MetroFamily Magazine March/April 2021 by MetroFamily Magazine

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Adventure Awaits! Plan an exciting OKC Spring Break Take a natureinspired road trip

Su m m er ca m p gu i de 29 options for every age & interest

Save BIG on Invisalign Days! Two days only, March 13th & 26th. • $0 Down, as low as $124/mo.* • $500 off treatment if you start the same day • $25 amazon gift card • Free toothbrush Limited spots available, scan the code to reserve yours today, or go to DentalDepot.net/special/invisalign-special

DentalDepot.net/orthodontics *For qualifying new patients only. Only valid on comprehensive treatment. Cannot be combined with other discounts, or be applied toward account balances or dental services already delivered. No cash value. Other exclusions may apply. See office for details.

NORMAN TRAILBLAZER MERLEYN BELL. PHOTO BY SHEVAUN WILLIAMS.

Features

Departments

14 Making a Splash

10 Local Family Fun

Water safety questions answered

16 Teaching Beyond the Land Run

Centering the Indigenous experience

28 Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom Teaching empathy, relationship building and healthy identities

38 Seeking Normalcy This Summer

Four families share benefits of summer camp experiences

40 Summer Camp Guide

29 virtual and in-person options for every child’s interest

4 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

5 days of Spring Break fun in OKC

20 Mom Talk

7 ways to support your young athlete

24 Calendar

Springtime family fun events

34 Family Mental Wellness Tips for teens gaining independence

48 Exploring Oklahoma

Adventure awaits on natureinspired day trips

54 Real Moms of the Metro

Norman legislator exemplifies power in representation

58 Super Kids of the Metro

One family’s journey with autism

40 On the cover Plan an OKC Spring Break page 10 Take a Nature-Inspired Road Trip page 48 Summer Camp Guide page 40

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2020

2020

Publisher

Sarah Taylor

PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES

Managing Editor Erin Page

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo

Contributing Writers April Deocariza Stacey Johnson, LPC Rebekah Mack

Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin

Art Director Stacy Noakes

Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder

Director of Events Marissa Raglin

Sales

Dana Price Laura Beam

Office Manager Andrea Shanks

318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Proud member of

Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce

nyone else feel like the word “adventure” is a rosy way to describe the past year of our lives?! Who knew 2020 and into 2021 would include parenting feats like conquering multiplication tables (again), acquiring the often-elusive package of toilet paper or reaching expert level in video chatting? But when you think about the definition of adventure — an unusual, typically hazardous experience or the exploration of unknown territory — I’d say that pretty well hits the nail on the head. In that vein, this spring we’re bringing you adventure in every sense of the word, from activities and trips to opportunities to learn and understand. Find safe, close-to-home family fun ideas in our Spring Break itinerary on page 10 and road trips promising outdoor adventure around the state on page 48. Check out summer camp ideas to match every child’s personality and interest, including both

virtual and in-person options, on page 40. Learn about how the Land Run reenactment traditions of the past can be harmful and find alternative ways to understand our state’s history and appreciate modern day Native culture on page 16. Read about a courageous young girl whose parents share their family’s journey with autism in our Super Kids series on page 58. Whether your family has endured extreme challenges or you’ve relished in more quality time with the people you love most over the past year, I hope the dawn of spring gives you renewed strength and the opportunity to plan either rest or adventure as needed. With gratitude,

Erin Page Managing Editor

This Month’s Cover Happy birthday to Cover Kid Iker, who turns 10 this month! Iker’s mom Carla describes him as very independent and a true helper. He attends Deer Creek Schools, and his hobbies include dominating math challenges, creating origami and playing soccer. Iker is thoughtful, has a great sense of humor and is especially hip to OKC’s local restaurant scene. He has an older brother named Derek and enjoys spending time with his dad in Kansas City. Fun fact: Iker is reigning Rey de La29, king of the Southwest 29th District in Oklahoma City, crowned during the district’s El Día del Niño event each spring.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

OFF THE PAGES

Refuel, Refresh,

Renew

Mamas who need to rejuvenate (and who doesn’t?!), this one-hour virtual workshop is for you! Join us from the comfort of your home on Friday, March 26, or watch back later at your convenience, to hear from a local life coach, Enneagram coach and yoga and meditation expert. The workshop is FREE for MetroFamily Insiders or $10 general admission. Register today, and find all the benefits of becoming a MetroFamily Insider, at metrofamilymagazine.com/ insider-events.

New Collab = A Chance to WIN Local Swag

A new collaboration with our friends at 405 and Edible OKC magazines means exceptional content on green living coming up in all of our May issues, plus an exciting contest to celebrate. You can win tickets to area museums and attractions, gift cards to locally-owned restaurants and swag from area retailers. Enter through March 31 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Plenty Mercantile, and Supporting Sponsor, Oklahoma Environmental Services, and to our prize sponsors: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, Patrono Italian Restaurant, Ludivine, Prelude Coffee, OKC Zoo, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Science Museum Oklahoma, SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Sam Noble Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Nominate a

Cool Pop What’s the best advice your dad, grandpa or a father figure has given you? From the sentimental to the silly, share your stories from the supportive Cool Pops in your life through March 21 at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests. The top five submissions will be shared in our May/June issue, and you’ll have a chance to vote on your favorite in May. The winner and finalists will be eligible for prizes from local retailers like Sun & Ski Sports, Red Coyote Running, Anthem Brewing, Elemental Coffee and more!

STEP UP

TO THE PLATE It’s time to register for YMCA Summer Sports BASEBALL | SOFTBALL | T-BALL | BASKETBALL Developmental, Spirit and Champion Leagues Register today at ymcaokc.org/sports. Become a Household member and play year-round developmental sports for free. Learn more about becoming a member at ymcaokc.org/join.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

OFF THE PAGES

HELLO SPRING! Take advantage of warmer weather and lengthening days with our lists of family-friendly festivals, 50 things to do for $5 or less, farmers markets, Spring Break fun, ways to celebrate Easter, Earth Day activities and much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/spring.

Shout Out

your Family Favorites

Help us show some love to your favorite local businesses! From dance studios and splash pads to restaurants and attractions (and even family restrooms!), our reader-voted Family Favorites awards make it easy for OKC parents to find the best local resources. Nominate your favorites between March 24 and April 14 at metrofamilymagazine. com/vote. Then vote to determine the winners May 5 through 19. The winners and finalists will be highlighted in our Everything Guide, which will be published in July. Thanks for helping us uplift and honor local businesses!

Please join us at our new

Performing Arts Center! New Performing Arts Center!

2241 NW 178th OKC, 405-348-3377 studiojdanceok.com

Free Virtual Fun Each Thursday 10 0 A Stories + rafts Sho & Tell

oklahomahof.com

fun ga es stories dancing chalk art

april 10

Activity Walk Recommended for families with children ages 3 - 12. Capacity is limited. Register online for timed tickets.

oklahomahof.com

Outdoor Event Masks Required

oklahomahof.com | 405.235.4458

1400 Classen Dr., Oklahoma City

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

REBOOT 30 ideas for family fun in OKC

Last year’s Spring Break has been described as the one that never happened or perhaps the one that went on far too long. But Spring Break 2021 is an opportunity for a reboot, and we’ve got plenty of safe, staycation fun for you. Get inspired by these 30 things you can say YES to! BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Kick off your break with a frenzy, a Second Saturday: Print Frenzy at Oklahoma Contemporary. Art demonstrations, collaborative activities and hands-on projects will explore the fun and funky side of printmaking during this free afternoon event on March 13 from 12 to 3 p.m. oklahomacontemporary.org

Feed the wildlife at the Oklahoma City Zoo! Families can hang out with flamingos, giraffes or the zoo’s newest feeding opportunity, Indian rhinos, and help out with snack time. Reserve your animal feeding experience when you reserve your advanced admission tickets online. You can purchase your feeding experience at the zoo but capacity is limited. okczoo.org

Spend a day exploring the change of seasons at Martin Park Nature Center. The nature center offers cleverly hidden geocaching treasures, an ADA accessible hiking trail and a bird wall that is a great place to get bird-watching tips. Did you know Oklahoma is home to 450 species of birds, some of which only visit for a few weeks each spring? You can also feed carp and turtles from the park’s two bridges. They like to eat dry dog food and fresh veggies or fruits like apples but please do not feed other animals or give any animal bread, caution park staff. okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

See the groundbreaking Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World exhibit then get hands-on with kid-focused crafts and activities that explore Native art and craftsmanship at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. From clay figurines to twining and more, each day features a different drop-in activity, free with admission while supplies last. nationalcowboymuseum.org

Ages 5-12

the ultimate day 5 Plan at the park! Scissortail

Park will be hosting daily storytimes in the Play Pavilion, nature crafts, Park Ranger hours, games and laser tag on the lawn, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laser tag will also be open in the evenings from 6-9 p.m. scissortailpark.org

your own Project to Go 6 Organize for Infant Crisis Services, help hide

books in OKC parks for Little Read Wagon’s #Look4ABook program or sign up to help pack donations for Filling Tummies! Whatever you choose, volunteering and giving back are sure to brighten your break. metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer

Summer Camps June 1-Aug. 6 a tour of a working alpaca ranch! 9 Take Magnolia Blossom Ranch books private tours for $5 a person so families can hang out with some gentle grazers and learn how their fleece is used to make a variety of products. During the month of March, if you spend equal to or more than the value of your private tour in the gift shop, your families’ tour admission is free! Ask for more details about this deal when you reserve your ranch visit. magnoliablossomranch.com

to far away worlds with a visit 7 Travel to Oklahoma History Center’s Launch

to Landing: Oklahomans and Space exhibit that focuses on the Oklahomans who played a part in early aviation and the U.S. air and space program. See lunar rock samples, an Apollo Command Module and clothing worn by crew members on International Space Station missions. okhistory.org

Hear stories of more inspirational Oklahomans at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The museum is offering free admission during spring break and will have games for families to enjoy in the courtyard, weather permitting, TuesdayFriday, 9am-1pm & Saturday, 10am2pm. oklahomahof.com

Putt a round of mini golf! Create your 10 own course at home or hit up a local course.

• Themes include creative robotics, DJing, ceramics, comic design and more • Socially distanced outdoor and in-studio instruction and experiences • Taught by professional teaching artists

Set up camp in your own backyard or at a close-to-home destination like Arcadia Lake.

• Fun, engaging and innovative arts environment

Catch a flick at a drive-in. There are three drive-ins still in operation in the metro.

the afternoon exploring 13 Spend Downtown. Urban hangouts like Mid-

town’s Bocce ball courts, Kerr Park and Wheeler Ferris Wheel and Riverfront Plaza incorporate art and fun.

Member registration opens April 5

General registration opens April 12

405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

11 NW 11th St, OKC, OK 73103

Spend some time on the water. RIVERSPORT Adventures will 14 have kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals open at all three locations during Spring Break as well as their land adventures » in the Boathouse District. Day passes are $39.99 and single experiences start at $19.99. riversportokc.org

is a fast-paced, freestyle version of soccer played with 15 Futsal teams of five, making it a perfect family activity or pickup game

with friends. The OKC metro has several futsal courts open to the public including at Together Square. metrofamilymagazine. com/futsal

Have you tried pickleball? If you haven’t, OKC has a brand new 16 attraction to get you started. Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/

outdoor entertainment complex mixing pickleball with casual dining. They also have Bocce ball, shuffleboard and ping-pong, and the spacious complex and court reservations encourage safe social distancing.

yourself in the world of Mix-Tape at Factory Obscura, 17 Immerse a unique handcrafted art experience where art is all around you. Advanced reservations are required and tickets are limited. factoryobscura.com/mixtape

Tiptoe through thousands of tulips in bloom at Myriad 18 Gardens! (42,000, in fact!) Get your wiggles out with a spin on

Mo’s Carousel and some fun in the Children’s Garden, which will offer hands-on activities Wednesday through Friday. Carousel rides are $3 per person or free with a Family Plus Membership; activities are $3 per child. myriadgardens.org

a nature trail to see what’s blooming and what animals 23 Hike are on the move. an herb garden. Easy-to-maintain container gardens are 24 Plant great for beginners. on a bike ride. Popular spots for families include Arcadia 25 Go Lake, Lake Hefner, Oklahoma River trails, Mitch Park and Tinker-Draper Trail.

Create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece. Experiment with different techniques like adding water to increase saturation or swapping your chalk for soft pastels to elevate your colors.

a new skill in a fun class with Edmond Parks & 19 Learn Recreation. The MAC at Mitch Park offers ceramics, archery, photography and more. Prices vary by course and in-person and virtual options are available. edmondparks.com

the Oklahoma wind and fly a kite. Spacious parks 20 Harness like Ruby Grant, Earlywine or Mitch Park are great places to catch the breeze.

a round of disc golf at Will Rogers Gardens. The 18-hole 21 Play course winds through streams and waterways offering a peaceful setting for some friendly competition.

22 Picnic at the park. Then kick back and cloud watch. 12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY

27 Shake up your story time and read a book outside. fishing. The metro offers plenty of close-to28 Go home options to drop a line. two habitats of the Cretaceous Period and 29 Explore examine how large dinosaurs lived in a variety of distinct environments in Sam Noble’s temporary exhibit Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice. The museum is extending its hours and will be open Monday through Saturday during Spring Break. Advanced registration is required.

s’mores and start planning for warmer days 30 Make ahead.

VISIT METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/ SPRING-BREAK-REBOOT FOR LINKS TO EACH ACTIVITY.

EVERYONE NEEDS AN ESTATE PLAN. It's not just about wealth. We can help.

tsgattorneys.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Making a splash WITH WATER SAFETY

Drowning is the number one cause of injuryrelated death in children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for kids 5 to 14, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With the swimming season quickly approaching, neighborhood pools opening and water-centric vacation season kicking off, water safety is likely to be at the top of parents’ minds. We talked with Natasha Neumann and Kristy Blew of Goldfish Swim School—Edmond about water safety and their protocols to keep families safe during the pandemic.

For a child who does not yet know how to swim, do you recommend life jackets or puddle jumpers? It’s important for kids who are learning to swim to have time swimming without flotation devices, and they should always be within arms’ reach of an adult and working on swimming skills. There are also scenarios when life jackets or puddle jumpers need to be worn for safety. For example, when you’re with a big group, all kids who are not yet great swimmers should wear one. Even adults need to wear life jackets in open waters like lakes or oceans. When choosing a life jacket or puddle jumper for your child, find one that is the right size and fits well — it should be snug. It should also be something your child is comfortable in, and that will depend on their body shape and how their weight is distributed.

What are the most important water safety rules to stress with kids each summer? When it comes to water safety, it’s important to have layers of protection. Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by up to 88 percent! Discussing water safety frequently is another essential step. In a developmentally appropriate way, explain

14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTO PROVIDED.

what drowning is (when you go underwater and can’t breathe) so kids understand the danger and the need for safety rules. Reinforce the message: Act, Throw, Don’t go! If a child sees someone in trouble in the water, throw them something that floats and get an adult. Emphasize that kids should never try to rescue someone themselves. This can be hard because their inclination is to help, but remind them if they fall in, too, there won’t be anyone to go for help, and that’s most important. Brainstorm with kids about what kinds of floating items they could throw in (pick something that won’t pop!) and choose an item together to place near the pool in case of emergency. Go over rules with kids before entering the water EACH time as they will be different at grandma’s pool versus a neighborhood pool versus open water. Point out where the shallow end is, whether jumping or diving is allowed depending on water depth and reminders on rules about rough play.

When my child is visiting a friend or relative with a pool, what questions should I ask about their water safety rules? If your child is not yet swimming independently, visit the pool with your child if possible. Consider (or ask if you don’t know) whether the home opens directly to the pool area or if it is fenced or secured. Ask the rules of their pool regarding adult supervision (not even adults should swim alone!) and rough play in or around the water. Don’t get a false sense of security if the pool isn’t “that deep” as drownings can happen in very shallow water. Water safety is important even when it’s not swimming season; in fact, the majority of drownings happen when kids aren’t expected to be swimming. Stress with your child and the homeowner that they should not be outdoors around the water without an adult. Beware of water hazards other than pools, like ponds, low-lying areas that fill with water only when it rains heavily and even wading pools, buckets and bathtubs filled with water. By opening the conversation up with the pool owner and talking about water safety, you can get a good feel for whether you feel safe sending your kids to swim at their pool.

Your Water Guardian program is really innovative — how is it helping parents keep kids safe? The Water Guardian program ensures when kids are in the water they have a dedicated adult to monitor their safety without any other distractions, cell phones or talking to others. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a water crisis to occur. The program was launched by a mother whose son tragically drowned while the family was on vacation. She realized if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. Parents or grandparents can come to our facility, read and take the Water Guardian pledge and receive free Water Guardian lanyards. Whether you are swimming as a family or hosting a party, the adult in charge wears the lanyard and commits to watch children in the water without distractions. Think about it like serving as the lifeguard. You should switch grownups on duty every 30 minutes, with each staying on guard until their replacement is ready.

What new protocols have you put in place during the pandemic to keep families safe during swim lessons? We err on the side of caution, always. Everyone gets their temperature taken before entering the building. Everyone over age 11 must wear a mask, and our instructors wear masks. In our viewing area, the chairs are socially distanced and we’re cleaning everything between lessons. We have closed every other changing room to provide distancing. In our pool, we’ve made our lanes for lessons wider so we can space kids out. In our little kid classes, where they are often seated on the side of the pool, we space the children out and have clear dividers between them. We sanitize the pool deck between each lesson block, our air filtration system provides fresh air exchange every 10 to 12 minutes and the combination of chlorine and 90 degree, 50 percent humidity environment enhances safety.

with incredible results and techniquefocused classes for serious swimmers, plus how to schedule a free W.A.T.E.R. Safety Presentation for your group or learn more about the free Water Guardian program, at goldfishswimschool.com. Get tips for helping your child acclimate to the water — from a small child who doesn’t like getting his head or face wet to a child who needs a quick swim skill refresher before a vacation or visit to a pool — at metrofamilymagazine.com/water-safety. Check out Goldfish At Home’s FREE swiminspired exercise videos families can do from their living room at youtube.com/user/ swimgoldfish/playlists. SPONSORED BY GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

Find out more about swim lessons for children of all abilities, from baby and parent classes and introductory lessons to one-week Jump Start Clinics to brush up on swim basics

JUMP START & TECHNIQUE CLINICS JUMP START CLINICS n FOR SWIMMERS OF ALL AGES & LEVELS

n 1 MONTH OF PROGRESS IN JUST 5 DAYS

n FOCUS ON WATER

SAFETY & SWIM SKILLS

SPECIAL OFFER! Buy one Jump Start or Technique Clinic, get one HALF OFF! Exp. 4/30

EDMOND | 405.696.7500 10 NW 146th | Edmond, OK goldfishswimschool.com |

TECHNIQUE CLINICS n FOR SWIMMERS IN

PRO 2 OR SWIM FORCE

n CONTINUATION OF

STROKE DEVELOPMENT

n FOCUS ON DIFFERENT STROKE EACH DAY

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

OKCPS STUDENTS

Teaching Beyond the Land Run Centering the Indigenous Experience BY APRIL DEOCARIZA. PHOTOS BY OKCPS NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT SERVICES & METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM.

In elementary schools across Oklahoma, learning about the Land Run of 1889 has often included a reenactment of the event for students. While some students dress up as settlers and pretend to stake their claim to land, others stay home due to the triggering effect this day has for their family. Such was the experience of Rochell “Ro” Werito as a child, now the Native American Student Services cultural programs coordinator for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS NASS). “My mom kept me home on that day,” recalled Werito, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, as well as the Navajo and Yuchi tribes. “As a little kid, you don’t really understand why you are stuck at home or are sitting at the library. My mom talked to me in a way that I could understand and explained how the Land Run wasn’t a fun day for our Native people.” The Land Run has long been a defining moment in Oklahoma’s history and statehood, but Native families are often disheartened at best, traumatized at worst when the Indigenous experience throughout the land runs and Oklahoma’s history is not taught. “We are not saying to not teach about the Land Run at all,” explained Kyla Molina, a child therapist and interim board chair

16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

for Sovereign Community School, an Oklahoma City charter school with a focus on teaching Native culture and identity. “However, the narrative has often overlooked that many Native people lost their land and were essentially pushed to the outskirts of Oklahoma.” The first of five land runs in Oklahoma took place on April 22, 1889, and allowed settlers to claim a quarter section of land, 160 acres, within a total of almost 2 million acres being opened in central Oklahoma. Before the land runs even began, Indigenous tribes had already endured a long, painful history of removal from their lands, losing countless lives along the journey. Dating back to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the president was given power to remove Indigenous people east of the Mississippi River. This removal led to the deaths of roughly 13,000 people from five tribes alone, Cherokee, Muskogee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole, many of whom were elders and children. Indigenous territory once covered the majority of modern day Oklahoma but quickly downsized to the eastern half of the state in large part due to the land runs, lotteries and auctions. In 1887, the Dawes Act divided Indigenous land settlements and more than 90 million acres of tribal land were stripped from Native people to be sold to non-natives. After the Civil War, the tribes were forced to sell their land to the federal government.

An Alternative Approach to Land Run Reenactments A 2014 listening tour sponsored by the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education brought up concerns about Land Run reenactments from Native families and prompted OKCPS to revisit how teachers should educate students about Oklahoma history in a more intentional, inclusive manner. Thanks to departments like OKCPS NASS, there are now resources teachers and families can utilize to teach about events like the Land Run that center the Indigenous experience. “We recognized that our schools still have to teach about the Land Run from all perspectives, so we asked ourselves, ‘What can we do to support our teachers?’” said Dr. Star Yellowfish, director of OKCPS NASS. OKCPS NASS developed the downloadable booklet “From Trails to Truths: A Resource Booklet for Teachers,” available on the OKCPS website. The booklet includes recommended books, tips, lesson plans and activities and can be used in classrooms, as a homeschool resource or by families seeking an inclusive history of Indigenous people in Oklahoma. Dr. Yellowfish and Werito have also developed a week-long educational program they offer to schools throughout the district. The program teaches Native American history to third graders and covers topics such as pre-European contact, Native

removal, the land runs and Oklahoma statehood. Students also participate in hands-on activities and can watch the OKCPS Resonative Youth Dance Troupe perform Native cultural dances, showcasing the modern day beauty and immeasurable value of Native culture in our world today. Dr. Yellowfish, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma, acknowledges that some teachers may have intentions of teaching more about Native American culture but may not know where to begin or fear being offensive. “We suggest teachers call us at OKCPS,” advised Dr. Yellowfish. “Have courage and use the lesson plans we have developed in our booklet. I understand where teachers are coming from. Even I get concerned sometimes about giving the wrong information and I am Native myself.” OKCPS has also developed a summer teacher training, taking place over twoand-a-half days where roughly 40 teachers can receive Oklahoma/Native American History 101 training. The first half of the day is dedicated to a lecture and the afternoon is devoted to projects. Native food and customs are also integrated into the course. While Native history is a crucial part of Oklahoma’s past, it’s also important for teachers and families to underscore that Indigenous people, culture and traditions are present and flourishing throughout schools and communities today.

LEARN ABOUT METRO LIBRARY’S INDIGENOUS STORYTIME ON PAGE 27. METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

“It is a great way for teachers to gain confidence in teaching about our culture and bring something back to their students,” said Werito. Teachers can visit the OKCPS website or follow their public Facebook page “OKCPS Native American Student Services” to get the latest event information.

Developing Advocates Beyond how to teach about historical events like the Land Run, there are ways both educators and families can foster cultural awareness and inclusion among young people to carry throughout the rest of their lives. Molina, a former sixth grade teacher of Chickasaw descent, urges educators to listen to their students and invite the sharing of their cultures and heritage. “Listen to the voices of your students if they say they don’t feel heard or seen,” advised Molina. “Teach them to speak what’s on their heart and try to incorporate multiple stories within your classrooms.” For families, Molina’s advice is simple but is an important reminder: teach kindness. “Teach your kids to stand up for their community instead of being silent,” said Molina. “If we want to teach our kids to be an advocate for others, it has to start at home.”

OKCPS STUDENTS ENJOY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES WHILE LEARNING ABOUT INDIGENOUS HISTORY IN OKLAHOMA.

For free resources for teachers or families created and compiled by OKCPS NASS, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/native-education.

ENTER TO WIN BIG!

Three popular local magazines are joining forces to bring their readers an ongoing series of high-impact stories. We’re starting with a

fabulous contest. And stay tuned for our first editorial series on green living and sustainability in our May issues. Enter at bit.ly/Win_OKC by March 31! Thank you to our prize sponsors: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, Patrono Italian Restaurant, Ludivine, Prelude Coffee, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Science Museum Oklahoma, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, Sam Noble Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Premier Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsor:

THE BEST EASTER BASKET STARTS AT

Green Bambino N eed hel p bu i ld in g t h e p e r f e c t Ea s t e r b a s ke t for you r l it t le o n e ? C a ll o r c o m e b y ! W e ' d b e h a p p y t o h e lp !

TOYS, GAMES, ARTS & CRAFTS, BOOKS AND BABY ESSENTIALS. J ellycat, Gr een T o ys, F at B rai n T o ys & m uc h m o r e !

5120 N. Shartel, OKC Tuesday-Sunday, 11a-4p. Info@green-bambino.com. 405-848-2330

Unplug and Play! Easel Paint and Play Indoor Playground Paint & Take Crafts Birthday Parties Grown-ups paint nights Ceramics

Gated Toddler Play Area

405-340-PLUG • www.unpluggits.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

MOM TALK

Tips to be a supportive sports parent Getting started As a parent of four children with my own past full of a passion for sports, my journey has taken me to coaching my kids in many sports. I also hold the titles of chauffeur, laundry maid and queen of the snacks! I get to witness firsthand that sports provide our children ways to build endurance and strength for a healthy body. Sports provide our children the ability to gain confidence, learn strategy and build the mental capacity to overcome defeat. Sports allow our children to learn how to work with others, build relationships and become leaders. As parents, our role in the lives of our young athletes is both important and impactful. BY REBEKAH MACK. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

As a parent with a child beginning youth sports, it can be an exciting and anxious time in your and your child’s lives when they first join a team. You’re anxious for your child to learn, grow and be an impactful part of a team. Your child is excited to play, make friends and have fun. Finding your role in your child’s sports path can be both enjoyable and challenging. Perhaps like me, your parenting path may lead you to coaching. If coaching youth sports interests you, I encourage planning and patience. Spend time researching practice and game ideas, get to know the kids on your team and their parents and have fun! If your role is one of supporting from the sideline, you are still an important part of the team and your child’s growth in the sport. There are many roles a parent can perform to assist a youth sports team from managing the team to sideline cheerleader. Whether your child plays competitively or recreationally, your child and their coach will appreciate any effort you are willing to put in.

Lifetime Lessons Life is all about teamwork whether in a professional setting or a personal relationship, and as parents we want our kids to learn how to work together to achieve a common goal. Youth sports are more than win or lose. Youth sports are about empowering our children to grow and become individuals who are capable of being happy, healthy and hardworking. And as a parent of a child in youth sports, we are fortunate to take that journey with them.

7 Tips to Support Your Youth Athlete 1. Whatever role you decide is best, whether coaching or cheering, remember the human aspect of the sport: the player and the coach are human, therefore imperfect. 2. If you aren’t coaching yourself, seek a coach who has similar values as your family, who will encourage your child to grow and work with others and who prioritizes collaboration and team success over individual accolades. Unfortunately, this might not happen on your first attempt as good coaches can be hard to find. Don’t get discouraged if you have to switch teams several times before finding the right fit for your athlete. Once you get on a supportive team, hold on to that support group for as long as you can. Your child will form lasting relationships that will endure for years. 3. Support the coach with encouraging words, kind advice and helpful actions. Your child’s coach may be a seasoned professional or new to the position and he or she will see the team, including your child’s progress, differently than you. Be willing and available to discuss your child’s position on the team or any concerns you may have with the coach during the appropriate time, which is typically before or after a practice or via a phone call, text or email.

4. Encourage and support your child with words of wisdom, backyard practices and a smile from the sideline. 5. Learn when your child needs nudging to improve versus understanding when they have met their limit. 6. During a game, let the sideline instruction come from the coach. As a parent, encourage your athlete from the sideline with encouraging language that will incite hard work and focus. Come up with short, specific words or phrases to use during a game that will encourage and support your child to remember to work hard and try their best. Words like “hustle,” “move your feet,” “keep working” or any phrase specific to their sport will remind them of their job on the team. Do not use discouraging words or new phrases during a game that your player will not understand as this can cause frustration. 7. Remember if your child is playing a team sport, the team is made of individual players who work together to win. Encourage your child to play the sport in a way that benefits the team, not their individual statistics.

Rebekah Mack is the mother of four children, a registered nurse, co-owner with her husband of Anytime Fitness in Edmond and lover of all sports. She has volunteered for many years as coach of her children’s basketball and soccer teams. MV_PrintAds_MFM_BleedMarks.pdf 6 1/19/21 2:08 PM

Moving Vision C

Op and Kinetic Art from the 1960s and 1970s

Open Wednesday-Sunday

CMY

Kids 17 and under see it FREE! Tadasky (Tadasuke Kuwayama) (American, born Japan 1935) C-182 (detail), 1965, Acrylic on canvas, 56 x 56 in. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Museum purchase with funds from the Beaux Arts Society Fund for Acquisitions and the Pauline Morrison Ledbetter Collections Endowment, 2016.064 © Tadasuke Kuwayama

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Integrated Arts Thanks to our friends at Oklahoma A+ Schools, we’re continuing a 6-month series of easy, fun and engaging arts integration activities that kids and families can enjoy together. For this third installment, we’re exploring patterns. Bonus: integrating the arts with students’ everyday academics is proven to increase comprehension and retention!

Patterns All

Around Us

A pattern is a design or idea in which elements repeat. There can be patterns on the clothes you wear and you can also find patterns in nature. Greek philosophers like Plato and artists like Leonardo da Vinci looked for naturally-occurring patterns to help them understand and explain the order in nature. Tessellations are patterns formed by repeating “tiles” or shapes. Think of a honeycomb or a snake’s scales: they are made up of shapes that repeat again and again. You can see patterns everywhere once you know what to look for!

Pattern Scavenger Hunt Hunt for patterns around your home or while out on a nature walk. Use the patterns you find to create a Zentangle abstract, which is black-and-white art made up of different patterns. 1. Gather your materials:

• A pencil • Something round to trace, like a bowl • A paperclip

• Two pieces of paper • A ruler or straight edge • A pen

2. Look for patterns. Hunt around your home or go outside to find eight different patterns. Take a picture of each pattern you find. 3. Make a circle spinner. Take one piece of paper and place your bowl or other round item on top. Trace it with your pencil. Use your ruler to draw a line across the middle of the circle in both directions so you have four equal sections. Divide each of those sections in half so you have a total of eight sections. 4. Fill each section of your circle with a pattern. Look at your pattern photos. Draw one of the patterns you found in each section of the spinner. 5. Now make your Zentangle abstract. On your second piece of paper, draw several wavy lines that go from edge to edge and cross each other to form a doodle that creates several sections on your page. Make sure it crosses itself in multiple places so you have individual sections. 6. Grab your circle spinner on your first piece of paper. Place the paperclip in the center of your spinner, holding it in place with a pencil. Flick the paperclip so it spins around, landing on a pattern. 7. Fill in your abstract piece. Using a pen, draw the pattern your paperclip landed on in one of the sections created by your wavy lines. Use your spinner to select a pattern for each section, filling each one with a pattern from your spinner. Integrated arts activities are created by certified teachers and provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools to meet the Oklahoma Academic Standards across multiple content areas. Find more activities at metrofamilymagazine.com/integrated-arts.

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

Top in-person events March 5

OU Women’s Gymnastics vs BYU at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman) features the defending National Champions as they take on the BYU Cougars. Adults, $10 & up; kids & seniors, $8 & up. 6:45pm. soonersports.com

March 5-7

Oklahoma City Auto Show at State Fair Park (333 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features special appearances, a military vehicle exhibit, model debuts, a classic car show, special events, vendor booths, activities for the kids and more. Adults, $10; kids (7-12), $5; kids (6 & under), free. Friday & Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 8am-6pm. okcautoshow.org

March 6

FREE Kid’s Trout Fish Out at Dale Robertson Center Pond (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) features a fishing derby for

24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

young anglers with prizes and other fishing-themed activities including the annual race around the pond. Bring your own fishing poles and lawn chairs. 8-11am. yukonok.gov Kids Take Over the Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a variety of themed, hands-on activities for kids to explore the history of the American West. Using Spiro iconography as inspiration, scratch your own designs into a variety of objects, then enjoy story time at 10:30 & 11:30am. Activities are free with admission for children while supplies last. 10am-noon. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids Editor's note: Due to COVID-19, events are subject to change. Please check with each venue for updates.

March 13

FREE Shamrock Search at Edmond Parks (various locations). Search for shamrocks in designated Edmond parks, take photos of what you find and post on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtags #shamrocksearch21 and #edmondparks for a chance to win prizes. The first 100 complete entries will receive an Edmond Parks & Recreation gift pack. edmondparks.com FREE Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features artist demos, collaborative activities and printmaking projects including an art project inspired by artist Ed Ruscha’s Chocolate Room. Admission is free but tickets are required. Noon3pm. oklahomacontemporary.org St. Patrick’s Day Garden Walk at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St) features a walk through the gardens to see what is blooming, growing or is dormant. Attendees can take home a hardy shamrock plant. All ages welcome. Preregister. $5. 10-11am. okc.gov/parksignup

SPRING BREAK POP-INS AT MYRIAD GARDENS CHILDREN’S GARDEN PORCH

March 15-19

Spring Break Drop-in Activities at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) feature family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s exhibition Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World. Enjoy a different make-and-take craft each day, while supplies last. 10am-2pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids

March 16-20

FREE Spring Break at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features free admission, crafts and games in the courtyard (weather permitting). All ages welcome. Tuesday-Friday, 9am-1pm; Saturday, 10am-2pm. oklahomahof.com

March 17-19

Spring Break Pop-Ins in the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden Porch (301 W Reno Ave) feature hands-on activities to welcome the coming of spring. Enjoy activities like clover seed planting, creating bird nesting bundles and making weather sticks. $3 per child. 10am-noon. myriadgardens.org

March 19

Vernal Equinox Walks at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center (18154 1st St, Spiro) features guided tours

of the archaeological site to see the mounds created by the Caddoans that line up to equinox sunset. Adults, $12; kids, $7. 11am, 2pm & 7pm. okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds.php

April 10

FREE Spring Thing! Outdoor Activity Walk at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features spring activity stations including games, dancing, bubbles and more. All ages welcome. 10am-1pm. oklahomahof.com

April 16-18

The Little Mermaid presented by OKC Ballet at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the story of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her identity and life in the sea to gain a human soul. Enjoy choreography by Artistic Director Robert Mills, multimedia projections and spectacular sets and costumes. $38 & up. Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. okcballet.org

April 17-18

Family Camping Weekends at Arcadia Lake (7100 E 2nd St, Edmond) features fishing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Set up and borrowed tents included. $75 per family. 3pm-10am. edmondparks.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

April 24

FREE Steamroller Print Fest at Artspace at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St) features live printing demonstrations, local art vendors, kids’ activities, live music, food trucks and more. COVID protocols will be observed. 10am-6pm. 1ne3.org

May 1

Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features a familyfriendly festival with more than 50 areas of fun including kayaking, pony rides, painting, inflatables, crafts and more. Activities are geared for children 12 & under. $5 in advance, $7 day of; adults, free. 10am-4pm. yukonok.gov PHOTO BY EVAN BEASLEY

Pediatric Occupational Therapy SPECIALIST

H I S TORY

LIVES at the

“Do not try to do everything. Do one thing well.” Steve Jobs

Bring your field trip group to

see artifacts and events that you

One stop shopping is great for your groceries but it’s not the Best for your child’s therapy.

will not see anywhere else but

the Oklahoma History Center.

Because of the tremendous demand, please book your trip at least two weeks in advance.

Check out our virtual resources: okhistory.org/historycenter/home

(405) 522-0765

education@okhistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

405-285-1828 TOTALPOSS-ABILITIES.COM 2917 NW 156th St., Edmond, OK

Top virtual events March 26

April 9-11

April 6

April 25

MetroFamily Insiders Event: Refuel, Refresh, Renew (online) features a onehour virtual workshop that moms can watch on-demand with an Enneagram personality pattern review, a goal-setting exercise and a meditation and yoga session. $10 per person; free for Insiders. metrofamilymagazine.com/insider-events

FREE Indigenous Storytime with the Metropolitan Library System (online) features local storytellers as they share books and stories by Indigenous authors and illustrators. Best suited for kids in preK & under but all ages are welcome. 9:30-10am. metrolibrary.org

Medieval Fair of Norman (online) features unique, handmade wares including whimsical and fine art, jewelry, woodworking, leather goods, swords and shields, pottery and more. Buy from artisans and food vendors, enjoy performing groups and play games online. medievalfair.org/vendors

FREE Author & Poet Visit with U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (online) features readings from her internationally renowned work and a Q&A session. Event will be held on Facebook Live. 2-3:30pm. metrolibrary.org

April 29

FREE Living History Performance York, Explorer with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (online). Hear the story of the enslaved man who traveled West with the Lewis and Clark expedition. He was never permitted to tell his story, but expedition journals, William Clark’s letters and other accounts provide a sketch of the man and his importance to the Corps of Discovery. For kids in 3rd grade & up. Preregister. 10:3011:30am. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids

For a full, up-to-date list of events in the OKC metro, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Social Emotional Learning Teaching empathy and relationship building in the classroom BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY LOUNSBERY AND OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THERAPY DOG HANK RELISHES GIVING AND RECEIVING HUGS FROM ELEMENTARY STUDENTS.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Hank visits his mom’s classroom once a week, sparking joyful giggles, inhaling errant crumbs and providing reassurance when a classmate struggles. The 2-year-old English chocolate labrador is a certified therapy dog who’s become a mainstay for a room full of second graders during a tumultuous year. “When Hank is at school, the mood shifts,” said Amy Lounsbery, Hank’s human mom and a second grade teacher at Rose Union Elementary School in the Deer Creek School District. “The kids are calmer and he provides them confidence and connection.” This year marks Lounsbery’s twentieth in the education industry, and she has been incorporating daily social emotional learning in her classroom for years. This is Hank’s first year to help with animal assisted therapy, and Rose Union Elementary has adopted incorporating morning circles in all classrooms this year as well, with team leads piloting social emotional curriculum. “Social emotional learning improves [student] achievement by an average of 11 percent,” said Lounsbery of the research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) that first motivated her to prioritize teaching social and emotional skills in her classroom. “It increases social behaviors like kindness, empathy and sharing, improves students’ attitudes toward school and reduces their stress responses.” Lounsbery adds when students get comfortable, they can take risks, and new skills or concepts aren’t often conquered without first a willingness to try. While the concept of social emotional learning is not new, and having a classroom therapy dog is icing on the proverbial cake, the pandemic has brought to light what many in the mental health and education industries have been shouting from the rooftops for years: children must first feel safe, secure and connected before they can successfully learn academia, and building social emotional skills endures beyond the classroom. “If we can instill lifelong skills that create kinder, more empathetic people, that will take us so much farther than any academic skills,” said Sarah Kirk, school counselor specialist for the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

What is social emotional learning? Social emotional learning (SEL) involves developing healthy identities, learning to manage emotions, goal setting, feeling and demonstrating empathy, developing relationships and responsible decision making, all imperative soft skills needed for human development and eventual success in the workforce. “Empathy should be a subject in school, just like writing, math and science,” said Lounsbery. A 20-year study in the American Journal of Public Health by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that kindergartners who are more inclined to share, cooperate and help are more likely to succeed in higher education and their careers. For every point higher the kindergarteners scored in social competence traits, they were 54 percent more likely to graduate high school, twice as likely to earn a college degree in early adulthood and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job by age 25. When students feel they belong, that quantifiably increases their levels of hope, which has a direct impact on academic achievement, attendance and behavior, according to Beth Whittle, executive director of counseling for OSDE. Just as kids aren’t born knowing how to solve a word problem, they don’t inherently have social emotional skills. When OSDE has received pushback on the value of SEL, with naysayers in favor of a pick-yourselfup-by-your-bootstaps methodology, Whittle is quick to explain it doesn’t work that way: “A kid can’t do that if they haven’t been taught skills to be resilient.” Kirk adds for SEL to be truly effective, the practices must be embraced and employed by an entire school and encompass how all parties in the school talk to and treat one another. “We’re not doing SEL if we’ve checked things off a list or read a story about feelings,” said Kirk. “To be effective, it has to be done with fidelity. Lots of schools say ‘we’ve done SEL’ but then a student gets in trouble and the principal isn’t talking to the child through an SEL trauma-informed lens.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

OKCPS STAFF CREATED ROUTES TO RESOURCES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND MATERIAL GOODS DIRECTLY TO STUDENTS’ NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOMES.

Social emotional learning in action When preparing for the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. Marsha Herron, chief of equity and student supports for Oklahoma City Public Schools, says a few powerful words by Deputy Superintendent Jason Brown have directed their efforts: We need to know every student by name and by need.

those who are hurting.

“Whether a child has a problem at home with their family or even if financial resources aren’t there, they lead to the same thing — insecurity,” said Herron. “Worrying about things can cause thoughts to manifest into unproductive academic decisions or problematic behaviors.”

Whittle says when a child has the opportunity to share their story, it helps that child understand their own experience a little more. For the child whose parents were getting a divorce, Lounsbery watched with admiration as another student approached her to share his similar experience.

Even for kids who aren’t experiencing instability, living through a pandemic has increased the need for SEL and relationshipbuilding. For elementary-age students, SEL in the classroom often looks like discussions about feelings, mental health checks or get-toknow-you games in a morning meeting. In Lounsbery’s second grade classroom, she spends 30 minutes each morning focused on SEL. Some days the students play silly “would you rather” games and sometimes they go around the circle and rate how they are feeling on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 really low and 4 great. When Lounsbery wraps up circle time, she reminds students to celebrate with friends who shared exciting news and consider how to be a good friend to

30 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

“This year there have been a lot of ones,” said Lounsbery. “It’s been heavy — things like parents splitting up, a grandpa dying. I teach my children to listen to those things and then I model validating their feelings, for the highs and the lows.”

Lounsbery also looks for organic opportunities to build SEL skills. If she notices a classmate being left out, she’ll read a book about friendships or have students circle up to share about a time they felt left out. “I introduce vocabulary like inclusion and talk about what that looks like,” said Lounsbery. “Then I watch to find kids who are practicing it. Celebrating kids is equally important.” For older kids, like Lounsbery’s children who are in middle and high school, SEL looks like celebrating a child for good character and teaching coping strategies for students who are feeling stressed, and then noting and encouraging when students could benefit from employing those strategies.

“In my role as a school counselor, I tried to help teachers understand that SEL doesn’t have to be another ‘thing,’” said Kirk, a finalist for the 2019 national school counselor of the year. “When it’s done at the highest level, it’s ingrained and implemented throughout everything. Whether you start the day with a morning meeting or journaling or implement brain or breathing breaks, it’s stronger when normalized in everything in the school.” In discipline, SEL looks like a student in inschool suspension working with a counselor to process better behaviors that lead to better outcomes. “We have to look at the language we use,” said Whittle. “Why not call [in-school suspension] in-school placement and give kids more tools and resources to help in their development, not feel even more disconnected?” Giving students voice and choice in activities and assignments builds resiliency, hope and relationships and gives students ownership, particularly important when they have been through trauma or chronic stress, including living through a pandemic. “We use tough situations to skill build and build replacement behaviors when something isn’t working,” said Kirk. “We’re creating more resilient people.”

Getting creative during the pandemic As the pandemic has increased isolation, teachers have added SEL practices to virtual school, from relationship-building activities on Zoom to calm down rooms in Google classrooms.

inserting themselves in play, as they chat with other kids while petting Hank. By the end of the day, an exhausted Hank often snores through Lounsbery’s lessons, providing levity and giggles.

“The pandemic has created new challenges but one of the benefits has been that it is the perfect time to try outside-of-the-box activities and relationship builders,” said Kirk.

Not everything about pandemic life has been bad; in addition to having a class therapy dog, because of smaller class sizes on an A/B schedule for much of the year, Lounsbery says she’s able to spot problem areas for students and intervene more quickly, both with SEL and academics.

In a Zoom-based SEL lesson focused on predicting future consequences, the teacher private messages a scenario to a student who acts it out. Other students show thumbs up, down or sideways depending on whether they think the student handled the situation appropriately and then discussion ensues, shares Whittle. Lounsbery never dreamed she’d bring her dog to work, but she’s been fully supported by her administration. When Lounsbery is teaching, Hank stays in his specified place, and then when prompted meanders the room while kids work. “He just knows and finds the person who needs him,” said Lounsbery, amazed that Hank intuitively places his head on the reluctant reader struggling with an assignment or a child without a partner for a group project. At recess, Hank is a bridge for kids who are loners or have a hard time

Scoot on in!

3 rides for 3 ages in 1 box

The pandemic inspired creativity for Herron and her team at OKCPS, too, who’ve had the added challenge of a mostly-virtual school year. They decided since students and families couldn’t come to them, they’d go out into the community. The Routes for Resources program was born, with district buses transporting social workers, counselors, tech support teams to help with devices and connectivity issues, food, clothing, hygiene kits, undergarments, masks, coats and much more into their communities and to students’ homes. The team also made calls to families, identifying those without utilities, who’d been evicted or on the verge of either, then secured funding to help 159 families through one source and more than 230 families throughout the initiative.

Summer Camps “Monday’s @ Metro”

Gymnastics Classes and Clinics Your child's gym for summer camps, clinics and classes. • Parent-Tot Classes • Preschool Gymnastics • Recreational Classes • Tumbling Classes • Competitive Team • Youth & Adult Aerial Silks • Private Lessons • Birthday Parties • Easy online enrollment

Thank you for voting us Best Toy Store!

Family Favorites Family Favorites 2020 Winner

7638 N. Western, OKC 405-848-1415

2020 Winner

848-5308

metrogymokc.com 7420 Broadway Ext. OKC, OK 73116

Recreational Class Facility (Metro West), AAU Competitive Team Training Center & Aerial Silks Studio (Metro East) email: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.net

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Herron says while most people wouldn’t think family evictions were a school district problem, when kids are experiencing instability or hunger or are without a warm coat, they can’t truly focus on learning. Routes to Resources became one example of many of the lengths she and her district will go to ensure students and families have the social, emotional and physical supports they need, especially during trying times. Those supports extend to teachers and staff, too. OKCPS is working on a staff wellness plan because teachers who are unwell cannot be expected to spread wellness to students. Throughout the pandemic, even with the best-laid protocols, mask mandates and new ionization systems to clean the air in every school, security has been disrupted for everyone, teachers included. “We can’t forget about our teachers in this process,” said Herron. “It can’t be lost on us that just because they are adults they don’t have fears. [We have] to model and provide [SEL] for our teachers, and then let them model it for our students.” Compassion fatigue has never been more real, for teachers and for parents playing the role of teacher. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” said Kirk. “Self-care is important but so is collective care — asking for help when we need it and collaborating to meet those unique needs.”

HANK LISTENS TO SECOND GRADERS READ.

Trashy “You look a little tire-d, pick-up can I give you a lift?” line #34

Arcadia Lake Sweep Join Us and Help Keep Arcadia Lake Clean. Saturday | April 3 | 8 to 11am Free T-shirt & Breakfast | ArcadiaLakeOK.com 216-7470 | Masks required at registration area.

32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

The future As OKCPS has returned to the classroom this spring on an A/B schedule, Herron and her team will focus on mental health. Herron hopes they can provide therapy scholarships for families on an application basis. “COVID-19 dismantled the structure of so many homes in so many ways,” said Herron. “We need to provide access to therapy in our communities, not just student counseling because that doesn’t solve the problem if the root of the issue is not within the child but within the structure of the home.” Reducing stigma around the need for mental health services is important to OSDE as well. Whittle says under Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister’s leadership, SEL and mental health support have been prioritized like never before, with newly created offices such as school-based mental health integration and school climate transformation. In fact, OSDE is developing competencies for the state of Oklahoma in SEL. Information will be provided to teachers on how to seamlessly integrate the SEL competencies into lessons they are already teaching. The

competencies are expected to be in place by June 2021

make up for anything they lack, academic or social emotional.”

“SEL is not just the counselor’s role but a systemic school climate and culture initiative,” said Whittle, who adds that implementing SEL practices, language and conflict resolution is just as important at home.

The challenge, though, is that even before COVID, teacher turnover in Oklahoma was what Kirk calls “atrocious,” with 20 percent of teachers leaving.

In that vein, OSDE is developing a complementary app that will be available to every teacher, student and parent in the state to help reinforce SEL concepts in the classroom and at home. The app is slated to be complete in 2022.

“Not so long ago we were out of school because of the teacher walkout because teachers are overworked and underpaid,” said Kirk. “We have to continue to put resources into our education system so when we come out of the COVID crisis teachers are prepared to handle student needs.”

While SEL has gotten a boost, there’s been an underlying refrain that students are “behind” in academia, a narrative many teachers and OSDE staff declare vehemently is false.

When the pandemic does end and students and teachers transition back to a typical classroom experience, Kirk hopes lessons learned over the past year will create a new normal.

“‘Our kids are behind’ is a standard created by society — it’s not real,” said Kirk. “Before COVID, if you were to walk in to any classroom, you have a wide variety of levels and student learning styles. That’s what teachers are highly trained and ready to handle; we meet kids where they are and can

“I hope we don’t go back to normal because ‘normal’ in education was very large equity gaps, large systemic racism and overworked and underpaid teachers,” said Kirk. “I hope this reset allows us to bring back what was working and leave behind many systems that weren’t.”

ENROLL FOR

Summer Camps! Multiple weekly camps for ages 4-16 held June-August. $95 for half-day camp; $150 for all day

Lil’ Kickers program Ages 18 months-9 years learn soccer skills at their age-appropriate level, all with an emphasis on fun.

soccercityokcity.com Mention this ad to receive two free Lil’ Kicker classes*! * Available upon registration

Check our website for details and enrollment or Call TODAY!

4520 Old Farm Road, OKC (west of Meridian, south of 122nd)

405-748-3888

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

Let’s Talk Teens MINDFUL PARENTING

BY STACEY JOHNSON, LPC. PHOTO PROVIDED.

AUTHOR STACEY JOHNSON AND HER DAUGHTERS

What do you recall learning about life from your parents as a teenager? I don’t recall intentionally sitting down for talks or teachings in all of the areas that swarm our teenagers’ lives these days. The list of things to cover with each child is seemingly endless! Where is the manual? I just want to check things off and not miss important bullets so my kids aren’t the ones saying one day: “My mom never talked to me about those things.” I do remember my mom laughing. I remember her dancing in the kitchen on Saturday mornings to Stevie Nicks as she thoughtfully put together a plate of her favorite cheese and crackers to indulge in. I remember her working hard, so hard, doing whatever it took to build us a better life. I remember her taking us to fun festivals on the weekends, early rides in the car to school, her advocating fiercely for me — never afraid to speak her mind — and I remember she always took great care of herself. I always loved that about her. I guess, as I sit with it a little, I do recall some of those teachable moments. How about you?

34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Empowering

teens with life lessons On the mom side … whew! Here’s just a sliver of my stream of thought when I consider the things I want to empower my kids to remember … • Healthy boundaries, financial freedom, the power of how you start your day and therapy. • The importance of physiology, movement, exercise and eating healthy and the punk sugar can be to our bodies. • Diversity, politics, social issues, drinking enough water, empathy, play, rest, reading, safety and how to say NO loud and clear when someone gets in your personal space or, God forbid, touches your precious, precious body. • Time management, the best music, the beauty and healing of travel, how to cook and how to pay bills, how to do laundry and properly clean your room and to periodically get your hair and nails done.

• Drugs, alcohol, dating, skin care and being self-aware when you’re walking into your apartment at night after getting home from that job — also job hunting and boundaries with bosses. • Oh, also good car care, safe friendships, vitamins, mammograms, social media and - and - and YAY ADULTHOOD … it’s going to be great. For a time I was a single mom carrying this torch of life, love and other mysteries I would hand down to my teens. The importance of this calling was not lost on me. After having cancer and enduring a hysterectomy, I waited and prayed for so many years before finally becoming a mom — MY DREAM! When that dream came true, I did not take the gift lightly. I wanted to get it all right and get it all in during those short 18 years we had together because once they could fly the coop, they — along with the bulk of any opportunity I had to “train them up in the way they should go”— would also be gone. I was banking on that Biblical scripture promise and my faith in God that training them, raising them well, would be my best shot at honoring them as their mother. So, I got strategic. And now on the other side of raising them, I am so glad I did. I worry less now because I can look back knowing I fought to be intentional, present and to be me. Are you confident in your parenting? You’re going to need that boldness to survive this season. Let’s take a look at a few things I think can help. To clarify is to empower!

NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY

While you’ve got them, I recommend three things:

Be intentional with your words and time. For children, even our teens and adult kiddos, time = LOVE. Remember that list I rambled off? Sit with it. Make a list of what’s important to you, what you want your teen to know and dedicate some real time to meaningful conversations around any and every topic you want to cover with them. I have found that avoiding the work of motherhood is what makes motherhood hardest. Without taking the time to pinpoint the values and tools you want your teen to leave home with, we can miss some of the sweetest moments of intentionality that make all the difference. Sometimes that looks like hard or awkward conversations to broach a meaningful topic that is best started in the safety of their own home before the world teaches them in ways that may not honor your family values. Over a few months, I walked through a “rights of passage” with my teens. We intentionally watched movies and had discussions to look at and discuss what kind of women they wanted to become. It’s OK to flat out tell them: “Sit with me, I want to talk to you about ________ and ________ and ________. I think these are important lessons as you’re growing up, and I want you to bring up anything else you want to talk about or have questions about. Let’s talk about all the things!” They will be glad to have a safe space and it will spur you both on to more topics! Communication is the bridge to everything.

SAVE ON THE BRANDS YOU TRUST WITH OUR EVERYDAY LOW PRICES!

sell. buy. repeat. 13801 N. PENNSYLVANIA AVE OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134 405-286-3114 | VISIT US ONLINE

SELL THE TOYS, CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENT YOUR KIDS HAVE OUTGROWN FOR CASH TODAY.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Show up. For them, yes, but also for you. Do you remember your mom laughing? Playing? Resting? Dancing? Reading? If you’re like me, I’ve found these are some of the most important treasures of life as an adult. And yet they’re so hard to get around to sometimes. But this is the stuff of life! You take good care of you, and your children will see the importance and beauty of taking care of themselves, too.

Spoiler alert: they will do things their way, just like you and I did. All the more reason to give the very best foundation of truth and love we possibly can while they’re in our nests before releasing them into this wild, beautiful world of possibility. Find that sweet balance between mindful, intentional, strategic parenting — and also playing, resting, swimming, hiking, traveling, reading, dancing and, most definitely, laughing.

I had to learn that every moment is not a teachable moment. Showing our kids the value of play and rest and even solitude are some of the greatest life tools we can give them. By seeing us play, pause, laugh, dance, nap, read and enjoy, their hearts will remind them of this as they get older and find themselves overwhelmed or stressed or in need of inspiration. Seeing you in your deepest joy and authentic freedom of self gives them permission to live that way, too.

Stacey Johnson is a licensed professional counselor in private practice at The Purple Couch. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and certification in experiential therapy and the Daring Way curriculum to help women develop shame resilience and transformative courage. Her primary work is leading Magnify Mavens Mastermind, a dynamic 12-week whole-health and personal growth intensive for women. She is also founder of Single Space, a community of encouragement for single women and hosts The Girly Bliss Show podcast for women in every season. Her greatest joy and accomplishment are her eight children. Follow her on Instagram @staceyjlife or her website staceyjohnson.life.

Have grace. As my daughters were growing up, I held sacred weight in the responsibility of raising young adults who would be fully equipped for anything, and rightly so! They are my heart walking around outside my body, loves of my life, my legacy! Also, I needed to chill on the pressure — on them and me. Finding the balance in parenting is a daily, sometimes moment by moment, job. Remember: of all the parents on the planet, it’s YOU who are called to be theirs. Your wisdom, values, hopes, words of life matter. Speak up and hold firm your boundaries that teach your teens both safety and freedom. Confidently steward the gift of authority and love you hold in their lives to guide them the best you can, where you are, with what you have. And realize no one is doing this perfectly.

Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, ﬁnancial aid program, athletic, and other school-administered activities.

36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

This column is the eighth in a year-long series on family mental wellness, written by local experts on topics pertinent to parents and children. Columnists include Johnson, Dr. Erica Faulconer, pediatrician at Northwest Pediatrics and mom of three; Thai-An Truong, LPC, LADC, in private practice as a postpartum therapist and mom of two; Jeanae Neal, registered behavior therapist and mom of one; and Dr. Lisa Marotta, a psychologist, writer, speaker and mom in private practice in Edmond.

For more information, contact Rebecca Skarky, Director of Admissions, at 405-524-0631 ext. 123

Pre-K through eighth grade 600 NW 44 Street, OKC 405-524-0631 westminsterschool.org

FAMILY CAMPING W E E K E N D S

A PART OF THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SERIES

Get out in the great outdoors! Did you know that you can experience some awesome activities and the great outdoors by heading out to Arcadia Lake? Come camp out with Edmond Parks and Recreation!

Spring Campout Saturday – Sunday | April 17–18 Edmond Park Arcadia Lake 3p–10a | $75/Family

Seeking normalcy through

Summer camp BY KIRSTEN HOLDER. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

In a time where not much feels “normal,” the opportunity to attend a summer camp, whether in person or virtually, will provide metro children and families a much-needed connection to the learning, fellowship and fun of pre-pandemic days. Nostalgia for summer camp experiences has never been stronger! Many metro organizations are taking extra precautions or providing virtual summer camp options to ensure they can continue to serve families and children in our community. Four metro families share how summer camps meet the essential needs for new experiences and deep relationships for their children — and why these developmental necessities are more important this year than ever. Read on to learn how these families are approaching camps this summer.

Jenna & Sean Vasquez Noah, 11

In the past, the Vasquez family has enjoyed all kinds of day camps, from sports camps like swimming and golf to church camps and Vacation Bible School. In 2020, Noah was looking forward to his first sleep-away church camp experience, only to have those plans canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenna has been happy with the mask requirements and safety protocols their church has put into place and will consider sending Noah to camp this summer if those protocols remain.

“I looked forward to camp every year as a kid!” recalled Jenna. “New people, experiences completely out of my comfort zone and new opportunities were really important, more so now as I look back.” Jenna also remembers enjoying receiving letters from home and growing closer to her mom as they wrote back and forth to each other. “I want all those same opportunities and experiences for my son,” said Jenna.

Christie & Tim Mannin

Emily, 18; Carys, 14; Addi, 11; Greyson, 7 The Mannin family is all hands on deck each summer! Christie and Tim are pastors of OKC Community Church near downtown. The church hosts Vacation Bible School during the summer months and also offers Student Life Camp for middle and high school students. Though 2020 presented unique challenges with the pandemic, the Mannins decided to host their Student Life Camp. “It was a hard decision, but at the end of the day, we saw the needed time with friends [and] one-on-one encouragement,” said Christie. “Our camp is much, much smaller than normal and we felt safe hosting it. By the end of the week-long camp, we were so confident it was the right thing; the kids were reenergized and filled up.” The church also provided take-home kits to ensure each family was able to make the decision that felt right for them. Like they typically do each summer, this year the Mannins will also seek ways to enjoy time together as a family.

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

“With our summer free time, we try to focus on keeping our family close,” said Christie. “Enjoying the outdoors, swimming and fun family getaways are things we do every year.”

Yvonne & Stephen Bowman Jordan, 22; Lexi, 21; James, 8

With kids spanning many ages, the Bowmans have long participated in some kind of summer camp or activity. Jordan recently worked as an overnight summer camp counselor, and James has always enjoyed seeing new and old friends during summer day camps. The family is uncertain how they will proceed this summer as the pandemic continues to drag on. “If we were to catch the virus, our jobs, school attendance and visits with family would be negatively affected,” said Yvonne. “My husband is an essential worker and is also at high risk due to a recent heart attack. My parents are in their 70s and we still want to be able to visit them safely. If we were able to be vaccinated, that would change my view on James going to camp this year.” Yvonne regrets that COVID-19 has eclipsed their plans. “The worst thing is that summer camp at James’ age is the most fun,” said Yvonne. “Getting worn out with activity, meeting new friends that could last a lifetime … I still have friends from summer camp when I was in 4th grade, and I want that for James, too!”

Jennifer & Tim Mullins Allen, 8

The Mullins welcomed Allen into their family a few years ago through adoption. They continue to learn and grow together as a family, and having opportunities for activities like summer camp for Allen has been an important part of that process. The family hopes to find a few day camps for their son that enforce mask-wearing and other safety protocols. “Allen is very good about wearing his mask,” said Jennifer. In the past, Allen has thrived in camps that keep him active and busy. He has ADHD, and, due to prior traumatic experiences, is still learning what good and healthy relationships look like. “Camps are so important to us because they help us give Allen examples of what friendship and positive role models can be,” said Jennifer. “I want him to see diversity and be exposed to what the world looks like and not be afraid of those who are different from him. He is so smart and creative. To see people nurturing those gifts and celebrating them rather than only seeing his learning difficulties or where he came from would be the greatest gift.”

Find our Summer Camp Guide with options for every child’s interest on page 40. Check out the searchable guide online for the latest on camp availability and COVID protocols at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camps.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Summer Camps, clasSes & activities We can’t wait for the warm sunshine and summer fun opportunities to try new things, learn new skills and meet new friends. Find dozens of options to pique the interest of your child in our Summer Camp Guide, featuring everything from STEM and horseback riding to art and outdoor fun. Both in-person and virtual camps are included. Find the searchable version of our Summer Camp Guide at metrofamilymagazine.com/ summer-camps.

CAMP CADENCE

AR Workshop

Cadence Equestrian

June-August; $195

Starting week of June 7; $295 half day; $450 full day

1020 NW 192nd St, Edmond 405-261-3218 arworkshop.com/edmond Camps run Monday through Thursday with morning and afternoon sessions available and are for ages 7 to 14. Kids will create four DIY projects and a DIY camp t-shirt over the course of the camp. An optional Friday half-day camp is also available. Use code Metro15 to save $15.

Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma’s Camp DaKaNi 3309 E Hefner Rd, 405-478-5646 info@campfirehok.org, campfirehok.org June 7-July 30; $275/week

14150 S Pine St, Edmond 405-348-7469 cadenceequestrian.com

Come learn all about horses or expand your skills at Camp Cadence! Weekly camps for ages 5 to 16 provide indoor and outdoor riding opportunities with safe camp horses. No previous horse experience necessary.

City of Edmond Parks

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond 405-359-4630 edmondparks.com

Experience the wonder, challenges and self-discovery that can only be found outdoors! Camp DaKaNi offers 5-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for campers ages 5 to 13. Extended care available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Discounts for siblings and multiple weeks; financial aid available. Visit website for new COVID safety measures and virtual camp options.

May 10-Aug. 13

Cottonwood Creek Ranch

Dancing for Eternity

June-August; $395/week Spring Break Camp: March 15-19; $395

June 7-9; showcase June 10; FREE

907 N Chisholm Rd, 405-471-4031 cottonwoodcreekranch.com/horse-camp

Enjoy riding lessons, crafts, barn activities, games and learning about horse care in a hands-on environment. Campers must be at least 7 years old. All equipment provided. Sessions are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Spring Break Camp). Use discount code “metrofamilypass” to save $35.

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Camps are available in a variety of topics, including outdoor adventures like fishing, archery and kayaking as well as science, drama, sewing, photography, art, video gaming, computer development and guitar. Day and week-long options available for kids ages 3 through 17. Scholarships available. Registration opens March 15. 405-602-1590 dancingforeternity.org

This FREE ballet camp is for ages 8 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Applications due May 3; 40 campers chosen, first come, first served. A decision will be made by May 15 whether the camp will be held in person or virtually. Dancing for Eternity is a nonprofit providing dance opportunities to those who might not be able to afford it.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Girl Scouts Camp Trivera

Girl Scout Camp E-Ko-Wah

Week-long day camp for girls entering grades K through 12 offering a new adventure every day, including ziplining, rock climbing, canoeing, swimming, building robots, making slime and mural painting. Extended care and scholarships available.

Unplug and explore new things at this incredible Girl Scout sleep-away camp for girls in grades 1 through 12. Enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, paddle boarding, archery, low ropes courses, singing, crafting, STEM and more. Scholarships available.

Goldfish Swim School

Kanakuk Kamps

2508 NE 50th St 405-528-4475 GirlsGoCamp.org

10 NW 46th St, Edmond, 405-696-7500 goldfishswimschool.com May 24-Aug. 6; $89-$146/week Jump Start and Technique Clinics are held weekly for kids ages 2 to 12 from 9 a.m. to noon; afternoon clinic times TBD. Students attend 30-minute lessons for five consecutive days at the same time each day. Jump Start Clinics get kids water-ready quickly, with one month of improvement occurring in one week. Technique Clinics focus on the four major swim strokes and repetition of drills and skills. Sibling discounts available.

E1660 Rd, Marlow 405-528-4475 GirlsGoCamp.org

1353 Lake Shore Dr, Branson, Mo. 417-266-3000 gokanakuk.com May 29-Aug. 6 Kanakuk offers overnight camps for kids ages 6 to 18 in Branson and Lampe, Mo. with fun and safe outdoor camping experiences that develop campers spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kampers make lifelong memories while participating in more than 70 sports and activities, as well as themed parties. One, two and four-week options.

Give your child the ultimate summer camp or birthday party at RIVERSPORT! Whitewater rafting, zip lining, kayaking, high speed slides and more are all part of the adventure. Plus, we have sailing camps and NEW for this year – surfing & e-sports! Camps, grades 2-9; full and half day options. Birthdays, ages 8+. Visit riversportokc.org to learn more!

R I V E R S P O RT

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Keystone Adventure School & Farm

Metro Gymnastics

7420 Broadway Ext, Suite A 405-848-5308 metrogymokc.com

19201 N Western Ave, Edmond 405-216-5400 keystoneadventureschoolandfarm.com Keystone provides a safe environment on 16 acres for kids to enjoy lots of time outside fishing, kayaking, exploring the creek, a creek slide, playing in sandboxes full of water, gardening and caring for gentle farm animals like llamas, miniature donkeys, a miniature horse, goats, sheep and chickens. Visit website for details; registration opens in early April.

Metropolitan Library System’s Summer Reading Program metrolibrary.org/summerreading June-July; FREE The Metropolitan Library System offers incentives to encourage kids of all ages to read, all summer long. To get involved in this year’s program, Tails and Tales, log on to their website to register, record books read and get eligible for great prizes and giveaways.

Time to tryout out for Shouter Cheer!

2021-2022 Cheer team tryouts start in May!

June 7-Aug. 2; $35-$70/session Mondays @ Metro are one-day gymnastics camps for boys and girls ages 4 and up. Campers play games, exercise, make a craft and burn some energy with gymnastics. Sessions are available from 9 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 3 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 5 and up can stay until 3 p.m. to enjoy cartwheel or back handspring clinics or an aerial skills workshop.

Nichols Hills United Methodist Church Sports Camp 1212 Bedford Dr 405-842-1486 nicholshillsumc.org June 1-4; $60

Many Thanks

Ages 4 years through 6th grade can enjoy basketball, cheerleading, soccer or Team 45 us the past 7 years:for (fundamentals of motion, rhythm for andvoting balance development Best all Gymnastics Facility 4 and 5 year olds) from 9 a.m. to noon, while experiencing God’s love. Register by May 15. Best Party Venue Best Fun with Toddlers • Summer Camps “Monday’s @ Metro” • Backhandspring and Cartwheel Clinics • Parent-Tot Classes • Preschool Gymnastics • Recreational Classes • Tumbling Classes • AAU Competitive Gymnastics Team • Home to Metro Aerial @ Metro Gymnastics • Youth & Adult Aerial Silks Classes and Workshops • Aerial Silks and Gymnastics Birthday Parties • Private Lessons • Play Group Outings • Easy online enrollment

Camps for all ages!

Enroll today!

We offer camps for kids from Pre-K through 6th grade in the spring, summer, and fall.

848-5308

#1 RANKED CHEER & TUMBLE GYM IN OK! WORLD & NATIONAL CHEER AND POWERTUMBLING CHAMPIONS!

Camp themes vary each season and camps never www.metrogymokc.com repeat a day, ensuring your young scientist gets a 7420 Broadway Ext. new experience each session ofOK camp. OKC, 73116 email: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.net

Programs offered: • Competitive & Non-Competitive Cheer and Tumble classes and teams!

• Age 4 & Up All levels • Birthday Parties • Summer & Holiday Camps

Co-Owners: Sarah Blackledge Brawley Carol Blackledge Lee

shouterspirit.com

Edmond 405-775-9491 • Norman 405-573-9974 • Tulsa 918-622-5867

42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

To register or for more information visit ScienceMuseumOk.org or call (405) 602-3760.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Oklahoma Contemporary 11 NW 11th St 405-951-0000 okcontemp.org/camps June 1-Aug. 6

Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum 1400 Classen Dr 405-235-4458 oklahomahof.com

Engaging and innovative arts environment for campers ages 5 to 12 with themes like creative robotics, DJing, ceramics and comic design. Socially distanced outdoor and in-studio instruction and experiences taught by professional teaching artists. Member registration opens April 5; general public April 12.

June & July, FREE family fun

Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program

OKC Zoo

Summer Camp: starting June 1; $50/week Spring Break Camp: March 15-19; $125+

Summer Camp dates TBD Spring Break Camp: March 15-19; $45-$55/day

3663 N Lottie Ave 405-822-9900 okylpokc.org

Camps provide educational enrichment, field trips, meals and snacks, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aftercare available. Summer camp also requires a one-time $60 supply fee.

Join weekly opportunities for games, stories, crafts and more, both in person and virtually. Some activities require registration. Visit website for details.

2101 NE 50th St 405-425-0218 okczoo.org

Campers ages 4 to 15 will enjoy new programs, engaging activities, in-park exploration, seeing lots of wildlife and unforgettable experiences. Camps will operate with enhanced safety and sanitation measures in place per CDC, city and state guidelines. Spring Break and Summer Camps are held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; aftercare available.

A Ballet Camp in Memory of Hope Shaffer dancingforeternity.org

Free Ballet Summer Camp Ages 8-12. Deadline May 3rd

Donations Gladly Accepted

405-602-1590 hopedancingforeternity@gmail.com

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Revise Collective

RIVERSPORT

June 7-July 30; $200-$250/week

May-August; $125-$300

In these Interactive Literacy Camps for grades 5 and up, students hone skills in reading, writing and research with project-based activities to explore professions in varied fields of STEM, art and music. Investigative projects through the week lead to guest presentations on Fridays.

Kids are introduced to rowing, paddling and/or sailing and enjoy additional activities like ziplining, surfing and e-sports. Week-long day camps are for grades 2 through 9 in the Boathouse District, Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser. Visit website for details and COVID guidelines.

Science Museum Oklahoma

SoccerCity OKC

Explore the awesome power of science with camps offered in the spring, summer and fall. Available for grades preK through 6. Visit website for details and COVID precautions.

June-Aug. 25; $95-$150

Interactive Literacy Camp for kids! Hone research & writing skills

SUMMER ON THE FARM

1309 E Danforth Rd, Edmond 405-920-7456 revisecollective.com

800 Riversport Dr. 405-552-4040 riversportokc.org/camps

4520 Old Farm Rd 405-748-3888 soccercityokcity.com

2020 Remington Pl 405-602-3760 ScienceMuseumOK.org

Ages 4 to 16 enjoy soccer drills, games and scrimmaging against other campers, all led by trained instructors. Multiple weekly camps offered throughout the summer with half and full-day options available. The year-round Lil Kickers program for ages 18 months to 9 years also continues in the summer.

Learn from local STEAM professionals Investigative, project-based activities

1309 E. Danforth Rd. Edmond, OK 73034 Est. 2019

Gather. Create. Learn.

405.920.7456 revisecollective.com

You belongAT VDC!

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER AND FALL! 405.721.8807 oklahomacitydancestudio.com

44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

at Keystone Adventure School and Farm

G ENROLLIN IN APRIL! Full Day K - 5th Grade Sunshine, water, animals, friends, and fun!

For more information, please visit:

WWW.KEYSTONEADVENTURESCHOOLANDFARM.COM

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Sporting Oklahoma 405-654-4040 sportingok.com

Sporting Oklahoma offers recreational, academy and competitive soccer programs, including camps and clinics, for kids ages 3 to 18. Visit the website for more details.

Studio J Performing Arts Center 2241 NW 178th St 405-348-3377 studiojdanceok.com

June 7-July 22; $110+ Summer camps are for ages 3+ with themes like Dancing with our Frozen Friends, The Greatest Show, Fairytale Ballet and so much more! Studio J will offer a week-long theater camp that will present a production at the end of the week. Dance classes available for ages 2+ in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop and acro.

Twist & Shout

Unpluggits

May 31-Aug. 12

Call for dates; $24

Weekly Monday through Thursday cheer and tumbling camps for ages 6 to 18. Campers learn from expert teachers. Camps meet for two hours every session. Scholarships available.

Clay HandBuilding Workshops offer a variety of projects including Father’s Day gifts, coil pots, wind chimes and more. Clay pieces are completed during 2-hour workshop and campers can return anytime to paint them. All steps included in cost.

14801 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-775-9491 shouterspirit.com

575 Enterprise Dr, Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 unpluggits.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell Ave, Suite A-11 405-721-8807 oklahomacitydancestudio.com

Join us for Horse Camp!

Packed full of fun and adventure, camps include riding lessons, horse grooming, crafts, barn activities and games. Campers learn how to care for their horses and acquire lots of general horse knowledge in a safe, interactive environment. We offer Spring Break Camps, Summer Camps and Winter Break Camps!

July; Price varies Classes and mini-camps offered in ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop. Check website for details.

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Camp Classen 10840 Main Camp Rd, Davis 580-369-2272 ymcaokc.org/camp May 30-July 16; $775-$1,430 Overnight summer camp for youth ages 6 to 17 years old located in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Okla. Campers will enjoy making new friends, learning new skills, campfires, canoeing, archery, GaGa Ball, horseback riding, group games and more. One and two week session options; scholarships available.

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Day Camps Day camps located across the OKC metro area, Chickasha, Guthrie and Stillwater ymcaokc.org/daycamp Late May-Aug. 1; $110-$155/week

907 N. Chisholm, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

405-888-7379

CottonwoodCreekRanch.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR 2021 CAMP DATES

Summer fun in ’21! Day campers discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. Participants will enjoy games, reading, swimming, sports, STEAM programming and more. Camps available for youth ages 5 to 13. Financial assistance available.

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camps for our searchable Summer Camp Guide.

COTTONWOOD CREEK RANCH

46 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

KANAKUK KAMPS

SPRING GAMES FOR KIDS? NOW YOU’RE CHALKING! 3 FUN & EASY WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE

HOP-TO LEARN: Write the alphabet. Call out a letter for them to hop over to. Keep the game going with sight words or numbers.

THE GROUND IS LAVA: Draw flowing rivers of red-hot lava. Include some chunks of safe and cool rocks. In a daring rescue, have your kids hop from one safe rock to safety!

OFF TO THE RACES: Draw a series of objects or animals. Spaceships? Giraffes? Dream big! Name the object for your kids to run to. Off they go!

This spring, adventure starts right outside your door! To find more socially distant physical activities, healthy recipes and more, visit

KANAKUK KAMPS

EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN

Explore Nature We’ve all heard them. The benefits to being in nature, especially for our children, are plentiful, mentally, physically and educationally. “Nature acts as a natural learning laboratory,” shared Jeremy Tubbs, manager of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve in Oklahoma. “Children’s five senses are heightened and [they] get the opportunity to interact with new and never seen discoveries.” With 35 state parks, nine national wildlife refuges and dozens of other locally-managed conservation areas, Oklahoma has a plethora of natural attractions for families to explore. Here are four of our favorites. BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED. PHOTO BY GOING WEST PRODUCTIONS

Keystone Ancient Forest SAND SPRINGS, 1.5 HOURS NE OF OKC The Keystone Ancient Forest conservation area was established in 2007 to preserve Oklahoma’s natural forest landscape, and this Oklahoma gem is touted as one of the last great places on Earth by The Nature Conservancy. Eight miles of hiking trails traverse through 1,400 acres allowing hikers to explore centuries-old cross-timbers forest to see 500-year-old red cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees, plus deer, American eagles, bobcats, birds, about 80 species of butterflies and more. The trails offer beautiful views of Keystone Lake and the Arkansas River basin, too. Along the trails, hikers can learn about American author and historian Washington Irving and his travel through the area. Staff and volunteers are working to open a visitor’s center on site this spring as well as new trails this summer. The visitor’s center will include educational materials, bathrooms and a souvenir shop. Future plans include an astronomy night with a local astronomy club in July and a night hike in the fall. The City of Sand Springs is developing an app that will feature a virtual scavenger hunt, through which kids can learn more about the forest and environmentally-friendly practices. They expect to have the app ready to launch later this year. The forest is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteer trail guides are available on certain days each month to share about the forest landscape. Stay up to date on upcoming events at facebook.com/ KeystoneAncientForest.

48 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

3 Locations to Serve You! Edmond • OKC • Yukon

Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Language Therapy

PHOTO BY DAVID JENNINGS

PHOTO BY BECKY DRAKE

J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve TAHLEQUAH, 2.5 HOURS EAST OF OKC Spring-fed creeks and rugged slopes wind through narrow valleys in the Cookson Hills at the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, which is home to a diverse mix of Oklahoma woodlands, savanna, shrublands and prairies and some impressive Oklahoma wildlife, too. “The preserve provides a great opportunity for viewing of most Oklahoma wildlife species, including elk and the occasional glimpse of a black bear,” said Tubbs. “The preserve is a great site for birding excursions and outdoor photography.” Three walkable trails and driveable county roadways provide ample ways for families to explore the well-preserved natural beauty of the area during any season. The preserve boasts a beautiful showing of spring and summer wildflowers and showcases stunning fall foliage. Tubbs said some native grasses can even reach heights of 10 feet in the warmer months! A popular summertime spot, Bathtub Rocks is a unique formation on Cedar

Creek. Rushing water has smoothed and shaped small, refreshing pools, much to the delight of heated hikers. While the rocks are closed to the public for now due to COVID precautions, typically visitors are allowed to take a dip in the tubs. However, it is important to respect the preserve’s access rules because sensitive habitat and restoration projects could be impacted in the areas around the rocks. Tubbs advises bringing plenty of water, insect repellent and sunscreen for your trip and to wear appropriate clothing and shoes to hike the trails that range from half a mile to 1.5 miles in length. Public restrooms are typically accessible at the preserve’s headquarters (though they are currently closed due to COVID precautions), and the trails are open to the public during daylight hours, seven days a week. Camping is not permitted on the preserve but there are camping and lodging options nearby in Tahlequah, which makes a visit to the preserve a great addition to a float trip or weekend getaway at Lake Tenkiller.

Our therapists provide fun, inventive and playful interventions that address your child's specific needs. We offer physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language therapy.

Play • Learn • Thrive

Call (405) 840-1686 to schedule an evaluation! SensationalKidsOKC.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Edmond - 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. OKC - 5701 SE 74th St. Yukon - 1445 Health Center Pkwy

“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” HARRIET ANN JACOBS PHOTO BY USFWS STAFF PHOTO BY RANDY JONES

PHOTO BY RANDY JONES

PHOTO BY STEVEN ENTER

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge MEERS, 1.5 HOURS SW OF OKC

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is likely at the top of any nature enthusiast’s list in Oklahoma. This popular destination saw more than two million visitors in the past year, according to Park Ranger Quinton Smith. Families eager to get outdoors can enjoy hiking to the top of Mt. Scott and Little Baldy, visiting Prairie Dog Town and venturing into the mysterious Parallel Forest. The refuge is more commonly known as a hiking destination but Smith says, if timed right, families can also enjoy wildlife observation and photography as well as fishing, kayaking and canoeing, though swimming is not allowed. “To observe wildlife, time of day is really important,” shared Smith. “Animals move a lot more at dusk and dawn but you can see bison roaming throughout the day and birds are always out moving. Bird

50 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

books or field guides can help you identify what you are looking at.” The roaming bison and longhorn should be viewed at a safe and respectable distance, preferably from inside your vehicle. Do not approach the wildlife. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has 20,000 acres open to the public so there is a lot of nature to explore. Smith advises families plan out visits ahead of time with several options because certain parking areas can fill up fast on weekends and peak seasons. He recommends checking Facebook for updates. The refuge trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Currently, RV and travel trailer camping is permitted by reservation only as long as the vehicle has its own self-contained bathroom. To plan your outing, visit fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains.

PHOTOS BY USFWS STAFF

Saturday, May 1 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Yukon City Park 2200 S. Holly Ave. $5 in advance $7 day of event Adults Free

www.yukonok.gov

Ticket Outlets: Children’s New World, all YNB Locations, and all Yukon Parks & Recreation Facilities Yukon Athletic Association cityofyukonokgov

@cityofyukonok

HORSE CAMPS

Camp Cadence (all levels): June 7 – June 11 June 14 – June 18 June 21 – June 25 July 12 – July 16 July 19 – July 23 July 26 – July 30 Aug 2 – Aug 6 Full day 9 am - 3 pm Ages 6-14 $450/week Half day 9 am - Noon Ages 5-14 $295/week

(405) 348-7469 • 14150 S Pine St, Edmond @cityofyukonokgov

Enroll at: cadenceequestrian.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

SWAINSON’S WARBLER. PHOTO BY GREG LAVATY.

Little River National Wildlife Refuge BROKEN BOW, 3.5 HOURS SE OF OKC Southeastern Oklahoma is well known for its natural beauty so it should be no surprise that Broken Bow would be a wonderful destination for families to explore nature. Just a little off the beaten path, the Little River National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 191 identified species that spend at least a portion of the year on the refuge, including a rare, secretive songbird called the Swainson’s warbler. Wild turkeys roam the forest and, during the winter months, bald eagles soar about and roost in the tall trees. Bats, otters, beavers, flying squirrels and even alligators call this swampy bottomland home. Six primitive walking trails provide families with scenic hiking, fishing and

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

animal watching opportunities. Duck Roost Slough Observation Deck is a popular spot to watch for wildlife. But the animals aren’t the only sights to see! The refuge includes 11 statechampion trees. A champion tree is the largest of its particular species, and the area’s fertile soil provides impressive growing conditions for towering bald cypress, hickory, maple, oak and water-elms. The refuge is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset and the headquarters is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide maps and other informational brochures.

While exploring these and other nature spots with your family, do your part to protect the landscapes, waterways and wildlife at these unique natural attractions. Do not collect or disturb plants, insects or rocks, and be sure to take your trash out with you.

VISIT VIRTUALLY

Hiking Safety Tips • Know where you are going before you head out. • When your water is half gone, your hike is half over. • Never hike alone. • Respect your limitations. • Wear proper shoes and dress for the weather. • Hike in the cooler parts of the day during warmer months. • Stay on the trails for your safety and to protect the plants and animals around you.

Bonus: The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Lab offers online curriculum and virtual field trips specifically designed for kids that focus on natural environments. Explore our natural world from the depths of the ocean floor to the rainforest’s canopy and beyond and find out about biomes and ecosystems from across the globe at nature.org. To learn more about conservation projects going on in our state, check out The Oklahoma Nature Conservancy’s Facebook page, facebook.com/nature.ok.

Other popular nature destinations in the Sooner State • Redbud Valley Nature Preserve, Catoosa

• Mary K Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa

• Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, Hinton

Every year, thousands of MetroFamily readers submit their votes to determine the Best of OKC, specifically for families. Support local business by nominating and voting for your favorites, and you could be entered to win a road trip getaway package from Visit Frisco!

Nominations March 24 - April 14, Voting Ma 5-1 www.metrofamilymagazine.com/vote METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

REAL MOMS OF THE METRO

Merleyn Bell

BY APRIL DEOCARIZA. PHOTOS BY SHEVAUN WILLIAMS.

Reelection, Parenting During a Pandemic and the Power of Representation Representative Merleyn Bell is the first to say her path to politics certainly wasn’t linear. In fact, the girl who grew up performing musical theatre was voted “Most Likely to Win An Oscar” by her high school class. “There is an unexpected performative nature to our job,” explained Bell about the parallels between politics and theatre. “It involves a lot of public speaking and meeting people. The house floor is very much like a stage.” In November 2018, Bell was elected to represent House District 45 in east Norman, becoming the first woman of color to ever represent her hometown. During her first year in the state house, she proposed legislation to reform Oklahoma’s criminal justice system and improve the state’s infrastructure. Now, as she begins her second term, Bell shares her top priorities and the value of raising civically-engaged children.

54 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

METROFAMILY'S

Summer Camp Guide Find organizations offering safe options for camp this year!

www.metrofamilymagazine .com/summer-camps

BELL’S PRIORITIES AS A LEGISLATOR INCLUDE IMPROVING PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ADVOCATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS.

Norman Native Bell is a fifth-generation Oklahoman, born and raised in Norman and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. “I had a wonderful childhood,” recalled Bell. “I was very fortunate to have two loving parents who also met in Norman. I’m an only child so I interacted with a lot of adults growing up and was a very curious kid.” Bell’s election as the first woman of color to represent Norman in 2018 was even more significant given the city’s past as a former “sundown town,” which were places where African Americans were not welcome past sundown. That changed in 1967 when George Henderson and his wife, Barbara, became the first African Americans to buy a home in Norman after George accepted a job at the University of Oklahoma, becoming the university’s third full-time African American faculty member. Bell, who is biracial, admits her achievement in 2018 was exciting, but she didn’t think too much of it until she encountered a young person who highlighted her impact. “Last year, I was judging a scholarship competition for kids,” recalled Bell. “One of the recipients came up to me afterward and said, ‘I read all of these things about you. I follow you on Facebook and I look up to you because you’re like me.’ That moment has really stuck with me. That feeling of knowing that even if you’ve had a hard day, you have achieved something that no one can take away from you or the people that it matters to.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Motherhood as a Pivot Point

Bell graduated from OU with a degree in geography and started working as an art director for a publication on campus called World Literature Today, the same publication she had been interning for as a student. She worked for the publication for several years until she had her son, Matthew Matzkanin, now 7 years old. Becoming a mother was the catalyst that ultimately inspired her to run for office. “Having Matthew in our lives was really a pivot point for me to start thinking about things more seriously,” said Bell. “I wanted him to feel like Oklahoma was the place he’d want to stay and that our kids have everything they need to thrive here. I was concerned that by the time Matthew came of age, Oklahoma wouldn’t be there, so I started thinking about what it takes for us to ensure those things. I discovered it takes establishing those priorities in our budget, and who creates the budget? The legislature.” Bell began to connect the dots and started considering a career in politics. “I started to think, ‘How can I take my combination of talents and tenacity and turn it into something where I can plug into the systems that are making those key decisions?’” said Bell. “Running for office seemed the right course for that.” Bell approached her husband, Corey Matzkanin, a nurse, about the idea. “My husband is supportive but very private,” described Bell. “He’s never seeking the spotlight. When I approached him about running for office, he said, ‘I can totally see that for you, but I don’t have to be involved right?!’” Bell initially doubted whether she was qualified for the position but soon realized there is no single or “right” path to politics. “It doesn’t take a legal degree or years and years of policy making to become a legislator,” assured Bell. “It just takes a strong desire to serve your neighbors and to make a difference in your state. That’s what really drives every member regardless of what background we have or what path we took to get there.”

56 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

BELL WITH HUSBAND COREY MATZKANIN AND SON MATTHEW

Building a Brighter Future

Bell says her proudest achievements over the past two years were the small moments that made a big difference for community members. “There are many ways we show up for constituents that have nothing to do with being on the house floor but are more about connecting people to the right agency,” said Bell. “Especially post-pandemic, we’ve connected people with help filing unemployment claims or obtaining Medicaid benefits. Those small moments that don’t get a lot of limelight or aren’t necessarily ‘headline-worthy,’ those are the ones that I really cherish the most because I know that it actually affected somebody’s life and created something positive.” Looking ahead into 2021, Bell’s priorities include improving public education and advocating for mental health, two issues that were both illuminated during the coronavirus pandemic. As the mother of a child in the Norman Public School System, Bell knows firsthand the challenges both parents and students have endured during the pandemic. Bell’s goal is to gather these findings to create lasting, equitable solutions that can help schools navigate similar challenges in the future. Bell acknowledges strides have been made in de-stigmatizing mental health but cites there is still a long way to go.

“Mental health should be considered a type of preventative medicine, just like getting a check-up or getting your teeth cleaned,” explained Bell. “I think there needs to be a larger conversation about it versus waiting until someone really needs help.” Like many families during this pandemic, Bell can attest to the everyday challenges of juggling working from home while having a child in virtual school. Her family has also had to remain flexible to the day-today changes and identify the silver linings through it all. Staying connected has helped her family remain grounded. “We always made time to go outside during the day and connect with families, in a safe and distanced way, to commiserate,” laughed Bell. “Maintaining those connections with others and realizing that you aren’t alone helps a lot.”

Speaking Up, Being Heard

Beyond her own accomplishments, Bell is proud to see the growing number of women in politics. Bell cites the example of women outnumbering men in the Democratic caucus of 2019, though the caucus is now pretty evenly split. She hopes to see this growth continue because of the unique perspective women bring to the table in a wide variety of roles. “There are plenty of ways to be involved in politics that aren’t just about running for office,” said Bell. “People work as staff

BELL IS PROUD TO SEE THE GROWING NUMBER OF WOMEN IN POLITICS.

members, legislative assistants, bill writers, advisory roles or campaign staffers. There are tons of opportunities for women to plug in and they are needed in all of those roles.” Bell also notes it is never too early for parents to start teaching their children

about exercising the right to vote and being attuned to the news that affects them and their community. While her son may only be in elementary school, Bell and her husband find ways to educate him, on his level, about the issues going on around them, from immigration to health care to education.

“It doesn’t have to be this full-scale conversation,” said Bell. “It’s more about making children understand that there is this system that affects their lives and making sure they know that they get a say in what happens in that system. So that once they are able to vote, they go and do that.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Super Kids

of the Metro

Strength of character

Lily’s story

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Lily Mott is a charming second grader with a sweet sense of humor and love of math. Affectionate, artistic and strong in character, Lily works harder most days than the average adult. Diagnosed with autism before age 2, Lily powers through speech and occupational therapy every weekday, as well as at-home second grade curriculum, and she spends 20 hours a week in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. She has previously enjoyed equine, swimming and music therapy as well. “She is constantly working and she doesn’t have the limitations that we so often put on ourselves,” said Lily’s mom, Stephanie Mott. “I am so proud of her. She’s taught me a lot about myself and what’s really important in life.”

58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Living with autism

Stephanie, who is a licensed professional counselor with trauma-based experience prior to becoming a mom, says she knew something was off with Lily from a very young age but hearing an official diagnosis of autism was still a shock. Stephanie felt an extensive amount of pressure, both as a mom and as a professional, to help Lily and their family navigate the diagnosis to the best of her abilities. All of Stephanie’s research on autism and personal experiences with Lily led her to become a special needs counselor, and she’s now able to walk other families through their journeys, providing resources, support and expertise to the special needs community, which has become one of her most treasured life lines. Today, Lily, and many other children who’ve benefited from Stephanie’s expertise, are making positive strides, thanks to early intervention and advocacy. Lily is no longer considered nonverbal but her speech is primarily memorized. Relational

A “

utism isn’t about intelligence — it’s about social and communication skills, and they often can’t communicate everything they know.

Stephanie Mott

”

back and-forth communication is a struggle, so early on Stephanie commandeered a speech device for Lily, and she’s done the same for other children. “I see families all the time underestimate the capabilities of their child,” said Stephanie. “There is often more going on behind the scenes than they can sound out. Lily likes to

spell, so we started her on a speech device pretty early. It’s been really nice to give her a voice. These kids are in there, they just can’t always express themselves in a typical way.” While Stephanie’s instinct as a mom is to anticipate and meet all of Lily’s needs, she has learned that she has to put her daughter in situations to use language to get what she wants. Once Lily mastered her speech device, the family moved on to visual aids for support and reinforcement when Lily uses her words, helping her gain speech over time. In public school, Lily wasn’t challenged to her academic abilities, so Stephanie and dad Robert began homeschooling their daughter. The family often works in 20-minute increments throughout their mornings, with Lily especially adept at math and anything involving technology. “Autism is so hard because a lot of the kids look completely typical,” explained Stephanie. “[And] they are often so much smarter than people give them credit for. Autism isn’t about intelligence — it’s about social and communication skills, and they often can’t communicate everything they know.”

METROFAMILY'S

Saturday, June 5, 2021 10am-5pm Also available for on-demand viewing Join us for our VIRTUAL Bump Baby & More event for expectant and new parents. This event is designed to connect parents to quality medical information from local experts, baby product experts, local services and shopping, giveaways and FUN, all in one spot!

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/baby METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Modeling inclusivity

What Lily’s parents wish others knew about kids with autism is that they are just like any other child. They want friends, but they aren’t always adept at making or keeping relationships with others in a traditional sense. The Mott family lives in a very social neighborhood with lots of kids, but Lily is rarely invited to play. Stephanie eventually asked an older neighbor child with great social skills to come over for “play sitting” — where she would watch how Stephanie interacted with Lily and then do the same, providing Lily a much-needed opportunity to interact with a peer. “This was such a blessing to our family, and now other families are trying it, too,” said Stephanie. “Adults need to model for kids what they want them learn. Eighty percent of communication is nonverbal, so when we’re trying to teach kids something difficult, it’s easier to show them than tell them.” While reading books or having conversations about children with special needs is important, the crucial step in helping

typically-developing kids learn to be accepting of those who are different is to model it in the real world.

“I

am so proud of her. She’s taught me a lot about myself and what’s really important in life.

Stephanie Mott

”

For many special needs parents, Stephanie says life during the COVID pandemic has mirrored their everyday lives. Likewise, some of the same shifts that have been necessary for all families during the pandemic can be helpful guidelines in considering how to be more inclusive and understanding of children with special needs. “Being a SPED parent is very isolating, we don’t always have the resources we

need, many of us are left to homeschool, we have to be very cautious about germs because our child may be more vulnerable and family is not always able or willing to help,” said Stephanie. “We’re all trying to be more gracious, to make more of an effort to connect in ways that might not be typical, and we’re celebrating the little things.” Being the parent of a child with autism can be an especially difficult journey because the diagnosis is unlike others. “For other diagnoses you get a clear-cut course: this is the cause, this is the treatment, here is your roadmap,” said Stephanie. “Autism parents don’t always get that. There is no agreement on what causes it or what’s best to treat it, so many parents are left to research and try things for themselves.” Treatments or therapies that work for one child with autism don’t always work for another, which Robert says has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey for he and Stephanie. The ensuing isolation for children and parents can feel insurmountable. “My saving grace has been community — connecting with other moms who actually

Field Trips at the Harn Melessa Gregg, executive director of Harn Homestead, answered these questions about their field trip programs.

Q Q

What kind of field trips do you offer to classes of students and homeschoolers? We offer hands-on activities in a one-room schoolhouse, an original dairy barn and a historic farmhouse. Cost is $10 per student. Reservations can be made through Education Director David Sapper at dsapper@harnhomestead.com. A limited number of field trip scholarships are available.

What changes have you made to your field trip program because of the pandemic? We created an entirely outdoor program encompassing activities from the farmhouse and barn. We are also currently renting out the schoolhouse to student or homeschool cohorts and providing parents with the educational materials for presentation rather than having staff and volunteers as teachers and docents. The buildings and materials used are then cleaned and sanitized thoroughly prior to the next scheduled group visit.

He’s One Pill Away From Dependence. When crisis strikes, we’re one helping hand away.

1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-235-4058 harnhomestead.com

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

UnitedWayOKC.org

get it,” said Stephanie, who has learned to draw boundaries in relationships with families and friends with typical kids who may not understand what they are going through. “I wish there were more opportunities in the community for dads to get similar support.”

A “

dults need to model for kids what they want them learn. Eighty percent of communication is nonverbal, so when we’re trying to teach kids something difficult, it’s easier to show them than tell them.

LILY LOVES TO PLAY AT WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM INDOOR GYM.

Stephanie Mott

Their first years. Our first priority.

”

Hope for the future

Upon first hearing Lily’s diagnosis, her parents experienced a lot of anxiety about the future. While that does still surface from time to time, they have learned to live more in the moment. “We can look to the future but we can’t predict it,” said Stephanie. “I see so many kids that you think will struggle and they surprise you. We have to [focus on] what we can do today and not compare our life journey to others.” Several years ago Robert focused on long-term goals like Lily being able to drive, graduate high school, have a boyfriend, find a job. But the further the Mott family travels into their journey, they have learned to shift their hopes for Lily from actionable accomplishments to finding contentment, an intentional movement away from societal goals that tell parents when and how children should achieve milestones. Stephanie hopes Lily is happy, that she finds something fulfilling to do every day of her life and that she makes friendships with compassionate people. “We have grown so much individually and as a family with Lily in our life,” said Robert. “I hope society matures in its inclusivity.”

Primrose School of Edmond 405.285.6787 PrimroseEdmond.com Primrose School of Southwest Oklahoma City 405.793.6000 PrimroseSWOklahomaCity.com

Enroll today. Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

LAST LOOK

Congratulations

to our Cover Kid finalists ages 8-9! For the first time, YOU our readers and parent community voted on our 2021 Cover Kid finalists. Your chosen finalists were each interviewed by a panel of local leaders. Iker on this month’s cover was the winner for the 8-9 age group, but we were so impressed with all of our finalists that we wanted to introduce them to you here:

Cal, 8

Cal is a an outdoorsy Norman second grader who plays basketball, football and baseball. He raises and shows prized grand champion chickens, plus he loves to draw and paint and he’s adept at climbing trees. Cal is the son of BJ and Shawn, and the family’s longtime favorite attraction in the metro is the OKC Zoo. Cal dreams of visiting Yellowstone National Park to go fly fishing and see the wildlife.

Adelei, 9

Adelei is a fourth grader from Mustang who attends EPIC Charter School. Imaginative and creative, she loves to paint, make crafts out of recyclable materials, cook and bake, kayak and fish. She also takes horseback riding lessons, yoga and American Sign Language classes. She is the daughter of Kiona and Billy, and the family’s favorite places to visit in OKC is Scissortail Park. Adelei wants to be a teacher so she can help others.

Brynlee, 9

Brynlee is a third grade Mid-Del student who enjoys tumbling, playing soccer, creating art and being outdoors. She loves to explore the metro, with favorite spots including Paint N’ Station, Frontier City, White Water and Orr Family Farm. She is the daughter of Jen and Tyler & Shanlee, little sister to Maddox and big sister to Daxton and Adley. She enjoys helping her dad as a mini-carhop at Del Rancho in Midwest City.

Itzel, 8

Itzel attends Santa Fe South Elementary School and loves to dance, draw and roller skate. The second grader’s favorite subject is math and she wants to be a dance teacher when she grows up. Itzel has participated in many fashion shows, pageants and Hispanic community events. She is the daughter of Jessika and Elco and little sister of Ingrid, and the family’s top spot to visit in the metro is the OKC Zoo.

62 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Swan, 8

Kindhearted and inclusive, Swan is an exceptional student in the third grade at Destiny Christian School in Del City. He loves music and sings on the praise team at his church. Swan also plays soccer and enjoys dancing. Swan is the son of Chelsie and Swandale, and the family loves to visit Science Museum Oklahoma and local trampoline parks, attend the Oklahoma State Fair and Festival of the Arts and cheer at OKC Thunder games.

ANCIENT MYSTERIES REVEALED

AND THE ART OF THE MISSISSIPPIAN WORLD

On Exhibit February 12 – May 9

The Spiro Mounds are one of the United States’ most important ancient Native American sites, as well as an archaeological find unmatched in modern times. The first major presentation on the Spiro Mounds ever undertaken by a museum, this exhibition is the first, and possibly last, time these artifacts will be reunited from various collections across the country.

Check out Kids & Family Programming Kids Takeover The Cowboy: Spiro Scratch Art: Decorations for Another World* March 6 • 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Using Spiro iconography as inspiration, scratch your own designs into a variety of objects. Enjoy storytime at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Spring Break Drop-In Activities*

March 15 - 19 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Spiro Mounds were full of pottery, woven textiles, incised shells, beaded clothing and many more examples of early Native American art and craftsmanship. During Spring Break, students can try their hand at making similar make-and-take crafts.

After Spring Break Drop-in Activities, head outside to visit Liichokoshkomo’ to explore the intertribal village.

*Free for members or with Museum admission. Activities available while supplies last.

1700 Northeast 63rd Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73111 • nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids Engraved Shell Medicine Cup. National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution 18/9121.; Exhibition support provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities

Author and Poet Visit with:

U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo Sunday, April 25 2pm - 3:30pm Join us as we celebrate National Poetry Month with Joy Harjo, an internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is serving her third term as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States. Harjo is the mulitiple award-winning author of nine books of poetry, including her most recent, the highly acclaimed An American Sunrise (2019), which was a 2020 Oklahoma Book Award Winner. This virtual author talk will feature readings from her work and a new anthology, plus a Q&A session.

(405) 231-8650 . metrolibrary.org