Boulder County Kids Winter 2016 by Martinhouse Publications, Inc.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Volume XXII No. 4 • HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

Celebrating Over 21 Years!

“Winter Bear” mixed media on paper by Max Siedler, age 8

WINTER ISSUE

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS The only climbing gym

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For Children 2 Months and Up! 795 S. Sherman St., Longmont • www.SwimFloatSwim.com

1960 32nd Street • Boulder

Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids THE BEST IN BOULDER YOUTH THEATRE Winter Classes t .VTJDBM 5IFBUSF t 1FSGPSNBODF

(ages 5-8 & 9-14)

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OMING SHOW C UP

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Dec 4-11

Online November 15

School Day Off Camps (ages 5-10) November 21 – 23 & January 3, 16 Kids enjoy a full day of theatrical activities - music, acting, dance, makeup, improvisation, scene work, and rehearsal.

2017 Summer Camps (ages 5-8 & 8-16) $25 off Classes

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Camp Titles Online December 1st! RMTK provides 9:1 student-teacher ratio, top notch performance venues, professional theatre staff, & a daily camp curriculum sculpted by 20 years of experience.

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5311 Western Ave (near Arapahoe & 55th) Boulder, CO Winter 2016 • Page 3

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS %$1.,1* :,7+287 %281'$5,(6 * :,7+287 %281 )25 7+( 683(5+(52 :,7+,1 <28

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Serving Boulder County, Broomfield, & Surrounding Areas Winter 2016

Contents

21 YEARS

Volume 22 No. 4

Articles titled in blue are great reading for kids, green for directories.

-PUK 6\[ /V^ H[ )=*< 69. Note: Many of our covers come from monthly student Kâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 2016 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. Please go to www. bouldercountykids.com for more information.

From the Publisher............................................................. 5

Cover Storyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Max Siedler............................. 5 Holistic Education......................... 6

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Planet...................................................... 8 HELPFUL SERVICES DIRECTORY.......... 10

Dyslexia: Know the Facts...........

HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY............. 12

Success with Holiday Stress

....... 14

CST FOR A HEALTHY FAMILY.......... 16 What Do I Do Now, Romona?............ 18 A Soldierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas................................... 19

Precious Metals.......................................... 20

NEWS ABOUT TOWN....................... 21

Holiday Toys, Top Picks................... 22

My Favorite Read-Alouds......... 23

Nurturing Success in All Children since 1956

TLC offers early childhood care and education programs to nurture children from eight weeks to six years old. Call today for information on enrolling your child. Tiny Tim Learning Center is now TLC! 303.776.7417 (p) 303.776.7471 (f)

CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY........ 28â&#x20AC;&#x201C;32 PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY............................. 34â&#x20AC;&#x201C;35

Birthday Party Directory.......... 36â&#x20AC;&#x201C;37 AFTER-SCHOOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;PROGRAMS..................... 38â&#x20AC;&#x201C;41 WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS........ 42â&#x20AC;&#x201C;45 Cool Cover Art - Max Siedler

Level 4 Program Quality Rated

Distribution Gurus - Impact Distribution

Proofing to Perfection - Darlene Mueller Morse

Mascot - Indie

Best in the World Printers - Prairie Mountain Publishing Most Awesome Web Designer - Josh Thorne

www.bouldercountykids.com â&#x20AC;¢ (303) 939-8767

Page 4â&#x20AC;¯â&#x20AC;¢â&#x20AC;¯www.bouldercountykids.com

PARENT CARES...................................................... 26

Editor in Chief - Jennifer Martin

611 Korte Parkway, Longmont, 80501

www.LearningWithTLC.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS................................

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Cover Story: Max Siedler

H olidays and snow will be upon us before we know it. We wish you all a great winter with lots

of fun in the great outdoors. We have many holiday events in this issue you will be sure to enjoy. I will be going to India this December and will hopefully have some adventures and stories to share on my return. Stay in touch!

Jennifer Martin and Indie

Don’t miss out on the next issue

Get the Word Out!

Reach 20,000 families in Boulder County, Broomfield County, and surrounding areas!

The SPRING issue deadline is JANUARY 10th. That issue covers February, March and April. Please call early to reserve your space. This is our CAMP ISSUE. 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. 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

ur cover artist is Max Siedler who is 8 years old and attends Lafayette Elementary School. He is in the 3rd grade and really likes art, English and lunch. Max loves art and hanging out in the library. He studies painting with Lika Gitis at Sunflower Art Studio. His favorite food is French fries and likes going to Moyah restaurant in Lafayette. Top movie pick is Zootopia and top TV show pick is Inspector Gadget. He enjoys listening to a British pop band called Bastille. Max likes skiing, gymnastics and swimming. He has one sister named Mari. He has a dog named Rooster who was adopted from Kansas and a cat named Pepper which had many adventures before coming to live at his house. Max is really into cars and monster trucks. He especially likes old cars and crushed cars. Max wants to be a crash test engineer when he grows up. His favorite thing about Winter is slurping marshmallows from the bottom of a hot cocoa mug. he cover sponsor is Premier Members 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.

Suzuki Violin, Viola and Cello School BO U

Openings available for private lessons ER LD Ages 4 through high school Beginner through advanced The Program Offers: Note reading, theory & string orchestra Studio & community concerts and recitals STRINGS Weekly private lessons and twice-monthly group lessons New: Birth to 3 toddler classes est 1982

Boulder Suzuki Strings For information call (303) 499-2807

Website: bouldersuzukistrings.org E-mail: info@bouldersuzukistrings.org

Experiential STEAM learning for K-12 students. After-School Y Day-Off Y Holiday

303.492.7188 Winter 2016 • Page 5

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

The Holistic Education Revolution I wonder if they are getting enough exercise?

by Nancy Monson

t can be hard to convince parents there are better ways to educate children than our traditional public school system. We study political revolutions in history, but what about the education revolution? All revolutions are grass roots, founded by people, and, to succeed, take a collective moral force. The education revolution is no different. The original state funded schools (and this is still true today) used rote memorization, drill and harsh discipline. In the eighteenth century Rousseau was the first to challenge the traditional system that claimed that children are inherently lazy and untrustworthy, and that it is society’s role to mold their minds and characters into a socially acceptable form. SOUND FAMILIAR? Maria Montessori was an Italian physician in the early 1900s, who thought that children must be self-directed and independent at as early

an age as possible. She completely rejected the use of external punishment and rewards. She believed children are guided by a divine life force, and endowed with an “absorbent mind,” the unconscious instinct that propels the growth process. At the same time in Germany, Rudolph Steiner set out to create an educational system that allowed children to discover other dimensions of existence besides the culture’s predominant focus on the rational mind. The world is permeated with spirit, and true knowledge of the world must be spiritual knowledge. Intellectual concepts are only one of the means we have of under-

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standing the things of this world. Waldorf education recognizes and attempts to integrate “the inner human qualities, such as mind, emotion, creativity, imagination, compassion, a sense of wonder and reverence, and the urge for self-realization.” In the 1920s, in Scotland, A.S. Neil founded Summerhill, a residential school where children could share power and responsibility with adults. This was the beginning of the free school movement. During the 1960s in the U.S. there was a mass movement for educational reform. John Holt founded the homeschool movement. “We learn best when we are deciding what we want to learn, when we learn for our own reasons and not for someone else’s, and when we have maximum control over the pace and the manner in which we learn.” “We adults destroy the intellectual and creative capacity of children by making them afraid of not doing what other people want, of not pleasing, of making mistakes, of failing, or being wrong. Thus, we make them afraid to gamble, afraid to experiment,

afraid to try the difficult or the unknown.” Expeditionary Learning Schools, founded in 1992, are models of comprehensive school reform based on the educational ideas of Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound. They are exemplified by project-based learning expeditions, where students engage in interdisciplinary, in-depth study of compelling topics, in groups and in their community, with assessment coming through cumulative products, public presentations, and portfolios. Mindfulness is entering our educational system. With roots in ancient religious and spiritual traditions, contemplative practices promote belonging and connecting, awareness and awakening, conscious daily living and wholesome lifestyles. The book, The Spiritual Child, by Lisa Miller, states: “We know that an “inner spiritual compass” is an innate, concrete faculty and is part of our biological endowment. Our children have an inborn spirituality that is the greatest source of resilience they have as human beings.” J.W. Wilson, director of the Advanced Learning Institute and author of Cracking the Learning Code has studied neuroscience for 20 years. He says, “Science is now telling us what we have intuitively known: We remember what is meaningful to us and forget almost everything else. Personal meaning is the criterion by which virtually all information is selected into our long-term memory banks. From the viewpoint of biology, genetics, and neuroscience, meaning and learning are joined at the hip. Authoritarian learning systems, which rely primar-

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS ily on reward and punishment to impose learning, not only inhibits learning, but may breed out our ability to create personal meaning in our lives. When we are not able to pursue what is personally meaningful, a neurological climate is produced that makes our lives boring, unfulfilled, and joyless. This is true for ALL AGES.” The entire country of Finland has undergone an education revolution that originated in an attempt to improve their economy. Their children start school later (age 7), go to school for 9 years (not 12), and have no homework! Their teachers are chosen from the top 10% of graduates—in other words, teaching is a coveted profession. Their methodology: Whatever it takes. Understand every child, how they learn, what they need, and dedicate yourself to their successful education. They now lead the world in their educational outcomes. Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in Education. His latest book, Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That’s Transforming Schools, states: “Research and practical experience show time and again that the critical factors in raising student achievement on all fronts are the motivation and expectations of students themselves. There are eight core competencies that schools should facilitate if they are really going to help students succeed in their lives. These are: Curiosity, Creativity, Criticism, Communication, Collaboration, Composure and Citizenship.” Alfie Kohn is an American author and lecturer in the areas of education, parenting, and human behavior. He says, “ The best sort of school is organized around problems, projects, and ques-

tions. Knowledge is acquired in a context and for a purpose. Emphasis is on depth and breadth, discovering ideas rather than on covering prescribed curriculum. Teachers are generalists first and specialists (in a given subject matter) second; they commonly collaborate to offer interdisciplinary courses that students play an active role in designing. All of this happens in small, democratic schools that are experienced as caring communities.” Dan Siegel, an awardwinning educator, author and clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, has brought clarity to how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures, as well as how we connect with children both as parents and teachers. There are many other dedicated educators speaking out, writing, and starting schools (myself included), who are part of this holistic educational path. They all have one thing in common—a DEEP LOVE AND U N D E R S TA N D I N G O F CHILDREN and an emphasis on compassion, character development, socialization, individual actualization, and connection to all of life, which delivers a host of “immeasurable outcomes” even more important for our children—and our society— as we embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

THINK ECO-FRIENDLY THINK RECYCLED THINK CHILDISH THINGS $10 off any $50 purchase expires 12/31/16

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JĪZ DīhYfWY_Zf 16th Annual Production

Brighten your holiday with Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker Prince as they travel to The Land of the Sweets in the classic holiday ballet of The Nutcracker. Accompaniment by Flatirons Community Orchestra and The St. Vrain Singers at Niwot HS Auditorium.

December 16th 7:00pm December 17th 2:00pm & 7:00pm December 18th 1:00pm

Purchase Tickets: 303-772-1335 www.centennialstateballet.org

Nancy Monson is founder and director of Running River School in Lafayette. To find out more about the school and to read the full article on the Education Revolution, go to www.runningriver.org.

Winter 2016 • Page 7

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Kids’ Planet... with Thorne Nature Experience Drawing by Kara Priest

CHINOOK WINDS

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

s I was starting to write this article on an early October day, we were having a strong Chinook wind in Boulder, particularly at our Thorne office at the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center. So what is a Chinook wind? It was originally named after the native Chinook people in the Pacific Northwest’s lower Columbia River basin in reference to a warming, moist wind from the ocean. It later became transferred as a term for the downslope winds we have on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. In Germany, these same winds are referred to as the “foehn.” The cause of a Chinook wind was once explained to me in a college ecology

class. When an air mass, moving rapidly from west to east, piles up against the Continental Divide (like west of Nederland), it forms a localized high pressure area. Then Boulder automatically becomes a low pressure area. So the air then rushes down the slope from the high pressure area at 12,000 feet to the low pressure area in town at 5,300 feet causing a Chinook wind. These winds are relatively warm and very dry.

Why?

If the air moves downslope from the very high mountains to the much lower altitude of Boulder, it undergoes what scientists call “adiabatic warming.” That is, by the laws of physics, it becomes much warmer and dryer as

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the air moves downslope. Because of this, these winds will often quickly melt any snow that is on the ground and also absorb much of the moisture. Folklore, therefore, has it that the word Chinook means “snow eater!” In the many decades that I have lived in Boulder, I have actually seen the temperature rise so rapidly when a Chinook hits that one can actually observe the liquid moving up in the thermometer. Boulder is only about 18 miles from the Continental Divide to the west, so it’s a very steep gradient from Arapahoe Peak, for example, downslope to the city of Boulder. That makes us more subject to these extreme winds. The greatest 24-hour recorded change due to a Chinook wind was on January 15, 1972 in Loma, Montana when the temperature went from 54 degrees below zero to 48 degrees above zero! Another characteristic of Chinook winds is that they are not steady, but rather are extremely gusty. A number of years ago when I was teaching field ecology at Naropa University, I took the class up to the National Center for Atmospheric Research

(NCAR) on Table Mesa during a strong Chinook wind. The wind gusts were so strong that we could hardly stand up against them. Inside the NCAR building, we watched the wind gauge go from zero miles per hour (mph) to 104 in a matter of a few seconds! Many years ago, when I had my own wind gauge on top of our TV antenna in central Boulder, I recorded one brief Chinook gust at 142 mph. Fortunately for us, because these winds are so light and dry, they do not do as much damage as a heavy, moist hurricane does. During a Chinook, you can usually see a wall or bowl of clouds over the high peaks to the west. This is called a “Chinook arch.” Look for it the next time the wind blows hard from the west. Sometimes, when an air mass is not moving fast enough to create a Chinook wind, we will get a “Chinook condition” during the winter that gives us a lovely warm day with only a slight breeze. So Boulder definitely has what we call “a Chinook climate.” At any particular day during the winter, the ground is usually snow free. I think our weather is great! Dr. Thorne is founder and honorary president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute) in Boulder. For 62 years they have helped “connect youth to nature!” For information about their programs for kids, check their website at www.thornenature.org or please email info@thornenature.org or call (303) 499-3647, ext. 100.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Is your child thriving in school or surviving in school? Is your child below grade level in reading? Has your child been diagnosed with dyslexia? Is his/her handwriting illegible? Is getting his/her thoughts on paper difficult? Is understanding math a struggle?

Peanut Butter Players PBP presents the wackiest Nutcracker yet

Peanut Butter NUNCRACKERS Players a continuation of the lovable Nunsense series December 10, 17, 23 at 7:30 pm December 11, 18, 23 at 2 pm at Harlequin Center for the Performing Arts 1376 Miners Drive, Suite 106, Lafayette

Adults: $12 Students under 12: $10 Children typically see 3-4 grade level gains in an intensive program lasting just several weeks. We provide tailored, one-on-one structured literacy programs proven effective for any reading difficulty using only clinically-proven, evidencebased interventions including Lindamood-Bell®, LiPS®, Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing®, and MC 2. Watch your child bloom into a confident, capable learner!

For More Information: (303) 786-8727 WWW.PEANUTBUTTERPLAYERS.COM

DAYTIME INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN ADDITION TO AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS. • READING INSTRUCTION • MATH INSTRUCTION • WRITING INSTRUCTION • BRAIN TRAINING FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTION Learning Pathways is not Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes nor is it affiliated with, certified, endorsed, licensed, monitored or sponsored by Lindamood-Bell, Nanci Bell, Phyllis Lindamood or Pat Lindamood. Lindamood-Bell--an international organization creating and implementing unique instructional methods and programs for quality intervention to advance language and literacy skills--does not endorse or monitor the services provided by Learning Pathways LLC.

Call us for an academic evaluation.

LEARNING PATHWAYS BOULDER OFFICE 303-499-1941 www.learningpathwayscolorado.com

Friends’ School Where gratitude is part of the curriculum and happiness greets you at the door.

Our Middle School Is Now Open Best Schools www.thebestschools.org

ENROLL NOW Preschool through Middle School 303-499-1999 | FriendsSchoolBoulder.org

Winter 2016 • Page 9

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

HELPFUL

SERVICES Advocacy

Resources

Safehouse

Boulder Valley School District

Domestic Violence Shelter and Advocacy. Open 24 Hours. SPAN provides shelter and advocacy programs to adults, youth, and children experiencing domestic abuse. 835 North Street. Boulder Crisis Line (303) 444-2424 www.safehousealliance.org

Banking

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Treehouse Learning is an independent program, locally, family owned since 1997.

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Page 10 • www.bouldercountykids.com

Toys

Premier Members Credit Union

Banking and savings. For all your banking needs. 5505 Arapahoe, Boulder 303-442-8850 www.bvcu.org

Drug & Alcohol Prevention Natural Highs



The only BVSD Youth and Family Resource Guide. Find services and activities your family needs. Tutoring, counseling, the arts, childcare, support services, college planning, cooking, birthday parties and more. 720.561.5977 guide.bvsd.org

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

Grandrabbit’s 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

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

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Dyslexia: Know the Facts by Gwelda Carlson, Nebraska Dyslexia Association

• Disorganization in school and at home. • Difficulties with time and space. • Slowness in completing tasks. • Poor performance on tests. • Inconsistencies in performance.

DYSLE XIA

yslexia is a language-based learning disability often characterized by slow, inaccurate reading. Individuals with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills, such as spelling, writing and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, and/or extra support services.

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

• Dyslexia is a life-long learning disability. • Dyslexia occurs in 15-20% of population. (7080% have deficits in reading.) • Girls and boys are equally affected by dyslexia. • Approximately 40% of siblings, children or parents of a person affected by dyslexia will have dyslexia. • Dyslexia does not cause children to see letters, numbers, and words backwards or inverted. Writing letters and words backwards may occur in any child prior to 2nd grade or the age of eight or nine. However, some children with dyslexia may confuse letters, misread words, or have difficulty forming letters as a result of the lack of phonological skills.

• Although dyslexia is a medical condition (neurological in origin), it becomes an educational issue when it significantly impacts the student’s achievement. • There is no single test for dyslexia. A comprehensive evaluation must be administered to support the conclusion of dyslexia. • Education is the key. Methods of teaching reading must be selected in response to the characteristics of the child being taught. • Individuals with dyslexia CAN learn to read. The earlier children who struggle are identified and provided systematic, explicit, multisensory, intense instruction, the less severe their problems are likely to be. • 30% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia. Many individuals with dyslexia are exceptionally bright, with gifts in music, art, sports, mechanics, physics or math.

PARENTS AND E D U C AT O R S SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSLEXIA. • Difficulties with decoding and/or reading comprehension.

• Misshapen, laborious handwriting. • Extreme spelling difficulties. • Poor written composition. • Difficulties in sequencing and following directions. • Difficulty in recalling names of people, places and/ or events. • Poor oral expression. • Difficulty with copying at near and/or far point.

Your child’s teacher, special education coordinator, speech language pathologist, or school psychologist can provide guidance about what school services are available. The Nebraska Dept. of Education provides an online document located at www.education.ne.gov/sped/ technicalassist/Dyslexia_1.20.16. pdf.

HillTOPICS

Supporting students with learning differences

Learning and the Brain Dyslexia: Myths and Realities The most common learning difference demystified Tuesday, Jan 10 Neuroscience and Learning: New Strategies to Make the Learning Stick How we can use research to improve achievement Tuesday, Feb 7 Presenter: Kathy Sherman, MA, Exec. Director of Hillside School Time: 12:15 - 1:45 PM Location: Jewish Community Center 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder (Corner of Arapahoe and Cherryvale) Free and open to all

Be a Hillside Hero - Support us on Colorado Gives Day, December 6th sponsored by

Reigniting the joy of learning www.hillsidelearning.org | 303.494.1468

Winter 2016 • Page 11

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH

HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY Advantage Electrolysis The Art of Electrolysis by Rebecca, C.E. 5757 Central Avenue Suite 150 Boulder

(303) 444-6861

www.advantageelectrolysis.com Electrolysis. Fifteen-minute to onehour treatments with 20 years experience. $15 off with a mention of Boulder County Kids! Hours: M-Th, 10 am-5 pm. Call for appointment. See ad.

Dr. Birchann Paffenbarger 745 Poplar Avenue Boulder

(720) 445-6709

www.MyBoulderChiropractor.com Ages: All. Dr. Birchann Paffenbarger at Boulder Chiropractic specializes in pediatric and prenatal care. Safe and comfortable treatment may help a pregnant woman’s body prepare for birth and help with fetal positioning for an easier pregnancy and delivery. Chiropractic is a gentle and natural treatment that may help children of any age with colic, ear aches, hyperactivity, growing pains, and much more. Call Boulder Chiropractic today! Hours: Call for appointment.

Beauty Benefits

(970) 352-8873

LoriGrace@BrightentheBrain.com BrightentheBrain.com Ages: 10-18 Executive Function Clinic. Executive Function skills are central to effective goal-oriented behavior, and are linked to educational attainment in all academic/social/emotional areas. We use advanced brain-based technologies to create faster, lasting improvements. Hours: 27 hours total. Call to schedule your time.

Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic at CU Boulder Shelley Sheppeck 2501 Kittredge Loop Drive Boulder CO 80309 (303) 492-5375

Bethany Gray 4800 Baseline Road, Suite C-108 Boulder

(601) 668-8100

KidLife

Play to Empowerment Tatum Oman, LPC, RPT Boulder/Nederland

(720) 470-7244

tatum@coretherapeuticcenter.com www.childtherapyboulder.com Ages: 3-13 years old. Offering play therapy and animal-assisted therapy for children experiencing a social, behavioral, and/or emotional concern. Encourages self-awareness and acceptance of all feelings, increases coping skills, self-soothing, and self-confidence. Also offering parent support. Fees: $110/hr. Tatum Oman is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a registered play therapist (RPT). Please see website for more information or feel free to email or call.

slhc@colorado.edu www.colorado.edu/slhs Ages: 1-18 The Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic at CU Boulder is able to evaluate and address speech, articulation or other language concerns, as well as reading/writing challenges with partic-

bethany@beautybenefitsboulder.com www.beautybenefitsboulder.com Complete skin and brow care. Licensed esthetician. Eyebrow shaping, lash & brow tinting, customized facials, lash extensions. Convenient Boulder location at the Phenix suites. Online booking for easy scheduling. Hours: See website to schedule. See ad.

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Brighten the Brain & Dream Catchers LoriGrace Kochevar, MS LPC 2300 Central Ave Boulder

ular emphasis on the language components of both, for ages 18 months to 18 years old. Our clinic offers several different assessments in order to support and identify the needs of families. We frequently see clients for child speech/ language assessments, language learning disability assessments, central auditory processing evaluations, stuttering diagnostics, and voice assessments, and we are available to evaluate and treat a wide range of needs. Hours: M-F. 8 am to 5 pm. See ad.

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Winter 2016 • Page 13

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH Success With Holiday Stress!

by Tatum Oman

olidays can be exciting and bring parties, family, food, games and sweets. But then, there is also the stress of traveling resulting in chaos for both you and your kid(s). This article is going to be focusing on the latter so to help the good times be just that good. While some holidays have passed, there are still some to come so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set the remaining holiday season up for success!

IS IT REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

Ask yourself some questions: Do you really need to

go right now or can it wait? Is it necessary? Do you need to be on time or can you be late and it be okay? Determined necessary and need to be on time. In that case, hopefully you allotted some alone time prior in the day so your kiddo is ready to go. Snacks (something

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crunchy but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be messy. Plain cereal or carrots may be a good option) and cold water (may lower anxiety) in the car. While on your way, explain to your child what to expect. If not necessary and your child is giving you signs that they are overdone on outings, sit it out. Children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always express in words that they do not want to do something and instead will stall or try to pick a fight so to get out of going. Listen to what they are â&#x20AC;&#x153;tellingâ&#x20AC;? you. If your child needs to do something prior to leaving and it seems silly to you but you can be late, let them do it. S/he is anxious and trying to calm themselves down. It is worth being a little late if it means a better time.

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When leaving the house, it is important to set the expectations, and let them know the amount of time. Be specific when they will be there and give them the choice when they can leave if they want to. At said time, check in with your kid(s) and give them the option. If one of them wants to leave, that was the deal you need to head home. Be true to your words. Often there are more

errands around this time. Communicate that you need to do ______. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say you have two errands. Your kids are being good during the two errands so you extend it to four errands. By the end of it all you want to pull your hair out. Hold your word and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to push your luck. If you tell them it is going to be two errands than have it be two errands and end on a good note. This will encourage your kid(s) to be wellbehaved next time because they will know how long they have to hold it together. No matter what the situation, if you say something, hold to your words.

SCHEDULE, WHAT SCHEDULE?

Something that typically goes out the window is the schedule. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to keep one with parties and events. We all need a schedule of some kind. A schedule involves times and order especially during the holiday season. After school it could be a set routine with a snack, alone time, activity, and bedtime time. Whether you are at a family memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house or at your own, it is important to keep some sort of schedule and ideally involve some alone time. Twenty minutes daily is good.

SELF-CARE

Self-care for your kid(s) and you is important. I mentioned alone time earlier. It is amazing how a set alone time can help calm the system down. This approach is most helpful proactively, however,

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH after an event it can be helpful as well. A set time every day is ideal. If daily is not possible, setting a particular day or days is good. Make sure that your child knows what these days are. This will allow their brain to relax knowing that they will have that down time. Bath time for you is also a good self-care time. Put on some soothing music and/or add essential oils for some aromatherapy. Candles are another soothing tool. They can be utilized in so many ways. Coloring by candlelight. Reading by candlelight. Self-care can be fun along with relaxing. These are the days that are making those amazing memories. Listen to yourself and child; prioritize. Do not forget what is most important! Be truthful in your words and intentions. Try to keep some kind of a schedule and don’t forget about self-care for

your little one and yourself! With these things in mind and in action, the rest of your holiday season will seem at least a little less stressful and chaotic.

Tatum is a play therapist who utilizes play therapy and animal assisted therapy, (with her hedgehog) in her work with children 3-13 years old that are experiencing a hard time emotionally/behaviorally. She also offers parent coaching. She is a licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, and founder of KidLife, a private practice in Boulder and Nederland. For more information or to schedule play therapy sessions, please visit online at www.childtherapyboulder. com or call Tatum at (720) 4707244.

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH

CST FOR A HEALTHY FAMILY by Germaine Weaver, PT

raniosacral therapy (CST) has gained a positive reputation for helping in the recovery of a wide variety of health issues as well as counteracting stress and trauma. Yet, most people don’t understand how it helps prevent health problems and restore health. Some people still have never heard of this gentle, hands-on modality offered by trained practitioners. Craniosacral therapy assesses and releases restrictions in the craniosacral system, facilitating the body’s self-corrective capability. We did not learn about the craniosacral system in school

when we learned about the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. That is because it is fairly new to our awareness and understanding. It is comprised of the cerebrospinal fluid that nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord, the membranes that contain this fluid, and the structures that produce and reabsorb this fluid. The craniosacral system encloses the brain and spinal cord, plus the pituitary and pineal glands. It influences the nervous system (and the bodily functions it controls) and the endocrine system (and the hormones it secretes). Craniosacral therapy improves the environment in which these other two systems work which has effects throughout the whole body.

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Craniosacral therapists monitor the condition of this system by the rhythm created by the cerebrospinal fluid input and outflow. Anyone can learn to feel this craniosacral rhythm, just as one can learn to check heart rate and respiratory rate, tools for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. While it is easier to learn to feel this rhythm at the head and pelvis, the craniosacral rhythm can be felt anywhere on the body. It is a slow rhythm at 6-12 cycles per minute. The outer membrane of the craniosacral system is called the dura mater and attaches to the inside of the skull bones as well as to the upper neck bones and the low back bone called the sacrum. We have learned that the individual skull bones are in subtle motion to accommodate the fluid pressure changes within the craniosacral system. Symptoms show up when there is a compromise in normal movement of the bones and membranes that accommodate normal pressure changes. This compromise stems from direct or indirect compression. Professional help is needed when the body doesn’t decompress on its own and symptoms persist. Therapy helps release the specific restricted tissues, found upon evaluation. Therapists use intention and work indirectly as much as possible to support the body in decompressing on its own. When more support is needed, therapists work directly with the body tissues to gently nudge them to release, generally using just 1-5 grams of pressure. To give you an idea, a nickel weighs 5 grams, so it is a very light pressure.

Illustration reprinted with permission by Upledger Institute International.

What causes direct compression? A blow to the head or a fall on the tailbone causes the most direct compression to the craniosacral system, but a blow to or fall on any body part may cause compression. Babies often experience compression during vaginal birth at the juncture of their head and neck or at their shoulder or hip. Compression at the base of the head may impinge their vagus nerve and contribute to colic and digestive issues. Children and teens also commonly compress their bodies during sport activities.

Illustration reprinted with permission by Upledger Institute International.

What causes indirect compression? The response to stress and trauma causes tension deep in the body. Jaw tensing or clenching accom-

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH panies stress and trauma and keeps our body in “fight or flight or freeze” mode of the nervous system. With Caesarean section, the sudden pressure change between the womb and outside creates a compressive reaction in the baby. Children experiencing transitions such as new school, home move, parental separation, or family death may respond with internal compression. How can we help decompress our bodies? Rest and sleep help the body relax and restore, although our ability to decompress restricted tissues may be limited with these activities. Focused relaxation or gentle movement in the areas where the dura attaches to the bones may have a more specific effect toward releasing core restrictions. Release of jaw tension helps the autonomic nervous system move from (often low grade) “fight,

flight or freeze” sympathetic mode into “rest and digest” parasympathetic mode. Try these simple activities with your family to facilitate decompression: 1. Tail Wag: Imagine you have a tail and wag it gently side to side, up and down, and in other directions. Encourage young children to pretend to be animals with tails. 2 . Head Bob: Gently move your head up and down using very small, slow movements, and see if you can ultimately feel as if your head is bobbing on its own. Challenge family members to be the best at subtle bobbing. 3 . Jaw and Head Release: Make faces, moving your mouth, nose, eyes, ears, brain and head at the same time. Vary between big versus small and fast versus

slow movements (Trying to move the ears and brain stimulates those areas). Make sounds and sing high and low ranges. Play with animal sounds with the kids. Yawn. Initially make yourself yawn until you spontaneously yawn. Children love yawning during storytime before sleep. Incorporate your favorites into evening routines to foster stress release for more restorative sleep. Play with jaw release before meals to help digestion. Travel time in vehicles offers another opportunity to slip in some of these little habits. There is plenty of stress in the lives of families, so why not take charge and counterbalance that with intentions to optimize well-being? Book Suggestions: 1.) Your Inner Physician and You: CranioSacral Therapy and

SomatoEmotional Release by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM 2.) CranioSacral Therapy: What It Is, How It Works by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM with Richard Grossinger, Don Ash, and Don Cohen 3.) An Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment by Don Cohen, DC

Germaine Weaver, PT has been a physical therapist since 1981 and a CranioSacral therapist since 1987. Her passion is in helping babies, children, and teenagers enjoy a healthy start to life, and educating the public about the benefits of craniosacral therapy for early prevention and recovery. She is writing her book, CranioSacral Therapy Tools for Resilience. Visit www.bouldercranio.com or call (303) 444-2233 for more information about classes or individual sessions.

2016

Winter 2016 • Page 17

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH

Drawing by Fritz Scholder

WHAT DO I DO NOW, ROMONA? A A Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCS Psychotherapist

I have a friend in her late 60s who is taking Prozac and has lost about 48 pounds. Can antidepressants be used for weight loss generally? Signed Curious.

Just last week a friend of mine was prescribed Prozac for weight loss. I thought about it and it made sense. When we were children our mothers often soothed us with cookies. As adults we continue to treat our anxiety and depression with food. So it logically follows that we could treat our depression with Prozac and not cookies and consequently loose weight. Prozac is an antidepressant with a long history of BOULDER

success. It helps people manage their moods and keeps them from despairing. It has been recently been shown to ameliorate anxiety as well. Antidepressants such as Prozac are called SSRI’s. They increase the amount of serotonin available in our brain and have a calming effect on our moods. It won’t make us lose weight but it will treat the underlying reason for overeating. Overeating releases the brain’s natural tranquilizers that have a calming effect. We feel better but we gain weight. We become addicted to this process and Prozac can help treat that addiction. Older drugs like Prozac are cheaper and well studied. There are usually no surprise side effects from older medications.

When I dropped off my oldest child for out-of-state college I thought I was going to collapse. I can’t stop thinking about his welfare; if he is lonely or scared being at a rather large school. I don’t want to call him, but I really feel uncomfortable. What can I do to feel more in control of this situation? Signed Freaked-Out Parent.

I rescued two baby birds a number of years ago. They had no feathers yet! It took months of devoted care to get them to the point where they could be released. When the day came, I couldn’t help but think about the parents of real children, not birds, and how difficult it must be to let them fly away on their own. But just as I could not keep my birds in a cage for the rest of their lives, you cannot deny your son his chance to test his wings and leave the nest. On the other hand, how can you be happy if your son is unhappy? Mother’s love is not codependent. You will always be concerned about your son’s welfare. Please call him frequently or email him or text, but stay in touch! He needs to know that you are there holding him in your thoughts. I loved my mother’s letters when I went away to school. I still have them 50 years later. Now you have an empty space to fill. Find other interests. Get a job or volunteer. Fill your life with productive work, a reason to get up in the morning. Make it something that is of service to others. Caring for others has the effect of healing the caregiver. Give it a try.

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My son’s best friend just moved away and he is having a terrible time with it. He is depressed, listless, doesn’t want to go out any where and is turning into a couch potato. What can I do about this? FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1989

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Signed Mother of 10-Year-Old.

This may be the first time in his life that your son has suffered a loss of this magnitude. It’s no surprise that he has no idea of how to acknowledge the loss and have the tools to deal with it. First of all, he needs to be allowed to grieve. Don’t tell him to just get over it or to move on. He’s sad and that should be all right. Then remind him that he can and should keep in touch with his friend. In today’s digital age with our phones and tablets, keeping in touch has never been easier. Facetime or Skype are great tools for communicating. I’ve always wished I had kept more friends from early childhood. They are people who share and understand my early history, as newer friends cannot. You might enroll him in a karate class or a computer class. Talk to his teacher and school counselor to let them know that he might be depressed. I’m glad that you are keeping an eye on your son, as this may be his first bout of grief and sadness and possible depression. If it doesn’t improve, consider therapy. Children don’t always share the depth of their feelings and we are left to respond to subtler clues.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH

A Soldier’s Christmas O

by Matt Dunn

nce again the holidays are upon us and what a wonderful time of the year it is. Snow is falling and presents are being wrapped, while the voices of carolers and choirs can be heard in the air. Like many other Americans this holiday season, you are probably going to be spending these joyous times surrounded by friends and family. Unfortunately, there are many Americans who are not able to spend the holidays with the ones they love. Members of the United States Armed Forces serve year round, in a variety of roles and countries across the globe. With military installations spanning across sixty-three countries, ships patrolling all five oceans and aircraft keeping our skies safe, many of these men and women will not be home for the holidays. The way I would normally spend my Christmas vacation changed drastically when I joined the Navy in 2010. After graduating my second, technical training school, I received orders to Naples, Italy. I arrived in “Il Bel Paese,” the beautiful country, in the fall of 2011 and spent the next four years experiencing winter celebrations through a new lens. My first Christmas overseas was spent on watch in the emergency room. As lowest man on the totem pole, I knew I would have to pay my dues before earning the most coveted of days off. Lucky for us, our Commanding Officer ’s family held an impromptu dinner celebration for all staff working that day.

The following years allowed me chances to celebrate in more unconventional ways. In 2013, my friends and I gathered a posse of sailors to explore the far north during Christmas. We arrived in Norway on Christmas Eve and made our way North to Nordkapp in search of the Northern Lights. While I was fortunate enough to gallivant around Europe, making merry with my colleagues, others I knew were not so lucky. Continually sailing the open ocean on something as large as an aircraft carrier can definitely dampen one’s mood over time. Luckily, innovative sailors find smart and exciting ways to raise their crew’s morale. In order to improve the spirits of his team, the Commanding Officer of the USS Nimitz gathered his crew atop the flight deck for a special Christmas announcement. The CO announced that an all day steel beach picnic would be taking place atop the ship. This included a whole day of team-oriented games, “swim call” or free time to wade in the Indian Ocean, as well as a mock fireworks display using spare rounds and artillery. Friends, who have been forward deployed across the Middle East, taught me that it was the tiniest of gestures

that could brighten their day. While being deployed during the holidays and chatting via Skype, a colleague of mine mentioned that the morale of him and his team was beginning to wane. The command and I took it upon us to gather donations for a holiday care package. Within a week of the package being delivered, we saw the aftermath of its contents. Our hearts were filled with joy when we saw the contents had been used to produce a makeshift Winter Wonderland, Elf Workshop and even designate a base Santa Claus. Times can seem gloomy when it comes to being in the military during the holidays. If you happen to find yourself in a similar situation, always remember that someone somewhere will always be looking out for you. Merry Christmas.

Matt Dunn served in the Navy as a hospital Corpsman, completing specialized training as a histopathology technician. He spent the majority of his enlistment in Naples, Italy as the sole histotechnologist onboard the U.S. Naval Hospital. Traveling around Europe, as well as being immersed in NATO’s multicultural environment, allowed him to regain a fresh perspective on life. He spends his spare time playing hockey, scuba diving and painting. Matt is currently in his Junior year at CU Boulder and is studying public relations.

For information volunteer work and how you can help active soldiers and veterans please check out www.operationhomefront.net and also check out the Broomfield Memorial Veterans Museum, a magnificent small jewel that is a super educational place for families, and offers veterans a way to share their personal stories, and families and the general public to learn much from those. They also offer school visits. Please check out www.broomfieldveterans.com for more information.

Winter 2016 • Page 19

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS HEALTH FINANCIAL V

T he Benefit s of Inves t ing in Precious Metals: Gold and Silver

by Steve Carr

ince the beginning of time, gold and silver have been considered valuable and collected by many. Savvy investors and consumers alike continue to appreciate the significance that gold and silver add to their investment portfolio and commodities.

GOLD

We know gold primarily as an exceptional investment and for its use in jewelry. Why? Because gold is a very unique precious metal for its durability (it doesn’t rust or corrode), and for its malleability. In addition, it also has other applications in dentistry, electronics, and other

consumer products due to its ability to conduct both heat and electricity. The value of gold is determined by the market 24/7/365. Its price is not necessarily tied to the laws of

supply and demand, because new mining supply is vastly outweighed by the size of above-ground accumulation. Several factors account for an increased desire to collect gold:

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Unlike gold, the price fluctuations of silver is more volatile, due to variations between its perceived investment value and its worth as an industrial metal. However,

similarly to gold, silver historically has helped investors hedge against inflation as an investment, and its desired use in jewelry. As an investment, silver typically trades in line with gold and it continues to have a very resilient industrial demand. However in contrast, the price of silver is much lower which enables more consumers and investors to purchase and trade it. Several factors account for an increased desire to collect and use silver: • The expansive demand for appliances, medical products and other industrial items that require silver input. • Silver’s use in batteries, superconductor applications, and microcircuit markets. In summary, precious metals, such as gold and silver, provide a means of diversifying one’s financial portfolio. Investing in precious metals can help investors weather sharp market downturns, and can also help investors take advantage of market recoveries. However, make no mistake. Like any other investment, seek financial assistance prior to investing your money in any financial product including gold and silver. Timing, diversity, and understanding the risks are key to successful investing. Steve Carr is the Business Development Consultant at Premier Members Credit Union. Ask about savings incentives for children under 13 years old, and a youth checking account with a debit card with no monthly fee for high school students. Contact Steve Carr (303) 657-7558 or scarr@ pmcu.org for more information.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

News about Town... S

unflower Preschool is celebrating two milestones this year: Founder and owner Debbie Ellman is retiring and her daughter, Marisa Ellman, is taking over as owner/operator. A Montessori-based preschool known for fostering creative play in a multi-sensory outdoor environment (certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom), has been teaching young children since 1981. “Sunflower has been my heart and soul for 35 years,” says founder Debra Ellman. “I am proud we have created a preschool where children can play and learn in a child directed environment. An environment where the outdoor classroom is of equal importance, and the children are free to run, explore and stimulate their curiosity in beautiful Boulder. What an honor that Marisa and the team of seasoned and professional Sunflower teachers (Carrie Luttrell, Marcia Platt, and Sunflower Mars have been teaching for over 15 years at the school) will continue as part of Sunflower’s unique team teaching environment.” Marisa Ellman, who attended Sunflower as a child, worked at the school during summers when she was in high school and college, and now is taking over as the new owner, is excited to run the school. Marisa spent four years in Israel teaching English and helping

refugee youth. She is currently working on her director certification for early childhood education. “I am thrilled to be taking over as owner and operator of Sunflower and to continue my mom’s leadership and vision,” said Marisa Ellman. “I have always believed that there is nothing more important than making a difference in the life of a child. It has been a privilege to work with so many children over the years and watch them thrive and grow at Sunflower. I look forward to continuing to foster a school where children can explore the outdoors and learn the necessary skills to thrive in the world.” The school is located at 3340 Dartmouth in Boulder. for more information Email sunflowerpreschoolboulder@ gmail.com or go to www. sunflowerpreschoolboulder. com.

his year Boulder Valley Waldorf School pioneered a bold move in the world of independent schools by lowering tuition rates. The school changed its name from Shepherd Valley Waldorf School and launched a new logo but will continue with the same wonderful programming and teaching on their 38-acre campus in Niwot. The school meets increased enrollment with decreased tuition! Contact their outreach and admission director, Ruth Godberfforde at (303) 6520130 or check out bvwaldorf.

org for more information. The school is located at 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway in Niwot.

he TLC Learning Center, formerly Tiny Tim Developmental Preschool, celebrates 60 years of service to Longmont and Boulder County families with special needs and, since the 1970s, fully-abled children. “I’ve only been here three years, but everywhere I go I hear people telling me how they were involved. There were a lot of people that made this organization run.” says Matt Elred. TLC runs inclusive classrooms for infants, toddlers and children of all needs and abilities from eight weeks to 6 years old. The innovative approach is now backed up by research demonstrating academic, emotional, social and other benefits from integration across developmental differences. Pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy are also available to children from birth to age 12. The nonprofit was founded in 1956 as Tiny Tim Developmental Preschool by a group of parents at a time when options for their special-needs children were limited: keep them at home or institutionalize them. “With Tiny Tim, folks thought we only served kids with special needs. We wanted families of all abilities to consider a place like this.W

e know with kids that if we can teach them that we’re all different at an earlier age, they’re more likely to be empathetic.” Elred added: “Ninety percent of your brain is developed by age 5— everything I know I learned before I got to kindergarten.” TLC has earned the highest-possible, four-star rating in each of its programs from Qualistar Colorado. The center receives four out of a possible five stars from Colorado Shines, the state of Colorado’s early childhood education quality rating and improvement system. You can check out www. learningwithtlc.org for more information.

w e n t y Ye a r s o f Wonder, 20 Years o f D i s c o v e r y, 2 0 Years of WOW! Founded in 1996, WOW! Children’s Museum (World of Wonder) is celebrating 20 years in the Boulder County community! WOW! has been inspiring local children and families to learn through play with our hands-on exhibits, programs, classes and events. Wow! relocated from Louisville to Lafayette; hosted hundreds of local performers and artists; opened our doors to thousands of children in need; built a variety of interactive exhibits in-house and have amazingly served over one million visitors! WOW!’s birthday party is on November 12th. Please visit wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

Winter 2016 • Page 21

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Holiday Toys TOP PICKS

by Taylor Cannon

he holidays are a turbulent time. This can be difficult for many people to accept or admit (myself included). Most Americans are primed from birth to anticipate the annual December sugar-and-presents fest with great excitementand maybe even a chocolatefilled advent calendar. But in reality, it can be stressful to juggle multiple family and work celebrations and appropriate gifting for all of one’s close acquaintances. And what’s more, those of us who struggle with persistent firstworld guilt are always questioning our affection for the holiday season. Are we just looking forward to the presents? The mainstream media and much of big business would have us believe that because it’s “The Holidays,” we should allow our materialistic impulses to run rampant, entirely free of self-reproach because of the underlying tradition and ritual that seems to necessitate it.

But for our kids, this internal conflict is absent. The excitement they feel about the holiday season is simple and uncomplicated. It’s infectious, too—a sense of magic and pure, earnest joy vibrantly colors this time of the year for anyone with children. And it doesn’t last long—that innocent enthusiasm for the holidays only exists for the first decade of a child’s life, at best. So, how do we negotiate the balance between discouraging materialistic tendencies in our children and leaving plenty of room for that sense of mysticism to flourish? I was raised in a loosely Protestant household, and like most children of similar backgrounds, I will never forget the wonder of a

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Christmas tree on the morning of December 25. Even today, the holiday season still holds a great deal of happiness for me. Fortunately, with age comes clarity, and I can now see that I look forward to this time of year because I get to spend rare time with my family. Of course, the other stuff is great, too (and nobody makes homemade Christmas toffee like my Aunt Missy), but most of what I love about the holidays has to do with togetherness. I think this can be said of many of us- that our best holiday memories from childhood and our favorite thing about this time of the year in adulthood is that feeling of closeness. Even if your family is small or distant, the holidays can be a reminder

of the value of community, wherever you may find it. These values are important to keep in mind when gift-giving. Toys and games that support family bonding are affordable and endlessly rewarding for both parents and kids. What gives you the warm-fuzzies more than seeing your children happily playing together? What’s better than a family game night full of popcorn and giggles? Classics like Candyland can be a simple, exciting board game for families that include small children, and the older kids will get a kick out of it, too! For kids ages 7 and up, Bananagrams is easily transported and great for increasing vocabulary, and Monopoly challenges children to learn to strategize. If your family has the classics mastered, Grandrabbit’s has the top picks of the new releases which they will happily demo for you. A big winner in the “hilarious” category

at a recent employee game night was Happy Salmon, great fun for all ages. Games played in groups are powerful tools for teaching sportsmanship and teamwork skills. And there are hosts of other board games that encourage critical thinking and inquisitiveness. It’s like sneaking the spinach into your kids’ mac and cheese; they won’t even realize that they’re learning and acquiring valuable life skills because they’re having a ball. But as I’m sure most of us know on some level, the presence of gratitude is the most nutritious part of the holiday smorgasbord. Conscious awareness of what is going well in our lives and what fills us up and renews us is deeply revitalizing. Especially during this hectic time of year, it’s so easy to get swept up into the rapid flow of life and forget to stop and be thankful. Encouraging

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

similar habits in children is simple: when they see you taking the time to be cognizant of all that you are so fortunate to have, they will begin to do the same. Books can be a great gift and a fun reinforcer of gratitude; in particular, Hannah Rogge’s 101 Joys Make a Rainbow is a colorful reminder to pause and take stock of all that brings joy to your life.

While we’re on the subject of gratitude, Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe is especially lucky to be celebrating for another reason this holiday season: this is our 40th holiday season making memories and being part of your family traditions. While serving the Front Range for the past four decades, we’ve learned a great deal about what’s important to the locals during this special time of year. We continue to be awed and inspired by the generosity and cul-

tural richness we’ve found here, and are looking forward to the next 4 decades with great anticipation! Grandrabbit’s mission since 1977 has been to strengthen our community as we help grow young bodies, minds and hearts. We know that our vitality depends on the health and happiness of our region, and we strive to be a positive influence and support. Happy holidays, from Grandrabbit’s!

Taylor Cannon is a freelance writer and Grandrabbit’s fan who lives and works in Boulder County. For more information on Grandrabbit’s, call (303) 443-0780 or visit the store online at www.grtoys.com for more information.

Happy 40th Birthday to GrandRabbits Toy Shoppe!

From Boulder County Kids!

My Favorite Read-Alouds

Publisher’s Note: This list comes from my cousin Ann Nye who owns the cutest book store ever! If you are ever in the Twin Cities, this is a must see! Excelsior Bay Books is located at 38 Water Street, Excelsior, Minnesota. Call (952) 401-0932 for more information and ask for Ann. Funny, interactive, bedtime, a little bit scary, ME...JANE will bring a tear to your eye, TANGO has been banned numerous times, so there’s something for everyone here. All in all, a great list! -- Ann Press Here by Herve’ Tullet ISBN 9780811879545

Snip Snap! What’s That? by Mara Bergman ISBN 9780060777548

Naked! by Michael Ian Black Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell ISBN 9781442467385 ISBN 9780316045469 A House in the Woods by Inga Moore And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson ISBN 9780763652777 ISBN 9780689878459 How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker ISBN 9780763663070 ISBN 9780763646110 The First Drawing by Mordecai Gerstein Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue ISBN 9780316204781 ISBN 9780547641027 Vanilla Ice Cream by Bob Graham ISBN 9780763673772

Winter 2016 • Page 23

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Holiday Events... NOT-TO-MISS FAMILY-FUN

BOULDER

The Nutcracker Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic and Boulder Children’s Chorale is November 25-27 at the Macky Auditorium on the CU campus, Boulder, and then again with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra on December 3, 4 at the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium in Longmont. For tickets you can check out www.boulderballet.org.

is Monday, November 14. Check out their website at www.boulderdowntown.com for more information.

Boulder Opera The Elixer of Love: Opera for Kids! will be performed on December 1, 2, 4 in Boulder at the Nomad Theater and then December 3 at the Broomfield Auditorium. Evening and matinee times. Call (646) 438-0110 or www. boulderoperacompany.com for times and more information.

BROOMFIELD

T his year ’s Christmas Revels—A Scottish Celebration of the Winter Solstice is set for three shows at the Dairy Arts Center, December 16-18; 1:30 pm and 7 pm. Check out www. rockymountainrevels.org for more information. Downtown Boulder offers Switch on the Holidays on November 20 at 5 pm, at the Boulder Court House. St. Nick on the Bricks on Pearl Street Mall on November 25, 26 to December 24 from 11 to 2 pm, at 1301 Pearl Street. December 3 is the 29th Annual Lights of December Parade at 6 pm, and remember to see Santa, too! If you want to participate in the parade, deadline to sign-up

A Christmas Carol will be on November 25 - December 1 at the Stage Theatre in Denver. Check denver-theater.com. Broomfield Holiday Show is scheduled for December 3 at the Pinnacle Events Center in Denver.

ERIE

Erie’s Country Christmas and Parade of Lights in Historic Downtown Erie on December 2, from 5 to 8 pm. A beautiful hometown holiday event. The celebration consists of a living nativity scene, choirs performing, free wagon rides, a fun Parade of Lights, and local businesses serving hot chocolate and offering Country Christmas specials.

LAFAYETTE

December 3 will be Home for the Holidays. Lafayette’s

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annual family event features visits with Santa, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, carolers and live reindeer at Festival Plaza, 309 South Boulder Road. Later that day, there will be caroling, the holiday tree lighting at dusk, a singalong and a potluck dinner. Find an updated schedule of events at www.cityoflafayette.com. November 19 Turkey Shoot. Ages 6 to adult can bag a holiday turkey during this annual free-throw shooting contest at Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, 111 W. Baseline Road. Turkeys are awarded to top shooters in each of the male and female age-group categories and a second-chance competition. Begins at 9 am, but arrive early to register. Check online www.cityoflafayette. com/recreation or call (303) 665-0469.

LOUISVILLE

Louisville Parade of Lights on December 2, Annual Holiday Parade is held in conjunction with the monthly art walk downtown. Main Street closes at 4 pm, ArtWalk is 4 to 6:30 pm, and the parade begins at 7 pm. There’s also live caroling, a living crèche, visits with Santa, and other holiday-themed activities. Check out www.louisvilleco.gov for more information. Peanut Butter Players presents the wackiest Nutcracker yet: Nuncrackers, a continuation of the lovable Nunsense series on December 10, 17, 23 at 7:30 pm, and December 11, 18, 23, at 2

pm, at the Harlequin Center for the Performing Arts, 1376 Miners Drive, Suite 106. Call (303) 786-8727 for tickets.

LONGMONT

Last Chance Gift Fest and Holiday Gift Show December 18 at the Boulder County Fair Grounds opening at 10 am. Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 6th Ave. Plaza, west of 6th Avenue and Main St. from 7 to 8 pm, November 25. December 9 is Santa’s workshop! The ice rink will be open with a holiday show and open skate times, cocoa, fire pits, holiday concerts at the Senior Center and food truck sales. December 10 is Free Day at the Longmont Museum along with Longmont Lights/Holiday Parade starting with a parade line up at 3:30 pm, at Longs Peak and Bross, and 5 pm, at Roosevelt Park, which includes cocoa, fire pits, fireworks and food truck sales following the parade. Check www.downtownlongmont. com for more information. Airborne Gymnastics and Dance present the Nutty Nutcracker at Vance Brand at 2 pm, on December 17.

NIWOT

November 25 is the Enchanted Evening with Santa and a holiday concert and parade from 6 to 9 pm.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Winter 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 25

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Parent CARES - Teaching our kids to trust themselves

by Jessica Dancingheart

he longest relationship anybody will have in life is with themselves. As parents, it would behoove us to equip our children with experiences that give that relationship the best chance of being healthy, strong, loving and respect-based. Sometimes, despite our good intentions, we unwittingly and unconsciously undermine that trust. The good news is that we can learn how to build it.

I don’t know if I can handle this?

Based on the coaching work I do with adults who are struggling at work, in

“a non-profit empowering youth of promise through education.” Legacy of Learning provides customized academic instruction and has achieved consistent, measurably effective results for thousands of students.

Boulder County’s at-risk youth are drowning in our community’s widening achievement gap—but we have a solution. We don’t just rescue them; we teach them to swim and break free from a persistent cycle of failure.

Support us Now and on December 6th! www.coloradogives.org/COGIVESDAY 12.06.16

www.thelegacyoflearning.org 303.444.8422 Page 26 • www.bouldercountykids.com

I Wonder if I should talk to Mom and Dad?

relationships or with parenting, the most common barrier I see to a healthy relationship to one’s self and to others, is the lack of trust in oneself. Rebuilding the trust takes repair work, requiring relational attunement. Now imagine if people, beginning in childhood, were able to develop healthy, loving and reliable relationships, and were also guided to trust their own intuition, perceptions, and ability to make lifeaffirming choices. With conscious effort and by following these C.A.R.E.S steps, that is possible. 1) Connect before you correct. As challenging as it may be, listen deeply to your children’s needs. Behind the “I want...”; tantrums; choices we would prefer that they not make; defiance; and upset is a desire to meet a need. If you find that you are trying to protect your child or make life a little easier for yourself by correcting them, stop to connect with your and their needs. Examples of needs are power in the world, rest,

food, connection, play, peace, autonomy, contribution, autonomy, mastery, celebration of life, belonging, and comfort. Name your needs and guess theirs. What this does is open you to possibilities of other ways to meet those needs in ways that fully honor them and you. And ironically, if we don’t correct them, they are more likely to trust us and themselves and come to us for advice or correction when they are stumped or struggling. 2 ) Assume the Best. There are so many times where I see relationships breakdown because people place ill-intent on actions that may not land well with them. Next time your child does something that raises your hackles, instead of jumping to a conclusion that they are intending to be manipulative or hurtful, ask them why they did what they did. Using your deep listening ears (working to identify needs), you will see that almost all the time they are wanting to make their or other people’s lives better. Explain how the action did not land well with you, acknowledge how they were trying to make life more wonderful, and help them come up with other options for making life better that would not be painful to you, them or anybody else by asking them what they think might work and sharing your own ideas.

3) Respect Boundaries. As our children get older, it sometimes can be hard to remember that they are growingly autonomous beings who are on a trajectory of individuation. Paradoxically, the more we nurture that individuation by respecting their boundaries and creating and respecting our own, the more connected they will be with themselves and us. This has two aspects: we don’t get to gossip about them; nor do we get to convince them to do or be who we want them to be. Instead of talking for them, sharing their personal experiences, telling others how they feel and as they get older giving them unsolicited advice, we let them have their own voice, experiences, dreams, circles of friends, and perceptions just like we would with a person we respect. 4 ) Encourage Accountability. Perfection is not the goal of life, because

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS making mistakes and working through struggles is an inevitable part of life. Instead of blaming or shaming or forcing apologies of ourselves or our kids when doing what we want to do is difficult or when we veer off the path and make a mistake, look at a mistake or struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow. Connect back to the intention that led to the mistake or struggle. Examine what worked and did not. If an apology feels like it would set things right, use it—don’t force it. Create a doable plan for making things right and achieving the original goal by doing more of what worked and adapting what did not so it would be more aligned with the original intention. 5 ) Sing praises. When something is done well, or there is a special gift or talent, or a skill is newly mastered, or a fear or obstacle is overcome, celebrate.

Remember the innate goodness, talents, ability to learn and master and make progress. Make note of and cheer each step that is a step towards a goal. Express gratitude freely when life is made more wonderful by stating how a need of yours was made when a particular thing happened. These C.A.R.E.S steps — Connection, Assuming the Best; Respecting Boundaries Encouraging Accountability, and Sing their Praises—give your children the message: “I believe in you, I trust you.” Children crave and deserve to be believed in and trusted. When they know that the people they trust and rely on most believe in them and trust them, they can do the same for themselves.

Jessica Dancingheart is a mother, peace activist and skilled facilitator coach who brings her sincere and intelligent leadership to families, schools, the justice system, workplaces, and private clients. She has over a decade of experience with nonviolent communication, the work of Byron Katie and body awareness techniques. She has been a columnist for Boulder County Kids since 2007. She is a long-time restorative justice practitioner. To find out more about her work and trainings please visit www.openingtopossibilities.com, call (303) 589-8420 or email her at jessica@openingtopossibilities.com for more information.

MACKINTOSH ACADEMY Mackintosh Academy

K-8 / IB WORLD SCHOOL / GIFTED & CREATIVE / DESIGN / INNOVATION / 23 ACRES

OPEN HOUSES

K –1 ADMISSIONS PLAYDATE

Nov. 12, 9:30am – 12:00pm

K–8 OPEN HOUSE

Dec. 7, 6:00 – 8:00pm

WWW.MACKINTOSHACADEMY.COM 6717 South Boulder Road, Boulder (303) 554-2011 RSVP: jenny@mackintoshacademy.com

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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 children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our low student/teacher ratios, highly qualified staff, engaging learning environments, and our focus on teaching social-emotional competence make us a high-quality early care and education program. Qualistar rated as a 4 out of 4 stars. Two meals & snack 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 - Tina Davis 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: director.abk@gmail.com

Alaya Preschool—Boulder 3340 19th Street (303) 449-5248 Contact - Steve Sachs Ages: 2 1/2 yrs - Kindergarten Licensed Year-round w/camp Days: M-F. Hours: 7:45 am to 3:30 pm. Part-time and full-time. A division of Naropa University emphasizing creative arts, social play, exploration, and self-discovery. Alaya is a place where children unfold. They learn about themselves, about friendships, and about their world. Monthly open houses. Check the BCK calendar or call to RSVP. W: www.alayapreschool.org E: alaya@alayapreschool.org

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Emily Armiak Ages: 2 1/2 yrs - 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, and dramatic play. Emphasis is on nurturing curiosity and friendships in a warm, welcoming environment. The school boasts three shady acres with beautiful, natural play areas. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: preschool@bixbyschool.org



Active Louisville Kids Infants-PreK-Louisville 1970 Centennial Dr. (303) 655-9669 Contact - Kristen Argow Heaton Ages: 6 weeks - 8 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm A world of creative and fun discoveries and adventures for children as young as 6 weeks! 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. Educated, caring, qualified teachers, nature/play-based/learning centers. W: www.activelouisvillekids.com E: ka@activeboulderkids.com

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Blossom-French-Bilingual Preschool—Boulder 4700 Sioux Drive (303) 819-4084 Contact - Marie-Pierre Nicoletti Ages: 2 1/2 yrs - 5 yrs Licensed August to May, summer program Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Half-days available. Blossom’s mission is to respect and support each child’s developmental needs and ensure that each student blossoms, and to nurture a confident and curious child through daily rhythms that connect to the seasons. E: thelanguageoffood@gmail.com

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY

Boulder County Head Start—Boulder/Lafayette 1135 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

Boulder Valley Waldorf School—Niwot Hwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Ruth Godberfforde Ages: 3-14 Licensed August - June School & Summer Camps Hours: M-F, 8:30 am to 3:20 pm, with before & after school 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Preschool and Kindergarten as it should be… play-based in nature! Developmentally-appropriate curriculum with an emphasis on movement and sensory integration. Learn math, languages and science through practical activities indoors and outside on our 38-acre campus in Niwot. With small class sizes, exceptional teachers and a strong community, children develop a lifelong love of learning through meaningful work and play. Call for a personal school tour! W: www.bvwaldorf.org E: enrollment@bvwaldorf.org

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 5:30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. Boulder’s only drop-in, temporary childcare center. Children are scheduled one day at a time and fees are based on a sliding scale, making them affordable to all. C-CAP accepted. 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/childrensalley E: childrensalley@ywcaboulder.org

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. 5 hours to 29.5 hours/week. Our dynamic preschool program brings children of all ages, abilities, and cultures together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The four cornerstones of our 46-year-old program are Creativity, Nature and Science, Multiculturalism, and Service. Children learn lifelong skills and learn to care deeply about themselves, each other, and the Earth. We are piloting Boulder County Health’s “Farm to ECE” program this year, and have constructed 5 large garden beds that are cared for by our children and families. Children plant, water, harvest, wash and prepare our fresh grown produce for their snacks. Big congratulations to our executive director Elaine McCarthy, for entering into her 25th school year with Children’s House. A true educator, Elaine remained in the classroom as lead teacher, and has taught children from over 40 different home languages. Join us today. W: www.childrenshousepreschool.org E: info@childrenshousepreschool.org

Dream Makers Preschool—Boulder Ages: 2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 9 am to 1 pm, with optional extended day program until 3:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (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 - 8 yrs. Maximum enrollment of 15 children. Ratio 1:5. W: www.dreammakerspreschool.com

Elm Tree Preschools—Boulder 2575 Glenwood Drive (303) 440-2934 Contact: Sarah Tibbetts 1330 Alpine Avenue Ages: 1-6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days and Hours: M-F. 8 am to 5:30 pm. Elm Tree is a small, locally-owned preschool; we offer play-based learning with a contemplative teaching approach providing the highest quality care for children in our two nature-centered classrooms. W: www.theelmtree.org E: preschool@theelmtree.org

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY

Exploring Minds Academy—Erie 4051 E. County Line Rd. (303) 828-3452 Contact: Sandy, Director Ages: 6 wks -11 years Licensed Year-round Program Days and Hours: M-F. 6 am to 6 pm. Quality early learning programs taught by loving and nurturing teachers. To ensure that your child is ready for school, all teachers are highly trained in early childhood education and work as partners with you to create a learning environment that is appropriate for each child. Specially designed classrooms filled with activities that encourage learning through discovery. Warm nutritious meals served. Flexible full- & part-time programs. Active military and educator discounts. Accept Colorado Child Care Assistance program. W: www.exploringmindsacademy.com

Flagstaff Academy Preschool—Longmont 2040 Miller Drive (303) 651-7900 Contact - Patty Quinn Ages: 3 - 5 Licensed August through May Program Days and Hours: M-F, 8:30-11:20 am & 12:20-3:10 pm. Learning is fun for students and teachers at Flagstaff Academy’s preschool. Spanish is taught in both pre-K classes. Teachers use multi-sensory teaching strategies and work on building each child’s self-esteem. Students meet new friends as they are given ample opportunities to practice their social skills. W: www.flagstaffacademy.org E: pquinn@flagstaffacademy.org

Forest Park Montessori School—Lafayette 2687 North Park Drive, Suite 102 (720) 260-0519 Contact - Adena M. Stedman, M.Ed. Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 Licensed August through May/Summer Camp Program Days and Hours: M-F, 8:15 am-12 pm with an option for 3 or 5 afternoons 12 pm-3:30 pm. Afternoon special offerings include baking, natural history, gardening, and Spanish. 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

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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. 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, nature immersion, and a foundation for preacademic skills. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Specials including art, music, and PE. Award-winning, master-level teachers with over 20 years of experience in each classroom. 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: 21/2 - 6 NOW OPEN YEAR-ROUND State Licensed & Eco-Healthy designation, member of AMS. Program Days: M-F . Hours: 8 am-5:30 pm. We offer full- or halfday programs. Offering an authentic Montessori preschool, kindergarten and summer camp. We nurture the love of learning! W: www.gatewaymontessorischool.net E: office@gatewaymontessorischool.net

Heart and Hands Montessori Center—Lafayette 1355 Forest Park Cir.,#100 (303) 444-0181 Contact - Susan Sears Smith Ages: 6 weeks through 3 years Year-round American Montessori Associate Member. Bilingual. Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:15 am-5:30 pm. Montessori-trained and experienced educators nurture each child in a warm, vibrant, beautiful environment. Outdoors: in the garden, on the playground, and walks through the surrounding forest park. Healthy nutrition is celebrated with food preparation and tasting. W: www.heartandhandsmontessori.com E: susan@heartandhandsmontessori.com

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY

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 fullmember 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

Mountain Peak School—Longmont 11833 Sunset Place (720) 494-1622 Contact - Tom Buckett Ages: 2 1/2-5 years Licensed August - June Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30-11:15 am and 12:30-3:15 pm. Mountain Peak School Preschool Our Preschool Program is designed to provide a strong foundation of learning and individual development to prepare each child for the future. An inspired, balanced curriculum is created by our degreed educators to meet the needs of each class and challenge each child at his/her own level. Fees: 3-4 year-old preschool, 2 mornings (T/Th) $2100, 3 mornings(M/W/F) $2,900, 5 mornings $4,300.00, Pre-Kindergarten $4,500.00 W: www.mountainpeakschool.com E: mountainpeak@comcast.net

Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder 4154 63rd Street (303) 530-5353 Contact - Ann Kasunich Ages: 12 months through 6th grade Toddler/Primary/Elementary Internationally Accredited and State Licensed Program Days: M-F, 9 and 12-month programs Hours: Staggered 8 am to 3 pm; extended day (7:30 am - 5:30 pm). Since 1976, children from the earliest stages of their childhood have been joyfully reaching their individual potential through independence, academic excellence, respect, and moral responsibility, while learning, exploring, and playing in and around our 12-acre farmhouse campus. Mountain Shadows is Colorado’s only internationally accredited Montessori school providing an authentic Montessori education. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: hello@mountainshadows.org

Mt. View Preschool—Boulder 355 Ponca Place (303) 494-3557 Contact - Amy Chally Ages: 2 1/2-5 years Year-round Program Days: M-F. 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Mt. View Preschool has been providing excellence in early learning for 50 years. W: www.mvpreschool.org E: mtviewboulder@outlook.com

Off Broadway Preschool of Fine Arts—Boulder 1235 Pine Street (303) 800-0324 Contact - Emily Ages: 3-5 years State of Colorado Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Full- or half-days from 8:30 am to 12:30 or 3:30 pm. Extended care 8 am to 5:30 pm. At Off Broadway Preschool we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and compassion in children and families through the arts. Our daily schedule balances child-directed play experiences with structured group classes in music, yoga, visual art, and integrated arts. We employ professional educators to guide children through the school day, and keep low teacher to student ratios (1:5) to ensure that children and families are given personalized attention. Meals are prepared in-house and served family-style, using high quality organic ingredients. Our beautifully remodeled facility is conveniently located in downtown Boulder, which allows us to take frequent walking field-trips to the farmers’ market and library. W: www.offbroadwaypreschool.org E: info@offbroadwaypreschool.org

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy—Niwot 9447 Niwot Rd (303) 652-9162 Contact - Admissions Office Ages: 3-5 years ACSI Accredited & Licensed August - May Program Days and Hours: M-F, 8:30 to 11:30 am and 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. RMCA’s preschool provides children with a loving, secure environment in which to learn and grow. Our developmentally responsive programs for 3- through 5-year-old children encourage learning through play. Spacious and welcoming classrooms allow for activities that are both child-and-teacher initiated. At 8:25 am, teachers open their doors to greet families and allow students to gently begin the day with their choice of quiet learning activities. Morning class times facilitate learning through a hands-on approach that is tailored for each age group. Parents may opt to pick up their children when their morning session ends at 11:30 am or enroll in our full day program, with sessions ending at 3:15 pm. Our dedicated staff considers a day successful when every child leaves school feeling loved and having learned about God, themselves, and the world around them. W: www.rmcaonline.org E: admissions@rmcaonline.org

Strawberry Farm Strawberry Farm PreSchool—Boulder 805 Orman Drive (303) 709-0549 Contact - Rita Batiste Ages: 0-5 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F, 8 am to 5 pm. Nature, & community-based program with experiential learning and outdoor play as the touchstone. All natural/organic snacks and lunch provided. W: www.strawberryfarmboulder.com E: admin@strawberryfarmboulder.com

Sunflower Preschool—Boulder 3340 Dartmouth (303) 494-2012 Contact-Marisa Ellman Ages: 21/2 - 6 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8 am to 4 pm. Part-time 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: sunflowerpreschoolboulder@gmail.com

TLC Learning Center—Longmont 611 Korte Pkwy (303) 776-7417 Contact - Cindy Wickham Ages: 8 weeks-6 years. Colorado Shines Level-4 rating. Year-round Hours: M-F, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Half- and full-day options available. High-quality early education and child care that prepares children for lifelong success by nurturing the individual learning styles of all children. W: www.LearningWithTLC.org E: cwickham@LearningWithTLC.org

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

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Realities for Children Boulder County

We Love Companies that Care www.rfcbc.org Thanks to our business members, 100% of donations that we receive are applied directly to helping at-risk, abused and neglected youth in our community. 5HDOLWLHV IRU &KLOGUHQ %RXOGHU &RXQW\ LV D QRQSURÂ¿W DJHQF\ SURYLGLQJ college scholarships and transitional housing to former foster care \RXWK ZKR KDYH RYHUFRPH VLJQLÂ¿FDQW DGYHUVLW\ RFCBC Business Members that Support Youth in our Community

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Winter 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 33

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Private

SCHOOL

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Patricia Jarvis 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, talented teachers, hands-on learning, and rich academics in language arts, mathematics, geography, science, music, art, and history. On-site pool and 3 shady acres with natural play areas and sports fields. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: admissions@bixbyschool.org

The Boulder Sudbury School—Boulder 2855 Folsom Street (720) 943-0918 Contact - Robert David Ages: 4-19 Licensed August - May Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm. The Sudbury model of education. Boulder Sudbury is founded upon the principle that learning is best fostered by self-motivation, self-regulation, and self-criticism, in a social environment that functions as a democratic micro-society. W: www.bouldersudbury.org E: info@bouldersudbury.org

Boulder Country Day School—Boulder 4820 Nautilus Ct. North (303) 527-4931 x 248 Contact - Susan Boyle Ages: Preschool - 8th Grade Licensed August - May/Camp Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8 am to 3 pm, middle school until 3:15 pm. Before- & after-school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School. Situated on a picturesque, safe, and private 5.5acre campus, Boulder Country Day School provides a balanced, classical education distinguished by academic excellence and social development in a caring and supportive learning environment. Preparing all students to reach their potential. Summer camp June to August. W: bouldercountryday.org E: info@bouldercountryday.org

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Schools Friends’ School—Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Melanie Leggett Ages: K-Middle School Licensed & Accredited Aug-May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F. Hours: Elementary 8:30 am to 3:15 pm, Middle School 8:45-3:30 Aftercare and enrichment classes 3:15 to 5:30 pm. A supportive community committed to educating the whole child—head, hands, and heart. Social-emotional curriculum catered to each individual grade level. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Exceptional specials including art, music, Spanish, library, technology, and PE programs. 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 am to 11 am and 12 to 3 pm. Hillside enables students with dyslexia and other learning differences to reach their academic potential. Four students per class. Individualized instruction. Specially-trained faculty. Multi-sensory approach. Half-day program. W: www.hillsidelearning.org E: info@hillsidelearning.org

Mackintosh Academy—Boulder 6717 South Boulder Road (303) 554-2011 Contact - Jenny Strode Ages: K-8th Grade Licensed August - June + Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm For 40 years Mackintosh Academy has been pioneering next generation gifted education. Mackintosh nurtures the keen minds and compassionate hearts of gifted and creative students in a caring community of learners so that they contribute to a world that needs them. Authorized IB World School, social-emotional learning, gifted and creative students, design/innovation, service & sustainability, $18,206 to $18,734 with tuition assistance available. Maximum 12:1 student to teacher ratio. W: www.mackintoshacademy.com E: jenny@mackintoshacademy.com

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Private 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: 8:15 am-3:15 pm. Mountain Peak is an independent, nonsectarian school that focuses on educating the whole child. Recently voted Longmont’s #1 private school. We recognize that each child is unique, therefore our teachers are empowered 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 maximum for 1st-6th grades, 10-12 for preschool & Kindergarten). Come and discover what “true” individualized curriculum is. Before/after-school care available. We offer art, music, French, daily PE, Coding and STEM. W: www.mountainpeakschool.com E: mountainpeak@comcast.net

SCHOOL

Schools

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy—Niwot 9447 Niwot Rd. (303) 652-9162 Contact - Admissions Office Ages: PS-8th Grade ACSI Accredited & Licensed August - May Program Days and Hours: M-F. 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. Classical Christian education. Engaging minds, inspiring virtue... preparing for life. A high-quality education is important. But, education is more than just what you can accomplish; it is the shaping of persons into the very images we were created to become. RMCA cares about what matters and creating an environment where a child can think, and do, and grow toward God and others. Leaders stand out from the crowd and stand up for what is true. Our philosophy incorporates the best thoughts on education over the centuries, our methods whisper of the past while remaining the best preparation for the future; our students are not told what to think; they are taught how to think for themselves; our community thrives on family activities and shared values; our academic pursuits are worthy of thoughtful conversation and guided practice. Discover why your child should grow up here—it could make all the difference in the world. W: www.rmcaonline.org E: admissions@rmcaonline.org

Running River School—Lafayette 1370 Forest Park Circle (303) 499-2059 Contact - Iris Kelly Ages: 5 to 14 Licensed August - May Program Days and Hours: M-F. 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. Academic Excellence that focuses on the process of learning and creating quality work through a curriculum that is meaningful, experiential, integrated, individualized and nature-based in a culture of collaboration and respect for grades K-8. W: www.runningriver.org E: admin@runningriver.org

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

BIRTHDAY PARTY DIRECTORY Boulder Countywide

Longmont Dog House Music

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

TINKER ART STUDIO BIRTHDAY PARTIES Ages: 3-13 1300 Yellow Pine Ave. Let Tinker help celebrate your child’s next birthday! The birthday child and their guests will have a great time being creative and making a unique art project chosen from our elaborate pARTy menu, while parents sit back and enjoy watching the young artists at work. The best part—when the last present has been opened and crumb of cake eaten, we take care of all the cleanup! For further details and to reserve your pARTy, visit tinkerartstudio.com. Hours: Saturday afternoon slots available. Contact: Staff 303-503-1902 tinker@tinkerartstudio.com www.tinkerartstudio.com

Adventure Quest & Sword Games Birthdays Throughout Front Range

Ages: 6+ Exciting quests, team games, treasure hunts, and more! Choose from a variety of options, customize the theme, and let Renaissance Adventures lead an unforgettable experience! We join your birthday party or other event in costume and equipped with safe foam swords and other props. Be a hero in a new Star Wars-themed adventure, journey as Frozen-themed princesses in a treasure quest, rally teams in Viking capture the flag, or pick some other fantastic option! Offering summer quests, holiday quests, after-school programs, and birthday parties in Boulder and beyond since 1995. 303-786-9216 www.RenaissanceAdventures.com

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 or swimming! Price includes party room/skatepark shelter, cake, candles, tablecloth, paper goods, and one of 10 special party “themes.” Contact: Staff 303-665-0469 www.cityoflafayette.com/parties

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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

Inspiration Art Academy Art Parties Ages: 4 and up 457 Main Street We have many fabulous art projects and activities for your child’s birthday party! Or, if your child has their own idea—we can make it happen! We will collaborate to create a fun, creative, birthday memory! Fees: Art Parties: Up to 6 children-$130, $18 each additional child. Sewing parties: 6 children-$180 Hours: Saturdays, 10 to 12 pm, 1 to 3 pm or 4 to 6 pm. (3 hours for sewing parties, 4-7pm) Contact: Cynthia Barnes 720-273-2477 inspirationartacademy@gmail.com www.inspirationartacademy.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: Book online or call for details. Contact: Museum Staff 303-604-2424 www.wowchildrensmuseum.org

Triple Creek Ranch Horse Birthday Parties Ages: 4 -12 4255 Nelson Road $350 / $100 deposit. 2 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, 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 guests! Check out our slide show on the Web page. Contact: Lynn McChesney 303-444-4291 lynntriplecreek@gmail.com www.triplecreek-ranch.com

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

BIRTHDAY PARTY DIRECTORY Louisville Nederland 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

fun@mountainkidslouisville.com www.mountainkidslouisville.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

BCK Onlin

It’s FR EE to S ubscri be! GET IT EA RLY! GET IT ONLIN KEY WOR D SEARCH E! ARCHIVED PAST ISSU ES www.bouldercountykids.com Winter 2016 • Page 37

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

After-School Programs Dance

Arts & Science TINKER ART STUDIO North Boulder

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 www.sciencediscovery.colorado.edu P: 303-735-2230

BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Boulder Valley

SUNFLOWER ART STUDIO Boulder

Ages: 4-15 6545 Gunpark Dr. #200 Our teachers love children’s art more than anything else. Unique teaching-method engages children to discover and learn while creating beautiful works. We focus on teaching children to start their artwork with a simple idea and make it into a colorful, detailed and beautifully finished art piece. With a little encouragement, patience and love children will become talented artists. Small group classes, all 2-D mediums including drawing, acrylic and watercolor painting, collage and basics of composition. Afterschool classes, homeschool groups and workshops. Hours: Daily. Please see our schedule and online gallery for more information. C: Lika Gitis sunflowerkidsartstudio@gmail.com www.artsunflower.com P: 720-939-7545

Grades K-5 Offering high-quality enrichment classes after school and on no-school days. Let your kids get creative, get active and get smart with classes in video game development, LEGOS™, sports, music 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-Sat. C: Lifelong Learning lifelong.learning@bvsd.org www.bvsd.org/LLL P: 720-561-5968

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Ages: 18 months to 16 years old 1300 Yellow Pine Avenue Tinker Art Studio provides authentic art opportunities for children (and adults!) to grow as both skilled artists and creative individuals. Choose from weekly classes, drop-in art, weekend workshops, private lessons and school-day-off and holiday camps in a variety of mediums— wheel throwing and hand building ceramics, painting, drawing, fibers, mixed media, and more. Visit us online for a complete class schedule and to register. Hours: Daily programming. C: Staff tinker@tinkerartstudio.com www.tinkerartstudio.com P: 303-503-1902

KINESIS DANCE Boulder

Ages: 3-18 5603 Arapahoe Ave, Unit 6. We are a youth-focused dance company offering high quality competitive and recreational level dance. Classes offered include preschool dance, creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary and multi-cultural dance. Hours: M-Sat. 9 am to 8 pm. C: Cindy or Kirsten kinesisdance@outlook.com www.KinesisDance.com P: 720-515-6268

LONGMONT DANCE THEATRE ACADEMY Longmont

Ages: 3-Adult 1422 Nelson Road Longmont’s only pre-professional ballet school. Benefit from the very finest in classical dance training. Experience the joy of movement through ballet, pointe, men’s classes, jazz, modern, hip hop, and ballet in the air. Grow with us as an artist in the studio and on stage! Hours: Call for days and hours. C: Marcy Cox office@longmontdancetheatre.com www.ldtacademy.com P: 303-772-1335

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

After-School Programs 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. 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

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 fun@mountainkidslouisville.com www.mountainkidslouisville.com P: 303-665-8287

Central Boulder

Music

Cheerleading

BOULDER SUZUKI STRINGS Boulder

Ages: Walking and up 474 S. Taylor Avenue At Mountain Kids there are

Ages: Birth to 5 years. Boulder’s premier early childhood music & movement program. Celebrating 20 years! Offering Family classes and Babies-Only music classes. Music enrichment through intimate experiential classes. Learn how to support your child’s musical growth in a rich, fun, nurturing environment. Three locations: downtown, north & The Birth Center. FREE demo classes offered. Hours: M-Sun, mornings, afternoons & evenings. Call or visit our website. C: Jane Simms Roche www.musictogetherboulder.com P: 720-440-2775

MUSIC TOGETHER® BABIES/MIXED AGES/ BIG KIDS PROGRAMS

Gymnastics

MOUNTAIN KIDS Gymnastics & Dance Louisville

MUSIC TOGETHER® of Boulder

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 www.bouldersuzukistrings.org P: 303-499-2807

Ages: Infants to age 7. Award-winning music and movement programs celebrating over 15 years in Boulder! Introductory Babies Class for newborns through 9 months and caregivers. Mixed-age classes for infants through age 4 with their caregivers integrating singing/movement/ instrument play in a playful yet structured environment. Big Kids Class (Ages 5-7), optional drop-off program integrating drumming, conducting, solfege (ear training), creative expression, and more. Free demo classes and online registration. Hours: Weekday mornings, Saturday morning, and evenings. Register online. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120

MY LOCAL MUSIC LESSONS We Come To You!

Ages: 6 and up Custom music lessons. ALL instruments in the convenience of YOUR home, same cost as stores or studios! Front Range Locations, Ft Collins to Boulder, to Denver, and between! A+ background-checked instructors, A+ rating BBB, convenient online scheduling. From website click “purchase lessons” button to browse by location, instrument and instructor. 1st lesson FREE w/ 1st month, coupon code 1stfree at checkout for 25% OFF 1st 4 pack. FREE lessons for referrals also! Days and Hours: 9 am to 9 pm. 7 days a week C: Lee Johnson booking@mylocalmusiclessons.com mylocalmusiclessons.com P: 303-558-6160

OFF BROADWAY School of Fine Arts Boulder

Ages: All 1235 Pine Street Off Broadway School of Fine Arts (SoFA) provides private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, strings, woodwind, and brass instruments to students of all ages and abilities in our NEW location in downtown Boulder. We also offer after school and evening programming in a variety of disciplines. Fees: Trial lessons $20; Ongoing/prorated registration for lessons and most classes. Hours: Arranged with individual instructors. C: David L’Hommedieu info@offbroadwayfinearts.org offbroadwayfinearts.org P: 303-800-0318

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

After-School Programs Music Cont’d

PARLANDO School of Musical Arts Boulder

Ages: All 2590 Walnut St. (Dairy Center) Parlando School of Musical Arts offers private instruction, group classes and ensembles for students of all ages and abilities, on all musical instruments and in voice/singing, acting and musical theater. Our faculty of 50 of the region’s best teachers provide instruction to more than 650 students each week. More than two-thirds of our faculty have advanced degrees in music. C: Staff info@parlando.org www.parlando.org P: 303-442-0006

ROCKY RIDGE MUSIC ACADEMY Boulder

Ages: All 3970 Broadway St., Unit 201E Rocky Ridge Music Academy offers individual and group lessons, giving students of all ages and levels a variety of opportunities to work with exceptional artists, teachers, and colleagues within the vibrant NoBo Arts District. Rocky Ridge has been providing transformative music education since 1942. In addition to instruction on all orchestral instruments, we offer lessons in composition & theory, and traditional & folk music from all over the world. Hours: 30-, 45- and 60-minute lessons available 7 days a week. C: Max Wolpert MusicAcademy@RockyRidge.org www.rockyridge.org P: 303-449-1106

SANDY BURRELL MUSIC STUDIO

Piano

Niwot

Ages: All Individual private lessons in flute, violin, and piano. Group Lessions: a) Intro to Music, 1 semester- explore flute, violin or piano, b) Penny Whistle Program—ideal class for ages 3 to 6. Fees:Pay by semester/session. Call for current class times. C: Sandy Burrell P: 303-652-3287

Performing

Arts

BOULDER PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY Ages: 3-13 Musical theater, film , and music lessons. Over 30 years teaching drama, dance, and music to kids in Boulder. Our studio is about having fun. We meet each student at their ability level to help them grow with self-confidence, creativity, friendship. Once-a-week classes with a final production, costumed on stage for friends and family. Show themes change each semester and are geared to entertain children and families. Hours: M-F. 3 to 7 pm. Sliding fee & scholarships. Please check our website for class times and days. C: Pollyanna Demitro www.bpac.biz P: 303-859-4195

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INTEGRAL STEPS Regional

Ages: 3-10 Integrative programming for all! BAMM (Biology. Art. Music. Movement), SAMM (Spanish. Art. Music. Movement), Dalcroze Eurhythmics classes, Jungle Book Kids, and community events at Moxie Bread Co! Partnerships with Reel Kids Theater/Film School, Longmont Dance Theatre, Louisville Recreation Center, & The Dalcroze School of the Rockies.Hours: M, Th, F. C: Emma Shubin integral.steps@gmail.com www.integralsteps.org P: 585-704-5751

GROUP & INDIVIDUAL 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. Individual private piano lessons are also available. Jane Smolens has been a piano/music educator since 1986. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

After-School Programs Swimming

Theater

are held monthly in Boulder and culminate in a short performance for friends and family. Space is limited! Call for schedule. C: Kelsey Didion csfedout@colorado.edu www.coloradoshakes.org/education/csf-school-theatre P: 303-735-1181

SWIM•FLOAT•SWIM! Home of Infant Aquatics Longmont/Boulder

Ages: 2 months and up 795 S. Sherman Street-Longmont 311 Mapleton-Boulder At Swim•Float•Swim! Your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. Our Longmont facility features two warm-water indoor pools with a UV water purification system which ensures your child the safest and most comfortable water experience. Our new satellite Boulder location is a convenient alternative for Boulder families. We are the swim lesson experts—stop by our child-friendly Longmont facility to discover the difference. Hours: Longmont—M-Th- 7 am to 7 pm, Fri- 8 am to 1 pm. Please call for Boulder schedule. C: Judy Heumann judy@infantaquatics.com www.swimfloatswim.com P: 303-499-2229

BACKSTORY THEATRE ACADEMY YOUTH CLASSES Broomfield

Ages: 3-18. BackStory Theatre offers theatre education, exploration, & community performances. Classes available throughout the year for beginning to advanced students. Check our website for schedule and registration information. Hours: After-school, schedules vary. C: Mary Wilkie info.backstorytheatre@gmail.com www.backstorytheatre.org P: 720-263-0836

OCEAN FIRST SWIM Boulder

Ages: 6 months and up 3015 Bluff Street At the Ocean First Swim School, we provide a fun, supportive and comfortable environment to learn new swimming skills. Our private facility, small class sizes, and 89° heated indoor pool allow swimmers to focus on learning new skills and not worry about their comfort in the water. Programs Days: M-Th, 9 am to 6 pm, and Fri, 3 to 6 pm. swim@oceanfirst.blue www.oceanfirst.blue P: 303-444-7234

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: Barry Freniere info@theaterforkids.net www.theaterforkids.net www. ActorsAcademyCO.com P: 303-245-8150

DREAMCATCHER’S LEGACY OF LEARNING Boulder

Ages: 5 to Adult 5277 Manhattan Circle #103 We provide one-to-one supplemental educational services in reading, spelling, math, writing, critical thinking, and study skills. We promise at least one grade level increase in 30 hours of instruction, or we will teach your child for free. Research-proven curriculum guarantees rapid progress. Also offering ACT/ SAT/GED prep, advanced math and writing, foreign languages, and homework help. Flexible payment plans. Refund policy. Check out our new Executive Function and Early Education classes! Hours: M - Sat, 8 am-8 pm C: Staff admin@thelegacyoflearning.org www.thelegacyoflearning.org P: 303-444-8422

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

Tutoring

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 See why thousands have succeeded--your child can too!

COLORADO SHAKESPEARE Festival School of Theatre Boulder

Ages: 8-18. The CSF School of Theatre offers classes and workshops for kids, teens, and adults yearround. Winter/Spring classes include a Taming of the Shrew class, a King Lear class, and an acting class for adults. One-day workshops (ranging from costume design to improvisation)

with reading, diagnosed with dyslexia, behind in math, What, LEARNING experiencing PATHWAYS PATHWAYS difficulty putI studied! ting 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. An average student will achieve a 2-grade-level increase in just a few weeks of intensive instruction. Hours: M-F, 9 am-6 pm C: Deborah Kratovil learningpathwayscolorado@comcast.net www.learningpathwayscolorado.com P: 303-499-1941

Winter 2016 • Page 41

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

WINTER Calendar of Events ART/MUSEUMS

Through Nov 2017—Denver Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. $4-$5. Also, check out Extreme Mammals through January 8th and Mummies: New Secrets From The Tombs and the IMAX film Mummies: Secrets of The Pharaohs through February 2017. Call for more information. December 3—Denver Denver Art Museum Free Day for all ages, starting at 10 am, located at 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Check www.denver.org for more information. November 4—Denver Clyfford Still Museum Family Day for all ages, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, located at 1250 Bannock St. $10 for adults, free for kids! Check clyffordstillmuseum.org for more information. November 4, 7, 17—Denver Denver Zoo Free Day for all ages, from 10 am to 4 pm, at 2300 Steele Street. Check www.denverzoo.org for more information. November 5—Denver Dia De Los Muertos at the Denver Botanic Gardens from 9 am to 5 pm with general admission. Check www.botanicgardens.org for more information. November 5—Denver F re e N i g h t a t t h e D e n v e r Children’s Museum from 5 to 10 pm. Check out their website at www.mychildsmuseum.org for more information. First Tuesdays—Denver Target Tuesday Nights from 4 to 8 pm, for all ages at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Target is committed to giving back to the communities where their guests and team members live and work. Through their generous sponsorship to the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, families can play FREE the first Tuesday of each month. Saturdays—Denver Denver Art Museum Free First Saturday/CelebrARTe for all ages, from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway. 11/7, 12/5, and 1/2. Enjoy free general admission and entry to all non-ticketed exhibitions. In-gallery games and art-making opportunities and special bilingual family

activities. Tickets available starting at 10 am. No reservations needed. Call (720) 865-5000 or email info@denverartmuseum.org or check out www.denverartmuseum. org for more information. Now to 2020—Denver The Denver Art Museum will offer free general admission to ALL youth, ages 18 and under. FREE general admission to all children, including school tours and other youth group visits. This incredible access opportunity also will seed a new transportation fund, providing bus-funding assistance for Title I schools. Youth pricing for all special ticketed exhibitions will be $5 for the next five years. For more information, please check out www.denverartmuseum.org/ freeforkids. 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. 2nd/4th Saturday—Longmont Firehouse Art Center Saturday Art Experience (SAE) 12 to 12:45 pm, for ages 5-8 and 1 to 2 pm, for ages 9-12, located at 667 4th Ave. Free with family membership. $10 drop-in. Fun and exhibition-based art activities led by certified art instructors. Visit the current exhibition and then create from that experience. Your children will learn about contemporary art, create artwork and bring it home. Preregistration is encouraged. Call Mary Chapin Durling at (303) 6512787 or email info@firehouseart. org or check out www.firehouseart. org for more information. Ongoing—Boulder The CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms, chronicling CU’s

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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

Ongoing—Boulder Storytimes at the Main Library for ages birth to 36 months. Ageappropriate storytime posters will be posted by the doors to the Mt. Sanitas room by 9 am and direct patrons to take a token for each person in their group. Limit of 40 to each storytime. Time are: Lap Babies (birth to 15 months) on Tuesdays, at 9:15 am; Cruisers & Crawlers (15-24 months) on Wednesdays, at 9:15 am, Younger Toddler Time (24-30 months) on Mondays, at 9:15 am; Older Toddler Time (30-36 months) on Thursdays, at 9:15 am. Contact ask@boulderlibrary.org or call (303) 441-3100 for more information. Ongoing—Boulder/Westminster/ Denver Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Story Time for ages 1-6, located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave in Boulder, 14644 Orchard Pkwy #1000 in Westminster and 8340 Northfield Blvd. in Denver. Weekly Story Time with a craft or activity for preschoolers. It’s Free and lots of fun. Check our website for times and directions. Call Lynne Milot at (303) 443-0780 or email lynne@ grtoys.com or check out grtoys. com for more information. 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 email howardm@boulderlibrary.org for more information or check out www.bplnow.boulderlibrary.org/ event/kids-family/storytime for more times and information.

CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

November 3, 10, 17—Lafayette pARTiculars Gallery/Studio Kids

Art-Oodles of Doodles for ages 611, from 4 to 5:30 pm, located at 401 S. Public Road, Unit 1. We explore many mediums and make beautiful and creative works of art. Please contact Debra Bond at (303) 489-7111 or you can also email dbondo@comcast.net or check www.particularsart.com for more information. Nov 10, 17, Dec 1, 8, 15—Boulder Success Strategies 4 Kids Secrets of Friendship, for grades 3-5, from 5:30 to 7 pm, located at 1800 30th St. #306. What makes kids like other kids? Find out: 6 secrets of making & keeping friends! Tuition: $165 for early registration or $185 (week of class). Includes 5 sessions, 1 1/2 hrs, small class size, individual attention, student workbook, parent handout, snacks, other items. Call Sherry Lewis at (303) 915-4421 or you can email sLewis. consulting@gmail.com for more information or check out www. ss4k.com to register. November 12—Boulder CU Wizards Surfing with a Mathematician! for ages 5-16, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, located at Duane Physics G1B30, CU Boulder. CU Applied Mathematics Professor Mark Hoefer will show us how mathematics describes fluids and how non-linear waves help us understand systems as diverse as the ocean, atmosphere, and lasers. If you thought corn syrup was just for pancakes, think again. Learn why at the FREE STEM SHOW for kids grades K-12 who love learning! Call Candice Bartholomew at (303) 492-5011 or email djnadmin@jila.colorado.edu or check out www.colorado.edu/ cuwizardsfor more information. November 19—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest for ages 6 and over at 9:00 AM located at 111 W. Baseline Rd.. Here’s your chance to win a Thanksgiving turkey! This event will consist of different age groups for both male and female divisions. Turkeys will be awarded to the top shooter in each category. Late comers may not be allowed to participate. $2 Lafayette Residents $7 Non Residents. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or email debbiew@cityoflafayete.com or check out www.cityoflafayette. com/recreation for more information. November 21-22—Boulder Ocean First Swim School’s twoday Mermaid & Shark Experience for age 4-12, located at 3015 Bluff

Street. Let your child’s underwater imagination swim free. Led by their resident mermaid, this course gives your child the practical and safety skills to swim like a mermaid or shark in the water. Call (303) 444-7234 or check out www. oceanfirst.blue for more information. Ongoing—Boulder Fabricate Sewing Classes for ages 7 & up, located at 2023 17th Street. After School Sewing Workshops on T/Th, from 3:45 to 5:45 pm, as well as weekend sewing, felting and embroidery classes and School-Day-Off Camps. Call Linda Spillmann at (303) 997-8245 or email contact@fabricateboulder. com or www.fabricateboulder.com for more information. Ongoing—Boulder The Language of Food presents French After-School, language, arts and crafts classes 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 email her at thelanguageoffood@gmail.com for more information. 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 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 a 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

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

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 Amanda at (303) 772-9312 or email or check out longmontlll.org for more information. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays—Boulder Renaissance Adventures Drop-in Hike using Pokemon GO App for ages 6 to adult, from 6:15 to 8:15 pm, located at Downtown Boulder. Adventure League Go! is a safe and fun event for all ages oriented around hiking and interactive trainer challenges. Participants also engage in a variety of live-action roleplaying challenges, such as beanbag games of agility, performances and social encounters, and a costume contest. Call (303) 7869216 to pre-register or check out www.RenaissanceAdventures.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. 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/Saturdays—Longmont The Family Garden Mommy & Me Yoga for ages 0-1, from

10:30-11:45 am Mondays and Saturdays from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. Located at 600 S. Airport Rd., Suite B. Connect with your baby while stretching, moving, and relaxing your body. Includes calming breath, stretching, slow vinyasa sequences, standing poses and relaxation all with a hardworking, postpartum body in mind. Babies join in on most poses and have their own yoga and massage session towards the end of class. Suitable for all yogis—new, experienced and still in diapers! Call Rachel at (303) 678-1144 or please email Debbie@family-garden.org or check www.family-garden.org for more information. Tuesdays—Boulder FamilySong Music Class for ages 0-5, at 9 am, located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave. A multicultural music and movement class for families with young kids. Try a free class today. Call Kristin McLean at (303) 641-8901 or check out www.familysongmusic. com to sign up. 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. Ongoing—Boulder Tinker Art Studio classes for ages 18 months to 13 years old, located at 1300 Yellow Pine Avenue, Unit B, in NoBo. Programming offered daily. Weekly “Drop-In” classes are on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the school year. Call Tinker Art Studio at (303) 503-1902 or email tinker@tinkerartstudio.com for more information or check out tinkerartstudio.com to register. Ongoing—Boulder Sunflower Kids Art Studio offers year-round classes for ages 3.5 to 15, at 6545 Gunpark Dr. #200. Call Lika Gitis at (720) 939-7545 or email lika@artsunflower.com or visit us at www.artsunflower.com. Ongoing—Lafayette pARTiculars Art Gallery/Studio Art Classes and Workshops for ages 7 to teens, located at 401 S. Public Road Unit 1. Taught by experienced artists and art educators. Call April Christenson at (303) 665-3642 or you can email aprilgchristenson@gmail.com or

check out wwwparticularsart.com for more information. 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, please email 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 and Adults! helps families and individuals enroll in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Medicaid and CHP+ are free and low-cost public health insurance plans that provide dental, medical, prescription and vision benefits. There are no monthly premiums and co-pays range from $0 to $50 depending on family income. Healthy Kids and Adults! can also connect families to Connect for Health Colorado, a new health insurance marketplace where people can shop for health insurance and access tax credits to reduce monthly health insurance premiums. For more information, call (720) 515-1454. 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 at (303) 499-2229 or email judy@infantaquatics.com for more information. 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 email sgritton@bouldercounty.org for more information. Ongoing—Boulder Music Together (R) with Jane Smolens Free Demo Classes for ages 0-4, located at Boulder Piano Gallery at 3111 Walnut. Free for new/prospective families. Music Together is a research-based, internationally recognized music and

Winter 2016 • Page 43

movement program celebrating over 25 years! Have fun planting the seeds of musical development through singing, movement, instrument play. Classes are mixed ages and siblings are welcome. RSVP’s required. Call Jane Smolens at (303) 413-1120 or please email jsmolens@mountainsongmusic. com or www.mountainsongmusic. com for more information.

JUST FOR FUN

Through December 28—Denver Baby Play and Explore from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, at the Denver Public Library -10 West Fourteenth Avenue Parkway. Free. Check out www.denverlibrary.org for more information and many other events for children and families. November 1—Denver Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Free Day, for all ages, starting at 9 am. Check out www. botanicgardens.org for more information. November 1—Lafayette Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at the WOW! Children’s Museum. Free with general admission. Starting at 11 am. Call at (303) 604-2424 or you can check out www.wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. November 3, 14—Boulder Alaya Preschool Parent Information Meeting for adults, from 9 to 10:30 am, located at 3340 19th St. Find out more about Alaya Preschool and take a tour. Adults only please. Call Julie at (303) 4495248 or you can also email alaya@ alayapreschool.org or check out www.alayapreschool.org for more information. November 4-12—Denver Denver Arts Week. The Tenth Annual Denver Arts Week is an eight-day celebration of all things art in The Mile High City. The program, presented by VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, features more than 300 events at a wide variety of art galleries, museums, theaters and concert halls many of which are deeply discounted. Check out www.denver.org for more information. Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7—Longmont Boulder County Parks and Open Space Visit Agricultural Heritage Center for all ages, from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 8348 Highway 66. Enjoy the rural surroundings and learn about the agricultural history of Boulder County. Exhibits, including a real tractor cab! The farm includes two barns, a milk house, a blacksmith shop, and a 1909 furnished farmhouse. Call Jim Drew at (303) 776-8688 or you can also email jdrew@bouldercounty.org or check out www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace. org for more information.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

November 6—Denver Fetal Health Foundation 13th annual Great Candy Run for all ages, at 8:30 am, located at 1700 E. Louisiana Avenue in Washington Park. Benefiting the Fetal Health Foundation. 5K Run/Walk and Stroller Division and free Coda Coffee Gumdrop Kids Fun Run. Entertainment, costume contests, prize money, medals, fun expo, mascots, sweet treats and more. Call Lonnie Somers at (303) 9320553 or you can email info@ greatcandyrun.com or check www. thegreatcandyrun.com.

November 10—Boulder Attention Homes Sleep Out 2016 at 8 pm, located at 1443 Spruce Street. Joining with more than 100 community and business leaders to raise awareness of and build support for youth who are homeless. Spend the night outside on the lawn between Attention Homes’ and the First United Methodist Church of Boulder in downtown Boulder. Participants are asked to each pledge to raise $1,000 from friends, family and colleagues through their own online fundraising page. Call Kimberly Rouland at (303) 4471206 or you can email krouland@ attentionhomes.org or check out attentionhomes.org for more information. November 12—Boulder G r a n d r a b b i t ’s To y S h o p p e Neighborhood Toy Store Day for all ages, from 10 am to 2 pm, located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave. Stop by and kick-off the holiday shopping season and celebrate the joy of play! We will have glitter tattoos, balloon animals, face painting, guest appearances by Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper, giveaways every 20 minutes with a $100 gift card grand prize winner! Come join us for the fun! Call Lynne Millot at (303) 443-0780 or check out grtoys.com for more information. November 12—Erie Vista Ridge Academy Fall Festival & Silent Auction for all ages and families from 6: to 9 pm, located at 3100 Ridge, View Dr. Bring your family to this kid friendly fundraiser and enjoy festival games, a bouncy house, food, and much, much more! Free Admission. Activity and food tickets cost $1 each. Call Marsha Bartulec at (303) 828-4944 or you can also email mbartulec@vistaridge.org or check out www.vistaridge.org for more information. November 12—Lafayette W O W ! C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m WOW!’s 20th Birthday Party for all ages, from 10 am to 6 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Avenue. WOW! is celebrating 20 years in Boulder County and you’re invited to help us celebrate! Look for special events, activities, and surprises at the Museum every hour throughout the day. And we could use some

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help blowing out our birthday candles too! All activities are included with museum admission. Call at (303) 604-2424 or check out www. wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. November 15, 30—Longmont Flagstaff Academy Open Houses for grades K-8th, from 6 to 7:30 pm, located at 2040 Miller Drive. Join Flagstaff Academy for our 2017-2018 School Year Open Houses. Experience for yourself our award-winning tuition free public charter school campus, where science and imagination take flight! Call Lisa Trank-Greene at (303) 579-4522 or email ltrankgreene@ flagstaffacademy.org or check out www.flagstaffacademy.org for more information. November 10—Niwot Boulder Valley Waldorf School (formerly Shepherd Valley Waldorf School), Open House for all ages, at 1 pm, located at 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway. Meet with teachers, talk with current parents, view student work, tour our classrooms. Families welcome to attend with children! Call Ruth Godberfforde at (303) 6520130 or you can email enrollment@bvwaldorf.org or check out bvwaldorf.org for more information. November 19—Lafayette Turkey Shoot for ages 6 to adult, at Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, 111 W. Baseline Road. You can bag a holiday turkey during this annual free-throw shooting contest Turkeys are awarded to top shooters in each of the male and female age-group categories and a secondchance competition. Begins at 9 am, but arrive early to register. Please check www.cityoflafayette. com/recreation or call (303) 6650469 for more information. November 20—Boulder Downtown Boulder offers Switch on the Holidays on at 5 pm at the Boulder Court House on Pearl Street. Check their website at www. boulderdowntown.com for more information. November 25—Longmont Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 6th Ave. Plaza, west of 6th Avenue and Main Street, from 7 to 8 pm. Check their website at www.downtownlongmont.com for more information. November 25—Niwot Enchanted Evening with Santa and a holiday concert and parade from 6 to 9 pm, at Old Town and Cottonwood Square. Check out Niwot.com for more information. Nov 25-Dec 1—Denver A Christmas Carol will be at the Stage Theatre in Denver. Check denver-theater.com for more information. November 25-Dec 24—Boulder St. Nick on the Bricks on Pearl

Street Mall, from 11 am to 2 pm, at 1301 Pearl Street. Check out www. boulderdowntown.com for more information. November 25, 27—Boulder Boulder Philharmonic The Nutcracker Ballet for all ages, at 2 on Friday and Sunday and 7 pm, on Sunday, located at 17th St. & University Avenue at Macky Auditorium, CU Campus. This Thanksgiving weekend, the curtain rises for America’s favorite ballet, brought to life by Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Phil. A holiday tradition with new sets, exciting choreography and a full, live orchestra! Call Shelley Sampson at (303) 4491343 or email info@boulderphil. org or check out www.boulderphil. org for more information.

CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

December 3—Lafayette p A RTi c u l a r s G a l l e r y / S t u d i o Holiday Crafts for Kids for ages 7-12, at 9-11 am, located at 401 S. Public Road Unit 1. KIDS! Join artists and educators April Christenson and Debra Bond for a morning of making gifts to give for Christmas. We will use different art materials to make multiple gifts. It will be a fun-packed morning full of creativity! Call April Christenson at (303) 665-3642 or email aprilgchristenson@gmail. com or go online and check out wwwparticularsart.com for more information. December 28—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Youth Basketball Camp for grades 3-8, from 1 to 4 pm, located at 111 W. Baseline. Designed to introduce and build upon the skill sets used in today’s game. We focus on each individual and teach to his/her ability. All coaches have professional, college or high school experience. $40/Lafayette Residents, $50/NonResidents. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or email debbiew@ cityoflafayete.com or check out www.cityoflafayette.com/recreation for more information.

JUST FOR FUN

December 1—Boulder Alaya Preschool Parent Information Meeting for adults from 9 to 10:30 am, located at 3340 19th St. Learn more about Alaya Preschool and take a tour. Adults only please. RSVP. Call Julie at (303) 449-5248 or email alaya@ alayapreschool.org or check out www.alayapreschool.org for more information.

December 1-4—Boulder Boulder Opera Company presents Elixir of Love for ages 4 and up, located at 2015 Grape Ave. Popular family series with an adaptation of Donizetti’s the Elixir of Love for young audiences. Call Dianela Acosta at (303) 731-2036 or email dianela@boulderoperacompany. com or check their website at www. boulderoperacompany.com for more information. December 2—Erie Erie’s Country Christmas and Parade of Lights for all ages, in Historic Downtown Erie, from 5 to 8 pm. A beautiful hometown holiday event. The celebration consists of a living nativity scene, choirs performing, free wagon rides, a fun parade, and local businesses serving hot chocolate and offering country Christmas specials. December 2—Louisville Annual Holiday Parade of Lights is held in conjunction with the monthly art walk downtown. Main Street closes at 4 pm, ArtWalk is 4 to 6:30 pm, and the parade begins at 7 pm. There’s also live caroling, a living crèche, visits with Santa, and other holiday-themed activities. Check www.louisvilleco.gov for more information. December 3—Boulder 29th Annual Lights of December Parade at 6 pm. Remember to see Santa, too! If you want to participate in the parade deadline to sign-up is Monday, November 14. Check out www.boulderdowntown. com for more information. December 3—Boulder CU Wizards The Chemistry of the Atmosphere for ages 5-17, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, located at Cristol Chemistry Rm. 140, CU Boulder. CU Professor Steven Brown teaches students something about each of the main elements that make up the air we breathe. FREE STEM show, packed with student participation and hands-on demonstrations. Call Candice Bartholomew at (303) 492-5011 or please do email djnadmin@jila.colorado.edu or check out www.colorado.edu/ cuwizards for more information. December 3—Denver Broomfield Holiday Show with Elite Dance for all ages, at the Pinnacle Events Center in Denver. At 12 pm, and 3 pm. Check out www.elitedanceacademy.net for more information. December 3—Lafayette Home for the Holidays. Annual family event features visits with Santa, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, carolers and live reindeer at Festival Plaza, at 309 South Boulder Road. Later that day will be caroling, the holiday tree lighting at dusk, a sing-along and a potluck dinner. Check our schedule online at www.cityoflafayette.com for more information.

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

December 10—Boulder Boulder Philharmonic A Wicked Good Christmas for ages 5 and up, at 7:30 pm, located at 17th St. & University Avenue. The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Scott O’Neil, conductor, Dee Roscioli, vocalist and the Fairview High School Festival Chorus. Celebrate the holiday season at this festive concert featuring songs from Wicked and other Broadway shows, favorite Christmas classics, carols and medleys. Call Shelley Sampson at (303) 449-1343 or email info@ boulderphil.org or check out www. boulderphil.org for more information. December 10—Denver Nutcracker with Elite Dance for all ages, located at the Pinnacle Events Center in Denver, at 12 pm, and 3 pm. For more information check www.elitedanceacademy.net. December 11—Lafayette St. Luke Foundation of Haiti All for One St. Luke Christmas for all ages, from 4-7 pm, located at East Simpson Coffee Company. Music by Wynn Walent, Chris Rippey, Kristen Rubow and more! Music and presentation at 5:30 pm. Silent auction with art provided by Angela Patel closing at 6:30 pm. The St. Luke Foundation for Haiti provides healthcare, education, and dignified humanitarian outreach to the least served populations of Haiti, with programs that employ more than 1,000 Haitian staff members. Please email wynn.walent@ stlukehaiti.org or check out www. stlukehaiti.org for more information. Dec 10, 11, 17, 18, 23—Lafayette Peanut Butter Players NUNCRACKERS for all ages, at 2 and 7:30 pm, located at 1376 Miners Drive, Suite 106. Those crazy nuns from Nunsense are having a holiday special performance of the Nutcracker, but, of course, everything goes wrong and the audience is delighted. Call Jo Anne Lamun at (303) 786-8727 or email pbpcontacts@gmail.com or check out www.peanutbutterplayers.com for more information.

December 9—Longmont Santa’s Workshop! The ice rink will be open with a holiday show and open skate times, cocoa, fire pits, holiday concerts at the Senior Center and food truck sales. December 10—Longmont Longmont Lights/Holiday Parade at Roosevelt Park and Free Day at the Longmont Museum. Starting with a parade line up at 3:30 pm at Longs Peak and Bross and 5 pm at Roosevelt Park, which includes cocoa, fire pits, fireworks and food truck sales following the parade. Check www.downtownlongmont. com for more information.

December 16-18—Boulder This year’s Christmas Revels—A Scottish Celebration of the Winter Solstice is set for two shows at the Dairy Arts Center, 1:30 pm, and 7 pm. For information visit www. rockymountainrevels.org December 18—Longmont Last Chance Gift Fest and Holiday Gift Show for all ages, opening at 10 am, at the Boulder County Fair Grounds. December 17—Longmont Airborne Gymnastics and Dance present the Nutty Nutcracker at Vance Brand at 2 pm. Check out airbornedance.com for more information. December 31—Lafayette WOW! Children’s Museum New Year’s Eve for all ages, from 10 am to 12 pm, & 1 to 3 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Avenue. Celebrate the New Year before bedtime! Join us for crafts, face painting, a musical performance, and refreshments, all leading up to the grand countdown to ring in 2017! Two parties will be offered this day. Advanced ticket purchase required. Call (303) 604-2424 or check their website at wowchildrensmuseum.org for more information. December 31—Denver Noon Years Eve for all ages, from 9 am to 4 pm, at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisico Campus. We’re bringing the sights, sounds and excitement of Times Square to the Children’s Museum — all before bedtime! Call (303) 561-0111 or check out cmdenver. org for more information.

JUST FOR FUN

January 12, 30—Boulder Alaya Preschool Parent Information Meeting for adults from 9 to 10:30 am, located at 3340 19th St. Learn more about Alaya Preschool and take a tour. Adults only please. RSVP. Call Julie at (303) 449-5248 or email alaya@ alayapreschool.org or check out www.alayapreschool.org for more information. January 17, 18—Lafayette W O W ! C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m Discovery Days Science Program for all ages, from 10 am-12 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Avenue. Discover your inner scientist! Drop-in and explore our monthly hands-on science program. This month we’re learning about music and sounds. Included with museum admission. Call (303) 604-2424 or check out wowchildrensmuseum. org for more information.

CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

January 9 to Feb 17—Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Pee Wee Basketball for grades 1st to 2nd, from 4 to 6:15 pm, located at 111 W. Baseline. Six-week program. Games played the last three Fridays of the season. Firstcome, first-serve basis. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or email debbiew@cityoflafayete.com or check out www.cityoflafayette. com/recreation for more information. January 21—Boulder CU Wizards The Physics of Superheros and Villains! for ages 5-16, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, located at Duane Physics G1B30, CU Boulder. CU Physics Professor James Thompson will explain the physics that governs those super powers of our favorite superheros and not-so-favorite villains! Have fun and learn physics! FREE STEM SHOW for kids grades K-12! Call Candice Bartholomew at (303) 492-5011 or please email djnadmin@jila.colorado.edu or check out www.colorado.edu/ cuwizards for more information. January 26—Boulder Success Strategies 4 Kids Young Friends, for grades K-2, from 5:30 to 6:45 pm, located at 1800 30th St. #306. What makes kids like other kids? Find out: 6 secrets of making & keeping friends! Tuition: $165 for early registration or $185 (week of class). Includes 5 sessions, 1 1/2 hrs, small class size, individual attention, student workbook, parent handout, snacks, other items. Call Sherry Lewis at (303) 915-4421 or email sLewis.consulting@gmail. com for more information or check out www.ss4k.com to register.

SUBMITTING EVENTS Boulder County Kids Mail

If you have a dated calendar event in February, March or April, please do let us know by January 10th! One-listingper-month limit on a space-available basis, with nonprofit and free dated events prioritized. Please go to www. bouldercountykids.com, click on the calendar button and fill out the automated calendar form. To be included in our email reminder list, email calendar@bouldercountykids.com with an Email 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 you are on our list.

Winter 2016 • Page 45

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM K-5TH BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR BVSD AND SVVSD YMCA youth programs are all about fun, games, encouraging individuality DQG EXLOGLQJ FRQÂ¾GHQW KHDOWK\ NLGV 'XULQJ EHIRUH VFKRRO DQG DIWHU VFKRRO SURJUDPV < VWDII PHPEHUV JHW WR NQRZ SDUWLFLSDQWV OHDUQ DERXW WKHLU SDVVLRQV DQG ZRUN WR FHOHEUDWH ZKR WKH\ DUH DQG ZKR WKH\ ZLOO EHFRPH .LGV DUH H[SRVHG WR QHZ H[SHULHQFHV GLIIHUHQW FXOWXUHV FUHDWLYH SURMHFWV DQG WRQV RI IXQ :KHWKHU LWÂµV WLPH IRU KRPHZRUN KHOS H[SORULQJ VFLHQFH WKHPHV RXWGRRU DGYHQWXUHV RU FUHDWLQJ JURXS DUW SURMHFWV WKH < EHOLHYHV LQ VDIH VXSSRUWLYH SURJUDPV WKDW IRVWHU D FRPPXQLW\ ZLWKLQ WKH VFKRRO Located at 14 BVSD schools, Twin Peaks Charter Academy and the Longmont Y (transportation provided to and from 10 SVVSD schools). School day off and holiday break camps also available. DETAILS AT YMCABV.ORG.

Plus, check ou t our preschool and teen programs at ymcabv.org.

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Winter 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 47

Discover the joy of making music together with your family! Find a location near you! musictogether.com

Sign up for a free trial class today! Music Together of Boulder North Boulder and Downtown (720) 440-2775 musictogetherboulder.com Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc. Central and South Boulder (303) 413-1120 mountainsongmusic.com

Center for Musical Arts Lafayette (303) 665-0599 comusic.org Music Together of the Rockies Louisville and Superior (720) 280-5871 musictogetheroftherockies.com