Parenting NH January 2018

parenting JANUARY 2018

COMPLIMENTARY

NEW HAMPSHIRE

M E T S THE

Fitness activities for families

N O I T A C EDU E ISSU

Create and build at a makerspace ParentingNH.com

Elliot Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department is the ONLY Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department in Southern New Hampshire

Your Health, Our Trusted Experts...

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We are proud to offer a dedicated pediatric emergency department at Elliot Hospital staffed by Board Certified Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians, backed by a team of Trauma Physicians, Pediatric Surgeon, Pediatric Specialists, and Board Certified Nurses dedicated to caring for your children. And in the rare case that your child may need inpatient care, Elliot Hospital has the only inpatient pediatric unit in the city of Manchester where your child is treated by a team of Pediatric Hospitalists, doctors specifically dedicated to the medical care and of inpatient children on a 24/7 basis.

At Elliot’s Pediatric Emergency Department, patients are cared for in a warm, friendly environment that caters to and understands the specific needs of children who face trauma or emergency needs.

We offer a separate waiting area apart from the general public of our emergency department, which provides a less-stressful, more comforting environment for you and your child.

Learn more at www.elliothospital.org

An arts and sciences preschool offering programs and enrichment to students ages 2 through 6.

The exposure to creative elements including both music and dance through kindergarten age is something so unique and so enjoyed by the students. No other preschool program in the area offers this type of opportunity. – Meg Duhaime, parent

Visit creativekidsnh.org or Call 603-472-3894 155 Route 101, Bedford, NH Music - Dance - Theatre

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january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 3

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR:

Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:

Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Care for the journey of life.

Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Count on CMC Primary Care for the personalized healthcare you want, when you want it.

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Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310

www.parentingnh.com Subscription: One year (12 issues) $15

©2018 MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

Parenting New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, LLC.: Parenting New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

Catholic Medical Center has been recognized as an NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home for committing to continuous quality improvement and comprehensive care.

a member of GraniteOne Health

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Call CMC’s Access Line at 603.314.4750 or visit CMC-PrimaryCare.org to make an appointment today.

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Erica Baglieri, x5125 ebaglieri@mcleancommunications.com

• contents 12

What’s the big deal about STEM?

19

STEM education in grades K to 6

32

january 24

Family fitness: get moving together

24

Middle and high-schoolers engage in STEM

30

Find a makerspace

12 19

departments 6

The Short List 8

I Want That 10 Cook with Your Kids 34

Dad on Board 36

Learning Curve 37

House Calls 38 R aising Teens & Tweens 39 Out and About 40

Five for Families 43

From the Editor’s Desk

ON THE COVER: Cover design by Nancy Tichanuk

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 5

from the editor’s desk LOOKING BACK, CHARGING AHEAD Where were you in 1993?

Bill Clinton was president, the top movie was “Jurassic Park,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” was the number one song. We carried pagers, sent handwritten letters through the mail and recorded our favorite TV shows with a VCR. While I was a college student wearing a flannel shirt, combat boots and listening to Pearl Jam, Arlene Pollack was starting the free publication, ParenTimes, in Hudson.

The first issue, dated May/June 1993, was eight black-and-white pages and featured a community calendar, bicycle safety tips, dental care advice and a feature about activities for families at Stonyfield Farm in Londonderry.

The magazine underwent a few ownership and name changes, but here we are in 2018 celebrating 25 years as Parenting NH, and we could not be more excited.

We will be using our silver anniversary year as an opportunity to look back at the last 25 years of the publication and how parenting has changed, and become more challenging (cell phones! social media!).

However, while it is fun to take a look back, we are also taking a step forward.

Parenting NH magazine, a winner of more than 30 national editorial, design and digital awards, will continue to provide information and resources from local experts and writers to help parents navigate the complicated landscape of raising their young child, tween or teen.

Everyone wants to look good for a special occasion, so will be also be relaunching Parenting NH magazine this summer with a new, updated look, as we prepare to take on the next 25 years.

Stay tuned as the Granite State’s first and original parenting publication gets ready for its close up. And special thanks to our loyal readers and longtime advertisers. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Melanie Hitchcock Editor

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Before and after school care

Camp Marist

Ossipee Lake · New Hampshire

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ris opher h C SCHOOL 20 Cushing Ave. • Nashua, NH 03064 • 603-882-7442 StChrisSchoolNH.org

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 7

the short list ...TIPS, TRENDS & NEWS COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

This month on www.parentingnh.com:

Winter fun with your family

If you love winter, cold and snow, this is definitely your time of year. Be sure to make the most of it and get outside.

There’s lots of fun to be had throughout the Granite State. Be sure to check out our web-exclusive lists to plan time with your family.

Winter carnivals and festivals: www.parentingnh.com/wintercarnivals Where to go sledding in NH: www.parentingnh.com/sleddingNH Cold weather not your thing? Keep an eye on our online calendar for events you can take your family to that you don’t have to bundle up for. January is a popular month for theater productions for both kids and adults.

If staying healthy or getting fit is one of your New Year’s resolutions, click on the “Health” tab on our home page at www.parentingnh.com for health articles and tips from PNH. Also, don’t miss this month’s feature story about family fitness activities on Page 32.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie time Girl Scout troops are kicking off cookie season on Jan. 1, with booth sales starting Feb. 15.

This year, Girl Scout Cookies will sell at $5 a package and as always 100 percent of the net revenue from Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains cookie sales stay local. The program applies cookie earnings to power amazing experiences for girls through local programming, while girls and their troops decide how to invest in impactful community projects, personal enrichment opportunities, and more.

Girls will also sell cookies through the Digital Cookie® platform, an innovative and educational web-based addition to the cookie program that helps girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie businesses online. The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches essential entrepreneurial skills and powers amazing experiences for girls as the largest girl-led business in the world.

GSGWM will kick off this year’s cookie season with a Girls Scouts Friends and Family event at the SNHU Arena in Man-

chester on Saturday, Jan. 13, with the Manchester Monarchs. For more information on this event or the cookie sale, go to www.girlscoutsgwm.org or call 1-888-474-9686.

Seth Meyers’ shows to benefit child victims of abuse in the Granite State Seth Meyers is coming home to help our kids. On Saturday, Feb. 10, the host of NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” will be in Concord at the Capitol Center for the Arts to perform two shows benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire and the Granite State Children’s Alliance, New Hampshire’s network of Child Advocacy Centers.

Meyers, a New Hampshire native and 13-year veteran of “Saturday Night Live,” will perform at 7 and 9:30 p.m. There will be a VIP reception and meet and greet with Meyers before the first show, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Nearly 100 percent of the proceeds

from the two shows will be donated to CASA of NH and the Granite State Children’s Alliance, thanks to the generosity of Meyers, event sponsors and the Capitol Center for the Arts. Proceeds will be split evenly between the two agencies.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $78 and $58. There are a limited number of tickets available for $250 and include the VIP reception and meet and greet with Meyers and preferred seating for the show. For the 9:30 p.m. show, tickets are $125 for preferred seating and $78 and $58. There is no VIP reception before the second show.

8 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Create the cover of Parenting NH’s March issue Is your child a master of the marker? A captain of the crayon? We are looking for some talented New Hampshire kids to bring color and personality to the cover of March’s Parenting NH, our special summer camp issue.

We will choose winners from three age groups: age 7 and younger; age 8-10; and age 11-13. Of the three, one will be chosen to be the cover and the other two winners will be featured inside.

Just cut out the drawing on the next page, and let your kids have fun coloring it in! Parents, please mail it back to us, along with your name, your child’s name and age, address, phone number and email.

THE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS MONDAY, FEB. 12, 2018.

Crayons, colored pencils or markers will be accepted. Bold colors are encouraged. Feel free to leave the background area white.

For more information, or to download a PDF of the coloring page, go to www.parentingnh.com.

Submissions will be accepted via mail to Parenting NH Magazine Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 or email the entry as a PDF attachment to editor@ parentingnh.com.

Children of Yankee Publishing Inc. or McLean Communications employees are not eligible.

parenting

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 9

I want that

Get organized in 2018

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

With over 500 stock cover designs and the option to create your own, these personalized notebooks will help ease your everyday routine and optimize your creativity. Choose from multiple paper types, including checklist, recipe paper and fitness tracker paper. Available in two sizes; 100 pages of undated monthly and weekly spreads with room for notes. All notebooks created by hand.

Available at www.gotchacoverednotebooks.com; prices start at $12.99

For your next party This shot glass ice tray instantly chills liquor so you never have to struggle through a warm shot again. Holds up to four 1.5 oz. shot glasses. Sleek, black silicone construction fits neatly in the freezer. Once the party is over, pop it in the dishwasher for hasslefree cleanup.

Available at www.amazon.com; $10

Never be late again The new CR64 is Magnasonic’s flagship alarm clock, distinguishing itself with its time projection feature, which makes sure that the time will always remain in convenient view. You won’t have to roll over in the middle of the night to check the time as the clock projects the time on the wall or ceiling. The clock automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings Time, charges USB devices while you sleep and adjusts for the room’s lighting.

Available at www.amazon.com; $34.99

Cold season is here The Snot Trap BabyComfyNose Nasal Aspirator uses your own suction to remove nasal mucus hygienically. The aspirator uses lightly-wadded tissue inside the aspirator to filter mucus and germs. The mesh pouch keeps pieces together in the diaper bag and the dishwasher. Two soft nose tips included: standard and newborn.

Available at Walgreens, Amazon and www.babycomfycare.com; $13

Is there a doctor in the house?

My Little Pediatrician Kit is a role-playing, interactive toy that lets children explore the world of healthcare through the eyes of a physician. Kit includes a real white coat, luxury plush doll, pediatric assessment form, tape measure, markers, mini-Finnish Baby Box for safe sleeping, birth certificate and diploma, along with self-guided workbook. Awarded a seal of approval from the National Parenting Center.

Also available: My Little Veterinarian Kit and My Little Sports Medicine Kit. Available at www.littlemedicalschool.com; $49.99

10 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

Charging Forward: From STEm To STEam To SoFT SkillS and BEyond For today’s students working to become tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and informed citizens, the standards for what it takes to succeed change almost constantly. Demand for highlyqualified, socially-attuned, and academicallyaccomplished individuals rising faster than ever means there’s pressure on both students and educators to expand the scope of learning today.

At World Academy, we’ve been focused on just that for close to 40 years - and the results for our alumni have been overwhelmingly positive.

As the world of education has shifted and evolved from a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to the more-inclusive STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics), students have been called on to develop their capabilities in a multitude of directions.

Tomorrow’s successful college graduates should have a strong sense of science- and math-based education as well as an understanding and appreciation for the arts; they should be confidently self-assured and also socially-adept and culturally empathetic; they should live healthy, active lifestyles while maintaining their academic successes.

That’s why our mission at World Academy has

long been to focus on the “whole child,” encompassing all of the critical parts of a child’s intellectual, physical, social-emotional, cultural, and creative development. We recognize the value in letting students choose and pursue the areas of study that inspire the most passion in themselves, all while providing the resources to help them explore and succeed in a diverse body of studies to help them reach that well-rounded, exceptional potential.

Our goal is to offer an inviting culture that enables students and families to feel the ease of learning in a welcoming atmosphere. We are products of the environment we spend most of our time in, and we believe that, in addition to home, the best possible world for flourishing is one of joy and safety.

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, and the changing demands of today’s (and tomorrow’s) universities and workplaces attest to just that. If STEM has evolved into STEAM, it’s not unlikely that the needs of the future will continue to evolve even further. By focusing on the “whole child” starting as early as possible, we help students develop the tools to adapt to future change proactively, rather than reactively.

Whether you’re in search of Early Childhood

Care and Education for your infant or toddler or student-focused instruction for your elementary or middle schooler, it is important to understand key components of the choices available. World Academy would love the opportunity to help you become an expert in advocating for your child.

Join Us For Our K-8 Open House Saturday, January 6, 2018 10am-11am Tour Our School Interact With Teachers & Administrators Participate in Q & A Receive Admissions Information Learn About Our Cradle to Careers Roadmap

To Register, Call or Visit Us Online!

603.888.1982 WorldAcademyNH.com 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 11

Next-generation

education S

What’s the big deal about STEM and how is it changing NH schools? By Melanie Plenda

TEM is the integrated study of science, technology, engineering and math. Similarly, a relatively new term — STEAM — includes all of the above and also integrates the arts. But these acronyms just scratch the surface of what’s beneath.

STEM and STEAM are about building battling robots and exploring, myth-busting and sleuthing, cracking once-secret codes and bringing imaginary worlds to life. It means using your hands, your brain, and your imagination to turn the never-couldhappen into the how-did-we-live-without-this.

To accomplish this in New Hampshire, it has meant transforming the way students learn the basics like science, math and the arts. Where once students learned these as discrete topics drilled into their brains through memorization and repetition, they are now learning the ways these areas work together. Where once the emphasis might have been on worksheets and a lab experiment, students are now taking the concepts and using them in real-life (or close to it) hands-on projects.

Why STEM? While all of that sounds fun, it was put in motion in New Hampshire to solve a serious problem.

“We are seeing gaps in the workforce,” said Matt Cookson, executive director of the High Tech Council, an organization with a focus on advancing innovation throughout New Hampshire.

“We are seeing really good jobs go unfilled right now in STEM-related fields; good high-paying jobs, that offer a lot of growth opportunity. It would be great to fill more of those with kids coming out of our New Hampshire schools.”

The push for STEM education grew out of several reports in the early 2000s showing there was a desperate need to improve proficiency and, necessarily, education in the STEM fields.

These reports indicated that students in the United States were falling behind students from other countries. Furthermore, if we didn’t do something, we were going to be left behind and would not have the workforce qualified to do the jobs our technologically-saturated future might require. Our children would lack the skills necessary to cope and flourish in this new reality.

In 2009, President Barack Obama announced a new initiative — Educate to Innovate — which was intended to put U.S. students on top in science and math by 2019, and prepare 100,000 new STEM teachers by 2021 through an increase in federal investment.

12 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

A new moon shot of sorts was launched into classrooms across the country.

Another big change was headed for education: Common Core Standards. Common Core State Standards are a uniform set of K-12 academic standards that created a framework for the academic knowledge and skills students need to have in core subjects. It is not a curriculum. Curriculum, in New Hampshire and most states, is determined by local school districts. Instead they were goals for each state that adopted them. In 2010, New Hampshire rolled out the first of these standards for the state in math and language arts.

The aim of the standards dovetailed with the STEM push because the idea behind Common Core was to get kids better prepared for college and careers and to do that in a way that was clearer and more in-depth than before. This meant favoring teamwork and project-based learning that integrated multiple subject areas over rote desk learning.

Skills gap Meanwhile, business and government officials in New Hampshire were starting to take notice of a pronounced and unnerving skills gap emerging in the state. There were jobs that went unfilled because candidates didn’t have the skills necessary to do them and, at the time, there was no pipeline in New Hampshire’s educational system for creating them.

“New Hampshire outranks many states in educational achievement measures, but the state’s STEM talent pipeline narrows early and relentlessly,” according to a 2014 report by the NH Charitable Foundation, Smarter Pathways: Strengthening New Hampshire’s STEM Pipeline.

The study showed that New Hampshire’s K-12 science and math achievement was not strong enough to supply the future workforce demand and concluded that “it becomes essential to strengthen STEM achievement for all students to broaden the K-12 pipeline.”

In April 2014, then-Gov. Maggie Hassan created a K-12 STEM Task Force made up of stakeholders in education, business and policy, as well as K-12 parents. The goal

of the task force was to develop recommendations that would modernize STEM education in New Hampshire schools and prepare students for STEM careers.

The task force generated eight core recommendations, which, broadly speaking, focused on strengthening STEM foundations, inspiring students and empowering teachers.

It also advocated doing this early and often in a student’s education.

“It’s important to provide information at an early age because a lot of kids may close the door at a young age just because they might feel like it might be too challenging or they don’t get it,” Cookson said. “A lot of the studies show that if people don’t get an interest in some of the STEM-related or engineering-related programs at a young age, they tend not to go in that direction.”

{] STEM and STEAM mean using your hands, your brain, and your imagination to turn the never-could-happen into the how-did-welive-without-this.

Taking action Of the broader recommendations, a second task force convened in 2015 to take action on at least two in 2016 and 2017: Establishing STEM literacy standards that included coding, and adopting three different options, or pathways, for students when it comes to taking math courses.

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 13

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“

New Hampshire outranks many states in educational achievement measures, but the state’s STEM talent pipeline narrows early and relentlessly.

Achieving the first priority meant adding STEM literacy to the existing language arts and math Common Core standards that allowed students to be exposed to these concepts early in their educations, on a daily basis and in a variety of ways.

“Schools should support students to follow their natural curiosity and to be creative as they pursue STEM research, applied projects and studies,” the Task Force report said. “Encouragement and mentorship will be important for all students but particularly for students in rural — 2014 report by the areas and for girls and other groups who NH Charitable Foundation have not been traditionally encouraged in STEM fields.”

Further, according to the report, math education needed to move away from abstract or general concepts to “applied” math that included examples of engineering along with the physical and biological sciences. They also recommended integrating coding, the ability to interpret data, including visualization, and statistics into the math curriculum.

”

Roadblock: calculus The task force was also of the opinion that one of the things that prevented students from pursuing STEM fields through high school and beyond was the requirement that they complete high school calculus. The task force thought students should be presented with alternate pathways to those STEM fields.

One such pathway suggested by the task force was providing, “the solid grounding in the mathematical foundations” required to get into STEM-related certificate and degree programs offered at the state’s two- and four-year colleges and universities.

This was the hope. So what do we have to show for it so far?

“We’ve made some progress,” said Palligarnai T. Vasudevan, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of New Hampshire, who was on both task forces. “But not a whole lot of progress.”

On one hand, it has only been a few years since the task force made its recommendations. With the onus often on local school districts to not only create the curriculum—albeit with support from the state—as well as find a way to staff it and pay for it, change can be a challenge, even change that is welcome.

But Vasudevan said that chief among the changes that needs to happen sooner rather than later is the implementation of the math recommendations.

Getting math squared away admittedly has been slow-going, said David Benedetto,

STEM ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES This is just a partial list of the STEM enrichment opportunities available to students across the state.

= Girls at Work: www.girlswork.org

Œ

FIRST: www.firstinspires.org • Robotics • Tech Challenge • Lego League

@

New Hampshire Incredibly Creative Connection: http://nh-di.org/about-us/about-nhicc/ • Destination Imagination • Camp Gottalikachallenge

Q

Manchester School District: www.mansd.org

SNHU computer labs (Patriots and Celtics): 0 www.nba.com/celtics/community/snhu-

M

technology-labs VEX Robotics: https://e-stem.com/about-us/ our-partners/vex-robotics/

S Boys and Girls Club: www.mbgcnh.org ˛ YWCA: www.ywcanh.org/

L

W N

Girl Scouts: www.girlscoutsgwm.org/en/ourcouncil/news/2017/girl_scout_council_r.html

Boy Scouts: http://nhscouting.org/activities/ cub-scout/

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: https://www.starhop.com/

A

See Science Center: www.see-sciencecenter.org/

¡ Loft Technology – Suzanne Delaney:

∏

www.loftechnology.com/home.html

BizGen: http://biz-gen.org/

OYoung Inventors: http://www.aas-world.org/YIP/

$SeaPerch: www.seaperch.org/index

SOURCE: Angie Foss, SNHU

S E O R E H R E SUP

2018 THE state director of STEM and computer science education at the New Hampshire Department of Education, partially because the state switched up the assessments used for math in the last couple of years.

But the other issue is that the calculus recommendation has been a sticky wicket for some who believe high school calculus is necessary. Others, like Vasudevan, see it differently.

“Everybody thinks calculus is hard and that somebody who doesn’t do calculus in high school …can’t do anything in science,” Vasudevan said. “My opinion is that is hogwash.”

“Some of the students don’t do calculus in high school and that is perfectly fine. The important thing is that they get a solid grounding in algebra and trigonometry. And if they get a solid grounding in trigonometry, they can always learn calculus in the university.”

That’s exactly what goes on with a lot of those students. He said he sees students who’ve scored well on the AP Calculus exam still have to retake calculus once they get into college. He said they are better off getting their calculus training at the university level to begin with.

“There can be an algebra pathway and a calculus pathway,” he said, echoing the recommendations of the task force. “We don’t want to get rid of the calculus pathway; we want to have three pathways and students who go into any of these pathways can still do engineering. It doesn’t mean that the gates are shut. But that hasn’t been implemented and that was a very key recommendation of the report.”

Aside from the calculus issue, Benedetto said at the state level they are still tweaking

ME

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r?

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For Students with a Natural Curiosity

“

the math standards. But even without the finalized standards, many of the task force recommendations can be aligned to the learning outcomes in the existing math standards, “so students can learn a lot of the core math while being engaged in immersive STEM learning,” he said.

Computer science

Schools should support students to follow their natural curiosity and to be creative as they pursue STEM research, applied projects and studies.

The recommendation that state and local districts seem to be pursuing at hyper speed, however, is adding computer science programs to schools around the state.

— New Hampshire’s K-12 STEM Computer science is not computer Task Force report literacy or information technology. Rather, it is the study of computers and the foundations of all computing.

“That’s coding, that’s statistics and data analysis and that sort of stuff that is preparing students for the digital age,” Benedetto said. “People think engineering and computer science are kind of these high-end things that you don’t get until high school and college, but we’re trying to change that perception …a lot of schools are adopting a lot of things, and there are really fun, engaging things that they can do.”

Benedetto said the state is also including robotics in the computer science guidelines, because that study is a great blend of math, engineering and computer science.

“There’s the hands-on engineering component, and then you have the coding, and you can get data from your robots and you can analyze that data and graph that data,” he said. “It’s very engaging for students.”

In September, the state also finalized a plan for K-12 computer science education and has started implementing it. To get people engaged in the process, state officials created CS4NH, a partnership with the NH Department of Education, NH High Tech Council (NHTC), NH Charitable Foundation, members of the University System of NH and Community College System of NH, and others.

The purpose of CS4NH is to connect educators, the New Hampshire business community, policy makers, and others to promote and support K-12 computer science.

“CS4NH is an effort to actually integrate the computer sciences into the curriculum,” said Cookson. “It’s moving forward and it’s going to be a reality in the next few years.”

The state also has a draft of its computer science standards complete and expects to roll them out next year. Officials have begun the process of certifying teachers, and finding funding sources for interested districts to implement computer science programs.

Among those funding options is the Student Support and Academic Enrichment program, which provides funding for robotics, computer science and engineering; and the NH Pre-Engineering and Technology Grant Program, which supports the development and implementation of computer science programs.

The computer science program is not yet mandatory, Benedetto said, but the hope is that districts will be able to use the tools, resources and standards for guidance to help get the programs up and running anyway.

”

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AFTERSCHOOL STEM PROGRAMS

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Co-Ed Grades 6 - 8

As for science, Benedetto said many districts have begun adopting the recommendations in the classroom and in extracurricular clubs and special events. Moreover, earlier this year the state formally adopted the Next Generation Science Standards created by a consortium of states and the National Research Council (NRC), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and others.

The standards include, among other things, incorporating engineering principles as well as artistic concepts such as design and development, Benedetto said.

“A survey was conducted and what we found was that many, many districts across the state had already moved forward and were already using the next-generation science standards to inform their teaching,” Benedetto said. “This is one instance in which the schools were actually ahead of the policy on this, so we were playing catch up on the policy.”

“This is a multi-year process. And schools are at various points along that process.

And, I think, it’s a continuous process” Melanie Plenda is a full-time freelance journalist and mother living in Keene.

• Fostering hard work, respect, perseverance • Delivering STEAM-based learning to prepare for global economy • Offering service and leadership opportunities

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january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 17

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WELcoME To THE cLASSrooM of THE fuTurE! Have you heard of Makerspaces? Viewed as the classroom of the future, they are the ideal adolescent learning environments. Complementing a student’s need to be physically engaged in their learning, these dedicated spaces include access to all kinds of materials and tools – from traditional workshop tools and art supplies to cutting edge technologies like 3D printers, iPads, CAD software, and more. Students work collaboratively to explore topics and projects together that build connections to real-world applications.

A Makerspace easily embraces all kinds of STEAM activities – as an innovation space; you will find robotics and circuitry alongside quilting, sewing and screen printing… Bunsen burners, beakers and safety goggles can be found as easily as pottery wheels, painting easels, and photography darkrooms. Try your hand at producing a video or music production; or work together to plan and build a hydroponic garden.

Learning by doing is the key to any Makerspace – and this is at the core of what we embrace at the NH School of Applied Learning. Applying thinking skills in a hands-on, active way integrates deep academic and rigorous content that connects school to life in the real world, fosters sharing and collaboration, and gives students a reason to learn.

A Makerspace like the one we have integrated into our middle school provides the tools, materials and technology that define the classroom of the future – and it’s exciting! Students use their skills in a variety of ways, taking on different roles within groups and exploring new social relationships with their peers. Applied Learning actively satisfies the adolescents’ need to move, while lab activities such as industrial arts, home economics, and business entrepreneurship create a bridge to core academic principals and curriculum.

Applied Learning like the kind that happens in a Makerspace allows students to make connections with — and an impact on — their community. Young people want to make a difference in the world, and the classroom of the future helps them to see how their skills and ideas in the areas of physics, architecture, engineering, culture, history, transportation, ecology, technology, art and business can do just that.

18 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

It’s never too early to start ST EM education

S

TEM is fun,” Angie Foss said with goodnatured exasperation as though she can’t believe she still has to convince anyone.

Hands-on, project-based learning introduces younger children to math and science concepts

By Melanie Plenda

“I think historically STEM has been given such a boring stereotype,” said Foss, a former game designer turned associate dean of innovation and operation for the College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics at Southern New Hampshire University.

“And I think now just by the nature of what we do it’s getting a better reputation.

It’s not this gray, boring, dark thing. It’s this fun, colorful, amazing, mind-blowing way of experiencing things.”

That feeling and the exuberance with which Foss described STEM is the level of excitement educators are trying to elicit with all the changes made in the past several years to the math and science curriculum.

If a student is excited, they’re engaged. When they are engaged, they are learning and retaining the skills they need to be able to have the careers they want.

At its heart, the purpose of this push is to produce students that are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) literate, if not proficient or better — even the ones that don’t plan on going into STEM fields.

“If you think about education over the last 20 years,” said Foss, “in some ways education hasn’t changed a ton. But the challenge is that our day-to-day lives have changed dramatically as have the jobs that are needed — even over the next five to

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 19

“

It’s this fun, colorful, amazing, mind-blowing way of experiencing things.

”

— Angie Foss, associate dean of innovation and operation, College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics, Southern New Hampshire University

10 years. And a large percentage of those jobs are in STEM fields.

There are just not enough graduates at various levels of education to fill those positions. …This is so important.”

To tackle this problem and get Granite State students on the road to college and career readiness in an engaging and fun way, teachers in school districts across the state are implementing collaborative project-based, hands-on learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom for their students.

Preschool Registration Starts January 8th

2018 School Year • Ages 2-5 Carol Stone Director

The curriculum What does STEM education look like for students in grades K-6?

That varies, depending on the district, said David Benedetto, the state director of STEM and computer science education for the New Hampshire Department of Education. While the state issues guidelines as to the expectations of learning and understanding in each subject for each grade level, it is individual school districts that make decisions as to what the curriculum will be. Furthermore, districts can choose not

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to adopt the state-endorsed standards.

At the state level in recent years, state Department of Education officials have been revamping the existing Math Common Core Standards, which went into effect in 2010, adopting the Next Generation Science Standards, and creating Computer Science Standards and a pathway for getting teachers certified and programs funded.

Benedetto said there hasn’t been that much movement in math, but that should change over the next few years. He also said that teachers have been able to take recommendations issued in 2016 by the Governor’s Task Force on K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education and work them into the existing curriculum.

As for science, the state earlier this year endorsed the Next Generation Science Standards. According to the NGSS website, the new standards provide a constant science education through all grades. The NGSS describe — at each grade from kindergarten through fifth grade, at middle school and at high school — what each student should know and be able to do in the four domains of science: physical science; life science; earth and space science; and engineering, technology and science application.

What it looks like For example, a second grade lesson on Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, teaches science, but would also have the student practicing other disciplines along the way.

Consider the Ecosystem example. According to the standards, students who demonstrate understanding of this topic at the second grade level can plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow, by testing only one variable at a time and developing a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

The core ideas for students include learning about interdependent relationships in ecosystems, that plants need water and light to grow, and that they depend on animals for pollination or moving their seeds around.

As they go, students will use science and engineering practices to learn about this topic. For this example that means developing a model to represent concrete events or design solutions as well as planning and carrying out investigations alone and collaboratively to answer questions or test solutions to problems.

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january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 21

WINTER ADMISSIONS

Open House January 20th at 11:00 a.m.

At Applewild, innovative experiences grow our confidence, our community and each individual.

• Watch a performance by one of our bands.

• Tour our woodshops, art studios, and libraries.

• Enjoy family style lunch with us.

• Learn how we help everyone grow.

To sign up or learn more, visit applewild.org/innovative.

Meanwhile, these students are also getting valuable language arts practice by reading books on the topic and producing reports, recording science observations, recalling information from experiences and gathering information from resources to answer a question.

And of course, they are also getting mathematics instruction by learning how to reason abstractly and quantitatively, modeling with mathematics, and using appropriate tools strategically.

While the vast majority of schools have chosen to adopt these standards, and actually did so three years before the state did, the curriculum they use in the classrooms can vary greatly from district to district.

But generally speaking, Benedetto said, many K-6 students have math every day, and while many use different math programs, most of them do incorporate STEM in some way.

Many schools also will have something like technology or another STEM-related area that’s taught to students on a rotating basis.

“It depends on the school how integrated those things are and how incorporative those are,” Benedetto said.

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22 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

School districts around the state are also finding ways to introduce younger students to coding.

This is part of a larger effort to bring computer science programs into the schools. What this could look like, Benedetto said, is classes in coding available for all students K-12 as well as learning data analysis, statistics, and robotics, among other things.

There are actually several computer science offerings through NH’s Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS). These options are free and available for schools that don’t have the capacity to offer computer science.

Another program that’s been offered at various schools throughout the state is Hour of Code.

According to the website, “The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify ‘code’, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.” Since then it’s become a worldwide phenomenon, supported by 400 partner organizations and more than 200,000 educators.

for your child’s middle school years.

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356 Exeter Road • Hampton Falls • New Hampshire 03844 Gymnastics Villages offers a safe place to build confidence, self-esteem and a healthy foundation for life.

Make it part of your schedule in the new year. heronfieldacademy.org Register Today! Call 603.889.8092 356visit Exeter Road • Hampton Falls • New Hampshire 03844 or gymnasticsvillage.com for more info.

Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participat in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, part apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and mo

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Outside of the classroom “We are seeing a lot of project-based stuff and more schools incorporating coding in the lower grade levels, and you also see a lot of afterschool programs like LEGO leagues and robotics.”

Jim Harvey, a teacher at Rundlett Middle School in Concord, said he’s been using these sorts of methods, particularly LEGOs, in his classroom for more than 30 years.

“I always tell people that I have the best job in the world,” he said. “We teach STEM concepts so that students come away with skills problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and communication, while having a ton of fun. A lot of people miss that point — even teachers.

[Teachers] come to my class and it’s like, ‘really?’ But the kids run down to the class.”

Over the years that classroom enthusiasm has evolved into afterschool and summer STEM enrichment programs, the latter of which has turned into LEtGO Your Mind, a business offering STEM day programs and summer camps in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Harvey owns the business, but works with a team of teachers and engineers to put together and host structured day programs where kids can experiment with LEGO builds and learn the basics of design and engineering.

All of the programs are STEM-focused, mainly LEGO-based and designed for kids ages 4-14. The various programs involve working with LEGOs, motors, gears, simple machines, robotics, stop motion animation, and programming in Minecraft.

Harvey said they like to change up its summer camp programs each year. For 2018 they are working on a superhero theme. For the younger kids, projects include becoming a master superhero builder to create LEGO vehicles, structures and machines to beat the villains. They will do this by using STEM principles to engineer ways to protect themselves by constructing superhero cars, magnetic levitation trains and superhero lasers. For slightly older kids, ages 6 to 9, they, too, will get to be superhero master builders, but they will also get to work with stop-motion animation while the 9- to 14-year-olds pit their superheroes against some dastardly battlebots.

Melanie Plenda is a full-time freelance journalist and mother living in Keene.

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 23

Moving away from the traditional

STEM and STEAM keep middle and high-schoolers engaged in the classroom

By Rob Levey

W

ith many employers across New Hampshire struggling to find skilled workers to fill available positions, the need for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculums in the classroom for seventh through 12th- grade students is very real.

STEM programs have as much to do with changes in how students are taught as what students are taught in the classroom.

"We need to retrain teachers and how they teach," said Bob Baines of STEAM Ahead, which is offered during the school day in the Manchester School District.

"We need to get away from the bells and 45-minute factory model classroom instruction model that still exists today."

24 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

For Baines, effective STEM programs— or STEAM, with the A referring to “Arts’— address educational needs that often go unmet in traditional school settings.

"Many students are bored with school and then you factor in social media," he said. "Too many schools are set up traditionally — students take notes and study for tests and end up forgetting most of what they have learned."

Former Manchester mayor, high school principal and college president, Baines said STEM curriculums, or any curriculum for that matter, benefit from modifications in the physical environment in which learning takes place. He cited six recently redesigned classrooms through STEAM Ahead at Manchester West High School as one example.

"We have furniture that moves and chairs on wheels," he said. "Flexible learning environments are critical."

At Portsmouth High School, Diane Canada, director of Career Technical

Education, said she has begun to renovate a former lab into a makerspace that will be utilized by both computer science and robotics students.

"Half of the space will be a 'clean' end where there will be computers, a 3D printer, laser cutter and more," she said.

"We have a shared goal to create career pathways into industry...and we know industry is ready for workers right now."

Industry participation According to Tracey Tucker, executive director of New Heights, which works with Canada and the Portsmouth School District, effective STEM programs rely on industry input and support.

New Heights, founded in 1987, provides experiential learning programs in STEAM among other subjects, including adventure, to students grades three through 12 inside and outside the classroom.

"STEM and STEAM programs are

{] “

Attendance rates are at 97 percent in our program where traditional classrooms are 77 percent.

”

— Bob Baines, STEAM Ahead, Manchester

designed with industry partners, all of whom are actively recruiting STEM and STEAM professionals to fill jobs that aren't getting filled because there are not enough qualified candidates, especially girls," she said.

Aside from financial support and assistance designing curriculums, Tucker said industry partners serve as mentors to students, another important component of STEM curriculums.

"Business professionals can mentor our kids and learn a lot while the kids can learn a lot from their mentors," she said.

Don Jalbert, director of technical studies at Milford High School, said STEM programs and events rely heavily on industry partners. He said these partnerships are especially crucial as they work as a district to define what constitutes "career ready."

"The four-year college mentality is not the only pathway, so having community partners come in here and discuss other

possibilities with students is essential," he said.

According to Canada, when students can talk with people from an industry about every aspect of their work as well as "visit with them and see exactly what doing the job entails," it creates excitement.

"They get excited because they can envision what their career will look like on a day-to-day basis," she said. "They also feel like they are valued as prospective employees because adults other than their teachers take the time to work with them and teach them."

Jalbert agrees and said inclusion of industry partners in their STEM programs extends to professional development.

"We took staff and broke them down into three groups and sent them on three buses to Airmar, Hitchiner and Hollis Line Machine," he said. "Our high school teachers could get a picture of what it looks like beyond those walls [at

the school] — that was some really cool professional development there."

Experiential learning For many educators, the experiential learning that takes place in STEM programs may be their most important characteristic.

"The hands-on part is what keeps students engaged throughout their academic career," she said.

Baines agreed and said student engagement is not the only measurable outcome from well-designed STEM and STEAM programming.

"Attendance rates are at 97 percent in our program where traditional classrooms are 77 percent," he said. "There are also drastic reductions in tardiness and other indicators."

"STEM helps students develop problem-solving skills and promotes thinking outside the box. These programs put students through trial and error

situations that demand them to not only think analytically, but creatively...These are often referred to as 21st-century skills, and hands-on opportunities in STEM are the perfect vehicle to develop them," Tucker added.

According to Baines, the experiential, hands-on component of STEM curriculums is augmented by group-based learning.

"When students work in groups, they can learn from each other," he said.

"They can solve problems together and work collaboratively — these are the skills that are needed in the workplace."

With STEM learning, Tucker said students are placed in real-world situations with nearly instantaneous feedback, which is often provided by business mentors.

"For kids, it is important for them to connect the dots between the fun, hands-on activities that they are doing to the potential careers they could work to-

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 25

PRESCHOOL • KINDERGARTEN • AFTERCARE

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ward as they progress through school," she said.

Key considerations As far as Jalbert is concerned, parental involvement and support may in fact be the most important factor behind the success of a STEM program.

"There are good, solid, well-paying career paths outside of the traditional four-year college route, but we have to have the parents be our advocates on the outside," he said. "We need to figure out how to message that."

For Baines, the key to an effective STEM program is to get buy-in from the entire community, which in the case of STEAM Ahead involves the University System of New Hampshire and Manchester Community College, in addition to local businesses.

In the Portsmouth School District, Canada said their initial STEM programming responded to requests by the Community College System of New Hampshire and the NH Charitable Foundation to create a computer science pathway.

At New Heights, their STEM programs rely on financial support as well as volunteers.

"A successful STEM or STEAM involves the entire community," she said. "Ultimately, the community will benefit, too,

“

There are good, solid, well-paying career paths outside of the traditional four-year college route, but we have to have the parents be our advocates on the outside.

”

— Don Jalbert, director of technical studies, Milford High School

when our young people decide to stay in New Hampshire because they understand and recognize the opportunities that exist here."

Rob Levey is CEO of Exponential Squared, a marketing and organizational development company focused on helping businesses achieve their business goals. Rob never strays too far from his roots – you will find his freelance writing in numerous publications, including Parenting NH.

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 27

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:

Schools are listed in alphabetical order. Please contact the school directly for the most up-to-date information on enrollment, tuition, admission deadlines, financial aid and specific programs offered.

Nonpublic

Academy of Notre Dame 180 MIDDLESEX ROAD TYNGSBORO, MA

Crotched Mountain School ONE VERNEY DRIVE GREENFIELD, NH

Infant Jesus School 3 CROWN STREET NASHUA, NH

978-649-7611 www.ndatyngsboro.org

547-3311 www.crotchedmountain.org

889-2649 www.ijschool.org

Applewild School 120 PROSPECT STREET FITCHBURG, MA

Hampstead Academy 320 EAST ROAD HAMPSTEAD, NH

978-342-6043 www.applewild.org

329-4406 www.hampsteadacademy.org

Learning Adventures ECC 51 OLD BEDFORD ROAD BEDFORD, NH

Auburn Montessori School 78 ROCKINGHAM ROAD AUBURN, NH

Heronfield Academy 356 EXETER ROAD HAMPTON FALLS, NH

627-1691 www.auburnmontessori.com

772-9093 www.heronfieldacademy.org

Catholic School Office/ Diocese of Manchester 153 ASH STREET MANCHESTER, NH

High Mowing School 222 ISAAC FRYE HIGHWAY WILTON, NH

669-2811 www.LearningAdventuresNH.com Little Einsteins Preschool Learning Center 199 ROUTE 101 AMHERST, NH

673-3022 www.littleeinsteins.us Little Pilgrim Preschool 4 WATSON STREET NASHUA, NH

654-2391 www.highmowing.org

669-3100 www.catholicschoolsnh.org

Immanuel Christian Preschool 673 WESTON ROAD MANCHESTER, NH

Creative Kids Preschool 155 ROUTE 101 BEDFORD, NH

622-0309 www.immanuel-mnh.org

472-3894 www.creativekidsnh.org

OPEN HOUSE Enrollment for the Sat., January 20th 2018-2019 school year 9-11am begins in January

rating Celeb rs! a 13 Ye

880-9249 www.littlepilgrimschool.org Mount Zion Christian Schools 132 TITUS AVENUE MANCHESTER, NH

606-7930 www.mountzionnh.org Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten

Directors/Teachers: Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Sylvia, M.Ed.M.Ed. Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Gonsalves Sylvia, Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Gonsalves Sylvia, M.Ed.

The MeetingPlace/across Place/across The Black NH The Meeting fromfrom The Black ForestForest/Amherst, /Amherst, NH

673-3022 • www.littleeinsteins.us 673-3022 • www.littleeinsteins.us

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school listing

NOw eNrOlliNg fOr Summer/fall 2018! . - 5:30p.m.

0a.m 7:0 n e Op

year ’rou nd

51 Old BedfOrd rd

Namaste Montessori School 535 MAST ROAD GOFFSTOWN, NH

St. Christopher School 20 CUSHING AVENUE NASHUA, NH

627-3503 www.namastemontessori.net

882-7442 www.stchrisschoolnh.org

Nashua Child Learning Center 5 SAINT LAURENT STREET NASHUA, NH

St. Joseph Regional Catholic School 40 MAIN STREET SALEM, NH

883-4356 www.nclckids.org

Bedford•(603) 669-2811 LearningadventuresnH.com

893-6811 www.stjosepheagles.org

Portsmouth Christian Academy 20 SEABORNE DRIVE DOVER, NH

Ste. Marie Child Care Center 133 WAYNE STREET MANCHESTER, NH

742-3617 www.pcaschool.org

Immanuel Christian P

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Grade 5 STEM Team Building Challenge

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january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 29

Build, invent Science and art meet in New Hampshire’s makerspaces

By Jacqueline Tourville

A

cross New Hampshire, community makerspaces provide the room, and the tools, for artists, inventors, and other DIY types to get creative and learn from each other.

Whether the goal is to make a wooden table or build a robot, people with a passion to create are welcome in these spaces — including kids and families.

Makerspaces typically charge a membership or drop-in fee to cover use of the space and equipment, which can range from wood and machine shop tools to 3-D printers, computers and kilns.

Ready to dive into a project with your “mini maker”? Here’s what happening – and being created – near you.

Manchester Makerspace on Old Granite Street in the Queen City offers a 6,000-squarefoot playground for the imagination with space for woodworking, an automotive shop, metal shop with welding equipment, an electronics station, and more. If you always wanted to teach your teen how to use a wood lathe like you used to in shop class, this is your chance.

Every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., the Makerspace offers an open house for curious DIYers to discover what happens in the space and how to get involved.

Throughout the year, member volunteers and guest experts offer workshops and learning opportunities for all ages. Check the Manchester Makerspace Facebook page for upcoming events. Adult and student memberships are available. www.facebook. com/mhtmakerspace Portsmouth’s Port City Makerspace focuses on metal working, wood shop, electronics and bicycle building and repair. No experience is necessary to join this nonprofit, only a desire to learn and try something new. Members are trained on equipment by other members and classes are offered in various disciplines throughout the year.

When you are ready to start making, stop by for Open Hack Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays.

Non-members are welcome to work on electronics projects, 3D print designs, sewing projects, small repair, and more. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Port City Makerspace memberships are also available for kids 12 and up (attendance with a

30 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

TIG training at Manchester Makerspace.

Courtesy photo.

What to expect at Make It So: a tool lending library, shared workspace and creative services.

Courtesy photo.

family member adult is required). www.portcitymakerspace.com Make It Labs in Nashua is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest makerspace. Its facility on Crown Street hums with activity from all corners of the 12,000-square-foot workshop which is divided into different maker areas including an electronics and computer lab, wood shop, machine shop, welding/ fabrication shop, and automotive garage bay.

To find out if Make It is the right makerspace for

your family, stop by on any Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. to tour the workshop and learn more about upcoming classes, no appointment needed. If you would like to become members, kids ages 12 and older are welcome to join with their parents. Mini makers younger than 12 may be able to join by special request. www.makeitlabs.com Make It So: The Monadnock Makerspace in Keene serves the Monadnock region’s itch to get creative from its workshop headquarters on

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The wood shop at Port City Makerspace.

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dr. mark Harrison We specialize in providing excellent dental care that is especia suited to th lly e needs of children & adolescents.

Eagle Court. You can do your creative thing on-site — the makerspace has room set up for wood and metal working and sewing and fabric crafts. But Make It So also offers members the bonus of being able to borrow tools and other creative gear for a nominal fee (i.e., $1 to bring a drill home for the week). Highlights for kids are the Kinex and robotics kits available to borrow. www.make-it-so.wixsite.com/miso Jacqueline Tourville is a frequent contributor to PNH.

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Get moving — together!

Family fitness classes make it easy to get off the couch and have some fun

By Jacqueline Tourville

H

ave you resolved to make 2018 the year your family gets fit?

Exercise doesn’t have to mean dropping the kids off at swim or soccer lessons while you wait for a free evening to get in some time at the gym. Across New Hampshire, all-ages exercise classes and fitness activities are plentiful. If dancing, skiing, rock climbing, or training for a family 5K sound good, here’s a rundown of where the family can work out together.

Family classes and activities Childlight Yoga in Dover starts a new session of its popular Little Family Yoga classes for parents and young

children (ages 2-4) this month. Learn kid-friendly yoga poses and take part in fun movement activities you can do later at home. One of the benefits of family yoga is its effectiveness in giving you better tools for managing stress. When you’re stuck inside during an endless January cold snap striking a quick warrior pose with your kids may be just what all of you need to stay calm. www. childlightyoga.com Broadway North in Belmont offers Family Hip Hop dance classes and Zumba fitness classes for families, both fun ways to squeeze in an aerobic workout without it feeling too much like an exercise class. No matter what your skill level when you start, pushing your boundaries and trying something new is an important lesson for your kids — and you can show them that you’ve still got rhythm. www.broadwaynorth.com

Enjoy family swimming at the YMCA.

32 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

Adventure awaits at ski centers throughout the state.

Take your all-ages workout to new heights at Open Family Climb at the YMCA in Concord. On Wednesday and Friday evenings, kids and their parents are welcome to climb the facility’s rock wall, with staff on hand to assist with equipment and instruction. YMCAs throughout New Hampshire are great places to go for family fitness.

You can always swim together and participate in open gym times to shoot some hoops. At branches including the YMCA in Goffstown and YMCA of Strafford County in Rochester, look for Free Family Fun Nights. These are easy — and economical — opportunities to get moving. Go to www.ymcasofnh.org to find the YMCA near you and its schedule of activities for families.

Togetherness is wonderful, but there are times when it makes sense for adults to take part in separate fitness activities. At The Works Health Club in Somersworth, kids can stay just as active as their parents at Fit Spot, a mini-gym just for kids age 8 to 13 that is equipped with interactive fitness games like the Interactive Light Wall and XBox Kinect; supervised swimming is available for member children, ages 6 and older. And yes, all this means that you now have no excuse for not getting in a workout. www.theworkshealthclub.com

children ages 4 and older. Equipment rentals for all ages are also available. www.mcintyreskiarea.com If you prefer cross-country skiing, Jackson XC in Jackson offers family group lessons, ski rentals, and everything else you need to learn how get a calorie-burning aerobic workout as you kick and glide through the beautiful White Mountains landscape. Lessons are offered several times daily on weekends.

Call ahead to let them know you would like a family lesson. www.jacksonxc.org

If you would like to send your child to summer camp but don’t know where to start, swing by one of Parenting New Hampshire’s Summer Camp & Program Expos! Meet with representatives from over 50 overnight, day, arts, sports, adventure & abroad camps.

Couch to 5K

Outdoors In New Hampshire, outdoor family fitness for many families in January only means one thing – skiing. New to the slopes? Head to McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester and sign up for a group lesson to learn how to downhill ski or snowboard together with your

And finally, your entire family can go from couch to 5K with the Gate City Striders’ annual Freeze Your Buns 5K, a winter running series for families held in Nashua and hosted by the city’s Gate City Striders running group. January’s 5Ks are planned for Jan. 7 and 21.

Races include a special division for kids ages 7 and older. www.gatecity.org No matter how you place, it’s the hard work that goes into preparing for a 5K that really matters. As any jogging family can tell you, training side-by-side is an opportunity to gain respect for each family member's abilities and a chance to learn from one another.

And isn’t that a great way to ring in 2018?

Jacqueline Tourville is a longtime contributor to PNH.

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Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding Children of all abilities can enjoy the thrill and adventure of downhill skiing and snowboarding with Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports (CMARS).

Our certified and licensed recreation therapists and trained volunteers develop individualized lessons with adaptations and equipment to meet each child’s skill level and goals. Lessons are held on the slopes of our partner, Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride in Bennington, NH.

Join Us and Register Today!

Fun for all at the Gate City Striders' Freeze Your Buns running series.

Courtesy photo by Dan Dugan.

cmf.org/cmars 603.547.3311, x1664 cmars@crotchedmountain.org

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 33

cook•with•your• kids RESOLVE TO BE A HEALTHY EATER THIS YEAR

By Susan Nye

T

he dawning of the new year means it is time to come up with some resolutions. After an indulgent holiday season, how about we all resolve to be healthy in 2018?

Start by eating better. This resolution is not about deprivation; it’s about staying strong. If it’s been a while, reinstate Meatless Mondays with some low-cost and

BLACK BEAN & SWEET POTATO CHILI

Enjoy half the chili now and freeze the rest for another night. Serves 8-10

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 lb. dried black beans 2 bay leaves 1 large sweet potato Olive oil 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 (or more) chipotle pepper(s) in adobo, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. dried oregano 4-6 c. vegetable or chicken stock or broth 3/4 c. sour cream Grated cheddar cheese

Rinse beans, put them in a bowl, add water to cover by about 4 inches and soak overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with foil.

delicious bean-based dishes. Black beans are my favorite, so I’m offering two alternatives. Both are loaded with flavor and great vegetables.

Happy New Year!

Susan Nye writes for magazines throughout New England. She shares many of her favorite recipes and stories about food, family and friendship on her award-winning blog, Around the Table, at www.susannye.wordpress.com.

Best if made ahead, cooled to room temperature, covered and refrigerated for serval hours or overnight. To reheat: bring to a simmer over low heat on the stovetop or in a 350-degree oven.

Prick sweet potato several times with a knife; place on baking sheet and in the oven. Reduce heat and bake at 375 degrees until soft, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

While the sweet potato and beans are cooking, coat a large casserole with a little olive oil and heat over medium. Add carrots, onions, chipotle, spices and herbs, season with salt and pepper and sauté until onion is translucent. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes more.

Drain and rinse beans. Put beans and a bay leaf in a large pot; add water to cover by 3-4 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low; cover and simmer for about 45 minutes.

When sweet potato is cool enough to handle but still warm, cut in half, scoop out the flesh and add it to the veggies. Use a potato masher to smash the sweet potato; add 4 cups stock and the remaining bay

34 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

leaf. Simmer on very low until beans are ready to add to the vegetables.

After beans have been cooking for about 45 minutes, drain and add them to the casserole. Cover and transfer chili to the oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Stir a few times and add more stock if necessary.

Cook chili for about 45 minutes.

Put sour cream in a bowl. A little at a time, whisk about 2 cups of chili into the sour cream. Stir sour cream mixture into the chili, add more stock if necessary and return chili to the oven for 15-30 minutes.

Serve chili with brown rice garnished with grated cheddar cheese.

QUINOA AND BLACK BEAN PILAF Serves 4

• About 1/3 lb. dried black beans (or 2-3 c. cooked) • 1 bay leaf • Olive oil • 1/2 onion, finely chopped • 1-2 carrots, finely chopped • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 tsp. dried thyme • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 c. vegetable or chicken stock or broth • 1 c. quinoa • 12 oz. mushrooms, sliced • 12 oz. baby kale • 1/4 c. chopped walnuts, toasted • 2-3 T. fresh, chopped parsley

Rinse beans, put them in a bowl, add water to cover by about 4 inches and soak overnight.

Drain and rinse beans. Put beans and a bay leaf in large pot; add water to cover by 3-4 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low, cover and simmer until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

If you are in a hurry, use canned beans. Better yet, you can cook a pound of dried black beans, use what you need and freeze the rest for another time.

When beans are just about ready, lightly coat a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium. Add the onion, carrot and celery, season with thyme, salt and pepper and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

Drain beans. Add beans and stock to the skillet, cover and keep warm while you cook the quinoa and mushrooms.

Cook quinoa according to package directions.

Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high; add mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned.

Add 1-2 T. butter to the black beans, and stir to combine. Add quinoa and mushrooms and toss to combine. Raise heat to medium-high. Add kale, a handful at a time, and toss to combine. Continue cooking and tossing until kale has wilted, 2-3 minutes.

Add walnuts and parsley, toss one last time, and serve.

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 35

dad on board Meet Comfy Baby BECAUSE ALL JAZZ BASSISTS NEED A MEMORABLE NICKNAME

BY BILL BURKE

W

ith just a few years until my 15-year-old is away at college and starting her own life as a young adult, I feel a pressing need to arm her with as much important knowledge as possible.

So it is with a sense of time slipping away I recently offered this bit of wisdom: To my child, the bass player who works extremely hard at her instrument — practice and dedication will only get you so far in the music world.

You need to have an awesome jazz nickname.

There isn't anyone who has ascended to the dizzying heights of the incredibly lucrative world of jazz bass playing (or sat-in at an acoustic open mic night for free chicken wings — same thing) without one.

We were listening to the radio on the way to a rehearsal, appropriately, when a song by Cannonball Adderly came on, and inspiration struck.

“You need an awesome jazz nickname,” I declared to the young musician in the seat next to me.

She looked at me with absolutely no change in expression or indication I had addressed her, because she is a teenager, and this is what teenagers must do, so I continued.

I pointed out the colorfully-tagged legends that had walked down this dusty path: Howlin' Wolf, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Jelly Roll Morton, among them. She didn't really think she needed a nickname, but I felt strongly about the issue. I thought I'd lead the way by coming up with my own.

“It's easy,” I told her. “I'll use my initials and my position in the family – B.B. King.”

She pointed out that it was already taken. This was going to be more challenging than I originally thought.

We came up with possible jazz nicknames for family members. For her mother, we decided on Amy “Responsible One” Burke. It fit her role in the family, and it was more affectionate than Graymy Amy. (A side note: if someone can make sure she doesn't read this that would probably be for the best.)

We tossed a few options back and forth, all of which she rejected, until we hit upon a winner. She had inadvertently come up with it a year earlier, and when I pointed it out, she acknowledged that it fit.

The name was born while we were on vacation. I turned on the light early one morning and barked at her that it was time to get up and get going.

She countered, sleepily: “No. I'm a comfy baby.”

It bought her a few extra winks, and it began what would become an ongoing reply when I gave her a task. Take the dog out, put the dishes away, bring the laundry up — all met with, “I don't want to, I'm a comfy baby.”

So when you hear that slippery bass line that's driving the latest global hit, you'll know that it's Comfy Baby Burke slapping that doghouse.

Bill “Shockingly Charismatic and Remarkably Talented” Burke is a writer who lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. He is also the managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications.

36 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

learning curve Managing anxiety STUDENTS CAN SUCCEED WITH A TREATMENT PLAN AND SUPPORT

BY ELIZABETH FEINGOLD

I

recently ran into one of my former students. We chatted about her children and career. We also talked about how she continues to successfully manage her anxiety.

Kerry is articulate about her struggles to manage this condition, but this was not always the case. As I walked away that day feeling happy for her, I thought back to the struggles she faced in school.

Kerry is a funny and warm individual. But I realized immediately when I met her that trust was a big issue for her. By the time she entered high school, she didn’t trust any school personnel.

Not everyone could see Kerry’s strengths. She was disruptive in class, yelled loudly when frustrated, provoked or misunderstood. And this was most of the time. She swore at teachers or classmates when under stress. She would have crying jags and run out of her classrooms. By ninth grade, she refused to go to math or science classes on most days.

Even with support from classroom assistants, Kerry would frequently flee, charging down the halls crying and yelling at the same time. This is how we met.

My office was in the middle of the ninth-grade wing. After her first few distressed runs down the hall, I offered to Kerry’s team that at any time — as long as I wasn’t in a meeting in my office — she could use the space to cool down.

The first few times Kerry came to my office, she flung herself into the rocker next to my desk, curled up into a fetal position, put her head down, sobbed and screamed.

I didn’t talk to her, but rather dimmed the lights, turned on calming music and continued with my paperwork. At the end of the class period, Kerry’s physical and emotional anguish had subsided somewhat.

Eventually, we began talking and she revealed the extraordinary amount of anxiety she was struggling with on a daily basis. Kerry had a strong flight/fight response when anxious, and had been feeling this way since first grade.

With time, development of supportive scaffolding and actively listening to what she was experiencing, progress began to be made. Kerry began to trust her team members. This led to evaluations that resulted in a generalized anxiety diagnosis, and the development of a treatment plan in which she was actively engaged.

There are a lot of Kerrys in our schools. As I visit schools around the state, I observe learners who act out when their anxiety kicks into high gear. These students too often are labeled “troubled,” “difficult” and “unteachable.”

Kerry initially was identified with a math disability, and for years struggled to progress in math even with specialized instruction. Once her anxiety was addressed, she was able to succeed in an academic area that had once seemed impossible.

Anxiety is exhausting. It makes you feel irritable. You lose sleep and your appetite.

None of this is conducive to learning. If you think your child is anxious, make an appointment with a pediatrician and discuss the issue with the school. The great news is that anxiety is treatable. And the sooner it’s addressed the better.

Elizabeth Feingold retired from Kearsarge Regional School District, where she worked for over 30 years as a special education teacher and coordinator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She is now a consultant and advocate. Email her at seacsvcs@gmail.com.

Hits for the

whole family!

Z107fm.com january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 37

house calls The common cold and anesthesia HELP CHILDREN FACING SURGERY AVOID COMPLICATIONS

T

Pinkalicious imagines creative possibilities everywhere she looks. Follow the adventures of Pinkalicious and her brother Peter on NHPBS!

PREMIERES

FEBRUARY 19, 2018

ADVENTURES

38 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

BY REBECCA EVANS, MD

he cold season typically runs from September through March, making it a challenge for young children to be healthy for surgery six months out of the year.

Children younger than six years old have an average of 6 to 10 colds per year.

Most colds are caused by viruses that the immune system fights and rids the body of in approximately two weeks. However, lingering effects of a cold including airway swelling and irritation may last for up to six weeks.

Because no two colds or children are alike, the impact of their illness on a general anesthetic will vary. For some children with a cold, undergoing general anesthesia will enhance the current symptoms – e.g., a runny nose may be runnier, a cough more pronounced – for a short period after the anesthetic. For other children with a cold, they may have trouble breathing and require hospitalization after the procedure.

Most children do not have any long-term complications from having general anesthesia during a cold. However, there are some instances where the anesthesiologist may consider general anesthesia to be too risky based on the severity of your child’s cold. Usually a child’s cold symptoms are worst at the beginning of the cold, when they may have thick secretions from the nose or mouth, productive cough, fever greater than 100.4°F, low energy and loss of appetite. This is the time when a child is most at risk for having breathing complications while under general anesthesia.

There are other considerations an anesthesiologist may look for when assessing the safety of providing anesthesia to a child with a cold. Physical exam findings of abnormal chest movement, wheezing or congestion when listening to a child’s lungs are signs of a more severe cold. In addition, the type of surgery, urgency of the surgery, a child’s other medical conditions, passive smoke exposure and the child’s age will be considered by an anesthesiologist.

There are some precautions an anesthesiologist may take to reduce the risk of a breathing complications in a child with a cold. The placement of an oxygen sticker prior to having a child go off to sleep will help alert the anesthesiologist to early breathing complications. In addition, placement of a laryngeal mask airway instead of a breathing tube may reduce the risk of breathing complications.

Most children with a runny nose and a cough will be safe under general anesthesia and will proceed with their scheduled surgery. If the anesthesiologist is concerned about your child’s safety, canceling your child’s procedure for at least four weeks will ensure the safest circumstances for your child to undergo general anesthesia.

Cold season can be a struggle for families with children who experience multiple infections. Keeping your child safe while undergoing a surgical procedure is of utmost concern. If you have any questions prior to your surgery, call your surgeon or anesthesiologist before going to the hospital.

Rebecca Evans is an anesthesiologist at the Children’s Hospital at DartmouthHitchcock and assistant professor of pediatric anesthesiology at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. For more information on pediatric anesthesia services at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, go to www.chadkids.org.

raising teens and tweens ADHD: Not just for young kids

Enter a world where adventure is waiting and courage leads the way...

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

CHILDREN ARE MORE OFTEN BEING DIAGNOSED IN THEIR TWEENS AND TEENS

M

BY TRACEY TUCKER

any parents associate ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with younger kids. Often the thinking is that attention disorders are observed when kids enter school, as many of the symptoms associated with ADHD manifest themselves in a more organized, structured setting.

Although this can be true, some kids can manage their symptoms throughout elementary school without showing clinically acute behaviors until early puberty or later. Some, in fact, make it through school all together and don’t recognize their symptomatology until later in adulthood.

Diagnosis of older adolescents and adults has become more prevalent, challenging the idea that this is a young child disorder. In addition, many parents automatically assume ADHD is directly attributed to hyperactivity. When kids do not show these symptoms, it makes it difficult to believe that their child might have ADHD. On several occasions, I have begun work with an adolescent because they are depressed, anxious or are acting out. I assess the behaviors and the acuity of how these symptoms are affecting the child.

It is not uncommon for an adolescent with an undiagnosed attention disorder to feel depressed and anxious. Struggling with focus and attention can impact their ability to do well in school, maintain friendships, intensify parent/child relational problems and increase risktaking behaviors. We often see these kids struggling to keep up with the increasing demands of school and other environments as they age. In addition, many of these same kids report using substances, such as marijuana, alcohol or caffeine to “stop their mind from thinking.”

If your adolescent is showing signs of increased anxiety, depression or an increase in risktaking behaviors, it is important to connect them with a professional that can help support your child and determine the diagnosis most appropriate to their presenting symptoms and behaviors. Most adolescents are struggling with situational depression or anxiety, meaning that their environment is directly affecting their stress or mood. But in some cases, it is important to rule out the potential of an attention disorder, as this can dramatically change how professionals work with your teen.

Some symptoms of ADHD include: fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or during other activities has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities does not seem to listen when spoken to directly does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace has difficulty organizing tasks and activities avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort loses things necessary for tasks or activities is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli is often forgetful in daily activities If you are concerned that your child has symptoms of depression, anxiety or any of the above symptoms that are negatively impacting their daily life, reach out to a counselor to talk through your concerns. Most presenting clinical issues related to children and adolescents are managed and supported through individual and family therapy, but some cases require psychological testing and potential medication management. Having professional support with help guide you through this process and help you and your child find a positive outcome.

• • • • • • • • •

Tracey Tucker is Executive Director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth.

January 25-28 Tickets start at $22.00 Elm Street in Manchester snhuarena.com january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 39

out about

Courtesy Photo

january

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DREAM BIG 25-28 THURSDAY-SUNDAY

DISCOVER WINTER TRAILS DAY 6 SATURDAY

GORHAM – Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, 1 Mount Washington Auto Road.

Winter Trails Day is a free, one-day event where people new to snow sports can try snowshoeing and/or crosscountry skiing. To promote the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports participation, free crosscountry skiing lessons and snowshoe rentals are available to first-timers only from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Minimum age for a free ski lesson on Winter Trails Day is 6, however any first-timer can snowshoe or try skiing for free. www. greatglentrails.com

ROCK OF AGES

12 FRIDAY – FEB. 3 MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Set in 1987 on L.A.'s infamous Sunset Strip, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, just a small-town girl, who want to know what love is and find it in the world of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Rock of Ages is nothin’ but a good time as you travel back to the days of big bands, big guitar solos, and even bigger hair. This worldwide hit features 28 scorching rock anthems to keep your fist pumping all night long.

Note: There is no official rating system for live theater.

Use your judgment based on your child's age and maturity level. Tickets: $39-$46; $25 ages 6-12. Go to website for show times. 668-5588; www. palacetheatre.org

40 www.parentingnh.com january 2018

MANCHESTER – SNHU Arena, 777 Elm St. Enter a world where adventure is waiting and courage leads the way at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes you on a journey of Disney tales live on ice. Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves.

Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you to always be strong, kind and fearless.

High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and Disney friends make this an experience your family will never forget. Tickets: $15 to $100. Show times: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. www.snhuarena.com

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL - HIGH SCHOOL EDITION 12 FRIDAY – 21 SUNDAY

PORTSMOUTH -- Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St. What's your damage?

Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts present

Heathers: The Musical – High School Edition. Performed by talented teen students, Heathers: The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers.

Tickets: $15-$20. Go to website for show times. 433-4472; www.seacoastrep.org

MOCO ARTS STORYTIME THEATRE PRESENTS: FRANK N’ FAIRY 14 SUNDAY

KEENE -- MoCo Arts Black Box Theatre, 76 Railroad St. The Frankenstein family lives a messy, mucky monster life.

The Tooth Fairy family has a

fancy, frilly, picture-perfect home. When little Frankie Jr. invites his fairy friend for a play date, some silly things start happening. Will Sparkle, the Tooth Fairy’s daughter, like Frankie’s family? In the end, they find out their families are more alike than different. Performed by MoCo Arts students age 4 through second grade, this original show written especially for the Storytime Theatre performers blends singing, dancing, acting and concepts of respect and kindness.

Tickets: $10. Show times: 2 and 4 p.m. 357-2100; www. moco.org

GILLIGAN’S ISLAND: THE MUSICAL 19 FRIDAY – FEB. 4

ROCHESTER – Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. "Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale"... Gilligan’s Island: The Musical is a familyfriendly, singing, dancing stage presentation of the ever-popular and iconic 1960s TV comedy show ‘Gilligan’s Island.’ Shipwrecked on a remote Pacific Island, the seven castaways build huts and begin to explore their surroundings. They discover

strange hieroglyphics in a spooky cave, which speak of an ancient legend. The weather gets rough. Gilligan foils the best-laid of the castaway’s rescue plans. Romance develops. The castaways have an out-of-this-world encounter.

It’s fun, wacky and entertaining with original, tuneful and memorable songs. Cash bar.

Patrons under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: $16-$24. Go to website for show times. 335-1992; www.rochesteroperahouse.com

HEARTHSIDE DINNER

20 SATURDAY TAMWORTH – Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road. Gather with a small group of guests to learn the history of, assist in preparing, and join in savoring a 19th-century-style meal cooked in an open hearth. Costumed interpreters guide guests to prepare seasonal foods using historic and modern techniques and cookware. Served in our Hearth Room, these dinners are informal, lively and fun.

The evening’s menu is made available as the event draws

near. For ages 16 (with parent) and older. This is a BYOB event.

Fee: $65 per person Includes gratuity. 4 to 8 p.m. 323-7591; www.remickmuseum.org

15TH ANNUAL WINTER WINE SPECTACULAR 25 THURSDAY

MANCHESTER – Radisson Hotel, Elm Street. See, swirl, sniff, sip and support Easterseals. The Winter Wine Spectacular, presented by the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets and premier sponsor People's United Bank, will include over 1,800 wines, winemakers from across the globe, and fine food from 30 of the area's best restaurants and chefs. Grand Tasting tickets: $65 per person, with access to the Grand Tasting room. Full Access tickets: $135 per person, with access to Bellman's Cellar Select room and the Grand Tasting room. The event features a Silent Auction with over 100 items. 888-368-8880; www.easterseals.com/nh.

BOSTON BRUINS ALUMNI CLASSIC 28 SUNDAY

MANCHESTER – St. Anselm College, Sullivan Arena. A fast-paced and fun hockey event for the whole family to benefit CMARS. Watch as the legends of the Boston Bruins play the Crotched Mountain Wild, a team of employees and friends of Crotched Mountain, the nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities.

The Bruins Alumni team includes Bruins legends team captain Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly, Reggie Lemelin, and others. These legends will be available for autographs and pictures. Raffle prizes include autographed sports memorabilia, a custom-made Bruins quilt, sporting event tickets, and a chance to participate in an on-ice game between periods. All proceeds will support Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports. Tickets: $15 at the door or go to www.cmf.org/bruins after Jan.3 to purchase. 2 p.m.

WOODWORKING FOR WOMEN: BUILD A STEP STOOL 18 THURSDAY

MANCHESTER – Girls at Work, 4 Elm St. Learn the fundamentals of woodworking, while building not only a beautiful piece of furniture with repurposed lumber, but also building your selfconfidence in the process. Supportive instruction and much emphasis placed on safety. No experience required. Fee: $55.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 345-0392; www.girlswork.org

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 41

Winter at the Currier Art Center

Register today for colorful classes, camps and workshops.

Visit Currier.org/art-center/programs today.

180 Pearl Street, Manchester, New Hampshire telwww.parentingnh.com 603.669.6144, email ArtCenter@Currier.org 42 januaryx122 2018

five•for families

COMPILED BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

Skating at Strawbery Banke: On your next visit to Portsmouth, stop by the Strawbery Banke Museum to go for a glide around picturesque Puddle Dock Pond, the museum’s seasonal outdoor ice skating rink. The rink operates daily throughout the winter season from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weatherpermitting. Skate rentals and sharpening services are available, and so is hot cocoa! This slice of ice might just become your new favorite spot on the Seacoast. www.strawberybanke.org

The 8th annual Nansen-Milan Winter Festival: Head north to Milan to celebrate all things icy and cold from Friday, Jan. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Nansen-Milan Winter Festival.

Take a spin on the town’s outdoor ice rink, sip cocoa and warm up next to a giant bonfire, enjoy live entertainment, browse crafts at the mid-winter market, play broomball, watch Nordic ski races, and visit the kids’ games and crafts area…all for free! www.skinansen.com/ winter-festival.

Concord’s Winter Festival: Can you see a trend this month? Concord also gets in on the cold weather fun with its annual winter festival, Saturday, Jan. 20, at White Park. The event kicks off in the morning with the White Park Ugly Sweater 5K, followed by an afternoon of face painting, an ice skating race, best snowman competition, sledding and a bonfire.

Scheduled activities are weather-permitting. www.concordnh.gov

2018 gets off to a fun-filled start with enough exciting activities in New Hampshire to have your family’s to-do list filled in no time. Here are some top picks for sticking to your resolution to have more fun with your family this year.

Dream Big with Disney on Ice: In a new ice skating spectacular from Disney, join eight Disney Princesses – including Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and the gang – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true. Experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage. Shows are at the SNHU Arena in Manchester from Wednesday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 28. Tickets start at $22. www.ticketmaster.com

Watch snow become art: Jackson’s Snow Sculpting Competition is a weekend event filled with beautiful snow sculptures, bonfires, a torch light parade, winter fun and games for kids, and more. From Friday, Jan. 26 to Sunday, Jan. 28, watch as master sculptors turn eight-foot tall cylinders of snow into pieces of art. www.jacksonnh.com

Jacqueline Tourville is PNH’s expert on family fun.

january 2018 www.parentingnh.com 43

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