three stores to choose from. Free gift wrapping. Special events for children. Check our website for play days! 303-443-0780 - Boulder 303-465-8005 - Broomfield 303-815-1500 - Westminster www.grtoys.com
Natural Highs Ages 13-19 Hours: 4:15 to 6.15 pm, Tuesdays Healthy Alternatives to Drugs & Alcohol. Supportive community of teens who are interested in learning about healthy alternatives to drugs & alcohol, the brain chemistry of drugs & alcohol, depression, anxiety, happiness, and so much more! Any teen is welcome to join. Fees: By donation Avani Dilger avani@naropa.edu 4705 Baseline (NW corner of Baseline & Foothills) 303-859-5778 www.naturalhighs.us
Travel Carefree Travel Because all your travel should be carefree. Member of The Travel Society and experts in European travel, family cruises, and more. 3000 Center Green Dr., Suite 220 Boulder, 80301 303-499-9400 www.bouldercarefreetravel.com
Fall 2014 • Page 27
BOULDER County Kids
Is Your Birthday Party Planned?
ADL is proud to work with you and your school to make Boulder County safe and inclusive for all people.
Check out pages 36 to 37!
For more information please contact the Anti-Defamation League: 303.449.2607 • Boulder@ADL.org
Page 28 • Bouldercountykids.com
BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory
Acorn School for Early Childhood Development—Boulder 2845 Wilderness Place (303) 938-8233 Contact - Amanda Naylor Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Acorn School is a full-day program, serving a diverse population from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our small group sizes, low ratios, and our primary caregiving philosophy make us a high-quality early care and education program. Two meals & snacks served daily. Visit website to make admissions inquiries. W: www.theacornschool.org E: amanda@theacornschool.org
Active Boulder Kids Preschool & After-School Care—Boulder 5001 Pennsylvania Ave. (303) 499-9854 Contact - Kristen Argow Ages: 2 1/2 - 9 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm A world of creative and fun discoveries and adventures! We provide imaginative programs and activities that promote social/emotional growth. We teach life skills and encourage the child’s learning through active play and exploration. Small classroom sizes, caring, qualified teachers, nature/play-based/learning centers. W: www.activeboulderkids.com E: ka@activeboulderkids.com
Autana Bilingual Montessori Preschool—Boulder 4732 Greylock St. (720) 935-9740 Contact - Raquel or Patricia Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 4 pm Autana Preschool is a bilingual Montessori home-based preschool and kindergarten. We offer a warm and loving home atmosphere, Montessori learning areas and quality materials, joy of learning, Spanish (bilingual staff), nature-oriented activities, peace education curriculum, a strong sense of community, and a vegetable garden. W: www.autanaschool.com E: info@autanaschool.com
The BellaVita School—Longmont 641 Terry St. (303) 772-3228 Contact - Ms. Rachael Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round/SummerCamp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 4 pm BellaVita is a small Reggio Emilia inspired preschool program where children are treated with love and respect. Organic meals and snacks. Low student-teacher ratios. Music, dance, Spanish, and science classes. W: www.thebellavitaschool.com E: thebellavitaschool@comcast.net
Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Emily Armiak Ages: 2 yrs 6 mos - 5 yrs Licensed Year-round Hours: 5 1/2-hour program. Extended Hours: 7:15 am to 5:45 pm Children experience exploratory learning and participate in a wide variety of developmental activities, including art, music, science, dramatic play, and small and gross motor. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: preschool@bixbyschool.org
Blue Sky Kindergarten/Preschool—Boulder 3046 11th St. (303) 443-4965 Contact - Staff Ages: 21/2 - 6 yrs. Licensed Year-round/summer camp program. Program Days: M-F, Hours 8:30 am to 1 pm, + aftercare to 3:30 pm. Our rich curriculum embraces the arts and honors the seasons: gardening, handwork, music, puppetry, crafts, movement, baking, and storytelling. After-school art program. Morning Glory Program for parents & toddlers 6 months to age 3. Summer Camps June and July. W: blueskykindergarten.com
Boulder County Head Start—Boulder/Lafayette 135 Cimarron Drive (702) 564-2210 Contact – Susi Gritton Ages: 3-5 Licensed September – May Program Days: M-F (full day) T-F (half day) Boulder County Head Start is a FREE, comprehensive preschool with sites in Boulder and Lafayette. We provide a quality experience that supports school readiness skills for your child. We believe our job is to help families connect with resources and support families’ engagement in their child’s education. Income guidelines for eligibility apply. Se habla Español. W: www.bouldercounty.org E: sgritton@bouldercounty.org
Fall 2014 • Page 29
BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory
Boulder Montessori School—Boulder 3300 Redstone Rd (303) 494-5814 Contact - Amy Condon Ages: 18 mo/6yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. We are Licensed by the State and accredited by NAEYC and AMS. Boulder Montessori is celebrating 40 years of excellence in early childhood education. We have two national accreditations, an excellent dedicated staff, and a beautiful location. W: bouldermontessori.org E: amy@bouldermontessori.org
Broomfield Academy—Broomfield 7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner Ages: 2 1/2+ Licensed Year-round, including summer Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm before/after-school option (7 am to 6 pm). Days: M-F. 2, 3, or 5 days/week. 1/2-day & full-day options. Academic preschool and jr. kindergarten. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education, helping children be exceptional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and after-school programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus, with creative outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, and a teaching garden for ages 2 1/2 -7. W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: principal@broomfieldacademy.com
Children’s Alley—Boulder 2222 14th Street (303) 449-1951 Contact - Staff Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-Th 7:30 am to 8 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. Drop-in, temporary child care center. Children are scheduled one day at a time, and fees are based on a sliding scale. Call at 2 pm to reserve child care for the following day. You may reserve ahead for Saturdays. Center features caring, experienced teachers, and nutritious meals and snacks are included. Please call or visit our website for more information. W: www.ywcaboulder.org E: childrensalley@ywcaboulder.or
Page 30 • Bouldercountykids.com
Children’s House Preschool—Boulder 3370 Iris Walk Court (303) 444-6432 Contact - Michael Knuckey Ages: 21/2 - 51/2 yrs Licensed September through May Program Days: M-F morning sessions, 8:30 am-11 am or 12 noon, M-TH. Afternoon sessions 12:30 pm to 3 pm. Full-time option is available. Bringing books to life through the Storybook Journey since 1970. Our preschoolers explore and experience themes from children’s literature in a fully integrated way through dramatic play, art projects, cooking, science experiments, planting, block building, tactile play, music, and movement. Children discover the joys of becoming authors when their dictated stories are read to the class. Director Elaine McCarthy BCAEYC’s “Educator of the Year 2010” has been with the school since 1992. W: www.childrenshousepreschool.org E: info@childrenshousepreschool.org
Dream Makers Preschool—Boulder Boulder (720) 274-0101 Contact - Deb Gedenberg Ages: 2 1/2 - 5 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 1 pm, with optional extended day program until 3:15 pm (choose any two, three, four, or five days). The enriched learning environment at the enchanting Dream Makers cottage promotes a natural ongoing process that empowers children to make positive choices throughout their lives. By nurturing both intellect and spirit using the Reggio Emilia approach, your child’s capabilities are unearthed while playing, exploring, and making friends in a safe setting, among sensitive, loving teachers. Get ready for kindergarten! Our extended day Pre-K program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3:15 pm enhances your child’s elementary school knowledge & experience for easy transitioning into kindergarten. Summer programs available for ages 2 1/2 - 8 yrs. Maximum enrollment of 15 children. Ratio 1:5. W: www.dreammakerspreschool.com
ECCO Preschool —Boulder 2575 Glenwood Drive (303) 443-1654 Contact - David Suppan Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days and Hours: M-Th. 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. ECCO Preschool is a new school in north Boulder with a focus on social-emotional growth that invites attention from all the child’s senses as if listening to the deep sonorous echo of a bell. We offer quality materials in support of handwork, crafts, woodworking, and gardening among many other creative explorations. W. www.eccopreschool.com E: dsuppan@me.com
BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory
Forest Park Montessori School—Lafayette 2687 North Park Dr. (720) 260-0519 Contact – Adena M. Boyd,M.Ed. Ages: 21/2 - 6 Licensed August through May/Summer Camp Program Days and Hours: M-F, 8:30 am-12 pm with an option for 3 or 5 afternoons 12 pm-3:30 pm. Before and aftercare available. Afternoon special offerings include baking, natural history, gardening, and art. FPMS is an authentic Montessori school and a full member of the American Montessori Society with fully credentialed lead teachers. The curriculum and environment nurtures creative thinking, peaceful social interactions, and individualized instruction that gives each child the opportunity to learn and develop at his or her own pace. FPMS has an active parent community with parent development workshops, many volunteer opportunities, and a parent board of directors. Call today to schedule an individual tour of our beautiful school. W: www.forestparkmontessori.org E: info@forestparkmontessori.org
Friends’ School—Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Melanie Leggett Ages: 2-5 yrs Licensed & Accredited August - May/Summer Camp Program Days and Hours: Call for days and times. Parent/Toddler one day/week, 3-4-year-olds three half-days/week, 4-5 year olds four half-days/week, optional extra half-days available. A supportive community, committed to educating the whole child—head, hands, and heart. Play and exploration-based preschool with a focus on relationships, communication, art, and a foundation for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid available. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org
Gateway Montessori School—Longmont 1500 9th Avenue (303) 772-3864 Contact - Reyn Hedger Ages: 2.5 to 6 State Licensed & Eco-Healthy designation September - May Program Days: M-F . Hours: 8 am-12:30 pm possible for Preschool & 8 am-1:45 possible for Kindergarten 4 or 5 half-day programs. M-Th or M-F. Offering an authentic Montessori preschool & kindergarten program. Also offering a parent-child program for infants and toddlers. We Nurture the Love of Learning! W: www.gatewaymontessorischool.net E: office@gatewaymontessorischool.net
McGregor’s Garden Preschool—South Boulder 3535 Eastman Avenue (Martin Acres) (303) 499-9341 Contact - Barbara or Don McGregor Ages: 2 - 5 years. Licensed for 12 children. Program Days: M-F, Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm. $60 per day. Very active, loving child care in our happy home near Martin Park. Husband and wife team (both former elementary teachers). Full preschool program. Lots of field trips in the big blue van (we provide 12 car seats). Healthy, homemade meals, including cooking lessons and jelly making. Arts and crafts, science, gardening, music, dance, games, puzzles, building, digging, hiking, sledding, and fishing. We climb trees and rocks and play in creeks. Plenty of creative free-play in our interesting home and in our shady backyard. We emphasize social skills and being a good friend. Fun for your child; peace of mind for you. Closed during BVSD Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring breaks, with no charge to parents when closed. Priority given to children who will be attending Creekside Elementary School in Martin Acres. Celebrating our 25th year of celebrating childhood. E: barbara_don_mcgregor@msn.com
Miss Catherine’s Creative Learning Center—Boulder Miss Catherine’s Infant Center—Boulder 6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 340 (303) 530-1820 5280 Spine Road, Suite 104 Contact - Catherine Médal Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed, NAEYC accredited Year-round Toddlers/Preschool/:Pre-K: M-F, MWF or T/TH full day 7 am - 6 pm. Infant Center: M-F, 7 am to 5:30 pm. Creative Curriculum, Music, Spanish, and Art Teacher, breakfast, lunch, snack. Infant Center has a 1 to 4 ratio of teachers to students, newly renovated! Three developmental rooms—newborns, crawlers, and walkers. “Nurturing the whole child through creative learning.” Each child moves at his or her own pace to each developmentally appropriate group. Call us for a personal tour.
Montessori Academy—Lafayette 801 N 111th Street (303) 926-8321 Contact - Jean Chorbajian Ages 1-6 years Licensed August - May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Full- and half-day programs, with before- & after-school care. Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environment that leads children toward confidence, independence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment that respects each individual child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society full-member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified. Music is offered 2 days a week and Spanish is offered 2 days a week. Schedule a tour today! W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com E: montessori.academy@mac.com
Fall 2014 • Page 31
BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory
Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder 4154 63rd Street (303) 530-5353 Contact - Ann Kasunich Ages: 12 months to 6th grade Toddler ~ Primary ~ Elementary ~ AMI-Accredited & Licensed Program Days: M-F, 9-month program for ages 12 months to 6th grade and 9- or 12-month programs for ages 12 months-3 years and 3-5 years. Hours: Full day: 8:15 am to 3 pm, half day: 8:15 pm to 12 noon, extended hours program 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Mountain Shadows Montessori School is the only accredited AMI (Association Montessori International) school in Colorado. Located on a beautiful 12-acre country campus in Boulder, MSMS has continuously provided excellence in Montessori education since 1976. At Mountain Shadows, children joyfully learn to reach their full potential while developing skills for living a successful life. Call today to schedule your personal tour of our campus. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: admissions@mountainshadows.org
Early Childhood Music—Boulder 1237 Pine Street (720) 244-8760 Contact - Cathy Compton Ages: 6 weeks - 3 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: Do Re Mi and You: Early Childhood Music 10:15-11 am on Wednesdays $15 drop ins/ $120 punch card/10 classes. An innovative blend of singing, dancing, creative movement, instrument exploration, and personal expression in a beautiful, state-of-the-art classroom. Our classes are rooted in quality LIVE MUSIC of American folk, world, and popular genres. The instructor accompanies the singing with guitar, banjo, drums, or piano. W: offbroadwayfinearts.org E: info@offbroadwayfinearts.org
Patience Montessori School—Boulder 3600 Hazelwood Court (303) 449-5214 Contact - Patience Schutrumpf Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm Patience Montessori is a private multicultural Montessori school for children from the ages of six weeks though six years; we accept children who are not potty trained. Patience Montessori offers a child care program as a service to working parents; we are open yearround. Our teachers are Montessori-accredited and group-leader qualified. W: patiencemontessori.com E: patience@patiencemontessori.com
Page 32 • Bouldercountykids.com
6KHSKHU :DOGRUI
&EVDBUJOH $IJMESFO t $VMUJWBUJOH $PN Shepherd Valley Waldorf School—Niwot Hwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Ruth Godberfforde Ages: 3-14 Licensed August - June and Summer Camp Hours: M-F, 8:30 am to 3:20 pm, with aftercare to 5:30 pm Shepherd Valley Waldorf School is only 5 minutes from Boulder and offers a developmentally appropriate, balanced approach to education that integrates the arts and rigorous academics for children from preschool/kindergarten through eighth grade. It encourages the development of each child’s sense of truth, beauty, and goodness. The aim of the education is to inspire in each student a lifelong love of learning and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities. Call for a personal school tour. W: www.shepherdvalley.org E: enrollment@shepherdvalley.org
StarSong LifeWays Child Care & Preschool—Boulder N. Boulder (303) 442-0998/(720) 203-9694 Contact - Julie Zacharias Ages: 1-5 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F: 8:30 am -12:30 pm or 8:30 am -3:30 pm. (2-, 3-, 4- and 5-day options). Waldorf-inspired, relationship-based care in a home environment, where “life” is the curriculum. LifeWays focuses on nurturing, social, and creative arts, letting childhood unfold through imaginative play, storytelling, gardening, and plenty of time outside. Organic lunch provided. W: www.starsong-lifeways.com E: julie@starsong-lifeways.com
Sunflower Farm Sprout House/Sprout House Extension Program—Longmont 11150 Prospect Road (303) 774-8001 Contact - Colette Ages: 3 to 5 yrs/5 to 7 yrs Program Days and Hours: M-F. Choose 1 class per week or several. Mornings: 9 am to 1 pm. Afternoons: 1:30 to 4 pm. Outdoor, early-childhood, and nature program. It’s simple—kid’s just need to play. This program is as much outdoor time as we can possibly pack in. Even on cold days, we bundle up and walk the farm, feed animals, build snowmen, collect eggs, climb the giant tree house, catch toads, or follow bugs. Activities include participating in daily farm routines, feeding and caring for animals, gardening and harvesting. Inside activities include a recycled creative art building, where children choose from painting, woodworking, sculpting,
BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory fabric art, and sensory materials. By popular demand, we have now added a SproutHouse extension program for children, ages 5 to 7. Children will have the opportunity to explore more in-depth, handson interest in farm lifestyle. This drop-off program is a great supplement or alternative to traditional preschool or kindergarten. W: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com E: sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com TLC Learning Center—Longmont 611 Korte Pkwy (303) 776-7417 Contact - Cindy Wickham Ages: birth to 6 Qualistar accreditation Year-round Hours: M-F, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Half- and full-day options available. High-quality child care and early education that prepares children for success by nurturing the individual learning styles of all children. W: www.LearningWithTLC.org E: cwickham@LearningWithTLC.org Sunflower Preschool—Boulder 3340 Dartmouth (303) 494-2012 Contact-Debbie Ellman Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 4 pm. Part-time schedules available. Sunflower Preschool is now a certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, as well as PACE certified since 2008. Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors in 1981, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on, nurturing environment where children learn through exploration and discovery. At Sunflower our classrooms are Montessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come and take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multisensory outdoor environment. W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com E: sunflowerpreschool@yahoo.com
Treehouse Learning—Louisville 175 North 96th St. (303) 666-1950 Contact - Patti Gee-Head of School Ages: Infants - Kindergarten Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F, 3 - 5 full days. Hours: 7 am to 6 pm or 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Treehouse Learning offers early education and child care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and full-day kindergarten. Our curriculum is comprehensive, integrating social skills with academics, Spanish, art, music, movement. Professional staff, small groups, secure environment, nutritious snacks and lunches, beautiful facility, and naturally landscaped grounds. Located in the Indian Peaks area, near 95th & Baseline; independent school, local family-owned since 1997. Limited availability in all groups. W: www.treehouselearning.com
Fall 2014 • Page 33
BOULDER County Kids
Private
SCHOOL
o Alexander Dawson School—Lafayette 10455 Dawson Drive (303) 665-6679 Contact - Admissions Office Ages: K - 12th grade Licensed & Accredited September - June/Camp Program Days: M-F, 175 days. Hours: 8 am to 3:25 pm, plus AfterSchool Academy. A well-rounded, Renaissance approach. Student/teacher ratio of 7/1, daily enrichment (art, music, computers, library, foreign language, sports), stimulating academics, superb teachers. W: www.dawsonschool.org E: admissions@dawonschool.org
Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Nicholas Edgerton Ages: K - 5th Grade Licensed 9-month & year-round Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm (7:15 am to 5:45 pm extended day) Small group instruction in language arts, mathematics, geography, science, music, art, and history, with curriculum geared to challenging each student’s needs. We teach to individual strengths, so every child thrives. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: office@bixbyschool.org
Broomfield Academy—Broomfield 7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner, principal Ages: 2 1/2 - 14 yrs Licensed Year-round, including summer Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Before- and afterschool programs. Academic preschool through middle school. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education helping children be exceptional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and afterschool programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus with creative outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, and a teaching garden. Year-round enrollment. W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: principal@broomfieldacademy.com
Page 34 • Bouldercountykids.com
Schools Friends’ School—Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Melanie Leggett Ages: K-5th grade Licensed & Accredited Aug - May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm Aftercare and enrichment classes 3:15 to 5:30 pm A supportive community committed to educating the whole child—head, hands, and heart. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid available. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org
Hillside School—Boulder 6717 S. Boulder Road (303) 494-1468 Contact - Kathy Sherman Ages: 1st-9th grade Accredited August-May & Summer Program Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 to 11 am and 12 to 3 pm Hillside School provides individualized, research-based instruction for students with learning differences such as dyslexia. In classrooms of four, students make significant and measurable academic gains in a caring and supportive environment. W: www.hillsidelearning.org E: info@hillsidelearning.org
Mountain Peak School—Longmont 1833 Sunset Place (720) 494-1622 Contact - Tom Buckett Ages: 3 - 12 yrs (6th grade) Licensed August - June/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:15 am to 5:45 pm Mountain Peak is an independent, nonsectarian school that focuses on educating the whole child. Recognizing that each child is unique, teachers are entitled to individualize curriculum based on each child’s developmental stage. We offer learning experiences that reach beyond the core academic areas beginning at the preschool level. We strive for excellence by nurturing each child’s intellect, curiosity, and social growth. And because studies have shown that large class sizes adversely affect learning, we are committed to keeping our classes small (15-16 for K-6th grades, 10-12 for preschool). Before/after-school care, daily PE, art, music, foreign language. W: www.mountainpeakschool.com E: mountainpeak@comcast.net
BOULDER County Kids
Private Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder 4154 63rd Street (303) 530-5353 Contact - Ann Kasunich Ages: 12 months to 6th grade Toddler ~ Primary ~ Elementary ~ AMI-Accredited & Licensed Program Days: M-F, 9-month program for ages 12 months to 6th grade and 9- or 12-month programs for ages 12 months-3 years and 3-5 years. Hours: Full day: 8:15 am to 2:50 pm, half day: 8:15 pm to 12 noon, extended hours program 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Mountain Shadows Montessori School is the only accredited AMI (Association Montessori International) school in Colorado. Located on a beautiful 12-acre country campus in Boulder, MSMS has continuously provided excellence in Montessori education since 1976. At Mountain Shadows, children joyfully learn to reach their full potential while developing skills for living a successful life. Call today to schedule your personal tour of our campus. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: admissions@mountainshadows.org
SCHOOL
Schools The Patchwork School—Louisville 1428 Main St. (720) 271-6729 Contact - Michele Beach Ages: K-12, Preschool and Toddlers August - May & Summer Camps Program Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 3 pm. Before and aftercare, from 8 to 9 am and 3 to 4 pm. The Patchwork School is an innovative nonprofit organization promoting children’s rights and meaningful educational options for all, at the heart of which is a community-based democratic school for children ages one and up, located in Louisville, Colorado. By respecting children as people with ideas, interests, and opinions, and by utilizing our community’s resources, we have created an experiential learning environment that fosters critical thinking and problem solving, develops communication and leadership abilities, nurture’s self-confidence and self-direction, promotes compassion and sustainability, and most of all preserves a passion for learning. Through the school, our parent education, teacher training, and community building, we advocate for freedom, responsibility, and compassion in community. W: www.thepatchworkschool.com E: info@thepatchworkschool.com
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Boulder County KIDS
Tree In The Meadows Acrylic on Paper
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by Victoria Prizemin, age 11
Fall Issue Volume XX No. 3 • Back-To-School Issue 2014
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www.bouldercountykids.com Fall 2014 • Page 35
BOULDER County Kids
Birthday Party Directory Broomfield
Boulder Boulder/Broomfield
ABC Birthday Parties Ages: 3 - 18 1960 32nd Street Climbing Parties! Fun, low-stress, quality parties with ABC Kids Climbing. Includes party room, games, activities, pizza, cake, and climbing for kids of all ages and abilities. Hours: Call for times. Contact: Staff 303-443-5437 info@abckidsclimbing.com www.abckidsclimbing.com
Clementine Birthday Parties Ages: 3 - 10 1237 Pine Street. New location! Parties designed with your child in mind. Art parties with high-quality materials and lots of fun for all for 11/2 hours. Minimum of 8 and maximum of 30 children. Optional extras of cakes, invitations, and gluten-free treats. Bright and spacious facility. Hours: Saturday morning and afternoon slots available. Contact: Staff 303-443-2520 lisa@openartsclementine.org www.openartsclementine.org
Ages: All 3005 Sterling Circle-Boulder 8820 W. 116th Circle-Broomfield Are you looking for something different for your child’s next Birthday Bash? Come to Elite where the kids can dance, create a craft, and jump into a themed world—Princess, Jungle, RockStar, 80s, Ballet, Hip-Hop, and many more. We host parties for ages 2 and up. We can take care of anything and everything! Call to book your party today! Contact: Staff 303-466-8626 info@elitedanceacademy.net www.EliteDanceAcademy.net
Birthday Parties play! at Grandrabbit’s
Boulder
Ages: 1-9 2525 Arapahoe Ave H-7 The birthday child and guests will have an incredible experience being creative, experimenting, and engaging in activities designed with plenty of play! in mind! Parents can relax; enjoy the guests and the wide-eyed wonder of the birthday crowd! Contact: Betty Quigley 303-443-8675 www.playatgrandrabbits.com
Page 36 • Bouldercountykids.com
Broomfield Academy Splash Parties Ages: 3 - 18 7203 W 120th Avenue Birthday parties in Broomfield Academy’s very warm indoor saltwater pool are a blast. And very affordable! Pool rental and lifeguard fee is $60 per hour (2-hour minimum). Heated and fully enclosed pool building is perfect for the kids to play games in the pool, in any kind of outside weather, including snow! Bring your own birthday cake. Or, have pizza delivered! Or, bring your own food. It is an easy way to have a party. This pool is great for kids—and our lifeguards are fun to have in the pool during your party! Call to reserve your pool party today! Private, semiprivate, and group swim lessons are also available after school and on weekends. Parent-tot class on Saturdays. Contact: Anica 303-469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com
Countywide Adventure Quest or Sword Games Birthdays
Boulder/Denver
Ages: 6 - 16 Be the Hero of a Mythic Quest! Choose from swasher team games, Treasure Quest, or Adventure Quest. We come in costume, bring foam swasher swords, and lead the participants on an amazing adventure filled with riddles, dueling, interesting characters, and challenging games. Offering summer quests and birthday parties since 1995. Serving Boulder, Denver, and Surrounding Realms. For more information, please visit us online or call. 303-786-9216 RenaissanceAdventures.com
Challenge Island Ages: 5 - 11 Why just throw a party when you can throw an island party?! Choose from a whole slew of celebratory challenges (like our Angry Birds Challenge) to create your tribal birthday celebration! Please visit our website for more details. Days: Any day of the week. Contact: Megan Johnson 303-776-0969 mjohnson@challenge-island.com www.challenge-island.com/ colorado-longmont
Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Birthday Parties Ages: 3 - 10 111 W. Baseline Road Birthday parties at the Lafayette Recreation Center. Choose from tree climbing, skateboarding, swimming, or gymnastics! Price includes party room/skatepark shelter, cake, candles, tablecloth, paper goods, and one of 12 special party “themes.” Contact: Heide Barrowman 303-665-0469 heideb@cityoflafayette.com www.cityoflafayette.com/parties
BOULDER County Kids
Birthday Party Directory Dog House Music Ages: 5 to adult 525 Courtney Way Rock & Roll Birthday Parties! Authentic rock & roll birthday parties for kids, teens, and adults. Rock & roll makeover, interactive music video games on our giant flat screen, live performance by teen band. Hours: By appointment. Contact: Gary Lennox 303-664-1600 Contact@doghousemusic.com www.rockandrollbirthday.com
WOW! Children’s Museum Ages: 1-11 110 N. Harrison Avenue Celebrate your child’s next birthday in a fun, hands-on, and educational environment! Two-hour affordable and customizable party packages include party room rental, paper goods, playtime in the Museum, and more! For a unique experience, after-hour private parties available on Fridays and Sundays. Days and Hours: Call for times. Contact: Museum Staff 303-604-2424 www.wowchildrensmuseum.org
Longmont Louisville Nederland Triple Creek Ranch Horse Birthday Parties Ages: 4 -12 4255 Nelson Road $350 / $100 deposit. 2.5 Hours Party: for up to 10 children (additional fee for over 10). Join the fun of horse games, playing with the mini horses, and painting the special B-day horse, Dandy, along with a lead-line ride! Of course it’s washable paint! Kids and parents leave saying it’s the best party and setting they have ever been to! Fast-moving, fun, lasting memories. With years of experience, TCR takes great pride in our parties, to make sure all the extra touches are there for your guest! Check out our slide show on the Web page. Contact: Lynn McChesney 303-444-4291 lynntriplecreek@gmail.com www.triplecreek-ranch.com
Mountain Kids Gymnastic-Themed Parties Ages: 2-10 474 S. Taylor Ave. (in the Colorado Technology Center) Gymnastics-themed birthday parties include 1 hour of gymnastics time with our enthusiastic birthday party staff. Activities include a gigantic obstacle course, trampoline, games, relays, parachute play, and 30 minutes of party time for cake, presents, and other party activities. We provide the party host, invitations, thank-you notes, and party favors, and of course take care of all the cleanup! Great parties for kids of all ages! Call for fees. Contact: Anna Narvaes 303-665-8287 anna@mountain-kids.com www.mountain-kids.com
Birthday Party at The Carousel Ages: all 20 Lakeview Drive Rent the entire carousel or our upstairs party room. Party givers are welcome to bring their own treats; many local restaurants are able to provide food and drink. Fees: Party Room $40 per hour (includes 10 ride tickets). Entire carousel (available when we are not open) $125 per hour, which includes unlimited rides during your event. Call for more details. Days and Hours: we are always open Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm; please call for additional days and hours. Contact: Carousel Director 303-258-3457
Mudslingers Birthday Parties Ages: 5 and up 920 Main Street Mudslinger’s Pottery is happy to provide a fun and unique birthday party experience. Each party attendee will learn to glaze a professionally hand-crafted piece of pottery. Learn more about how the pieces were made with a demonstration/mini lesson on the potter’s wheel for an additional cost of $25. Call today to set up your party! Fees: $18 per child. Hours: By appointment. Contact: John Hansen 303-926-0996 mudslingerspotteryinc@gmail.com www.mudslingerspottery.com
Fall 2014 • Page 37
BOULDER County Kids
After-School Programs Arts & Science
Dance Boulder/Broomfield
Boulder Valley School District Boulder Valley
Clementine Art Classes Boulder
Ages: Children to adults 1237 Pine Street. NEW LOCATION! Clementine Studio™ is a full-time, art enrichment program with hands-on, multimedia programs that encourage independent exploration of age-appropriate art materials in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Weekly classes, workshops, camps, parties, and more. Drop-in classes available and now offering BVSD in-service day camps—full- and half-day options. For a complete listing, please visit our website. Hours: Call for times and days. C: Lisa Holub lisa@openartsclementine.org www.openartsclementine.org P: 303-443-2520
CU Science Discovery Boulder
Ages: 5-13 3400 Marine Street Are you looking for an enriching experience that is so much fun your kids won’t even realize how much they are learning? CU Science Discovery offers a variety of after-school and student-day-off/holiday programs designed to inspire budding science enthusiasts. Programs explore technology and science using hands-on activities that are sure to delight. Please register online or by phone. C: Anjali Maus sciencediscovery.colorado.edu P: 303-735-2230
Grades K-5 Offering high-quality enrichment classes/camps after school and on no-school days. Instruction provided in visual arts, science, theater, cooking, LEGOS™, sports, and language. Classes meet at BVSD schools and other locations in Boulder County. Please visit our website for complete class listings. Registration is available online or by phone. Program Days: M-S C: Lifelong Learning lifelong.learning@bvsd.org www.bvsd.org/LLL P: 720-561-5968
Boulder Ballet School Boulder
Ages: 3-Adult The official school of Boulder Ballet, under the direction of Ana Claire. Rigorous training in an atmosphere of playful professionalism. Recipient of the Florence Ruston Award for Overall Excellence, Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award, and Best of Boulder Award. Program Days: M-F, Sat. Hours: 9 am-7 pm+ For information on classes please visit boulderballet.org or call registrar. C: Nan Streicker P: 303-443-0028
Sunflower Kids Art Studio Boulder
Ages: 3.5-15 5345 Arapahoe Avenue #6 Our children are taught in small, cozy groups, which allows each child to explore at their own pace and receive individual attention from the instructor. Sunflower Kids teaches children everything they need to know to create paintings that both kids and parents will be proud of. Hours: Classes held every day. Please see our schedule and online gallery for more information. C: Lika Gitis lika@artsunflower.com www.artsunflower.com P: 720-939-7545
Page 38 • Bouldercountykids.com
Ages: All Join our dance family, where EVERYONE is a star! Dance with our expertly trained staff. Watch your dancer grow through our live video observation! All ages and abilities! Class types include jazz, ballet, hip-hop, pom, and more. Others include preschool ages, boys only, all-star poms, “GLEE” boot camp, as well as opportunities for competitive and performing teams. Your dancer will receive personalized evaluations and recommendations for continual development. Plenty of offerings to work for tight family schedules. Monthly packages and singleclass pricing available! Check out our state-of-the-art facilities today and schedule your studio tour with a one-on-one meeting. info@elitedanceacademy.net www.elitedanceacademy.net P: 303-466-8626
Empowerment
Success Strategies 4 Kids Boulder
Grades: K-10 Secrets of Friendship. What makes kids like other kids? Students will learn and practice six most important friendship skills, what makes kids avoid other kids, how to NOT lose your friends. Small class size, individual attention, student workbook, parent handout, and snacks. Early registration $165, week of class $185. Days and Hours: Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 pm. Summers are Tuesdays and Thursdays. C: Sherry Lewis, MS, LPC successstrategies4kids@gmail.com www.ss4k.com Facebook.com/sLewisCounselor LinkedIn.com/in/SherryLewisCounselor Twitter.com/sLewisCounselor P: 303-915-4421
BOULDER County Kids Guitar
Gymnastics Cheerleading
nourish your child’s spiritual growth. Program Days: Sun-Th. Hours: afternoons/eve. C: Sue Salinger school@neveikodesh.org www.NeveiKodesh.org P: 303-443-4567
Music Boulder Guitar Coach Boulder
Ages: 8 and up Guitar Lessons for Kids. Colorado certified elementary teacher. I can help your child to express themselves musically, while getting a solid music education and having Fun! Students will learn songs they are excited to play and make music from the very beginning. Days and Hours: M-Sat. 10 am-7 pm. C: Wayne Daniels info@boulderguitarcoach.com www.BoulderGuitarCoach.com P: 720-323-6424
Boulder Guitar Studio Boulder
Ages: 6 and up Guitar, Bass, Dobro, Lap Steel, and Ukulele lessons for all styles and levels. Learn your favorite songs & the fundamentals, techniques, theory, & reading skills behind them. Custom approach determining your interests & focus on having fun while reaching goals. Fees: $30 per 30 minutes, $40 per 45 minutes, $50 per hour. Days and Hours: M-F, 10 am-7 pm. C: Lee Johnson lee@boulderguitar.com www.boulderguitar.com P: 303-442-2379
Boulder Suzuki Strings Boulder
Mountain Kids Gymnastics & Dance Louisville
Ages: Walking and up 474 S. Taylor Avenue At Mountain Kids there are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, jungles to conquer, and fun to be had. Also, strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence, and new skills are acquired every day. Students discover their amazing movement potential through GYMNASTICS & DANCE classes in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment! We make moving and learning fun! Transportation available from select schools. Programs & times vary. Please call or visit our website for more information. C: Anna Narvaes anna@mountain-kids.com www.mountain-kids.com/louisville P: 303-665-8287
Jewish Studies
Ages: 4-18 Suzuki music instruction by registered faculty in violin, viola, & cello. Private & group lessons, note reading, theory, public performances, and more. Call for fees and times. Program Days: M-F C: Staff info@bouldersuzukistrings.org bouldersuzukistrings.org P: 303-499-2807
International School Of Music Boulder/Westminster
Ages: 4 and up Formerly known as Harmonious Music. Piano and accordion instruction in Russian or English, with a European flair. For children and adults. Master’s degree in piano, accordion, and musical performance. Fun and loving instruction in your home or ours, using traditional methods of reading and playing, coupled with the Russian school of piano/ accordion playing techniques. Lessons focus on music as an art form and how it has the ability to portray its different feelings, moods, and emotional experiences associated with everyday life. Multiple concerts held yearly. Hours: M-Sat. 10 am - 9 pm C: Nina www.intlschoolofmusic.com P: 303-502-8224
Music Together® of Boulder Ages: Birth-5 Small intimate parent/child programs. FREE demo classes offered throughout the year. Call for times and fees. Two Boulder locations—downtown and north. C: Jane Simms Roche www.musictogetherboulder.com P: 303-530-0434
Music Together® Central Boulder
Ages: Mixed ages, birth - 5 years and their caregivers. Award-winning, research -based early childhood music & movement program celebrating 25 years of family musicmaking. Families have fun planting the seeds for musical growth through singing, movement, and instrument play. Siblings welcome. Free demo by appointment. Weekly 45minute classes. Hours: Weekday mornings, Saturday morning, and evening times. Register online. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120
Congretaion Nevei Kodesh Boulder
Ages: 6-13 years 1925 Glenwood We provide Nevei Yeladim (Oasis for Children), a Jewish Renewal school with innovative programs in Hebrew, Jewish culture, and Torah study, designed to inspire, delight, and
Fall 2014 • Page 39
BOULDER County Kids
After-School Programs Music
Sandy Burrell Music Studio Niwot
Cont’d
Parlando School for the Arts Boulder
Music Together® Big Kids Boulder
Ages: 5-7 Our curriculum includes solfège (ear training), solos and ensembles, folk dances, harmony singing, vocal development, and drumming. Limited to 6 children, and each child will have their own keyboard. Safe, fun environment, conducting and improvisation, story songs, and game songs. Beginning piano component where we will apply some of what we are learning specifically to the piano. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120
Off Broadway School of Fine Arts Boulder
Ages: All 1237 Pine Street The Off Broadway School of Fine Arts (SoFA) provides excellence in private music instruction, encouraging students of all ages and abilities to find unique expressions of self through the unifying power of music. Experienced and professional instructors teach lessons in voice, piano, guitar, Suzuki guitar, violin, viola, cello, and a variety of other disciplines. Fees: Trial lessons $20; Ongoing/prorated registration. Hours: Arranged with individual instructors C: Staff info@offbroadwayfinearts.org offbroadwayfinearts.org P: 720-244-8760
Ages: All 2590 Walnut St. (Dairy Center) Parlando School for the Arts offers private instruction, group classes, and ensembles for students of all ages and abilities, on all musical instruments and in voice and musical theater. Our faculty of 50 of the region’s best teachers provide instruction to more than 700 students each week. More than half of our faculty have advanced degrees in music. C: Staff info@parlando.org www.parlando.org P: 303-442-0006
Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts Lafayette
Ages: All 200 E. Baseline Road Lessons, classes, and ensembles. Full member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, RMCMA is committed to providing highquality musical experiences for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and financial circumstances. We value excellence in arts education and access for all members of the community. Hours: M-F, 9 am - 9 pm C: Nancy Brace brace@comusic.org www.COmusic.org P: 303-665-0599
Page 40 • Bouldercountykids.com
a) Intro to Flute, 6 weeks. b) Intro to Violin, 8 weeks. c) Intro to Music, 1 semester – explore flute, violin, or piano. d) Penny Whistle Program – ideal class for ages 3 to 6. Fees:$10/class. Pay by session. Call for current class times. C: Sandy Burrell P: 303-652-3287
Piano
Group Piano/ Keyboard Class Boulder
Ages: 6 and up Children learn musical notation, theory, composition/improvisation music in a fun, supportive, creative environment. Weekly one-hour classes. Small groups of 6 children or fewer. Keyboards provided during lesson time. Jane Smolens has been a piano/music educator since 1986. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120
Mungo Music Jazz Piano/Guitar Boulder County
Ages: 5 and up and adults. In-home piano and guitar lessons in Boulder County for over 15 years. Traditional classical piano, as well as jazz theory and improvisation. Blues, rock, whatever! Young, enthusiastic and upbeat, passionate teacher. Piano tuning, too! Call Chase today! Hours: Call to schedule. C: Chase Norris Norris.Chase@gmail.com www.mungomusic.net P: 303-257-7777
BOULDER County Kids Swimming
Theater Tutoring
Do you have a bright child who is struggling with learning or focus?
Is your child experiencing any or all of the following: • Behind in reading or math • Weak organizational skills • Difficulty paying attention in school Learning • Illegible writing or writing not at ability Pathways • ADD/ADHD
Boulder
Open the door to a permanent path of learning Ages: 7 and upthat goes beyond tutoring or medication. We utilize the latest 1790 30th Street, #235 brain research in our individualized, one-on-one program. Is your child struggling with See why thousands have succeeded--your child can too!
Swim•Float•Swim! Home of Infant Aquatics Longmont
Ages: 6 months and up. Diagonal Trade Center 795 S. Sherman Street Boulder County’s best swim lessons are in Longmont! At Swim•Float•Swim! Your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. Our two warm-water indoor pools and UV water purification system ensure your child the safest and most comfortable water experience. We are the swim lesson experts—stop by our childfriendly facility to Discover the Difference. Hours: 7 am-7 pm, M-F C: Judy Heumann judy@infantaquatics.com www.swimfloatswim.com P: 303-499-2229
Swim School of Boulder Boulder
Ages: 6 months and up 3015 Bluff Street The Swim School of Boulder is the county’s premier aquatic training facility. As underwater experts in both scuba and swim training, we teach swimming skills and aquatic safety to all ages in our private, indoor 88-degree pool. Programs Days: M-Th, 9 am to 6 pm. C: Callie Holcomb callie@swimschoolboulder.com www.swimschoolboulder.com P: 303-440-7946 (SWIM)
Colorado Shakespeare Festival School of Theatre Boulder
Ages: 8-18. The CSF School of Theatre offers classes, workshops, and private coaching sessions for kids and teens year-round. Winter/Spring Classes include Directing, Costume Design, and Movement. One-day workshops (ranging from Gore Makeup to Stage Combat) are held every month in Boulder, and culminate in a short performance for friends and family. Space is limited! Call for schedule. C: Amanda Giguere csfedout@colorado.edu www.coloradoshakes.org/ education/csf-school-theatre P: 303-492-1973
Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids Boulder
Ages: 5-16 5311 Western Ave., Ste. 135 (near Arapahoe & 55th) Boulder’s premiere youth theatre offers Boulder’s best theatrical training in musical theatre, acting, voice, dance, improvisation, & more. After-school programs, Actors Academy Program, and summer camps. C: Mary Beth Ward info@theaterforkids.net www.theaterforkids.net www. ActorsAcademyCO.com P: 303-245-8150
reading, diagnosed with dyslexia, behind in math, LEARNING experiencing PATHWAYS PATHWAYS difficulty putting thoughts into words? BOULDER OFFICE - 303 303-499499-1941 We help where traditional www.learningpathwayscolorado.com tutoring can’t. Our multisensory methods get quick results that last a lifetime. Dreamcatcher An average student will achieve a 2-grade-level Direct Instruction increase in just a few weeks Centers of intensive instruction. Boulder Hours: M-F, 9 am-6 pm Ages: 5 to Adult C: Deborah Kratovil 5440 Conestoga Court learningpathwayscolorado@comcast.net www.learningpathwayscolorado.com (at 55th and Arapahoe) P: 303-499-1941 We promise at least one grade level increase in 30 hours of instruction, or we will teach your child for free! One-to-one supplemental educational services in reading, spelling, math, writing, critical thinking, and study skills. Research proven curriculum guarantees rapid progress. Also offering ACT/ Mathnasium SAT/GED prep, advanced MATH ONLY Learning Center math and writing, foreign Lafayette languages, and homework Grades: 1-College Calculus help. Flexible payment plans. 2770 Arapahoe Rd. Ste 114 Refund policy. We make math make sense! Hours: M - Sat, 8 am-8 pm Mathnasium’s affordable, C: Staff proven, customized proadmin.dreamcatcher@gmail.com grams work with kids to www.dreamcatcherlearning.com build a solid MATH foundaP: 303-444-8422 tion that makes sense to them. Our programs increase confidence and help kids understand & do their homework. Catch-up and enrichment, private lessons, special summer camps & SAT/ ACT math prep programs. What, WARNING: Your child could I studied! become crazy about math! Hours: 3 to 7 pm, M-Th; Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30 pm C: Lisa & Alan Iguchi boulder@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/boulder P: 720-890-9000
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BOULDER County Kids
Fall Calendar of Events ART/MUSEUMS
Aug 2, Sept 6, Oct 4—Denver Denver Art Museum Free First Saturdays for all ages, from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway. On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy the museum’s art collections and nonticketed exhibitions without spending a dime! Call (720) 865-5000 or e-mail info@denverartmuseum.org for more information or check out www.denverartmuseum.org Tu/W/F—Longmont Discovery Days, from 9 to 10:15 am, 10:15 to 11:30 am, and 12:30 to 2 pm; runs from early September through late May at the Longmont Museum at 400 Quail Road. This interactive drop-in program encourages children ages 2-5, to engage in creative, and sometimes messy, arts & crafts projects with their parents. Call (303) 6518374 for more information. Saturdays—Broomfield The Broomfield Depot Museum, located at 2201 West 10th Avenue, is open to the public on Saturdays from 12 to 3 pm. Admission is FREE. Tours explain the station’s history and story of the Denver & Interurban Railway (D & I), an electric railway that ran on the Kite Route from Denver to Boulder via Broomfield from 1908 to 1926. For more information or to schedule a weekday tour for four or more call (303) 460-6824. Ongoing—Boulder The CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms, chronicling CU’s history and alumni accomplishments and space exhibit with moon rock from NASA. FREE. Located on the CU Campus. Call (303) 492-6329 for more information.
BOOKS ’n’ STORYTELLING
T/W/TH—Longmont Longmont Public Library story times for ages birth to 6, located at 409 4th Avenue. Lap-sit, toddler, and preschool story times 10:15 and 11 am T/W mornings; Spanish story time TH evenings at 6:30, bedtime story time TH nights at 7 pm. Call (303) 651-8477 or check out www.ci.longmont.co.us/library Every Sunday—Boulder Boulder Public Library Go Club for ages 5-16, located at 1000
Canyon. Call Melanie Howard at (303) 441-3099 or please e-mail howardm@boulderlibrary.org for more information or check out bplnow.boulderlibrary.org/event/ kids-family/storytime for more times and information.
CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS
Aug 2-Oct 29—Boulder A Place to B studio So Rim Kung Fu for ages 6 and up, at 4:30 pm, located at 1750 30th St. Martial art rare gem! Grace, beauty, strength and action for all ages, coupled with respect for life. Yoga, meditation, flexibility, cardio, and spirit nurturing. Call Sa Bom Nim at (303) 440-8007 or please e-mail reikiwave@comcast.net for more information or please do check out www.boulderdancestudio.com ugust 4-8—Boulder Wildflower School of Voice Songwriting and Recording Camp for ages 10-17, from 10 am to 12 pm, located at 3217 Walnut St. Collaborate with other songwriters to create a song! We’ll record the song on the last day & all songwriters will sing on the recording. No experience needed. Call Monica Augustine at (720) 9379647 or please e-mail monica@ wildflowerschoolofvoice.com for more information or check out www.wildflowerschoolofvoice. com August 12-26—Boulder Success Strategies 4 Kids Alternatives to Anger for grades 3-5, from 5:30 to 7 pm, located at 1800 30th Street, Suite 306. These workshops teach kids what does and doesn’t work in getting along with others and managing anger, making it simple to understand. It includes stories, role play, inquiry, and a workbook to enable continued practice. Class sizes are limited. Call Sherry Lewis at (303) 915-4421 or please do e-mail her at successstrategies4kids@gmail. com for more information or check out successstrategies4kids.com August 14—Boulder Tinker Art Studio Kids Paint for ages 6+, from 4 to 5:30 pm, located at 1300 Yellow Pine Avenue, Unit B. Join Michelle for oneday acrylic painting workshops. Children will have a blast being creative and will leave Kids Paint with their own unique 16”x 20” canvas painting! The subject matter changes each class, so come to one or all! $25 + $5 materials fee. Please register if you plan to join us at tinkerartstudio.com/kids-paint
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or Call Emily O’Brien at (303) 503-1902 or please e-mail emily@ tinkerartstudio.com for more information or please do check out www.tinkerartstudio.com August 16—Boulder Boulder County Parks and Open Space All that Glistens Isn’t Gold! for all ages, from 11 am to 1 pm. Try your hand at gold panning! Many people came to this area to strike it rich. Do you have what it takes to travel back in time and try that? Programs are free. Register at www.bouldercountyopenspace. org/register. Call Sheryl Kippen at (303) 776-8848 or please e-mail skippen@bouldercounty.org for more information or check out www.bouldercountyopenspace.org August 25, 27—Boulder Shalom Baby-JCC Free Kaleidoscope Music Class for ages 0-5 years, at 9:15 am/4:15 pm, located at 3800 Kalmia Ave. Let’s All sing, shake, & shimmy together with Beth Wilberger. Sing favorites, world, bluegrass/ folk, & more; shake percussion, strings, recorders, kazoos, pots & pans, tambourines, & more; shimmy and shake your booty on the dance floor! RSVP to beth@boulderjcc.org to attend the free demo. Call Beth Litz at (720) 364-1812 or e-mail beth@boulderjcc.org for more information or check out www.boulderjcc.org Ongoing—Boulder The Language of Food presents French After-School, language, arts and crafts class for children in 1st through 5th grades, located in BVSD elementary schools, September through May. Please call Marie Nicoletti at (303) 819-4084 or please e-mail her at thelanguageoffood@gmail.com for more information. Ongoing—Boulder play!Time at Grandrabbit’s open M-F. for ages 1-9, located at 2525 Arapahoe, Ave H-7. Check website for times. Explore our interactive play!space with your children or sit back and relax while they have a blast. Call (303) 443-8675 or www.playatgrandrabbits.com M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents and children, on Mon: 10 am to noon, infant and toddlers: Wed: 10 am to 12 pm, mixed-ages: Fri: 10:30 am to noon, & bilingual (Spanish) 0-4 playgroup on the 1st and last Fridays. Also, Fatherhood Connection every Tues, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, support and education for dads. Children’s Services can also help with child care referrals. Call St. Vrain Valley Center at (303) 776-5348.
1st & 3rd Fridays—Boulder Mothers & Babies—Leaders’ support group, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Also offers support groups for new moms and babies under 6 months old for a nominal fee. Call (303) 530-0698 or visit our website at www.momsandbabies.org for more information. 2nd and 4th Mondays—Boulder First Presbyterian Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), for ages infant to 5, from 9:15 to 11:15 am, at 1820 15th Street. Mornings include food, craft, or activity, speakers with subjects relating to moms, and discussion time that deepens relationships with your group. Children are cared for in parallel program called MOPPETS. Call MOPS information line at (303) 402-6455. 1st Mondays—Boulder La Leche League of Longmont breast-feeding support group meeting for all ages from 10 to 11:30 am, located in the Community Room at Boulder Nurse Midwives, 4800 Riverbend Road, Suite 100. Dedicated to providing education, information, mother-to-mother support, and encouragement to women who are nursing their toddlers. Babies and children welcome. For more information call Diane at (303) 444-9849, Linda at (720) 3148839, or Kate at (303) 473-9918. 2nd Tuesdays—Longmont La Leche League of Longmont breast-feeding support group meeting for all ages, at 7 pm, located at First Lutheran Church at 803 3rd Avenue. Helping mothers worldwide to breast-feed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education. Babies and children welcome! Call Charlotte at (303) 747-6522 or Amanda at (303) 601-5689 or e-mail charlotte@longmontlll.org or check out longmontlll.org for more information. 3rd Thursdays—Longmont La Leche League of Longmont breast-feeding support group meeting for all ages, at 9:30 am, located at First Lutheran Church at 803 3rd Avenue. Helping mothers worldwide to breast-feed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education. Babies and children welcome! Call Charlotte at (303) 747-6522 or Amanda at (303) 601-5689 or e-mail charlotte@longmontlll.org or check out longmontlll.org for more information. Mondays—Westminster Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Play Days for ages 2-7, at 11 am, located at 14622 Orchard Parkway.
Stories, music, art, and adventure...new theme every week. Free! Call (303) 443-0780 or check out grtoys.com for more information. 3rd Tuesdays—Boulder Local mothers are invited to a free meeting of the Boulder County chapter of Mothers & More. We connect moms through evening meetings, speakers, moms’ night out, book discussions, children’s activities, and MORE. Come and meet us! Check online at www. meetup.com/Mothers-MoreBoulder-County for more up-todate information. 3rd Tuesdays—Boulder La Leche League of Boulder monthly breast-feeding support group from 10 to 11:30 am. An international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breast-feed. Babies and children welcome. Call Molly (720) 9223549 or Diane (303) 444-9849 for information and meeting location. 1st & 3rd Saturdays—Boulder The Language of Food presents The French Cooking Club, a French cooking and language class for children ages 7 to 12, from 2 to 5 pm, located at Stir-ItUp Cooking School, 1140 South Lashley Lane. Runs September to May. Please call Marie Nicoletti at (303) 819-4084 or e-mail her at thelanguageoffood@gmail.com or www.thelanguageoffood.com for more information. Daily—Countywide Boulder County WIC Program. Supplemental foods and nutritional health education for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women with children up to 5 years. Ongoing enrollment at 5 clinic sites. Boulder Office: 3305 Broadway; San Juan Office: 3100 34th St. in Boulder; Longmont Office: 529 Coffman, Suite 200; Salud Clinic: 231 East 9th in Longmont; Tri-cities Office: 1345 Plaza Court North, 3A in Lafayette. FREE. Call (303) 441-1451. Mondays–Thurs—Longmont Sunflower Farm now has an enrichment program for ages 5 to 8, from 9 am to 1 pm. This is a great program for home-school kids or as a supplement to your child’s kindergarten program. We provide a broad overview of everyday farm lifestyle and sustainable living involved in the care and feeding of animals, gardening, farm trades and skills, and, of course, we will always make time for good, old-fashioned, outdoor play. One day per week or more. Call (303) 774-8001 or please e-mail sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com for more information or check out www. sunflowerfarminfo.com Tuesdays—Boulder Boulder Zumba. Zumba dance fitness for Kids ages 7-13, from 4 to 5 pm, located at 6185 Arapahoe
BOULDER County Kids
Road. Rockin’ fitness parties for kids with kid-friendly routines & music. $5 drop-in or $40 for 10-punch card. Call Donna Shonle at (303) 604-9098 or e-mail donna@shonle.net for more information or www.boulderzumba.com
Thursdays—Boulder Beyond MOPS...the next step. Join us for SAMS (School-Age Moms). New group for mothers of schoolage children (kindergarten-12th grade) to share their joys and challenges. Includes guest speakers, child care, and refreshments. 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Cost: $5. Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Call Jan at (303) 494-4248 or Darcy at (303) 9261590 for more information. Thursdays—Broomfield Tough Love Parent Support Group will meet at the United Church of Broomfield at 825 Kohl Street, from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call Jerry Hart at (303) 494-4598 for more information. Friday Evenings—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob Burger Recreation Center Friday Night Fun Club for ages 7-13, from 7 to 10 pm, located at 111 West Baseline Rd. A structured, supervised program that offers a safe, social, and recreational atmosphere. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or debbiew@ cityoflafayette.com for more information or www.cityoflafayette.com Ongoing—Boulder Sunflower Kids Art Studio offers year-round classes for ages 3.5 to 15, at 5345 Arapahoe Ave. Call Lika Gitis at (720) 939-7545 or e-mail lika@artsunflower.com or visit us at www.artsunflower.com Ongoing—Boulder/Longmont Boulder County Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidized child care for children ages 0-12, with drop-in open hours for application assistance and question opportunity on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm, at 3460 N. Broadway in Boulder and 1921 Corporate Center Circle, Suite 3F in Longmont. Questions? (303) 678-6014, e-mail ccap@ bouldercounty.org or call the bilingual outreach coordinator at (303) 928-0821. Must be county resident, income and activity requirements apply. Download an application and checklist online at www. bouldercountychildcare.org Ongoing—Countywide Boulder County Healthy Kids. Did you know that more people are now eligible for free or low-cost public health insurance programs? Boulder County Healthy Kids helps families enroll in the Child Health Plan (CHP+) and Family Medicaid. These programs include coverage for kids, parents, and pregnant women. For more information please call (303) 441-1589
or check out their Webiste at www. bchealthykids.org Ongoing—Longmont Swim•Float•Swim! Aquatic Academy—The ultimate swim lesson experience for ages 6 months and up. Boulder County’s only dedicated warm-water swim lesson facility where children learn to swim and float independently in weeks, not years. The Diagonal Trade Center, 795 S. Sherman St. Visit www.swimfloatswim.com to discover the difference. Contact Judy Heumann (303) 499-2229 or e-mail judy@infantaquatics.com Weekdays—Boulder/Lafayette Boulder County Head Start Enrollment drive for ages 3-5 years, from 8 am to 4 pm, located at 3482 N. Broadway. Boulder County Head Start is recruiting for its free, comprehensive preschool with full- and part-day classes. Income guidelines apply. Call Susi Gritton at (720) 564-2210 or e-mail sgritton@bouldercounty.org for more information.
JUST FOR FUN
Through August 28—Boulder All aboard the Tebo Train! Free rides every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ending on Labor Day! Board the train outside Wells Fargo and enjoy your ride down the bricks in the only wheels allowed on the mall! Catch the train between 10 to 11:15 am! August 1-3—Boulder Actor ’s Academy and Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kid Summer Shows located at 5311 Western Ave. Ste. 135. (Fri 7 pm, Sat 1 pm & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm). Into The Woods Jr. in August. Join Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (& his beanstalk), and the Witch! The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway” in this cockeyed musical fairy tale. Call Barry Freniere at (303) 245-8150 or e-mail info@theaterforkids.net for more information or check out www.theaterforkids.net August 3—Denver Bright Pink The Tri for the Cure for all ages, at 7 am, where women of all ages and fitness levels unite in a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and self. Course includes: Swim 750M (1/2 Mile), Bike 18.3K (11.4 Miles), Run 5K (3.1 Miles). Registration cost is $100 for individuals, $150 for teams of two, and $230 for teams of three. Tri for the Cure participants are supported from beginning to end. For more information on Bright Pink, visit TrifortheCure-Denver. com/Beneficiary. Please e-mail Alyssa Altman at aaltman@ csg-sponsorship.com for more information. August 8—Lafayette WOW! Children’s Museum Jump,
Wiggle & Spin program at 10:30 am, located at 110 N. Harrison Avenue. Get moving this summer! Join local organization Turning the Wheel for a fun and interactive creative movement program for kids of all ages. This special program is included with Museum admission. Call at (303) 604-2424 or please do check online at www. wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. August 9-10—Boulder Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance 19th Boulder Asian Festival for all ages, from 11 am to 5 pm, located at 1300 Pearl Street. Experience the diverse cultures of Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands. Vendor booths will offer ethnic merchandise, arts, crafts, and food, while the performance stage will feature live entertainment. A community tent will offer crafts, language, and dance lessons and educational sessions for those who want to get a hands-on look at the different cultures. Call Brenda Pearson at (303) 499-1018 or e-mail festival@bapaweb.org for more information or check out www.bapaweb.org August 13—Boulder George Reynolds/Meadows Branch Libraries and the Boulder Arts Association present SKYLIGHT for ages 5 and up at 3595 Table Mesa/4800 Baseline. Join Boulder artist Rod Swanstrom for a family-friendly demonstration of the way science and art collide when prisms bend light and create a full-spectrum rainbow. Participants will get to make their own 3-D prism to take home. Call Hannah Lackoff at (303) 441-3120 or e-mail lackoffh@boulderlibrary. org for more information. Aug 14, Sept 3, Oct 1—Broomfield Broomfield Academy Enrollment Open House & Tour for ages 2 1/2 to 14, at 9 am and 5 pm, located at 7203 W. 120th Ave. The school provides individualized programming, small class sizes, and an advanced curriculum. Programs include instruction in swimming, Spanish, Chinese, music, and technology. RSVP to (303) 469-6449 or call to arrange a private tour. Call Michael Greenberg at (303) 653-3499 or e-mail mgreenberg@ broomfieldacademy.com for more information or check out www. broomfieldacademy.com August 16—Lafayette Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Peach Festival for all ages, from 9 am to 4 pm, located at Public Rd. Free concerts, children’s entertainment, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Fresh peaches, peach pie, cobbler, and smoothies. Farmer’s market and Bonfils bloodmobile. Over 30,000 pounds of certified organic peaches available in 4 locations along Public Rd. Peach trucks will be at Public
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Rd. and Cleveland, Public Rd. and Kimbark, Public Rd. and East Chester, and just south of Emma. St. Food vendors galore! Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail events@lafayettecolorado.com for more information or check out www.lafayettecolorado.com August 29-Sept 1—Denver A Taste of Colorado for all ages, located at 101 W 14th Ave. Celebrating its 31st year as the state’s largest free-admission outdoor event, draws more than 500,000 visitors annually. Five entertainment stages include national, local, and ethnic music in a variety of genres, children’s performers, and culinary delights from more than 50 of Colorado’s favorite food establishments, including a fine dining area and culinary showcase. A fireworks light spectacular will illuminate Civic Center Park on Friday Aug. 29 and feature synchronized lights on the City and County Building along with choreographed music. Visitors can enjoy the offerings of more than 275 marketplace artisans and vendors, as well as educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and Western heritage of the region. HOURS: Friday: 11:30 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 am to 10 pm, Monday: 10:30 am to 8 pm. Call (303) 295-6330 or check out www.atasteofcolorado. com for more information. August 30—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Harmony A.C.T. Fairy & Gnome Garden for ages 3-9, from 10 to 11:15 am, located at 111 W. Baseline Rd. Always wanted to have your own gnome or fairy garden? Here is your chance to paint a pot and decorate it with plants and accessories fit for a fairy or gnome. $15 resident /$20 nonresident. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or e-mail debbiew@cityoflafayette. com or www.cityoflafayette.com/ recreation Saturdays—Longmont Boulder County Parks and Open Space Agricultural Heritage Center for all ages, from 10 to 5 pm, located at 8348 Ute Highway 66. Learn about the rich agricultural history of Boulder County. The farm includes two barns, an outhouse, a milk house, a blacksmith shop, and a 1909 farmhouse. The big red barn contains interactive exhibits for all ages to enjoy—including a real tractor cab! Call Jim Drew at (303)776-8688 or e-mail jdrew@ bouldercounty.org for more information or please do check out www.bouldercountyopenspace.org Ongoing—Boulder Monthly art exhibits from Boulder Valley schools, at Boulder Valley Credit Union, at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue. Check out children’s artwork during our open hours. Call (303) 415-3514 for more info.
BOULDER County Kids
Ongoing—Boulder Boulder County Housing & Human Services is a Certified Connect for Health Colorado Assistance Site and has trained health coverage guides to help residents enroll in health insurance. Call (303) 4411000 or e-mail HealthCoverage@ bouldercounty.org for more information or to make an appointment. Visit our website at www. BoulderCountyHealthCoverage.org for more information and a list of our upcoming events.
Ongoing—Boulder Fiske Planetarium presents Public Astronomy Shows for ages K-20. $4 for adults, $3 for children/ seniors. Call (303) 492-5001 or (303) 492-5001 or www.colorado. edu/fiske for more information. Ongoing—Boulder The Business Women’s Connection currently has a few openings in their weekly group of women professionals from the Boulder County area. We are a weekly group supporting one another both professionally and personally. Check www.businesswomensconnection. com for more information and to see how to visit our group. Ongoing—Boulder Many individuals may now qualify for reduced-cost health insurance! The Boulder County Housing and Human Services Assistance Site can help individuals and families navigate the new health insurance marketplace. Connect for Health Colorado, to shop and enroll in plans. For more information, call (303) 441-1000 and ask to speak with a certified health coverage guide. Do check online at www. bouldercountyhealthcoverage. org for regular updates regarding upcoming education and enrollment events in the community.
CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS
September 2—Boulder/Lafayette Boulder County Head Start Orientation Day from 10 am to 2 pm/4 to 8 pm. This is open to all enrolled families. Call Susi Gritton at (720) 564-2210 or please e-mail sgritton@bouldercounty.org for more information. Sept 4-Oct 2—Boulder Success Strategies 4 Kids Young Friends for ages 5-7, from 5:306:45 pm, located at 1800 30th Street, Suite 306. Classes include five 75-minute sessions, small class sizes, individual attention, student workbook, parent handouts, snacks, the opportunity to practice social skills in a safe setting, play-
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time during class to use skills and to take advantage of “teachable moments” as the kids interact with each other. Call Sherry Lewis at (303) 915-4421 or please e-mail successstrategies4kids@gmail.com for more information or check out successstrategies4kids.com September 6—Denver Denver Art Museum 25th Annual Friendship Powwow for all ages, from 10 am to 4 pm, located at 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway. Watch colorful dance competitions, participate with local artists in handson activities, and enjoy your first (or 101st!) piece of fry bread. Call at (720) 865-5000 or e-mail info@ denverartmuseum.org for more information or please check out www.denverartmuseum.org September 9-30—Boulder Shalom Baby-JCC Mini Chefs Toddler Cooking for ages 2.5-5 yrs, from 10:15 to 11 am, located at 3800 Kalmia Ave. Does your toddler want to help out in the kitchen? This class is for your youngest kitchen helper who is ready to explore on their own. They will learn to measure, mix, stir, and cook from scratch. This is a hands-on class where we get to eat our creations. We’ll make baked snacks, smoothies, and, when possible, cook with organic ingredients. Recipes will be sent home after the last class. Please let us know of any allergies when registering. Call Beth Litz at (720) 3641812 or e-mail beth@boulderjcc. org for more information or check out www.boulderjcc.org September 16—Boulder George Reynolds/Meadows Branch Libraries presents Joy in Motion for ages 5 and up, at 11 am and 3 pm, at 3595 Table Mesa/4800 Baseline. Join Jackie Diner for an exploration of the body through music and movement. We will warm up then dance to great tunes with simple steps, aided by dancing ribbons, scarfs, and more. Fun for the whole family! Call Hannah Lackoff at (303) 441-3120 or please e-mail lackoffh@boulderlibrary.org for more information. September 20—Boulder Boulder County Parents of Twins and More Kids Fall Sale sponsored by Yellow Scene for all ages, from 10 am to 1 pm, at 7100 S. Boulder Rd. The half-price sale on certain items is from noon to 1 pm. Gently used seasonal clothes from newborn to size 16, maternity clothes, books, videos, Halloween costumes, CDs, DVDs, infant gear, strollers, cribs, toys, bedding, furniture, bikes, and SO much more. Name brands like Gap, Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Mini Boden, Strider, Graco, Britax, McClaren, BOB, Chariot, LEGO, Thomas the Train, and Melissa and Doug just to name a few. Sign up at www. BoulderTwins.org for an early
shopping pass. A $1 fee per adult will be collected at the door. September 23—Boulder City of Boulder: Children, Youth & Families Orientation to Family Child Care for adults, from 6 to 8:30 pm, located at 2160 Spruce St. Interested in becoming a licensed family child care provider? This optional orientation will provide you with an overview of the licensing process and required training. Free to City of Boulder residents. Call Robin Pennington at (303) 441-1912 or e-mail penningtonr@ bouldercolorado.gov for more information. September 27—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Lafayette Quest for all ages, at 9 am, located at 111 W. Baseline Rd. Teams of 2-4 will strategize their way through a traditional scavenger hunt by following clues, participating in healthy challenges, and utilizing smart phone technology. Teams will check in at activity/checkpoint stations and perform silly human tricks to receive clues to get them to the next station. Along the way, QR codes will be incorporated to allow teams to earn extra points and uncover additional clues. Prizes will be awarded to teams who finish first, accumulate the most points, and wear the best uniforms! Fun for the whole family with special prizes for kids 10 and under. All proceeds will help fund the Bob L. Burger Youth Scholarship fund! Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or e-mail debbiew@cityoflafayette.com for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com/recreation
JUST FOR FUN
September 12-14—Denver 47th Annual Denver Gem and Mineral Show for all ages, from 9 am to 6 pm on Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Sat and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, located at 451 East 58th Ave. (I-25, Exit 215. The 2nd largest show in the U.S. offers over 140 dealers and exhibits from all over the world, including treasures from some of the world’s finest museums. Experts will speak on geological/paleontological topics & demonstrate gem cutting, jewelry making, & fossil preparation. There will be free gold panning for kids & free gem & mineral identification all weekend. The theme for 2014 is Agate. Call Jeff Goldsberry at (303) 233-2516 or e-mail info@ denvermineralshow.com for more information or please check out www.denvermineralshow.com September 16, 17—Lafayette W O W ! C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m September Discovery Days, from 10 am to 1 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Avenue. This month’s topic: Sailing with Pirates. Discover your inner scientist!
Drop in and explore our monthly informal hands-on science sessions. Celebrating pirates and the sea! Activities are included with your museum admission. Call at (303) 604-2424 or check out www. wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. September 21—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver 8th Annual Hop Skip & a Jump Start 5K, for ages 1+ starting at 9 am, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Lace up your running shoes for this family fitness event. Sroller-friendly 5K along the Platte River, Kid Course (1/4 mile), Toddler Trot (1/8 mile), and an Infant Crawl (10 feet). After the races, enjoy a fun-filled expo with activities for the whole family. Mini-Meets and Family Activities begin at 10:15 am. Call Lisa Andersson at (303) 561-0104 or e-mail LisaA@cmdenver.org for more information or check out www.mychildsmuseum.org/event September 28—Boulder Boulder County Parks and Open Space Autumn Heritage Day at Walker Ranch for all ages, from 10 am to 3 pm, located at 8999 Flagstaff Mtn. Road. See costumed “pioneers” at work doing old-fashioned chores. Try your hand at games and skills of yesteryear. Cheer on the teams in a vintage baseball game. Call Sheryl Kippen at (303) 776-8848 or please e-mail skippen@bouldercounty.org for more information or check out www.bouldercountyopenspace.org
CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS
October 3—Longmont Healthy Learning Paths Outrageous Together for adults, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, located at Xilinx Retreat Center at 1951 S Fordham St. Let’s Do Something Outrageous Together! It’s Healthy Learning Paths fall celebration with an unforgettable evening featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter, Locomotion Expert Dr. Rodger Kram, elegant dinner, live and silent auctions, and prizes! Your support empowers local kids with skills for success in health, learning, and life. To purchase tickets, call (303) 464-7191 or e-mail hlpaths@gmail.com or check out www.healthylearningpaths.org October 7-23—Boulder City of Boulder: Children, Youth & Families Pre-licensing Training for adults, from 6 to 9:30 pm, located at 2160 Spruce St. Pre-licensing training if required for people who
BOULDER County Kids
wish to become licensed family child care providers in the State of Colorado. $40 for City of Boulder residents. Call Robin Pennington at (303) 441-1912 or please e-mail penningtonr@bouldercolorado.gov for more information.
October 7-28—Boulder Shalom Baby-JCC You Can Build It! for ages 2.5-5 yrs, at 10:15-11 am, located at 3800 Kalmia Ave. How many DUPLOS® does it take to reach your nose? How much weight can a newspaper structure hold? Can you keep a stack of blocks from toppling? Your building-loving kids will love this class and these challenges. Each week we will use a variety of materials to build, sculpt, and design our own structural masterpieces. You will be amazed by what your little one can create with everything from paper tubes to marshmallows. Call Beth Litz at (720) 364-1812 or e-mail beth@boulderjcc.org for more information or check out www. boulderjcc.org Oct 9-Nov 6—Boulder Success Strategies 4 Kids Secrets of Friendship for grades 6-9, from 5:30-7 pm, located at 1800 30th Street, Suite 306. Find out: 6 secrets of making & keeping friends! These workshops teach kids what does and doesn’t work in getting along with others, how to have conversations, nonverbal communication, and much more. It includes a workbook to enable continued practice. Class sizes are limited. Call Sherry Lewis at (303) 915-4421 or please e-mail successstrategies4kids@gmail.com for more information or do check out successstrategies4kids.com October 11—Boulder George Reynolds/Meadows Branch Libraries presents Railroad Stories with Hiram Wheeler for ages 3 and up, at 3595 Table Mesa/4800 Baseline at 11 am and 3 pm. Join Hiram Wheeler, a fictitious brakeman on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad in 1893, as he tells us three stories about life on the Railroad. Call Hannah Lackoff at (303) 441-3120 or please e-mail lackoffh@boulderlibrary.org for more information. October 24-26—Denver MileHiCon 46 for all ages, located at 7800 E. Tufts Ave. Largest science-fiction literary convention in the Rocky Mountain Region. 80+ authors and speakers on SF, fantasy, and horror. SF/fantasy art show, video, anime, masquerade, gaming, dealers, robotic competitions, et cetera Special kids’ programming track. Guests of honor: Daniel Abraham, Ty Franck, Michael Swanwick, Phil and Kaja Foglio, and Jeanne C. Stein. Call Linda Nelson at (303) 426-0806 or please e-mail info@milehicon.org for more information or check out www.milehicon.org
JUST FOR FUN
October—Boulder Rainbow Child Care Scholarship Fund/Mt. Calvary Second Annual South Boulder Pumpkin Patch for all ages, located at 3485 Stanford Court. Pick out your pumpkins and join the community fun this October. Little ghouls and goblins can play hide-and-seek in the spooktacular hay maze, decorate a pumpkin carriage and race it down the track, peek inside the I Spy Tiny Trick-or-Treat Town, and enjoy fun and scary music, hot cider, and treats. Special events include food trucks, bunny petting station, jack-o-lantern carving, daytime Trick-or-Treat and costume contest, visits from the Great Pumpkin and Mr. Scarecrow, and much, much more! For more information, see www.facebook.com/ SouthBoulderPumpkinPatch or call Mt Calvary Lutheran at (303) 4991444 for more information. Oct 1-Nov 22—Lafayette WOW! Children’s Museum Plein Air Youth Art Exhibit located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. WOW! is pleased to host the youth art entries (ages 14 and under) from the 2014 Outdoor Creations Plein Air Art Show sponsored by Boulder County Parks & Open Space. All artwork will be on displayed in WOW!’s art room. Call at (303) 604-2424 or please check out www. wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. October 11—Boulder Boulder County Parks and Open Space Junior and Senior Fishing Derby for grandparents and kids, at 9 am to 12 pm, located at Wally Toevs Pond at Walden Ponds. Create a fishing dream team for our Junior and Senior Fishing Derby. If you love to fish, and are 64 years or older, bring along your favorite angler who is 15 years or younger and enjoy some time fishing together. The first ten kids to arrive will receive a free fishing pole. There will be prizes given to the senior and junior pair who catch the heaviest trout, have the largest age difference, and are first to catch the limit. Call Michelle Bowie at (303) 678-6219 or please e-mail mbowie@bouldercounty.org for more information or check out www.bouldercountyopenspace.org October 11, 12—Lafayette 4th Annual Window Painting Contest for children K to 10th grade. Paint a Halloween, Día de los Muertos, and/or fall picture on an assigned exterior window space of a participating merchant in Lafayette. Local artists will judge the paintings. Winners in each grade category receive prizes and awards. Awards Ceremony will be at the Fall Festival on October 26. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 6650469 or please e-mail debbiew@
cityoflafayette.com for more information or www.cityoflafayette.com October 26—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Fall Festival for all ages, from 1:30 to 5:30 pm, located at 111 W. Baseline Rd. Three great community events combined into one Lions Club Pumpkin Carving Contest, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, for ages 10 years to adult. Time to get your creative juices flowing and carve your way to scary good prizes! Carvers will have one hour to carve and decorate their pumpkin. Bring your own pumpkin. All carving/decorating supplies will be provided. May the best pumpkin win! You can also enjoy the 4th Annual Window Painting Contest awards ceremony. Then, at 5 pm, enjoy the Great Pumpkin Race. Launch your pumpkin in the lazy river and watch it race to the finish line! The winners will receive prizes, free passes, and more. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or e-mail debbiew@ cityoflafayette.com for more information or please check out www. cityoflafayette.com
Submitting Events
Boulder County Kids Mail
If you have a dated calendar event in November, December, or January please let us know by October 10th! One-listing-per-month limit on a spaceavailable basis, with nonprofit and free dated events prioritized. Please go online to www.bouldercountykids. com click on the calendar button and fill out the automated calendar form. To be on our e-mail reminder list, e-mail calendar@bouldercountykids. com with an E-mail Reminder Request in the subject line or use our online form on our website. We will send you back a receipt on all submissions and requests so you know they came in.
Fall 2014 • Page 45
BOULDER County Kids
Page 46 • Bouldercountykids.com
BOULDER County Kids
Bring this ad in for $25 off the registration fee!
Only for new families enrolling in the yearround or school year plan. Expires 09/19/14.
SO MUCH TO EXPLORE Take a look at YMCA elementary school programs at your child’s school
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Mapleton Center 2850 Mapleton Ave, Boulder 303-442-2778
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Fall 2014 • Page 47
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