MetroFamily Magazine August 2020

COVID-19 & the Classroom AUGUST 2020

Celebrate Culture Local festivals to honor heritage

What returning to school will look like this fall

Raising Anti-Racists

Crucial conversations to have with your kids

34 after-school activity ideas in our annual guide

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10

CELEBRATE CULTURE

Features

40 After-School Activities Guide Explore extracurriculars for all ages and interests

8 Let’s Eat!

Immunity-boosting snack ideas

16 COVID-19 & the Classroom What going back to school will look like this fall

Departments 10 Local Family Fun

Celebrate a variety of cultures without leaving the state

32 Raising Anti-Racists

Crucial conversations to have with your kids

8

22 Real Moms of the Metro

Museum officer honors Indigenous heritage personally and professionally

28 Calendar

Top recs for in-person and virtual family fun

On the cover

38 Super Kids of the Metro

Celebrate Culture page 10

Teen connects foster families, local restaurants

44 Family Mental Wellness

Metro students face higher incidents of Adverse Childhood Experiences

48 Last Look

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40 COVID-19 & the Classroom page 16 Raising Anti-Racists page 32 After-School Activities Guide page 40

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2020

2020

2020

2020

2020

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2020

Publisher

Sarah Taylor

Managing Editor Erin Page

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo

Contributing Writers Maddie & Kim Bilger Kristy Blosch George Lang Dr. Tamecca Rogers

Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin

Art Director Stacy Noakes

Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder

H

ave you seen the meme that asks whether we’re buying school uniforms or pajamas for our kids this year?? I don’t know that anything has more hilariously captured the uncertainty of this season for me. As I’ve talked with representatives from school districts across the metro, our state superintendent and parents and teachers, it’s clear that everyone is doing the very best they can to make difficult decisions.

My household is feeling some rising panic at the thought of resorting back to virtual learning (we’re mostly afraid of my lackluster abilities as teacher of three grade levels). And while my kids love school, and desperately need the socialization and mental health boost, we’re also nervous about what groups of kids sharing space, laughter and fun could mean for their physical health. We don’t want to live in fear, but we also want to protect our kids to the best of our ability.

Everything feels nebulous. Every move feels like it may have consequences I’m not prepared for. The chauffeuring, lunch packing and early morning wake-ups haven’t even commenced and I’m already exhausted.

One major lifeline for me has been the reminder from our MetroFamily parent community of the importance of offering grace. To our schools, other parents, our

children and (sometimes most importantly) to ourselves. Amidst this global pandemic, and amidst cries for racial equity to truly be our norm, I have been honored to watch local parents come together to support and affirm each other.

“ My household is feeling some rising panic at the thought of resorting back to virtual learning” Let’s carry that same sentiment into this school year. Let’s remember in discussions that cause us discomfort, whether about mask wearing or white privilege, that all parents want the same thing: the very best for our children. Let’s seek opportunities to understand and uplift each other.

We’re better together.

Erin Page Managing Editor

Director of Events Marissa Raglin

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This Month’s Cover

Dana Price Laura Beam

Office Manager Kathy Alberty

Contact us

318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 sarah@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.

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Railee, Valery, Audrey and Avery pose in the National Cowboy Museum’s new Liichokoshkomo’ exhibit, wearing regalia crafted in part by August’s Real Mom of the Metro Diana Fields, chief program officer at the museum.

Railee, 8, is wearing Otoe style cloth regalia and is an enrolled citizen of the Otoe (Owl Clan) tribe and descendant of the Pawnee, Sac and Fox and Ponca Nations.

She is a traditional cloth dancer, artist and basketball player. She is the daughter of Graham and Alicia.

Avery, 13, Audrey, 10, and Valery Kitawai, 6, are proud citizens of the Skidi Band of the Pawnee Nation and descendants of the Otoe (Owl Clan) and Cherokee tribes and the children of Arthur and Diana. Avery, wearing traditional southern straight style regalia, is a champion straight dancer and enjoys fishing, hunting, crafting and playing basketball.

Audrey, wearing fancy shawl regalia, loves dancing, playing computer games and working on regalia projects with her mother.

Valery, wearing jingle dress regalia, enjoys singing and playing with friends and family.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

5

Off the Pages

is going virtual!

Our annual Cover Kids Search begins Aug. 1! We are looking for local kids ages 2 to 12 with big smiles and bright personalities to enter for a chance to star on a MetroFamily cover in 2021.

This year our search will be held virtually. Enter from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 by uploading your photo, answering several “about me” questions and submitting a $10 fee. Each family will receive a virtual swag bag with prizes, activities and coupons valued at more than $100!

October, and the top five finalists from each age category will undergo a virtual interview.

We can’t wait to meet your Cover Kid cuties! Enter today at metrofamilymagazine.com/ coverkidssearch.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Dental Depot and Foto Arts Photography.

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Readers will vote on their favorite Cover Kids submissions in early

Lunch packing and dinner prepping made easy Many metro families have been out of the traditional school schedule for five months! In the midst of ordering school supplies, finding masks your kids might actually wear and planning your family’s return to some version of “normal,” it may have dawned on you that lunch-packing, after-school snacking and dinner prepping will return in full force as well.

Never fear! We’ve got a plethora of kid-friendly lunch, snack and dinner ideas and recipes at metrofamilymagazine.com/ category/food. Plus, turn to page 8 for a look at immunityboosting snacks to keep kids healthy and ward off the inevitable back-to-school hangriness.

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Winner

Video Talent Contest!

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED AND BY TERA RAE PHOTOGRAPHY.

By popular vote from our readers, Grayson was named the winner of MetroFamily’s first Video Talent Contest, held in May to give metro kids missing talent shows, recitals and competitions an opportunity to shine. Mom Jasmyn says Grayson lives for the opportunity to perform in front of someone (literally anyone),

so he was thrilled to submit his video for the contest. Dressed as his favorite character Woody from the Toy Story series, Grayson sang The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy. We can’t get enough of this cowboy cutie! Watch Grayson’s winning performance at metrofamilymagazine.com/virtual-talent-show-contest.

Grayson, 4 years old Family: Mom Jasmyn, dad Scott and family dog Coco

5 words that best describe Grayson: Witty,

inquisitive, hilarious, energetic, imaginative

Favorite activities: Grayson enjoys drawing,

playing with chalk, watching movies, singing, dancing, riding his bike or scooter and playing with LEGOS or Toy Story characters.

Favorite movie: Yes, you guessed it! Grayson loves Toy Story movies. He is also a huge fan of Frozen.

Favorite metro hangouts: Grayson and his mom

love to ride their bikes, visit the splash pad and cook together. They also enjoy walks at Lake Hefner or Martin Park Nature Center. With his dad, Grayson enjoys playing video games and going to Thunder games. Grayson also loves visiting indoor playgrounds.

Fun fact: Grayson’s mom has always joked with

family and friends that someday he would probably be on TV or famous for something.

One day after walking past the area he was playing in, Jasmyn overheard Grayson say to his invisible audience, “Thanks for watching my video; make sure you push the like button.” She realized Grayson needed his own channel, and he is now on YouTube under Grayson Shenanigans.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

7

Kid- and Mom-Approved

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After-School Snacks Boost immunity and curb the hangry!

BY MADDIE BILGER (AGE 9) AND HER MOM, KIM BILGER

After-school snacks are important at our house because we’re hungry when we get home. If I try to do my homework or play outside before I have a snack I would feel tired and I would run out of energy. I might also be pretty hangry! When I eat a snack right after school, it gives me energy and makes me smarter to do my homework.

My mom says a snack after school should be made of healthy choices. She says I should try to have something with protein to keep me feeling full until dinner, and that I should choose snacks that don’t have a lot of sugar because I’m sweet enough already!

When I choose snacks like that, I feel like it helps me have more energy and think better.

Here are some of my favorite after-school snack ideas: • veggie straws, a cheese stick and an orange • crackers, cheese and bell peppers • yogurt and fruit

My younger brother and sister also like: • Clif Zbars® • cheese stick and a fruit leather • yogurt and fruit smoothie • zucchini banana muffins that my mom makes I like to make things in the kitchen so sometimes my mom and I make the After-School Banana Bread from the Magnolia Table cookbook or Energy Bites from a recipe she found on @blessthismessblog. We’ve included the recipes to share!

Mom’s Corner

Focusing on getting fruits and/or vegetables in at snack times helps get kids to the goal of 2 to 4 cups per day. Nutrients found in fruits and veggies can also boost your immune system, which we could all use right about now! Vitamin C found in oranges, broccoli and bell peppers, vitamin D found in dairy products, vitamin E found in nuts and seeds and zinc found in whole grains make these foods great snack choices.

I sneak some ground flaxseed (find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores) into smoothies and muffins for some added omega-3s in their diets to offer a little boost to their brain and heart health.

We keep a small bucket of mom-approved snacks in the laundry room where the kids hang up backpacks for a quick, easy grab on their way in from school or on their way out to an after-school activity. We also keep veggies, fruit, yogurt and cheese on lower shelves in the fridge for easy access (and to limit fridge-climbing endeavors).

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MADDIE, CENTER, BROTHER MICAH AND SISTER HALLIE PREP AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS.

After-School Banana Bread adapted from Magnolia Table cookbook Prep: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45-50 minutes Ingredients: • 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled • 1 cup packed light brown sugar • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract • 4-5 very ripe bananas, mashed (I like to leave them a little chunky) • 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • ½ tsp kosher salt • 1 ½ cup chopped pecans (optional; can sub 1 cup chocolate chips instead!)

• 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar, as needed Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick baking spray or line with parchment paper. I have also tried it in a bundt pan and it came out great!

2. In stand mixer or with hand mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Add the bananas and mix until combined.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the pecans (or chocolate chips, if using) and mix until combined.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the sugar over the top. (I prefer to cook mine about 5 minutes and then sprinkle the sugar on top to give it a little crunch) 5. Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. Slice and serve warm with butter, if desired.

6. When completely cooled, cover with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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Energy Bites

Two years in a row!

adapted from @blessthismessblog Ingredients: • 1 cup (dry) oats (can substitute glutenfree oats; either old fashioned or quick oats work) • ²/3 cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes (we’re a no on coconut at our house so I use more oats) • ½ cup peanut or almond butter • ½ cup ground flaxseed • ¹/3 cup honey • ½ cup mini chocolate chips • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Directions: 1. Add everything to a medium bowl and mix well to combine.

2. Stick the bowl in the fridge and let it chill for about half an hour. This resting time helps to ensure that the energy bites will stick together when rolled.

3. After the chilling time, take a tablespoon of the mixture in your hand and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining oat mixture. If they aren’t sticking together well, add a little more honey or nut butter, stir well and try rolling again.

4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer much longer. You can also sub dried blueberries or raisins for the chocolate chips, and add a dash of cinnamon, or use a combo of mini M&Ms and chocolate chips for a monster cookie taste!

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Editor’s note: Maddie is in the 4th grade at Washington Irving Elementary School. She is big sister to Micah, 7, and Hallie, 4.

Kim Bilger, MPH, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian with a passion for helping people optimize their nutritional health. Kim’s husband and kids appreciate her love of baking but not always her love of vegetables.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

9

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Food, Culture & Fun Festivals in Oklahoma

BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Cultural festivals (and festival food!) can create a powerful connection to the world around us, near and far. Whether exploring new flavors, music or experiences or reconnecting with old favorites, sweet memories pair well with family fun at some of the best festivals in Oklahoma.

Happening throughout the next year, add these festivals to your family calendar to celebrate cultural pride, homegrown crops, local talent and so much more.

Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 precautions, some of the following events may adjust their dates, hours or programming.

Please check with each venue directly to verify.

In the Metro Red Earth Festival Shawnee Sept. 5 & 6

Experience unique and varied Native cultures at one of the most comprehensive Native arts events of its type. Enjoy diverse artistry through an art market, dance showcase, storytelling and more.

Find all the details at redearth.org.

Plus, save the date for the first-ever Red Earth Fall Festival celebrating Indigenous People’s Day on Oct. 17 at Myriad Gardens. The annual Red Earth Parade will lead to this festival with a market and pow wow celebrating Native art and culture.

“We Can’t Wait” Block Party NE 23rd & MLK, Oklahoma City Sept. 12

The OKC Martin Luther King Coalition has hosted Oklahoma City’s MLK Jr. Parade for the past 40 years, and the parade is now heralded as the third largest in the United States. The group hosts a variety of additional events and initiatives throughout the year to remember and honor Dr. King’s ideals and contributions and re-pledge a commitment to peace and pursuit of justice.

The Coalition invites families to come together Sept. 12 to enjoy music, food and fun. The party begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 7 p.m. Find out more at okcmlkcoalition.org.

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Fiestas de Las Americas Oklahoma City Oct. 3

Celebrate the beauty, flavors and talents of Oklahoma’s rich multicultural heritage!

Held during Hispanic Heritage Month, this family-friendly festival highlights Latinx art, performers, food and more.

This year’s festivities will be held virtually. Stay tuned for more details at historiccapitolhill.com/fiestas-de-lasamericas.

Greek Festival in OKC

145th & N Penn, Oklahoma City Tentatively Oct. 4-6

Fresh baked pastries and prepared gourmet dishes will whisk you away at the annual Oklahoma City Greek Festival! In October, the families of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church invite the community to enjoy a cultural experience filled with crowd-pleasing favorites. Take a tour of Greek culture as you dine on roasted lamb, spanakopita, gyros, baklava and more.

To top it off, families can shop at a Greek market featuring a variety of boutiques and enjoy live music and dancing. Stay up to date at greekfestokc.com.

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India Food Festival hosted by the India Association of Oklahoma (IAOK) Central Park, Moore Oct. 3-11

The India Food Festival underwent significant growth in recent years.

This nearly decade-old festival started as a fun gathering for association members, but last year organizers set a new goal: to welcome hundreds of hungry families and serve up traditional dishes with bold flavors that mirror the vibrancy of Indian culture.

Highlighting different regions and traditions, attendees can also enjoy live entertainment including Bollywood, classical temple and folk dance performances as well as music and traditional art. The kids’ zone is a popular place for families to hang out.

Like many other festivals, this year’s activities are moving to a virtual platform. Stay up-to-date on the festival’s happenings at facebook.com/ IndiaAssociationOfOklahoma.

Iron Thistle Scottish Festival Yukon Oct. 16-18

Celebrate Scottish and Celtic cultures by enjoying musical acts, pipe bands, dancing, traditional food and much more. The fun begins with a fire festival Friday evening and continues all weekend. The kids’ area includes crafts and games, and families can watch the Highland Games, where athletes from across Oklahoma come to compete in Scottish games.

Find out more at unitedscotsok.com/iron-thistle-scottish-festival.

Festival of the Arts Bicentennial Park, Oklahoma City April 2021

While visual and performing arts might take center stage at the Festival of the Arts, it doesn’t take Oklahomans long to conjure up memories of their favorite dishes from International Food Row. Local restaurants and chefs show off their skills offering tantalizing dishes, free tastings, demonstrations and more, all showcasing the creativity of culinary art.

Local organizations like the Oklahoma Museum of Art’s Moderns pair with local restaurants and food trucks to serve up festival fare that gives back. The teams are working together to benefit community art programs so families can fill up knowing it’s all for a good cause.

Tempt your taste buds and see a line-up of food vendors participating in the 2021 Festival of the Arts at artscouncilokc.com/festival-of-the-arts/culinary-arts.

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Statewide Stilwell Strawberry Festival Downtown Stilwell Sept. 19

The town of Stilwell proudly claims the title of Strawberry Capital of the World and they have celebrated the bountiful berry since the 1940s. Usually held in late spring, the Strawberry Festival welcomes more than 30,000 visitors to the bustling small town’s festivities each year.

A parade, carnival rides, midway games, car show, rodeo, live music, baking contests and, of course, plenty of fresh, ripe strawberries greet hungry families eager to celebrate the plentiful local harvest. Free, fresh strawberries and ice cream are always a popular snack. You can even score some champion berries up for auction!

This year’s festival looked quite different as organizers with the Stillwell Kiwanis Club have adjusted to safety precautions.

They hosted the berry judging and virtual auction as well as the Strawberry Queen pageant this summer and are working to host festival-goers with a day of fun in September. Plan your visit at strawberrycapital.com.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

13

National Indian Taco Championship Main Street, Pawhuska Oct. 3

If you love fry bread and Indian tacos, head to Pawhuska to taste the best traditional tacos around! Held on the first Saturday in October, the annual National Indian Taco Championship challenges locals to put their best recipes to task, with pride and cash prizes on the line.

Festival-goers can get in on the fun and help decide which tasty recipe should win the coveted People’s Choice award. In addition to the handcrafted tacos, families can enjoy local bands, Native American dance demonstrations, drum contests, barrel racing and more.

Find all the delicious details at pawhuskachamber.com.

El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day Main Street, El Reno April 30 & May 1, 2021

The onion burger has been a staple in Oklahoma cuisine since the Great Depression when a savvy restaurant owner added inexpensive shredded onions to plump his burger patties. El Reno celebrates this slice of Americana each May with their Burger Day Festival on Main Street.

The celebration is centered on the cooking of the world’s largest fried onion burger! Festival-goers can watch as a 350-pound bun and

250-pound patty are prepared in a 12-foot convection oven and on a 10-foot circular grill that cooks and flips the massive burger.

Continue your culinary journey with a diverse lineup of food trucks and vendors serving up everything from Indian tacos to chocolatecovered bacon while listening to a variety of local and regional bands.

The festival kicks off Friday evening and continues all day Saturday.

Visit elrenoburgerday.com for details.

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14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Chandler Ice Cream Festival Tilghman Park, Chandler June 2021

Nothing says summertime more than a cool, creamy scoop of ice cream. The town of Chandler has dedicated an entire day to ice cream in honor of the area Hiland Dairy plant.

Dairy lovers can trek from booth to booth, sampling prizewinning homemade ice cream from the annual festival competition.

Afterward, families can ride carnival rides and listen to live music from local talent. Kids can get their faces painted and hang out with clowns creating balloon animals.

Get the scoop on details at chandlerareachamberok.com/ events.

McLoud Blackberry Festival McLoud July 2021

Celebrated early in July, McLoud Blackberry Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the state. Originally a town picnic, residents gather to celebrate the annual blackberry harvest.

Today, the festival features all kinds of blackberry-themed items including fresh blackberries, cobbler, sodas and teas. Top it all off with live music, a parade, royalty pageant and fireworks. Kids can

Their first years.

Our first priority.

enjoy a carnival with old-fashioned games like sack races and turtle races. If you’re up to the challenge, sign up to see if you can become the next cobbler gobbler champion or enter your own blackberry creation in a baking contest.

Find more tasty details at mccloudchamber.com/index.html.

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15

Pandemic School Classroom realities for the coming year

BY ERIN PAGE

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Editor’s note: Though the information here was accurate as of publication, metro school plans and the COVID-19 pandemic are rapidly changing and evolving. Check with individual school districts or visit metrofamilymagazine.com/back-to-school-covid19 for the most up-to-date information.

The question never far from parent — or student — minds right now is: what will returning to school look like this fall? With the COVID-19 pandemic still running rampant and cases increasing in our state, school districts around the metro are planning for contingencies upon contingencies, hoping both to give kids who haven’t been in the classroom since March a sense of normalcy and limit exposure to the virus as much as possible.

Earlier this summer, the Oklahoma State Department of Education released a 74-page document called Return to Learn: A Framework for Reopening Schools to provide guidelines for public school districts around the state. Built around four categories — School Operations, Academic & Growth, Whole Child & Family Supports and School Personnel — checklists of actions accompany each section for districts to consider.

Upon its release, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister underscored that each district will determine how to ensure the safety of its students, staff and families based on the extent to which COVID-19 is impacting their local community and what recommendations are feasible and practical to implement.

In late July, the OSDE board met again to vote on additional safety requirements for schools across Oklahoma, including a mandate for all public school students and staff to wear masks in counties where community spread is occurring as designated by a color-coded map of COVID-19 risk levels. The measure failed to garner enough votes to make the protocols required, meaning it will be up to each district to determine whether to follow the department’s recommendations.

Hofmeister announced her disappointment in the failed vote as she believes required protocols could ensure a safer environment for all in the school community and urged districts to “do the right thing” in regards to masking and social distance standards.

Districts around the metro began to release return to school plans in July, guided by task forces composed of teachers, parents, administrators and students. Many of the initially-released plans have already been updated based on parent feedback and the ever-changing nature of the virus.

16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel said that his district, like all others, released plans based on current circumstances but that the school system will be constantly reevaluating and adapting as needed. That initial statement has already proven true as the district has pivoted from originally-released plans, pushing back the school start date and announcing all students will begin the year virtually, with a few exceptions.

Parents and administrators alike are endeavoring to keep up with changing plans and make the best decisions about how kids will attend school this year.

“We do not need to be ruled by fear,” advises Hofmeister. “We want to provide as much flexibility as we can. We [need to] be nimble and flexible and willing to understand that we may start school one way and will communicate to parents and faculty when it’s time to adjust.”

We take a look at key considerations in several metro public and private schools.

Learning options Edmond Public Schools will offer students the options of learning in the traditional classroom environment, with added restrictions depending on the current state of the virus, or virtually. In a July 28 board meeting, the district voted to begin the school year with a blended, or A/B, model plan for traditional classroom students. In this scenario, students will only attend school in person on assigned days, receiving in-person learning two days a week and virtual learning three days per week to lessen the number of students in school buildings at a time and allow for social distancing. Deer Creek and Mid-Del Public Schools will also employ a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning for the start of the school year.

Students electing to learn entirely virtually will attend Edmond Virtual with assigned certified teachers who monitor their work and grade assignments. EPS also elected to delay the start of school for all students until Aug. 20 to allow additional training time for staff.

After a July 21 board meeting, OKCPS announced that the original Aug. 10 start date will be pushed back to Aug. 31 and all students will learn virtually for the first nine weeks. Putnam City, Western Heights, Norman and Yukon Public Schools have also opted for allvirtual learning for the start of fall classes.

In OKCPS, parent and teacher surveys, as well as guidance from health officials, drove the decision. Students will have the choice of learning virtually through the traditional learning plan, which is teacher-driven and provides ongoing interaction between teachers and students in a small group online classroom setting, or the e3 online learning plan, which allows students to work at their own pace with access to a teacher as a mentor.

The traditional learning plan will be reevaluated halfway through the first nine weeks to determine whether to continue virtual learning or transition to in-person learning. It is likely that students would initially return to in-person learning via an A/B model and then move to a traditional 5-day schedule when deemed safe. The second, all-virtual option requires a nine weeks commitment for preK through 5th grade and a semester commitment for 6th through 12th grade students.

Prior to July’s spike in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma, Deputy Superintendent Jason Brown said up to one third of OKCPS students indicated interest in the e3 virtual learning option for the upcoming year. The administration team has sought to provide learning options

that work for each of its students and families, with McDaniel noting that some students do better moving at their own pace while others are seeking a more synchronous approach of achieving together.

“In-person or virtual, either way you go, there is some risk involved with the health and safety of our students,” said McDaniel. “We feel an all-virtual model is the safest option for right now.”

If and when traditional OKCPS students can move to in-person learning, if a single student needs to be quarantined at home or out of school for a short stint, that student can also transition to a blended learning option, learning remotely through their typical classroom teacher via classroom technology.

“In-person or virtual, either way you go, there is some risk involved with the health and safety of our students.”

Dr. Sean McDaniel, OKCPS superintendent Keystone Adventure School and Farm, an accredited private preschool and elementary school in Edmond, will also begin the school year virtually but will provide small-group opportunities for students to learn outdoors. Students will spend mornings online and several afternoons each week students will enjoy one-hour visits to campus for outdoor projects, PE, art or caring for the farm animals.

“Because we attend to whole-child safety — social, emotional and physical — we knew that even in a virtual model, we had to find ways for kids to be safe and still be together,” said John Duhon, Keystone co-founder and co-director.

Health and safety measures Upon returning to in-person learning, Yukon students will be encouraged to wear face coverings, and no visitors will be allowed to enter school sites unless deemed necessary by district protocol.

Student transitions will reflect safest practices for each site, including divided hallways, staggered passing periods, a one-way traffic flow and desk arrangement in classrooms. The meal service program will be a combination of in-school serving and grab-and-go offerings.

Mid-Del, Deer Creek, Norman and El Reno Public Schools will require face coverings for staff and students. Norman, which has delayed the start of school for all students to Aug. 24, will remain in virtual-only learning mode until there is sustainable decline in COVID-19 cases over a period of time. NPS is working on plans to phase students back in to district buildings when deemed safe, at which point all students will participate in wellness screenings twice per day, and teachers, administrators and staff will be screened each day. NPS will enact a flexible attendance policy this year, and to decrease students in the cafeterias, mealtimes may be staggered or students may follow a rotating schedule that allows them to eat in the cafeteria, the classroom or outdoors when weather permits.

Trinity School, a metro private school with a focus on serving students with learning differences, will issue masks to all students, though only students in grades 9 through 12 will be required to wear them. Trinity will check temperatures of students each morning, and all visitors will be required to wear a mask.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

17

Keystone has implemented new safety protocols, including touch-less faucets and soap dispensers, daily wellness checks and staggered pick-ups and drop-offs. When indoors, all students will wear face coverings, sun hat face shields for the younger students and masks for the older. The entire school will have a space theme in an effort to help acclimate students to the face coverings.

“Our space theme provides a connection for our ‘space cadets’ to wear ‘space helmets’ and ‘atmosphere masks,’” said Jenny Dunning, Keystone co-founder and co-director. “Infusing lots of fun and redirection is just one of the ways we will attend to their emotional safety.”

“Students will have exposure to digital learning on a daily basis, so if we have to go from brick to click overnight, closing a classroom or entire school, they will have had that practice.”

Cara Jernigan, EPS executive director of elementary education Masks will be required for EPS students in grades 1 through 12, with preK and kindergarten students required to wear them in the hallways at all times. EPS will take student temperatures every day and teachers will be trained in recognizing potential COVID-19 symptoms.

Superintendent Bret Towne said medical technicians will be assigned

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

to each EPS school site to assist in symptom monitoring. The A/B learning model will allow for more effective social distancing.

“Teachers are arranging students’ learning environments where all students are facing the same direction, avoiding small groups and keeping same classes together without a lot of back and forth,” said Cara Jernigan, executive director of elementary education for EPS.

Preparing for distance learning Hofmeister says it’s not a matter of if Oklahoma students and teachers will revert to distance learning, but when. Many districts that are planning to begin the school year in person are also building online learning into their traditional classroom schedules so students and teachers can more seamlessly shift to it when the need arises.

“Students will have exposure to digital learning on a daily basis, so if we have to go from brick to click overnight, closing a classroom or entire school, they will have had that practice,” said Jernigan.

Distance learning will focus on continued learning rather than just maintenance of skills already learned as most students experienced in the spring. One major challenge of distance learning is that not every student has access to virtual education at home. Hofmeister says she will not rest until all students in our state have access.

“We have to solve this once and for all,” said Hofmeister. “This is part of a strong, vibrant, competitive public education and should be the right of every child.”

The Department of Education will provide 50,000 hotspots to students who need them, free of charge. Reduced monthly subscription rates can be covered by emergency relief funds.

OKCPS will provide devices to all students. Assistant Superintendent of Academics Tracy Skinner says about one third of OKCPS students will require a hotspot, which the district plans to provide.

Trinity, which provided devices for each student even ahead of the pandemic, experienced a fairly smooth transition to distance learning earlier this year, which included teachers providing live virtual instruction. Lisa Schade, chief operating officer, says the pandemic reiterated the school’s focus on meeting individual students where they are, academically and developmentally, in their learning.

“Our faculty and staff are better prepared to teach on-site and pivot to online for the entire class or for an individual student if necessary,” said Schade. “They have become more comfortable with a flexible teaching platform. They expect change but know that our students will be successful no matter what comes their way.”

Getting kids caught up Another key component both the Department of Education and teachers around the state have focused on this summer is wrapping the unfinished learning and missed skills from the spring into curriculum this fall. Hofmeister says teachers will embed unfinished learning into grade-appropriate curriculum.

“We don’t want students to feel the stress of trying to pack in too much,” said Hofmeister. “We’re providing teachers with scaffolding, ways to design lesson plans to meet kids where they are and close those gaps.”

“We don’t want students to feel the stress of trying to pack in too much. We’re providing teachers with scaffolding, ways to design lesson plans to meet kids where they are and close those gaps.”

Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of public instruction Jernigan explains EPS’s strategy as “spiraling in” missed skills, realigning curriculum and rewriting the curriculum calendar so teachers can take a cyclical approach that touches on missed skills but also keeps students moving forward. After researching approaches used by classrooms affected by Hurricane Katrina, EPS realized that going back to missed skills meant students were always behind.

With the cyclical approach, students will learn both missed skills and grade-level skills at the same time.

Skinner says OKCPS curriculum coordinators have created a strategic planning guide based on essential standards they know students in each grade must master. Teachers will target the skills they already know will be deficits for students based on where the in-person school year ended in the spring. OKCPS will also be using their content management system for virtual learning to assess and remediate missed skills.

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19

Addressing mental health needs Families across Oklahoma are experiencing increased stress, in part because, as Hofmeister points out, the unemployment rate has risen from four to 13 percent during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. That stress extends to children in the home, and it can be impossible for children to learn when they are worried. Hofmeister says the Department of Education is offering mental health training as well as grants based on five priority areas for Oklahoma schools to focus on, including meeting students’ mental health needs.

In some of its elementary schools, Edmond Public Schools has already employed Conscious Discipline, trauma-informed, evidence-based, social-emotional classroom management and learning strategies. All elementary schools will make use of these strategies this year, which include teaching and establishing emotional regulations for students.

Trinity’s school counselor provided guidelines to families to help them understand how to talk with children about their fears and uncertainties.

“For students with learning differences, change can be especially difficult,” said Schade.

McDaniel says assessing students’ mental, social and emotional health will be a priority, whether students are learning in person or virtually. OKCPS has added counselors and nurses at every school, in addition to a handful of social workers. Embrace OKC, a new collaborative initiative that has developed a comprehensive, districtwide mental health action plan to address challenges OKCPS students and families are facing, will help provide preventative education and treatment as needed.

“We will have all eyes on our kids from a mental health standpoint as well as an academic standpoint,” said McDaniel.

Preparing students and supporting teachers Jernigan encourages parents to have candid conversations with students to explain that school may not look the same this fall but that teachers are still going to make learning fun and help them to grow.

“It’s important to remember ‘my state dictates your state,’” said Jernigan. “However

we respond to situations, the children around us feed off that. Although we may be fearful of uncertainties, if we model patience and calmness to children, they are resilient and they will foster what we are modeling.”

Schade adds that honest conversations about the need to be flexible can help prepare students for the potential of changing their learning environments.

“We’ve asked [parents] to help their children understand that even though they will return to school in the fall, there will most likely be adaptations to online, live learning platforms at some point,” said Schade.

Hofmeister encourages parents to equip children with the mindset of being courteous and thinking of others. Extending grace and patience will be key factors for students and parents alike this school year, particularly as school administrators strive to make the best possible decisions for their communities and teachers are faced with new challenges.

“We are not going to get every answer correct for every scenario and we are not going to plan perfectly for this,” said Jernigan. “There will be decisions made that parents aren’t always going to like. Having grace and telling teachers ‘thank you’ will be really important.”

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Organized by the Taubman Museum of Art

Support for the exhibition and related educational and outreach programs has been made possible by a grant from the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.

Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923– 1997). Sweet Dreams, Baby!, 1965, published 1966, from 11 Pop Artists.

Screenprint. 37 7/8 x 27 5/8 in. (96.2 x 70.2 cm). Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

From Warhol to Koons: Masterworks from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Edmond - 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. OKC - 5701 SE 74th St. Yukon - 1445 Health Center Pkwy METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

21

FIELDS’ DAUGHTER AUDREY IS A FANCY SHAWL DANCER AND ENJOYS CREATING REGALIA WITH HER MOM.

Commitment to Culture: Diana Fields’ story Diana Fields grew up in a multiracial family that was loud and proud about their heritage, including Scottish, Eastern Band of Cherokee and African American roots. And now she and husband Arthur, an enrolled Pawnee and Otoe tribal descendent, are raising their five children in the same way.

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED AND

BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

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22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

“It was all part of my upbringing,” said Fields of her childhood in Maryland and Washington, D.C. where she was surrounded by varied cultures. “It has contributed to the way I am as a person and how I identify.”

Fields’ appreciation for and curiosity about all cultures, along with dynamic institutional knowledge of presenting varied cultures as approachable to all audiences, were paramount as she led the creation of Liichokoshkomo’ at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in her role as chief program officer.

The new exhibit, whose name means “Let’s play!” in Chickasaw, provides hands-on learning for kids and families about the American West, including the personal perspective of Indigenous cultures. From measuring what they can haul West in a covered wagon to exploring various Indigenous homes, the immersive experience seeks to showcase the variety of cultures that shaped history.

“You see themes represented there of diversity, inclusion and being invested in the community,” said Fields. “Diversity throughout the institution is a main focus, sharing all of these rich stories so everyone who visits can see themselves in the museum.”

That authentic representation of a convergence of diverse cultures is paramount to Fields both professionally and personally.

Fields’ children, who range in age from 6 to 15, honor their Pawnee heritage through their father’s ancestry in their daily lives. She says Liichokoshkomo’ captures how today’s Indigenous kids like theirs are often living in both traditional and contemporary worlds, bringing cultural context into life today.

“My kids are dancers, we go to ceremonies, we teach them to be prayerful and teach them cultural ways,” said Fields. “Traditions may have begun in the past, but they are still going on today, very much alive, and being able to share that is important and valuable.”

FIELDS’ NIECE RAILEE AND CHILDREN VALERY, AUDREY AND AVERY WEAR REGALIA PRIMARILY CRAFTED BY FIELDS IN FRONT OF A KIOWA TIPI REPLICA IN LIICHOKOSHKOMO’.

Eager to learn

Falling in love with Oklahoma

While pursuing a degree in art history and archeology from the University of Maryland College Park, Fields landed her first job with the Smithsonian in the National Museum of Natural History’s gift store.

With the same familial commitment to honoring his heritage, Arthur was deeply missing the wide-open spaces of his Oklahoma home. The couple decided to move back the Sooner State where Fields worked for Indian Health Services. They returned briefly to Maryland, where Fields engaged in grant work that would become very valuable as they came back to Oklahoma.

“I was so excited as a college student, thinking, ‘I am so big time,’” laughs Fields.

“I was truly walking on air when I landed that first job.”

Fields calls that experience the beginning of her education in how museums function. It was also where she met her Oklahoma-born husband-to-be.

Within a few months, Fields transferred to the National Museum of the American Indian, where she began working with Indigenous artists and became an Indigenous representative for the visitor services staff.

She gained experience across a variety of museum departments and met and learned about Indigenous communities from all over the world.

“The first time I worked with people coming in and asking questions about the culture, I realized there was a view that we existed only in the past,” said Fields of a common stereotype facing Indigenous people. “This was an opportunity to engage with the public and transform myths and misconceptions.”

In 2010, Fields traveled to Oklahoma City for a development position interview with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. She was immediately struck by the Smithsonian-quality institution, from the collections to the level of knowledge of the staff. She also remembered the anecdotal experiences she loved about Oklahoma.

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“I remember the first time I arrived someone held the door for me and that was almost shocking,” recalls Fields. “People are more hospitable here and it was better for the family we were starting. I fell in love with Oklahoma.”

Fields has spent the past 10 years at the National Cowboy Museum working in both the development and education departments.

She’s also worked closely with the Annie Oakley Society, where the idea and capital

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

23

#HashtagTheCowboy nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids 1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111

campaign for Liichokoshkomo’ began, with Fields’ museum background and experience with Indigenous communities both tremendous assets.

“They devised a plan to elevate all the stories that weren’t being told here, elevating women and minorities,” said Fields. “We’ve really gone through a transformation that didn’t happen overnight; it took work.”

The fundraising process for Liichokoshkomo’ began in 2014, along with intensive community stakeholder focus groups to evaluate and hone the vision. The exhibit opened earlier this year, though community engagement was delayed a few months by COVID-19.

In addition to visiting a train depot, considering how to load a covered wagon, dodging a geyser, grinding corn, adding to weaving on a giant loom and hearing from multicultural storytellers, visitors can explore an intertribal village of traditional homes representing seven tribes. Representatives from Caddo, Chickasaw, Hopi, Kiowa, Navajo and Pawnee and communities were instrumental in the creation of the village.

Fields is proud of all the work that went into developing the multi-million dollar interactive experience across 2.3 acres, but perhaps most proud of the work with Indigenous communities, whose

impact on both history and present day can be read on placards near their representative homes.

“The old-school way of presenting Indigenous cultures is a museum curator who writes perspective based on their educational background,” said Fields.

“This experience is different. We talked to the communities themselves and they drove the narrative, conveying their own thoughts and feelings and telling us who they are from their perspective.”

Passing it on Fields is pleased that all visitors, but especially students, get to see and experience how vibrant and influential Indigenous cultures are today. Fields and her husband are passionate about providing their children a foundation of understanding and appreciating their ancestors and history.

“Connecting to all aspect of your past teaches you values and life lessons,” said Fields.

She laughs that Fortnite will always have some influence, but in general her kids would rather attend a powwow over other activities because that’s what they’ve been brought up doing, and they recognize the significance in honoring and participating in their heritage. Her

FIELDS’ SON AVERY IS A CHAMPION STRAIGHT DANCER.

VISITORS TO LIICHOKOSHKOMO’ CAN PROBLEM SOLVE HOW THEY WOULD LOAD THEIR COVERED WAGON TO HEAD WEST (LEFT) AND EXPLORE AN INTERTRIBAL VILLAGE (RIGHT).

24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

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eldest son loves to sit and talk with elders, and all the cousins enjoy dancing together in their family troupe.

The Fields family also makes regalia together, and she finds joy in passing that knowledge down to her kids. Her son recently made his own breast plate, as well as breast plates for some younger friends.

Just like Fields remembers attending Scottish festivals and experiencing various cultures as a child, she wants to pass that on to her own kids and to every child who visits Liichokoshkomo.’

“It helps you share differences but also commonalities with people who may be different than you,” said Fields. “You find out, when looking deeper, that we have shared values.”

Fields loves interacting with guests in Liichokoshkomo’ to hear what they learned, enjoyed or were surprised by. She’s been especially touched by rural kids learning about Indigenous cultures they may not have been familiar with before, or inner city kids who may not get outdoors often experiencing the wideopen Western vistas. For all children who visit Liichokoshkomo,’ she hopes it’s just the jumping off point that sparks their desire to learn more about other cultures, or even more about their own.

“There are such a rich plethora of activities that happen throughout our state that you can be part of, from powwows and stomp dances to visiting cultural centers and fairs and festivals,” said Fields. “Every [Indigenous] community has great resources for community members to learn more.”

FIELDS’ DAUGHTER VALERY IS A JINGLE DRESS DANCER.

Coming this fall! A new permanent exhibit,

Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space.

In 2002, John Bennett Herrington became the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space. Herrington was selected as a Mission Specialist for STS-113, the sixteenth Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

(405) 522-0765

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

www.okhistory.org

Go Make Disciples St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School

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Rosary Catholic School

Secondary College Preparatory Grades 9 - 12 Oklahoma City, OK bmchs.org 405.842.6638

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St. John Nepomuk Catholic School PreK3 - 8th Grade Yukon, OK sjnok.org/school 405.354.2509

Christ the King Catholic School PreK3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK ckschool.com 405.843.3909

St. James Catholic School PreK3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK Stjamesokc.com 405.636.6810

Top 5

In-Person Events Ongoing through Sept. 7

Sky Rink at Scissortail Park (801 S Robinson Ave) features an outdoor skating surface. Skates are available to rent, but personal skates are welcome.

Wednesday & Thursday, 10am-8pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 1-7pm. 445-6277, scissortailpark.org/ rollerskating

Aug. 7 FREE Movie in the Park at Moore’s Central Park (700 S Broadway, Moore) features an outdoor screening of Dolittle.

Movie begins at sundown. 793-5090, centralpark.cityofmoore.com Aug. 8 OKC Energy vs San Antonio FC at Taft Stadium (2501 N May Ave). $9 & up. 7pm. Also held Aug. 15 vs RGV FC Toros and Aug. 30 vs Austin Bold FC. 235-KICK, energyfc.com

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Aug. 14 FREE Movie Night @ the Park at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond) features an outdoor screening of Trolls World Tour.

Attendees are advised to practice social distancing. Movie begins at dusk. 359-4630, edmondparks.com

Aug. 15 FREE National Honeybee Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features an observation hive, a beekeeper talk, bee-themed arts and crafts and bee trivia. Preregister. All ages welcome.

2-4pm. 297-1429, okc.gov/parksignup

Find our full calendar of August events at metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

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Top 5 Virtual Events Ongoing through Sept. 30 MetroFamily is searching for local kids with big smiles and bright personalities to grace our 2021 covers! Have a fun photo session at home or around town and then submit your child’s portrait. Kids ages 2 to 12 are eligible to enter. Submissions are $10 each and each family gets a virtual swag bag filled with coupons and fun surprises. metrofamilymagazine.com/coverkidssearch

Tuesdays in August FREE Virtual Bedtime Story Time with the Pioneer Library System (online) features stories, songs and fun activities for kids of all ages. 7pm. facebook.com/pioneerlibrarysystem Find our full calendar of August events at metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

Aug. 9

Darci Lynne’s Got Talent Virtual Ribbon-Cutting Celebration with the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (online) features a live performance and exhibit tour with Darci Lynne followed by a Q&A session. The exhibit will run from Aug. 11, to Jan 30. 2021. Preregister. $20. 3pm.

340-0078, edmondhistory.org

Aug. 6 & 27 Spirits and Sketches: Virtual Edition with Oklahoma City Museum of Art (online) features a staff-led virtual sketching class. Adults can enjoy a recommended cocktail or mocktail. Preregister, space is limited. Members, $5; nonmembers, $8. 6-7:30pm. facebook.com/OKCMOA

Aug. 13 FREE Full Steam Ahead Online with The Village Library (online) features an interactive STEM session on Zoom where kids can dig up fossils, measure footprints and more. Includes a take-home kit. Preregister. Best suited for ages 5 & up. 4-5pm. metrolibrary.org

Enter your child by Sept. 30! metrofamilymagazine.com/coverkidssearch

30 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

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ROOM TO ROAM IS OPEN A place to learn and play in the National Cowboy Museum’s backyard Open Daily

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Talking to kids about

RACISM

BY DR. TAMECCA ROGERS. PHOTOS BY DENICE TOOMBS.

For many of us, the year 2020 came in like a hurricane. As parents, we have been dealing with trying to keep our families safe from COVID-19, homeschooling our children and working from home. As difficult as that may be, our country has been even further turned upside down by the senseless killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, which sparked a nationwide protest being played out daily on every primary channel. As our children head back to school, in addition to preparing the school supplies and new clothes, let’s ensure we’re also having vital conversations about the beauty of diversity and how to treat others.

Where to start?

I cannot describe the feeling I had when I heard George Floyd call out for his mother in his last words while a police officer brutally murdered him. His call was a call for ALL mothers. Stand up, help, be an advocate. I have had a few white friends reach out to me to ask, “Tamecca, where do I start? I want to talk to my children about all of this, but I don’t have the words.”

My first response is: tend to yourself first.

That may sound selfish. However, I believe this topic is so heavy and disturbing it’s essential to have your mental mind-frame and emotional health intact before you engage in the conversation about race, racism and social injustice with your children.

DR. TAMECCA ROGERS AND HER THREE SONS.

Explain race to toddlers

Initiate conversations with older children

I vividly remember grocery shopping with my 3-year-old son and overhearing a white child, who appeared to be the same age as my son, pointing at my son and asking his mother, “Why is his skin brown?” Immediately, the mom’s face turned red, she tried to hush her son and she apologized to me with embarrassment. I asked the child his name, introduced my son to him and briefly explained what melanin is and how amazing it is to live in a world with so many kinds of people in it.

Older elementary children tend to be more aware of current events.

You can’t turn on the TV without seeing protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

Initiate conversation to discover how much your child already knows.

Then, engage in dialogue about the violence against Black people without being too graphic with elementary kids.

I could visibly see the mom in the grocery store was embarrassed.

However, that was an important opportunity for a teachable moment.

Sometimes as parents when our younger children point and ask questions about people who are different than us, we tend to tell them “stop that, that’s rude” without giving them explanations. We must explain, we must engage, even when it is an uncomfortable topic like race, racism and injustice. A great first step can be reading books about race and racism, with several helpful options listed at the end of this article and at metrofamilymagazine.com/anti-racism-books.

32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Fairness is a concept all children comprehend. Start a conversation about recent events like this: “There are things taking place in our country that are playing out in the media that are very upsetting.

Regrettably, some police officers made terrible choices based on someone’s skin color. That’s wrong.”

Explain that police officers should be helpful, and most are; however in some instances, for some people, that’s not a certainty. Teach your children that stereotypes and preconceived opinions can be hurtful to all involved and give some examples. Additionally, share America’s history of the mistreatment of Black and brown people.

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Ask teenagers their opinions Teenagers may see reports of police brutality and protests on their smartphones. If you have not talked to your teens about race, racism and injustice by now, they may have formed their own opinions. Ask them. Even adults battle with comprehending why protests turn violent and why some people involved have damaged other people’s property or stolen items from stores.

However, no matter how you feel about the looting and violence, reiterate with your children that people are in pain, and they have been hurting for generations.

Ask your teenager how they feel about racism and police brutality. Let them know it’s wrong and unacceptable behavior.

Ask them what their friends are saying and doing. Give them room to explain and explore their feelings.

Most importantly, model the behavior you would like to see in them. For example, check your network of friends. If you are inspiring your children to have a diverse group of friends but everyone who enters your home looks the same, that speaks louder than any talk you may have with them.

The realities of raising Black children in a racist world In contrast with my white friends, my conversations with my Black sons are much different. Black children are often talked with about racism, unjust treatment and police with the goal of keeping them alive.

Unfortunately, I have concluded through my personal experience that the “talk” that has been passed on for generations is not good enough.

Imagine receiving a phone call saying your teenage son has been arrested. When asking the officer what your son was arrested for, he is unable to give you a direct answer; however, he is very apologetic. The officer on the phone was not the arresting officer but the intake officer and had a hard time making sense of the situation.

My son was targeted because he “looked like a suspect.” He was thrown to the concrete and cuffed with a knee in his back while the police officer unlawfully checked his bag.

After they found nothing in his backpack, they threw him up against and then flung him in the police car. My son was charged with obstruction of justice for telling the

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

33

police officer there was nothing in his bag so there was no need to search it. They took him to the sheriff’s office and we had to go sign him out.

Do not raise your children to believe that they don’t “see color” or that racism does not exist. Instead of ignoring individuals’ differences, celebrate them.

I was livid. But more than anything I was hurt. The “talk” did not work. My son was respectful, he did not talk back, he did not get loud, he did not resist, he was not in a “bad area” and he did not make sudden moments.

We need you to acknowledge our color and see value in our differences. We need to build relationships with you without fear so you can understand our lived experiences. We need allies and advocates. We need support and to be heard. Racism exists, and we, as a society, must deal with it effectively, together.

I have had to change the “talk” to include: “Sadly, you can do all of the right things and still not be safe. Stay vigilant of your surroundings, and if you ever get pulled over by the police, carefully hit the record button on your phone. Keep your insurance and registration in your car’s sun visor so you don’t have to reach in your glove department and your hands are visible at all times.

As demeaning as all this may sound, the goal is to always make it home unharmed and alive.”

A call to white parents There is a stark contrast between the conversations white parents should have with their children versus what Black parents must discuss with their children. And if you are a white parent with Black children, you MUST give your Black children the “talk” as well.

It’s crucial to have a discussion about race, racism and the unjust treatment of Black and brown people with your children now, but it’s equally important to continue the conversation when we’re not at a point of national outrage.

Find additional resources for talking with kids about race and racism at metrofamilymagazine.com/racial-justice-okc.

Editor’s note: Dr. Tamecca Rogers is a mom of three boys and director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in business administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Prior to her time at Tulsa Tech, Dr. Rogers served five years as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy and a combined six years as a high school instructor and college enrollment counselor. She has also held adjunct professor positions at multiple post-secondary institutions.

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Books to teach young children about race and racism:

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• The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

• Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

• Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester • The Skin I’m In: A First Look at Racism by Pat Thomas

• This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia Durand

• Sesame Street’s We’re Different; We’re the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates

• Dear White People by Justin Simien

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

• Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins and Ann Hazzard • I Am Enough by Grace Byers • Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin and Lauren Tobia • Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford and Ekua Holmes • Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey • Daddy Why Am I Brown?: A healthy conversation about skin color and family by Bedford F. Palmer.

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Fostering the Future:

Grace’s story

GRACE TRIGLER SPEAKS AT THE 2020 ANGELS STORYTELLING GALA AT THE JONES ASSEMBLY.

Teen connects foster families with local restaurants

BY KRISTY BLOSCH. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

When Grace Trigler first signed up to be on the Angels Foster Family Network junior board, she, like many teenagers, was simply looking for opportunities to serve her community and help build her resume for college applications. What she wasn’t expecting was the lasting impact she would make on her community and the many ways this organization and its mission would become a true passion.

Founded in 2008 by executive director Jennifer Abney, Angels Foster Family Network is a nonprofit organization helping children in foster care find permanency through foster care and then returning to their biological home or adoption. Angels has also been instrumental in changing how our state manages foster care and supports its foster families and children.

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

“After being involved with Angels, it’s easy to have a passion for foster care when I think of all the opportunities I’ve grown up with and then see how many kids in foster care aren’t given many of those same chances,” said Trigler. “All kids should know they have opportunities to succeed.”

Increasing impact through innovative ideas After joining the newly formed Angels junior board in 2018, Trigler was chosen to serve as its president for the 2019-2020 year.

The junior board, comprised of high school students, supports Angels by volunteering at various events and developing their own service projects.

Many of the volunteer opportunities looked very different during 2020 due to COVID-19, which prompted the organization’s leadership to think of creative ways to continue to serve its families.

“We keep a stock of freezer meals that we provide to our [foster] families when they have hard days, but we noticed it was

getting low because of rising needs in the wake of COVID-19, so we started thinking of innovative solutions to this issue,” said Trigler.

One of those solutions was for Trigler to plan and write an application for a $10,000 grant from the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma that would enable Angels to provide its foster families with frozen meals from local restaurants.

Trigler and Abney knew many of the local restaurants that have supported Angels in the past have also faced difficulties during the recent shutdowns. If they could use these funds to partner with local restaurants, the project would have double the impact on the community.

“This grant will not only help us support our families, but it will also help Angels give back to some of the local restaurants that have been so generous to us,” Abney said. “We’re excited to see this project come full-circle.”

Angels was awarded the grant and is in the process of meeting with potential restaurant partners to bring this mutually-beneficial project to life.

The lasting lessons of mentorship

her life to inspire her to always make things even bigger and better than she ever thought they could be.”

Trigler said writing this grant was one of many impactful ways she got to glimpse behind-the-scenes efforts of the nonprofit’s team.

A 2020 graduate of Deer Creek High School, Trigler will attend the University of Oklahoma this fall, majoring in environmental engineering. But she plans to continue her work with Angels through its new Norman office. She also dreams of one day starting her own nonprofit.

“I saw how important it was to have a really strong plan, to be able to put that plan into words concisely and creatively, then to put it into action,” said Trigler. “Being a part of this board has given me such valuable experience to see first-hand how a nonprofit is run and has given me insight that will make me more effective at serving my community.”

Much of what Trigler learned through this experience was thanks to Abney’s guidance and mentorship.

“I think it’s important to take the time to be a good mentor, and it’s refreshing and rewarding to work alongside young people,” said Abney. “They often have a confidence and energy that is so inspiring. Hopefully Grace’s experience with Angels is something she can carry with her throughout

“I’m so thankful to Angels for opening my eyes to the idea of community service for young people,” she said.

“I’m thankful for the chance to grow personally while also helping my community and being constantly inspired to serve others.”

Editor’s note: Kristy Blosch, MBA is a former marketing and communications director and current stay-at-home mom to two boys, Noah (4) and Judah (2). She is married to Cody, and together their family can usually be found traveling, hiking, camping, cooking and cheering on the OSU Cowboys.

Changing Lives– One Dog at a Time Thirteen-year-old Caleb White volunteers every weekend at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.

Whether it’s featuring a dog for #FreeMeFriday, taking pets to events for potential adoption, or playing ball with a furry friend for an afternoon, his passion for animal rescue is a prime example of why we’re inspired by kids like Caleb. At Kimray, our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Caleb exemplifies this by living out that mission in the service he provides to his community. And that’s The Kimray Way.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

39

After-School Activity Guide Art Studios/Art Lessons Unpluggits Paint and Play 405-340-7584 575 Enterprise Dr, Ste 110, Edmond unpluggits.com Provides ceramics, crafts and clay workshops for all ages, including adults, plus an indoor playground for children ages 18 months to 10 years. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Alisa Nelson Studio 405-921-1883 Edmond alisanelsonstudio.com Offers homeschool and after-school art classes for elementary and middle school students, private lessons, summer camps and art parties at an in-home studio. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Artsy Rose Academy 405-603-8550 7739 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City artsyrose.com Offers art lessons for preschoolers to teens taught by degreed art instructors in all mediums, plus craft classes, social painting events and more for all ages. Homeschool classes available. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

City of Edmond Parks 405-359-4630 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr (Mitch Park), Edmond edmondparks.com Offers year-round classes in arts, crafts and many other subjects taught via community partners such as Tippi Toes and Mad Science.

Some are one-time classes and others are longer series of classes.

Check their seasonal activity guides online for full listings.

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Color Me Mine

CLICK FOR MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

405-364-1223 1632 24th Ave NW, Norman norman.colormemine.com Offers ready-to-paint ceramics, summer camps for kids and classes for all skill levels and ages.

Contemporary Arts Center 405-951-0000 11 NW 11th St, Oklahoma City oklahomacontemporary.org Ignite your family’s creativity! This brand-new arts center features multiple galleries, classroom studios, theater, cafÊ and outdoor arts spaces to encourage and explore artistic expression as well as a broad range of public programs, including exhibitions, performances, youth camps and teen programs.

Danny Gordon Art 405-234-0079 11212 N May Ave, Ste 102, Oklahoma City dannygordonart.com Provides engaging, fun art classes for ages 7 to 12 that in the end, result in the art the student produces being printed on a t-shirt.

Community/Leadership Organizations Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma, Inc. 405-478-5646 3309 E Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City campdakani.org Nonprofit youth development organization offering outdoor experiences to children in the Oklahoma City metro area. Operates a camp with activities for ages 5 to 13 that includes zip line, gaga ball, archery, slingshots, rock climbing, boating and fishing.

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics

405-528-4475 6100 N Robinson, Oklahoma City gswestok.org

405-341-1175 707 Centennial Blvd, Edmond oklahomagoldgymnastics.com

Since 1912, Girl Scouting has been a space for G.I.R.L.s (Go-Getters, Innovators, Risk-Takers, Leaders). Using industry-leading curriculum and a desire to support STEM curriculum in the classroom, they are building the next generation of leaders. Girls kindergarten through 12th grade can discover a love for the outdoors through nature exploration.

Offers tumbling, Ninja Kids and gymnastics for ages 1 through 18. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Dance Studios

Offers competitive and non-competitive tumbling and cheerleading for ages 4 and up. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Studio J Performing Arts Center 405-348-3377 2241 NW 178th St, Edmond studiojdanceok.com Offers students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for self expression and faith through dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hiphop, boys-only hiphop and contemporary. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts 405-397-1824 3251 Market Pl, Ste 110 & 130, Norman artworksacademy.com Offers music, theatre and dance classes for children in kindergarten through 12th grade aimed at enriching the lives of youth through the arts. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Oklahoma City Ballet’s Yvonne Chouteau School 405-843-9898 6800 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City okcballet.org Offers in-studio and virtual classes. Instructors are certified in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, which embraces sound movement principles and incorporates the best of the French, Italian and Russian training methods to foster the development of proper technique as well as confidence, poise, coordination and personal well-being.

Velocity Dance Center 405-721-8807 11122 N Rockwell Ave, Ste A-11, Oklahoma City oklahomacitydancestudio.com Programs are age- and developmentally-appropriate for boys and girls ages 2 and up, for beginners to advanced dancers. Offers ballet, pom, hiphop, jazz and tap. Specializes in very young dancers with individualized, age-appropriate methods. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Gymnastics/Cheer Training Facilities Metro Gymnastics 405-848-5308 7420 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City metrogymokc.com Provides organized recreational and competitive gymnastics programs for children of all ages. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Twist & Shout Training Center 405-775-9491, Edmond; 405-573-9974, Norman shouterspirit.com

Martial Arts Studios Christian Karate Academy 405-558-1800 2217 NW 178th, Edmond christiankarateacademy.com Karate school for children, teens and adults, all levels of skill. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Dragon Kim’s Taekwondo & Fitness 405-341-1016 2600 E 2nd St, Edmond dragonkimstkd.com Provides classes for ages 6 and up to help young children develop coordination, agility and focus through learning traditional taekwondo. Students are placed in classes by level of skill. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Poos Taekwondo & Fitness 405-286-1382 40 NW 144th Cir, Edmond poostkd.com Family-owned business providing martial arts instruction and teaching the ancient Korean art of self-defense in a safe, fun and focused environment. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Performing Arts Instruction Canterbury Youth Voices 405-232-7464 424 Colcord Dr, Ste D, Oklahoma City canterburyokc.com An extracurricular youth choir for students in grades 2 through 12 that rehearses at two locations, in central Oklahoma City and Moore, and provides performance opportunities and unique experiences.

Apprentice Choir (grades 2-6) and Chorale (grades 7-12) build and refine vocal singing skills. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Central Oklahoma Homeschool Choirs 325-513-4018 2011 W Danforth Rd, Box 204, Edmond centralokhomeschoolchoirs.com Choir program for homeschool students ages 5 to 18. Rehearsal sites available in Oklahoma City and Edmond. Age-specific choirs focus on igniting a love of music through the development of the singing voice and music literacy skills.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

41

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Musical Me in OKC 405-503-1389 Multiple locations (Edmond & OKC) musicalmeinokc.com Kindermusik classes for ages 6 and younger. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Red Dirt Music Academy 405-759-0265 8815 S Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City reddirtok.com Offers music and voice lessons for all ages including early childhood little rockstars classes. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Sports & Sports Leagues for Kids i9 Sports 405-225-7048 Edmond, Yukon, OKC, Moore, Bethany and Norman i9sports.com

Teaching all ages a love of safe swimming, OSA offers individualized instruction from infant survival swim lessons to stroke development, all provided in a new state-of-the-art building. Following all CDC guidelines for safety. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Aqua Tots Swim School 405-721-1871 8405 N Rockwell Ave, Ste 1-4, Oklahoma City aqua-tots.com Indoor, year-round swim education program offering eight different levels starting at 4 months old. With safety as a main focus, their curriculum is designed to help children learn how to swim and develop a lifelong love of swimming. All classes incorporate selfsave, learn-to-swim strategies.

Goldfish Swim School - Edmond 405-696-7500 10 NW 146th St, Edmond goldfishswimschool.com Offers year-round swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years.

A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for ages 3 to 14 for flag football, soccer, t-ball, basketball and volleyball throughout the entire OKC metro area. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

Goldfish Swim School - Edmond

Offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months teaching swim readiness, swim basics, water safety, drowning prevention and more.

A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

405-696-7500 10 NW 146th St, Edmond goldfishswimschool.com Offers fun and friendly competition experience for children ages 5 to 12. This swim team environment allows for character-building and the motivation kids need to continually improve their skills. Kids can participate in quarterly swim meets to showcase their abilities.

SoccerCity of Oklahoma City 405-748-3888 4520 Old Farm Rd, Oklahoma City soccercityokcity.com Offers Lil’ Kickers (toddlers through age 9) throughout the year, plus leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics and training times for soccer and other indoor sports for all ages. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Multiple locations ymcaokc.org/programs Swim programs, soccer, martial arts, baseball, football, volleyball and more are offered at multiple YMCA branches, all designed to provide skill instruction, youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through a supportive environment. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Swim Lessons Oklahoma Swim Academy 405-237-5112 15001 Gambels Trail Dr, Oklahoma City oklahomaswim.com

42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

Multiple locations ymcaokc.org

Tutoring/Learning Assistance Centers Urban League at Thelma Parks Elementary 405-424-5243 1501 NE 30th St, Oklahoma City urbanleagueok.org Provides daily academic enrichment activities and homework assistance to students in grades kindergarten through 6. Students participate in skills-building exercises and structured play that promotes self-confidence and healthy living. Funded in part by the Strong Neighborhood Initiative. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

Encouraging Words 405-578-4442 2949 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City encouragingwordsok.com A collaborative therapy center for ages 5 to 18 with academic language therapists and speech-language pathologists who are highly trained in dyslexia and related disorders. Therapies utilize researchand evidence-based instruction techniques. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

Mathnasium Multiple locations mathnasium.com Utilizes specially-trained math instructors to help kids in grades 2 to 12 better understand math in an individualized setting. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

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FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

Metro students

face higher incidents of

Adverse Childhood Experiences:

how schools are Responding

BY GEORGE LANG

CLICK FOR MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

As students and parents face the complicated prospect of returning to class this fall, which could mean any number of circumstances in the age of coronavirus, educators are preparing for children who, by virtue of the world in which they live, have been through a lot.

Knowledge of the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term mental health is as old as psychology itself, but a 1998 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) reported that the effect of ACEs can create lasting physiological damage as well, beginning the accounting for the physical manifestations of ACEs and childhood trauma.

In 2020 especially, this puts not only parents but educators throughout the world in a particularly important position: they must both safeguard the emotional well-being of their students and help them ward off conditions like heart disease that can spring from early childhood trauma.

44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

COVID-19 and ACEs Students returning to class in the fall are overwhelmingly likely to have experienced trauma in their young lives. This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic that took hold in March 2020 and forced most children to spend the balance of their 2019-20 school year in virtual study environments at home. But according to Dr. Kenneth Elliott, director of mental health for Oklahoma City Public Schools, ACE scores are likely to increase among the general student population this fall.

Before the events of 2020, Elliott said, the number of OKCPS students with ACEs was around 70 to 75 percent.

“That’s pre-pandemic,” Elliott said. “So, with that awareness, we’re trying to implement better trauma awareness teaching strategies in the school settings.”

Students who experienced past or current trauma can show signs in a number of ways. Jena Nelson, who teaches 7th and 8th grade composition for Deer Creek Public Schools and was named 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, said she has identified trauma from her students’ writing.

“Kids are journaling constantly in my classes, so we must be in tune to what the kids are writing about, looking at their artwork, looking at how they’re playing with each other,” Nelson said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ACEs include exposure to violence in the home or community, verbal

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or physical abuse or having a family member attempt or die by suicide. The loss of parents’ jobs, a growing problem during this pandemic, or poverty in general can exacerbate ACEs. But there is a broader swath of indicators that will likely impact students returning to class.

Children who experience isolation as a result of social distancing can be traumatized, as well as those who have experienced racial targeting or inequality. Ironically, while some students experience trauma from not going to school, others can suffer trauma from being forced to return to school during a pandemic.

“The school that I’m currently at, we probably have 50 to 60 percent easily of our kids that are coming in with high scores,” said Michelle Lewis, principal of OKCPS Thelma Parks Elementary School. “But then I think the challenge to this year especially is even some of our students that didn’t have high scores may have some anxiety right now. They may have some trauma right now. This is something where it didn’t matter what neighborhood you lived in.

This affected everybody.”

Supporting students and teachers As part of its response to the continuing COVID-19 crisis, OKCPS’ board of education voted on July 21 to delay the beginning of school, pushing the date back from Aug. 10 to Aug. 31. In addition, the district voted to make all classes virtual for the first nine weeks of the school year.

Whether students are learning from home or in the classroom, the need for compassion extends to everyone in a child’s orbit. U.S. Grant High School posted a message on its website asking that students be aware of “another student struggling to make friends, another student being picked on, a student who is shy or not with the ‘in’ crowd, a student who is eating lunch by themselves.” It encourages students to “be leaders” and include these classmates in activities because “you never know what that person is facing inside or outside of school.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020

45

Let us ignite your family’s creativity! We offer a number of programs for all ages, including FREE art activities.

Learn more at okcontemp.org.

OklahomaContemporary.org 11 NW 11th St., OKC, OK 73103 405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary

“And so we have students, I would say around that 50 to 60 percentage range, that have ACEs, some of them having three or more ACEs that they exhibited even before the pandemic,” said Greg Frederick, principal at U.S. Grant. “So, having a plan in place for us to be able to deal with that is really important. Even before we had a reopening plan, we had conversations with our counselors about what that’s going to look like whenever they return.”

For Elliott the need for proactivity in the face of what could be a challenging school year was paramount. The message on U.S. Grant’s website is only the beginning of a larger plan to have not just teachers and parents be vigilant but for students to look after one another.

“There is a screening tool that we’re looking at implementing that would tell us what percentage of students are experiencing some sort of dysregulation because of their experiences,” Elliott said. “We don’t have a formal one in place, but having the social emotional curriculum in place for high school, we’re going to start something called Friend A Friend, which is an intervention program, which helps students identify and support other students.”

But it is not only students, of course, who need support in these times.

Elliott said the school system is also prepared for a growing number of teachers to face compassion fatigue in the coming school year, a condition in which teachers find themselves no longer able to give of themselves in the way they are accustomed. While burnout is always a concern for teachers, compassion fatigue can overwhelm educators at a time when their services are so desperately needed.

“People experience large amounts of compassion fatigue or higher incidences of divorce, in general, with the general helping

professions,” Elliott said. “Same thing with infidelity, family dysfunction, overuse of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope. It’s almost like one’s spirit is harmed, almost like there’s an existential crisis.

They say, ‘I thought this is what I wanted to be. This is my calling, but I’m miserable, I’m not effective. I don’t feel good about my interactions with kids.’ And then I think that unresolved period time can lead to burnout. And burnout is really insidious. It does affect both personal and professional life.”

For Nelson, it was important for her to make ACEs and childhood trauma a plank of her platform as 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Helping students and fellow teachers through a challenging period of their lives was a deeply felt personal need.

“I grew up in a household that had a lot of major trauma, abuse and neglect,” Nelson said. “I was kind of passed around from family member to family member to raise, and back at home things were not good. And so public school was my safe haven.”

Nelson’s hope is to provide a safe haven for her current students, who are facing difficulties that are unique to them in 2020.

“We are a family,” Nelson said. “And so when we know that something has happened to one of our students, we talk and we figure out a way that we can advocate for that child.”

Editor’s note: George Lang has worked in journalism for 25 years and has written or edited for The Oklahoman, Oklahoma Gazette and other area publications. He currently teaches at ACM@UCO and hosts “Spy 101” on KOSU/The Spy. He and his wife Laura, chief executive officer at Thrive, Inc., and their son Sam live, work and school in Oklahoma City.

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LAST LOOK

Celebrating differences

As early as 6 months, a baby can notice race-based differences, by ages 2 to 4 children can internalize racial bias and, by age 12, kids can be pretty set in their beliefs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Parents around

“As a Black father, I face a number of stressors as I parent my children. A common parental stress is when our children earn their driver’s license. A few months ago, my son and I were pulled over and the atmosphere was immediately hostile. I knew this was going to be an unfair stop, something I’d experienced before, but it would be a first for my son.”

Local dad Travis Hartfield writes about the Black community’s sense of grief and loss, shares a terrifying lived experience and gives heartfelt advice to move us all forward, together, at metrofamilymagazine. com/black-father-grief.

the metro striving to raise anti-racist, culturally-inclusive children agree: exposing kids to a variety of races and cultures through experiences, toys, books and conversation makes a dramatic difference in their empathy and inclusivity.

“Raising a child in a culturally different background than one’s own and in an intercultural marriage is challenging. It takes a great deal of communication and negotiation of cultural differences.”

Local dad and professor Dr. Mohamed Daadaoui shares the daily challenges and beauty of raising a Muslim child in multi-cultural America at metrofamilymagazine.com/american-by-roots-moroccan-by-memory.

“We are the white parents of Black children. Every day, but especially in the wake of senseless deaths like that of George Floyd, we find ourselves living squarely between our white privilege and our deep and growing understanding of racial injustice.”

Ryan McGee shares the realities of his children encountering racism and how he and wife are navigating the space between their privilege and their children’s lived experiences at metrofamilymagazine. com/white-parents-black-children. Photo by Sara Sanders.

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Find perspective from local parents about the challenges of racism and racial injustice, as well as the beauty to be found in affirming and celebrating our differences on our blog at metrofamilymagazine.com/ hashtag-parenting.

“As his mother, I have to have tough conversations with him to prepare him for a world that will be threatened by his Blackness. I have to make sure he understands that he matters and that he is valuable.”

Local mom Jillian Whitaker of @betterblacknews shares her fears and hopes in raising her Black son at metrofamilymagazine.com/ raising-a-black-son.

“I’m a white 36-yearold mom in Oklahoma City and I’m committed to being anti-racist. I am learning every day, alongside many of you, how to be a better ally and I will forever be honest and open about what that never-ending journey looks like for me as a mom and as a member of the Oklahoma City community.”

Erin Lawrence gives an honest look into her journey, including what’s she’s learned about herself and how she’s talking with her children about being anti-racist at metrofamilymagazine.com/mom-committed-to-beinganti-racist.

We Believe School Can Be Different.

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We are grateful to be named the Family Favorite Homeschool and Online School: Resource Organization and Family Favorite Charter School as we continue to proudly honor our promise that “School Can Be Different.”

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