Family Focus 2015

Family Focus 2015

Special Supplement to the April 11, 2015 Morris Sun Tribune and the April 16, 2015 Hancock Record and Chokio Review

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FAMILY FOCUS—MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE, HANCOCK RECORD, CHOKIO REVIEW

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11 AND APRIL 16, 2015

Reading Corps builds literacy rich classrooms, helps make readers Kim Ukura Sun Tribune All of the preschool classrooms in the Morris Area Pre-K program are filled with words – there are labels on everything from walls to tables – and teachers use tested interventions to make sure students are building on skills like vocabulary, letter names, letter sounds, rhyming and alliteration.

At the end of the day, some students have “talk, read and write” bags they can take home to work on reading skills with their parents.

Many of these features are thanks to the hard work of Morris Area’s Pre-K instructors and Ashleigh Thompson and Rachel Balzar, 2014 graduates of the University of Minnesota, Morris who are working in the district this year as trained literacy tutors through the Minnesota Reading Corps program.

They are also building on a history of Reading Corps tutors that have started to make an impact in the Morris Area School District.

Jodi Maanum, literacy specialist with the Midwest Special Education Cooperative, said these tutors, along with three tutors working at Morris Area Elementary School, are like a “gift with this big red bow” handed to the district each year.

The tutors’ primary goal is to improve reading fluency to make sure all students are proficient readers by the end of third grade.

AmeriCorps and volunteer service Minnesota Reading Corps is part of AmeriCorps, a federal program that supports volunteer service projects across the country. Using this federal funding, Minnesota Reading Corps places trained literacy tutors in classrooms around Minnesota.

During the 2015 – 2016 school year, more than 1,300 tutors were posted in over 900

Minnesota Reading Corps tutor Rachel Balzar works part time with the Morris Area Pre-K program, as well as part time with Chokio-Alberta ECFE. Reading Corps tutors use tested interventions to improve reading fluency.

elementary school or preschool programs across Minnesota. In the past, tutors at schools in Stevens County have ranged from recently retired teachers to new college graduates to mothers just reentering the workforce, said Maanum.

The Morris Area School District has two Pre-K tutors, Thompson and Balzar, and three tutors working with students in kindergarten through third grade, Sally McNally, Cindy Torgerson, and Wendy Ringgenberg. Balzar also works part time in the Chokio-Alberta Pre-K program two days per week.

The Pre-K tutors work full time in the classroom and do some small group interventions, while the elementary-aged tutors work with students one-on-one.

Tutors are required to have a high school diploma or a GED, and be willing to serve for the 11 month commitment.

Because the program is affiliated with AmeriCorps, being a literacy tutor is a service position – tutors receive a “living stipend” and, after successfully completing their term, an education award that can be

used to pay college costs or repay student loans. Parents or grandparents can also pass the award on to family members.

“It takes the right fit of a person to do that,” said Maanum.

“I see it as a definite resume builder for those who have done a year or two of service.”

Throughout the year, Maanum works to help train and support the tutors that are serving in schools that are part of the Midwest Special Education Cooperative. She also works as a resource for the coaches in each district who directly oversee the tutors.

Focusing on reading fluency In order to prepare to work with students, Reading Corps tutors begin their training at a three day institute in August. During the program, tutors learn everything from classroom activities to the specific, researched-based interventions that are part of the program.

“Just picking a book is more complicated than you think,” said Balzar. “They teach you how to pick a book that’s going

to keep everybody’s attention and expand horizons.”

“They essentially want you to make a literacy rich classroom, so they give you a lot of ideas and tools so you can incorporate that into the daily routine,” Thompson added.

The Reading Corps program has developed interventions that specifically target reading fluency, focusing on different reading skills for each age level.

Pre-K students work on things like letter sounds, alliteration and rhyming. The Pre-K tutors also work on helping build social skills with students with activities designed to help them think through problems and conversations.

Elementary-aged students work on reading sentences and connecting text, working towards the goal of being fluent readers at the end of third grade.

“Reading Corps works on fluency because we know a fluent reader is going to open up all sorts of other windows for those readers,” said Maanum.

Students work with a Reading Corps tutor in groups or a one-on-one setting until they reach grade level proficiency, Maanum said. If students dip or fall behind later in the year, they can return for more time with a tutor, but the goal is to keep students in the classroom.

Over the course of the year, Maanum estimates that the elementary school tutors work with more than 60 students who otherwise might struggle to reach reading fluency, while the Pre-K tutors spend time with every student in the classroom.

See READING page 4

Minnesota Reading Corps tutors like Ashleigh Thompson help create literacy rich classrooms. Thompson works with four and five year olds in the Morris Area Pre-K program.

We salute all families in our local communities!

607 Pacific Avenue Morris 320-589-2525 888-589-2525 www.morrissuntribune.com

Dr. Jeffrey A. Hauger, D.D.S.

2 East 5th St. - Morris, MN

www.dentaldepotmorris.com dentaldepot@hometownsolutions.net

320-589-4481 Like us on Facebook!

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Dr. Kevin Williamson, D.D.S.

• Kids love us!

• Fun & Welcoming Environment • Compassionate Comprehensive Care for the Whole Family

11 AND APRIL 16, 2015

FAMILY FOCUS—MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE, HANCOCK RECORD, CHOKIO REVIEW

Kids in Christ Preschool prepares kids for kindergarten

Kids in Christ Preschool has been open for 11 years, and we have touched the lives of a number children and their families during these years. We are a licensed Christian preschool that focuses on preparing children for kindergarten, both academically and socially. At our program we want children to have the chance to learn in a Christian environment, where they will not only learn the basic skills of life but the love of Jesus our Savior too.

The children take part in large and small group activities, where they learn those needed people skills of getting along with others, like having patience and communicating their needs.

There is also time to work independently, to build self confidence and develop their God given talents, which in turn will broaden their attitude for future learning.

This age is a great time to help them develop a joy for learning, which they can take with them as they continue on in elementary school, high school and even college. At Kids in Christ Preschool, we make learning a fun part of our whole class time, whether it be at morning meeting, free time, table time, meals, outside play

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Margi Preus visits Morris Area To help celebrate “I Love to Read�

Month, Morris Area Elementary School and the Morris Public Library invited children’s author Margi Preus to the Morris community on Feb. 24 and 25.

As a children’s book author, Preus has written both picture books and chapter books including, Newbery Honor award winning, Heart of a Samurai. With this wide range of writing experience, she spoke to kids from kindergarten through eighth grade about the background of her stories as well as her book-writing process. This provided an invaluable experience for the students in inspiring them to not only read but also write more confidently. Preus’ visit was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Submitted photo

or Bible time. Learning opportunities also take part outside of our classroom, enjoying our new fenced in outdoor play area and on field trips.

We take a number of field trips within our community. One being to Willie’s SuperValu where the boys and girls get the chance to purchase a food item for the food shelf and ring the Salvation Army Bells. On this day, not only do they get to learn about the behind the scenes at Willie’s, but we work on developing their sense of compassion by helping those in need in our community.

Kids in Christ Preschool is licensed for 10 preschoolers, three to five years of age, per session.

You have the freedom to

choose a session or sessions that will work best for your family. Classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with a full day option on Wednesdays until 2:45 p.m. The full day option is a chance for four year olds to get a better understanding of what will be expected when they go on to kindergarten. We are willing to work with you and your family to find which sessions will work best for your child.

Scholarships are also available. If you are interested in scheduling a visit or would like additional information, please call us at (320) 585-5067 to talk with Teacher Julie or leave a message.

DISORDERS M U R T C E P S L O FETAL ALCOH FASD: The Facts

It is important to know that your child is well cared for while you are at work. You also want the best possible start for your kids so that they are ready to learn when they enter school.

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program helps make quality child care affordable for families with low incomes.

The program can help pay child care costs for all children age 12 and younger, and for children ages 13 and 14 who have special needs. Help with child care costs may be paid for the time you

are working, looking for work, or going to school.

The Child Care Assistance Program may not cover all your child care costs. The amount you will pay depends on your family’s income, the number of people in your family and the amount your child care provider charges.

There is no time limit on how long you may receive child care assistance, as long as you meet the requirements and your income is within the program limits for your family size.

The Gross Income Entrance Level for a two person household is $28,708, a three person household is $35,462, a four person household is $42,217, a five person household is $48,972 and a six person household is $55,727.

To get more information and/or fill out an application to see if you qualify for help with child care costs visit the Stevens County Human Service office at 400 Colorado Ave., Suite 104, or call (320) 208-6600 or (800) 950-4429.

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In Minnesota, 5,367 babies are born every year with brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.

There is no safe amount, no safe time, and no safe kind of alcohol use during pregnancy.

FASD causes permanent brain damage.

FASD Impacts Us All FASD is common.

â&#x20AC;˘About 1 in 13 pregnant women reports alcohol use.

And nationally, FASD affects 1 in 100 live births.

FASD is costly.

â&#x20AC;˘It is estimated to cost Minnesotans more than $131 million annually for FASD.

FASD is 100% preventable.

â&#x20AC;˘There is no cure, but it is 100% preventable if women do not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

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Learn more about MOFAS and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders at the Stevens County Family Fun Fair

Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the RFC.

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MOFAS will have a booth with games, prizes, free handouts and the chance to sample alcohol alternative punches. For more information, call 585-2237.

Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child Care Assistance Program can make quality child care affordable

320-585-5133

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FAMILY FOCUS—MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE, HANCOCK RECORD, CHOKIO REVIEW

Chokio-Alberta ECFE offers programming for kids and families

Continued from page 2

“We’ve designed it so there’s a pretty good safety net – once (students) have met the criteria, they have the skills they need to have in the classroom,” Maanum said. “We’ve seen great results with the students in our programming.”

es meet throughout the entire school year following the regular school calendar.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a special place for you and your young child ages three to five. It’s a place where you can make friends with other parents who have children the same age as yours and share the same concerns, joys and challenges that you do. It’s a place where your child has the opportunity to play with other children in a safe, supportive environment just right for his or her age.

ECFE is a place where a caring licensed staff, who understand children and parenting, come together with families to support parents and children on their journey.

Family Class, for children three to five years of age and their parents, is held on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the ECFE/ kindergarten room and runs for nine weeks. Class for parents and their infant/toddler (birth to 36 months) is on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. and runs for six weeks. Sibling care is provided for all parent/child classes so that parents can enjoy one on one time with their child attending class.

11 AND APRIL 16, 2015

Reading

Kim Marty Chokio-Alberta ECFE Coordinator The Chokio-Alberta ECFE program understands the importance of early experiences.

Until recently most parents believed that intelligence was only inherited. With the newest brain research, we now know that a huge amount of the brain’s functioning and capacity develops after birth and that a baby or toddler’s early experiences can greatly influence his or her future learning potential.

Every baby deserves parents who have an awareness of the basics of how a young brain naturally grows. It’s the foundation for all of the other things we’ve long been taught to pay attention to in babies and young children, including physical milestones, social-emotional development, and speech. As a parent, being mindful of brain development from birth can significantly impact your child’s future success in academics and in life.

Chokio-Alberta offers four types of classes for children birth to kindergarten. School Readiness class is for pre-kindergarten students ages four and five years of age.

Parents have the choice of selecting one or two days of pre-kindergarten for their children. The classes meet on Mondays and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 3:06 p.m. in the ECFE/ kindergarten room in Chokio. The Pre-School Plus class (three and four olds) is a half-day preschool experience for children who are two years out from starting kindergarten. These classes meet on Monday mornings from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. These class-

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Along with our regular classes, we also offer special events throughout the year. These events are intended for the whole family to enjoy, such as Family Swim Nights, Pumpkin Pampering, Santa Claus Day, Easter Eggstravaganza, Movie Nights, Gym Nights and a Family Formal Dance.

This year the C-A School Readiness program received a $25,000 scholarship from the Minnesota Department of Education. The scholarship is used to assist families with tuition, purchase new technology in the classroom such as a Smart Board, iPads, a computer, and various learning materials to build a strong educational foundation. By attending family classes at C-A, you are not only spending time with your child but you are helping develop a sense of community for your child, yourself and others. Learning, playing and building long lasting friendships is what we strive to attain for both children and parents.

If you are interested in attending classes or have further questions please contact Kim Marty/ECFE Coordinator at (320) 324-7131.

Positive results for Reading Corps program Earlier this month, an independent evaluation of the Reading Corps program completed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) showed that Pre-K students who participated met or exceeded targets for kindergarten readiness in terms of five key literacy skills.

The study found the program was effective across a range of settings and for all students, regardless of factors like gender, race or dual-language learning.

An evaluation of the elementary school program released in 2014 also found similar results.

After a single semester of tutoring, the average kindergarten student with a tutor performed twice as well as students without one. And after one semester of tutoring, tutors helped the average first grade student perform 11 percent better than students without tutors, and 26 percent higher than the expected level for on-track students.

An analysis by Dave Heistad, Executive Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment with the Minneapolis Public Schools, found that Reading Corps students are 3.5 times less likely to be referred to special education, a projected savings of nearly $9 million annually for the state of Minnesota.

Morris Area and other area districts have been awarded tutors for the 2015 – 2016 school year.

Find out more information on the program, including how to apply, online at https://minnesotareadingcorps.org/.

Do your children get regular checkups Marcia Schroeder Horizon Public Health, Morris Office Are routine, annual checkups for healthy children essential or a waste of time?

As a parent, keeping your children healthy is one of your highest priorities. When your kids are ill, you worry and most likely call to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. But, when they are feeling well, it is equally important to schedule routine, health and development checkups.

The standard of care many health care providers use for well child checkups is child and teen checkups. A child and teen checkup includes keeping track of growth – height, weight and body mass index – objective vision and hearing screenings,

head to toe physical exam with blood pressure, lab tests like hemoglobin and lead, health history, mental health screening and health education. Immunizations and dental referrals are also included. Parents and children/teens have the opportunity to ask questions and providers can suggest ways to enhance children’s health and development.

Regular checkups find health problems like diabetes, heart murmurs, and high blood pressure as well as common problems like vision and hearing abnormalities.

Finding problems like these early is key for positive outcomes.

Babies, toddlers and preschool children are likely to see their health care providers regularly because of baby shots and health screenings needed

for daycare, Head Start and pre-school/kindergarten. It is after the age five, when health visits are no longer required, that regular visits stop.

And yet, children, adolescents and teens also develop health and development problems that need attention.

Regular and routine child and teen checkups for every child, from birth to the age of 21 are essential and definitely not a waste of time. For children insured by MA/ PrimeWest the checkups are free. Other insurance companies often cover the cost as well. For more information about Child and Teen Checkups, or to schedule an appointment, call Horizon Public Health at one of our offices. The Morris location can be reached at (320) 208-6670.

HEAD START: Head Start is a comprehensive program that provides children ages 3-5 with educational activities to prepare them for Kindergarten, as well as helping them grow socially, emotionally and physically. Head Start also provides services to families through connections to appropriate community agencies.

Options for Women provides a variety of FREE services.

A West Central MN Communities Action Program Serving: Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Otter Tail, and Wadena Counties.

Pregnancy Tests ~ Parenting Classes ~ Car Seats Pack and Plays ~ Cribs, Diapers & Baby Supplies

Applications are available online at www.wcmca.org

320-589-7949

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Apply now so your child can get a “Head Start” at

Our Earn While You Learn Program is an educational program presented in a one-on-one setting by a trained volunteer. As you complete lessons you will earn points that may be used in our "Baby Boutique", where you can "purchase" items you will need to care for your baby.

712 Atlantic Ave. Suite 5 • 320-589-0300

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“Where we believe a Parent is a Child’s Most Important Teacher”

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11 AND APRIL 16, 2015

FAMILY FOCUS—MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE, HANCOCK RECORD, CHOKIO REVIEW

Morris Public Library celebrates ‘Children’s Book Week’

Children’s Book Week will be celebrated at the Morris Public Library May 4 to 10. We will be celebrating 40 years with Little Critter by Mercer Meyer.

Some special events are planned for Thursday, May 7. Little Critter will be present for our regular 10:30 a.m. story time and his books will be featured. Our big family event will be held that evening from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. There will be stories with some special guest readers, crafts, games, face painting, and treats.

Book bingo will be held in the meeting room and Little Critter will be there to greet all who attend.

There will be a drawing for some of his books to be given away that evening. There is no cost to attend any of these events which are sponsored by the library, Morris Friends

of the Public Library, Stevens County Child Care Association and the Morris Women of Today.

Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. It is the national celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading. In conjunction with the week, the Children’s and Teen Choice book Awards are presented. This is the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens. Last year, over 1,000,000 votes were cast by young readers.

Visit www.reading.org/ choices for book lists from the past seven years. For more information contact the library at 320 5891634 or visit our website, www.morris.lib.mn.us.

Come see the Moo! Traveling Trunk Show

On April 29 at 10 a.m. the Morris Public Library will be hosting the Moo! Traveling Trunk show. Join author David LaRochelle, illustrator Mike Wohnoutka, musician Tom Lieberman and Cow for an interactive 45 minute show. Children and families will enjoy the reading of Moo!, a puppet show, music, drawing, audience participation, and question and answer time.

Some dairy delicious snacks following the performance will be provided by the Stevens/ Traverse American Dairy Association.

The Moo! Traveling Trunk show is sponsored by the Morris Public Library, Viking Library Systems, and CRPLSA and is funded in part or in whole with money from the Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage fund.

All during the month of April children can come to the library to enjoy a cow craft and to sign up to win copies of the Moo! book donated by Riverview Dairy LLP. For more information contact the library at (320) 589-1634 or visit our website at www.morris.lib.mn.us

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Morris Area ECFE brings kids and parents together for fun and learning Diane Strobel Morris Area ECFE Coordinator Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program offered through the Minnesota Public Schools for all Minnesota parents with young children from birth to kindergarten entrance. ECFE began as a pilot program in 1974 and now has grown to involve more young children and their families than any other publicly sponsored early childhood program in the state.

The goals of ECFE are to: • support a child’s optimal physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development during the important first 5 years of life, • to promote informed, realistic attitudes and expectations about raising children, • to offer child development information and a variety of parenting techniques, • to support parents in their efforts in raising children, • to create effective communication in families, and • to provide information on resources available in the community.

These goals are accomplished through parent/child classes and special family events. A typical ECFE class offers a time for parents and children to interact with each other. This is an opportunity for your child and you to explore the activities, toys, and projects in the early childhood room. The valuable one on one time with a child is often appreciated by busy parents. Parent/Child time is fol-

lowed by a circle time of singing, finger plays and movement.

After the children are settled in and eating a snack, the parents meet in the parent discussion room for some conversation, education and discussion on a variety of issues related to parenting and family life. This is a great time to meet new people with children the same age as your children, to explore child development, and to get tips on ways to handle different parenting situations. ECFE also offers classes where the parents and children remain together.

Planned activities help parents gage their child’s abilities and parents can discuss issues informally with other parents and the ECFE staff.

At no other time in your child’s life is your role as a parent as crucial because your child’s development occurs so rapidly during these first years of life. These are the years that lay the foundations for not only school success but for overall achievement in life.

ECFE provides a stimulating environment for your child and a place to talk about concerns of raising children.

Join us for some fun times with your child plus the added component of spending time with other adults who are experiencing many of the same struggles and joys while raising their children. Call Diane Strobel at (320) 585-2237 or e-mail her at dstrobel@morris.k12.mn.us for more information.

Open to 3-5 Years Old

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Preschool Learning in a Christian Environment & fall at Registering for summer esday, dn We on our Open House . p.m 5-7 May 13th,

Zion Lutheran Church 315 South Columbia Ave. Morris, MN 320-585-5067 001233154r1

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FAMILY FOCUS—MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE, HANCOCK RECORD, CHOKIO REVIEW

Country Day offers flexibility, family and fun

This fall, Country Day Cooperative Preschool will start its 49th year serving the Morris community. We offer small class sizes and play-based learning to children as young as two years and nine months up to the start of kindergarten.

Our teacher, Meredith Lhotka, has worked in childhood education and in-home child care for 15 years, providing children with experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.

As a cooperative run by the parents, our services are flexible, depending on the needs of our families. Parents can choose from a traditional class schedule or set their own schedule if space allows. We offer three traditional classes: “PreKindergarten” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (geared toward four to five years of age, but

younger children are welcome); “Little Learners” from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday (geared toward three to five years of age, but older children are welcome); and “Fun With Learning” from 12 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, for children of all ages.

We are open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every school day, with only major holidays off. There are no twohour late starts or early outs, and our preschool meets every day that the Morris Area Public Schools are open, so there are no long winter breaks or late September starts.

This keeps our per-hour cost low relative to other preschools, and offers the convenience of a daycare with the educational focus of a preschool.

At Country Day, parents are part of their children’s education. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom,

accompany the children on field trips, serve on the Board of Directors, or contribute their talents in any way they wish.

Country Day provides opportunities for children to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Our classes have no more than ten students, and include monthly fieldtrips and enrichment opportunities. Our children learn through play. A typical day includes sharing, music, letter concepts and phonics, crafts, fine and gross motor skills, outside play, cooperation skills, and just plain fun.

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11 AND APRIL 16, 2015

Morris Area ECFE

Country Day will host a Family Fun Night, April 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Families may visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and sign up for the 2015-2016 school year. If you are unable to attend the Family Fun Night but would like to see what Country Day has to offer, please contact us for a tour at 320-589-3493, or email countrydaycp@gmail. com. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

We hope you will join us. Country Day is where great beginnings start.

Morris Area Pre-K Bilingual Program

Early childhood education brings economic, social benefits to the community Tony Reimers MorrisAreaCommunity Education Director Scientific research has proven that learning and mental development begins immediately after birth. This brain and nervous system development is greatly underutilized or wasted if children do not receive high quality educational opportunities before they begin kindergarten. Additionally, we know from research that children who receive formal education in their early childhood years are less likely to struggle with substance abuse and delinquent behaviors in their early adult years.

In December of 2012, James J. Heckman, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago, published the following statements: I. “Those seeking to reduce deficits and strengthen the economy should make signifi-

cant investments in early childhood education.”

II. “Investing in early childhood education is a cost effective strategy for promoting economic growth.”

In 2013, Minnesota Sheriff Rich Stanek co-wrote an article where he stated that a high quality early childhood program saves taxpayers millions of dollars every year by reducing crimes and prison time. He also noted that an independent analysis of 20 different studies of preschool programs showed, on average, a “profit” to society of $15,000 for every child served based on lower costs for crime, welfare, and other things.

At Morris Area Community Education, we believe high quality early childhood education can enhance both the individual’s quality of life and the entire community’s quality of life.

As a member of the West

Central Initiative (WCI) group that meets monthly, I know we are not the only program in Stevens County that is driven by this belief and passion. In Stevens County, we are fortunate to have enor-

mous support for early childhood education.

Thank you for your support and desire to make this a great community, one child at a time.

Kid’s in Christ Learn while playing

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Morris Area Pre-Kindergarten classes help children prepare for kindergarten in ‘fun’ ways Kristin Grove Morris Area Pre-K Instructor Play is a child’s way of learning about the world around them. Through “play” children acquire many skills. Morris Area Pre-Kindergarten classes stress building social/ emotional skills in our students. These abilities include self-regulation, sharing, taking turns, cooperation, empathy, and problem solving. We also focus on listening, language development, small and large motor control, and pre-writing/ reading/math skills that are necessary to enable success in kindergarten.

We want them to have fun and gain a love for learning.

The Morris Area PreKindergarten Program offers a variety of classes for children three to five years of age.

Pre-K classes offered for three and four year olds meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three hours each. There is a morning (8 to 11 a.m.) or afternoon (12 to 3 p.m.) option to choose from.

Pre-K classes offered for four and five year olds (entering kindergarten the following year) meet all day (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). There

is a Tuesday/Thursday option and a Wednesday/ Friday option to choose from.

Registration for fall classes will begin the end of April when the Morris Community Ed Tiger Tracks arrives.

For more information contact Diane Strobel, Morris Area ECFE/SR Coordinator, at (320) 585-2237.

Family Fun Night Sweet Heart Dance

Celebrate ‘Day of the Child’ at the Stevens County Family Fun Fair An evening of fun activities, information, and food is being planned for Thursday, April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Regional Fitness Center (RFC) in Morris. We would like to invite all to this exciting festival of learning and fun for young children and their families.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with booths for parents and children about programs and agencies for families in our area. They will provide information about themselves as well as give parents the opportunity to have questions answered. In addition, many will offer activities

to do and/or crafts for children to make and take.

There will be entertainment throughout the evening including a concert by Tom Lieberman at 6 p.m. that evening. A vehicle fair will be located in the parking lot by Big Cat Stadium; giving children the opportunity to see a variety of vehicles up close. From 5 to 8 p.m., families will have the chance to make use of the RFC’s swimming pool so pack your suits and towels to end the evening with a splash.

There will be pizza and water available for $1.00 per slice and bottle. All

other activities are open to all families and free of charge.

The Family Fun Fair is brought to you by the many agencies and parents who are part of the Stevens County Early Childhood Initiative and the Regional Fitness Center. This evening promises to be a fun-filled exciting and educational day for all young children and their families. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Stevens County Family Fun Fair.

For more information, you can contact Diane Strobel at 585-2237 or dstrobel@morris.k12. mn.

Healthy Families Find Nutritious, Delicious Food at Willie’s!

Open 7 Days a Week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

25 East 7th St., Morris

www.williessupervalu.com

589-4040 1062720

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Morris Area Bilingual Pre-Kindergarten Preconception health will impact your classes expose young children to child’s health English and Spanish • Your choice – Think A mother’s health and Horizon Public Health Ashley Bennett Morris Area Pre-K Instructor Young children learn language through listening, conversation, songs, books, games, and play. In our Bilingual PreKindergarten classroom, we have children whose home language is English, or whose home language is Spanish, or who speak English and Spanish.

We work to build both languages in children through a teacher who speaks mainly English and a classroom paraprofessional who speaks mainly Spanish. In this way, children are able to build a strong foundation in their home language while also being exposed to a new language and culture.

The Bilingual PreKindergarten classes also stress building social and emotional skills in our students. Through play children learn self-regulation, sharing, taking turns, cooperation, empathy, problem solving, listening, small and large motor

control, and pre-writing/ reading/math skills to ensure success for the future. We encourage a great love of learning.

T h e M o r r i s Area Bilingual PreKindergarten Program offers a couple of different options for children three to five years of age.

Classes are offered for children ages three to five on Mondays and Wednesdays all day (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Parents can also choose to sign their child up for only Monday all day or only Wednesday all day. If parents are seeking additional school days for their child, bilingual classes can be combined with our

other Pre-Kindergarten offerings to extend their child’s classes to up to four days.

Registration for fall classes will begin the end of April when the Morris Community Ed Tiger Tracks arrives. For more information, contact Diane Strobel, Morris Area ECFE/SR Coordinator at (320) 585-2237.

The idea of “preconception health” may conjure up ideas of women getting healthy just before getting pregnant.

It is so much more than that. It is about women getting healthy and staying healthy throughout their lives.

As a mother your health before and during a pregnancy will greatly impact the health of your child.

Keeping your health in mind, it is very important to plan for future pregnancies. Consider your personal goals for school, career and relationships when you plan ahead.

It is important to think about where you want to be and what do you want to be doing in the future.

Does your future include children?

Forty-nine percent of all pregnancies are unplanned. By the time a woman misses her first period, critical development to the baby’s central nervous system and heart have already taken place.

Caring Hands Dental bringing dental health services to Stevens County

Caring Hands Dental Clinic of Alexandria offers various mobile dental services to children from 1 to 18. Their experienced professional dental team, supported by the latest technology, look forward to providing your child’s oral health care needs. They will be bringing their hygiene services to Morris on Wednesday, May 6 to the Morris Elementary school in the ECFE/Pre-K Pod from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This program is for kids served by Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as, Medical Assistance /Minnesota Care provided through,

PrimeWest Health, Delta Blue Plus, Medica ,Ucare and Health Partners.

There is also a Sliding Fee Scale Program available.

Kids with private dental insurance should see a private office, if possible and those having an established dental home should continue there.

These outreach clinics offer cleanings, complete exams, digital x-rays if needed, oral hygiene instructions and fluoride application by our staff of dentists, hygienists and assistants.

Caring Hands Dental Clinic of Alexandria has grown to become a major dental provider for a

large part of Minnesota, providing over 5,100 appointments in 2013.

The clinic began seeing patients served by Minnesota Health Care Programs in 2006 and was a mostly volunteer organization at that time.

Area dental professionals donated their expertise to provide high quality dental care and education to thousands of patients, of all ages, over the years.

As demand grew the Clinic expanded hiring a full time staff, including two dentists and a complimenting dental staff in July of 2012.

During the visit in May, dentists will also estab-

lish a treatment plan if needed and contact the parents to schedule any required treatment at the Alexandria office or our affiliated More Smiles offices. Affiliated dentists in the Morris area include Eric and Meghan Rambow and Kevin Williamson.

Please look for registration information and permission forms to be sent home with your child from school or call Diane Strobel at (320) 5852237 for more information. This dental health event is being sponsored

by Caring Hands and the Stevens County Early Childhood Initiative.

JOIN US FOR

Children’s Book Week “Celebrating 40 years with Little Critter”

We provide services to assist victims, survivors, family and friends who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or other crimes.

Thursday, May 7 6:15 to 7:45 pm No cost - No preregistration.

Games • Treats • Storytime Photos with Little Critter • Crafts Face Painting • Book Bingo

All advocacy services are free and confidential Advocacy Office 320-589-3208 Parenting Time Center 320-424-2301 Thrift Store 320-585-6614

102 East 6th Street Morris, MN • 320-589-1634 www.morris.lib.mn.us Sponsored in part by Friends of the Morris Public Library

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Morris Public Library

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24 Hour Crisis Line 800-974-3359 www.someplacesafe.info

about your goals, where do you want to be in five years? Does that include a child (or children)? Have you had any problems with past pregnancies?

How healthy are you now?

• Your future – Make a plan to achieve your goals.

Decide to be healthy and decide to have or not to have a child. Once you have a plan, take action.

For example if you do not want to have a baby now, talk to your healthcare provider about how to avoid a pregnancy. Or, if you’ve decided to quit smoking, follow through and get help if needed.

Keep in mind that your plan doesn’t have to be set in stone. Life is unpredictable! So, make a plan, give it some thought each year, and expect to make changes along the way.

Preconception health is a life plan.

Halloween Fun!

May 4 -10, 2015

Crime Victim Advocacy, Parenting Time Centers, Community Thrift Stores

social habits can greatly impact the health and development of her baby.

Alcohol, tobacco and drugs have negative impacts on a developing infant before a mother even knows that she is expecting a baby. By planning for a pregnancy a mother and her partner can begin caring for that infant as soon as it is conceived.

Thinking about your goals for having or not having children and how to achieve those goals is called a reproductive life plan. There are many kinds of reproductive life plans. Your plan will depend on your personal goals and dreams. Things to consider: • Your health – Ways to stay healthy include a well-balanced diet and daily exercise. All women of childbearing age should take a multivitamin which includes 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs and see your healthcare provider yearly.

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Building skills at the Morris Area Child Care Center

Maria Burns Morris Area Child Care Center Director

The Morris Area Child Care Center exists to enhance the emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and language development of children to help them gain confidence and self-esteem while learning to function in a group setting. We believe children learn through a structured environment as well as through play. We use three rooms to care for a wide range of children: Infant Room (6 weeks to 16 months), Toddler Room (16 months to 33 months) and Preschool Room (33 months to kindergarten). We also offer a separate summer program for school-age children and limited before/ after school care during the school year.

The foundation for a child’s development starts at birth. We cre-

ate an environment which stimulates growth through a balance of self-directed and guided activities. Using Creative Curriculum framework, each child has the opportunity for individual development and exploration offered in a variety of environments that stimulate creativity and problem solving.

Children receive quality preschool services as well as nurturing and loving care all in one setting.

We believe that a child’s success starts at birth and we are designed to prepare your child for Kindergarten as well as the world beyond. The daily program is designed to make each child successful at their age level and prepare them to enter school to be successful. The staff is always observing the children to better meet the needs of each individual in the childcare program. The program includes:

• Individualized program plan for your child’s age group and needs: Physical Development (Large and Small Motor), Creative Developments (Art and Crafts), Music, Literacy ( lots of reading and language development), and Cognitive Development (age appropriate math and science skills • Utilization of the Creative Curriculum to stimulate learning to each individual age group • Intergenerational Activities: meeting with our friends at West Wind Village on a weekly basis • The staff is always observing the children to better meet the needs of the individual in the childcare program to see each child succeed • Parent Teachers Conference: twice a year to review your child’s formal assessment through Teaching Strategies GOLD which is in collaboration with Creative Curriculum which starts at birth through kindergarten.

• Focused at developing skills while they are young so they are fully prepared for kinder-

garten when they leave Morris Area Child Care Center • Literacy Aide: through collaboration with University of Minnesota Morris Community Engagement Office we have a college student that is specially trained to do a story time and activity with the Toddler and Preschool rooms.

• Daily outdoor activities on our age appropriate playground (even the infants get outdoors).

• Age appropriate rest time: all ages need down time for their mind to rest • Special Activities: we like to celebrate with the kids and enjoy special days with them when possible All of the items are designed to contribute to the success of our students in addition to having a loving environment that can care for your child in our extended hours but also prepare them to be a success beyond our doors. We are available to be a “one-stop-shop” for daycare and preschool services in a loving-nurturing environment.

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The Morris Public Library hosts famous visits throughout the year!

Bees 4-H

The Great Brodini

Pete the Cat

Read to the Rhythm at the Morris Public Library this summer The Morris Public Library urges families to shake, rattle, or roll to the library for Read to the Rhythm! The 2015 summer program is open to young people, preschool through teen and will run from June 8 to July 25.

Once again, we will have reading logs and bookmarks to track reading progress along with incentive prizes. Story time, Lunch Bunch, Book Bunch and Movie Matinees return this summer along with some new events.

We kick off the summer with award winning musician and storyteller Jack Pearson on June 10 at 10 a.m. Other special events include the Heebie Jeebies on June 25 at 10:30 a.m. and ventriloquist James Wedgwood on July 23 at 10:30

a.m. The Heebie Jeebies and James Wedgwood are sponsored by the Morris Public Library, Viking Library System and funded in part or in whole with money from the Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage fund.

Summer reading is very important. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

For more information call the library at (320) 589-1634 or visit our website, www.morris.lib. mn.us. All programs are free of charge.

MORRIS TRANSIT Everyone needs an annual eye exam.

Our vision experts can find the perfect lenses for everyone. We also have a great selection of frames.

You know your child.

We know early learning.

Call for an eye exam appointment today!

320-589-1000

Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. • Saturday Noon-4 p.m. • Sunday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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Why theatre with children matters Joseph Ferriero St. Mary’s Elementary School Principal Other than being an amazing elementary school for students from Pre-K to sixth grade, St. Mary’s School offers enrichment programs to students in the community. Our theatre programs have proven to be the most successful program, but why? In short, theatre can boost literacy, cultivate curiosity and expand an already imaginative mind.

According to Dr. James Catterall of UCLA’s Graduate School of Education, children that consistently participated in theatrical programs show improved academic performance and had significant bumps in standardized test scores.

Students who make time for the arts are also more involved in community

service, and less likely to drop out of school.

Theatre can play an important role in the constant progress of students’ reading comprehension skills. Studies indicate that not only do the performance of a story and a number of other theatrical activities in the classroom contribute to a student’s understanding of the work performed, but these experiences also help them to develop a better understanding of other works and of language and expression in general. It’s hard to deny the significant role

that theatre can play in a child’s development.

Involvement in theatre programs and performance has been shown to improve students’ self-esteem as well as their confidence in their academic abilities. Being a part of something theatrical can help children to recognize their potential for success and improve their overall confidence. The chance for a child to perform for their family and friends gives them a new kind of freedom that you simply can’t find in a textbook or on the internet.

Family Fun Night Movie Night

Dramatic play is important whether your child is a newborn or about to graduate high school. Look for programs in the area that will help them to achieve their potential and expand their self-esteem just as much as their academic abilities. In the Morris area we have the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre that will come to town and the St. Mary’s School Enrichment program. Be sure to visit stmarysmorris.org for our available theatre programs.

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Taking steps to help children during Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Violence is an urgent public health problem in our communities. Far too many Americans, both young and old, have witnessed or experienced violence in their homes, schools or neighborhoods. April is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and a time to reflect how children experience violence and how we can protect the children who will become our future. Child development is a foundation for community and economic development and the healthier the children of our country the better our society will be.

The brain develops before birth and continues through adulthood.

The environment a child experiences through interactions with others and the world around creates the foundation from which she lives the rest of her life. Toxic stress – such as abuse of any kind, neglect, isolation – lethally affects all of us, but even more dramatically the younger we are. The ability to change the brain diminishes over time, and therefore, providing the healthiest opportunities

as a child matures not only enhances the life of the child but our communities as well.

During Child Abuse Prevention month consider how you can be a part of the solution of ending child abuse. Consider:

• Reaching out to a parent who needs extra support during a trying time • Asking support for yourself if you need a break from parenting • Volunteering in a program that enhances the lives of children or works with abusive issues, i.e.

Someplace Safe, mentoring programs, scouting, youth groups, etc.

• Nurturing children you may come in contact with and affirming they are special • Reporting suspected abuse or neglect Working together to bring positive change in situations where abuse is already happening and taking action to prevent abuse from happening in the first place transforms the lives of children, adults, families, our communities and whole world!

Family Fun Night Sweetheart Dance

Sponsored by Stevens County Child Protection Team.

For more info call 585-2237.

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Stevens County Early Childhood Initiative working to align school readiness Diane Strobel Stevens County ECI Coordinator What is school readiness? What makes children successful?

According to Dr. Terrie Rose the following elements are vital in helping children attain to their fullest potential in a school setting: • the ability to build relationships with others, • the ability to regulate emotions, and • an interest in and exploring the world around them.

The Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) has been working on Pre-K – third grade alignment by building a strong connection between the key players for the past seven years.

The ECI has brought together administration, pre-kindergarten teach-

ers, elementary teachers, Head Start staff, childcare providers, and parents to discuss the knowledge, skills, and abilities that help children successfully transition from one learning environment to the next. Discussions focus on stages of development, expectations for growth and achievement, and age appropriate strategies for helping children move along the continuum. We want all children to have the opportunity for a life of learning, achieving, and succeeding which begins in early childhood but continues for a life time.

The ECI Pre-K – Third Grade Alignment Team has created and distributed a guideline of school readiness skills.

This checklist is to be used by families, child care provides, and pre-kinder-

garten programs to help them provide experiences to promote learning in all areas of development.

The ECI has provided the chance for kindergarten teachers to meet with area childcare providers to learn about readiness indicators and strategies for preparing the children in their care. ECFE parent/child classes that provide readiness information have been held to support parents in their vital role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Readiness information and supply packet are given out at birth to three screenings and Early Childhood screenings to further help and inform parents.

Our local coalition is part of a statewide network of coalitions aimed at protecting, supporting, and advocating for

our youngest children.

Anyone is welcome to become involved in the ECI by volunteering to help at an event, join a planning committee, or attend the monthly ECI coalition meeting as we make policy and funding decisions about our youngest children. The possibilities are endless!

If you have an idea of ways we can achieve our goals or simply want to get involved, please let us know.

To quote John F. Kennedy, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” The Early Childhood Initiative is helping make wise investments in our children here in Stevens County and in turn the future of this community.

Family Fun Night Halloween Party

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