Sonoma Family Life January 2018

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January 2019

Private Schools Local guide

What’s Waldorf?

Learn the basics

Health Apps Tortilla Time Easy veggie enchiladas Kids’ fitness in a snap

NEW YEAR~NEW GOALS FIND YOUR PASSION FOR HORSES WHILE RIDING WITH STRIDES!

Why is your smart child struggling in school?

• Year round riding lessons 7 days per week • Lessons are a great way to stay active & create bonds with horses and people!

• 2 lovely indoor arenas for riding on wet winter days READY FOR WINTER TO BE OVER? Summer Camp Registration is now open on our website!

SIGN UP EARLY AS SPOTS SELL OUT QUICK!

June 17–21 • June 21–28 July 8–12 • July 15–19 July 22–26 • July 29–Aug 2 Aug 5–9

SoloQuest Learning Center

• Determine the cause • Find a solution • Stop the struggle and tears • Ongoing programs — open enrollment

• One-to-one cognitive skills training works!

• For ALL Ages

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414 W Napa Street, Suite 404, Sonoma 707-939-1133 • www.soloquest.com

100 Lynch Road • Petaluma 707-799-5054 • www.stridesridingacademy.com

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Rohnert Park

6314 Commerce Blvd 707-303-7474

Petaluma

919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989

January 2019

Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

Windsor

6580 Hembree Ln #258 707-836-1700

Santa Rosa

4501 Montgomery Dr. 707-890-5033

SonomaFamilyLife 3

January 2019

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Manhattan or New England?

10 Features

Draw It Out

8

Let It Snow Young Talent Beethoven Meets Bass Get Crackin’

10 What’s Waldorf?

An intro to an arts-oriented education.

12 Happy, Healthy Techie Apps to help kids eat right, get fit, and sleep well.

14 SAT Strategies The importance of preparation.

26 Calendar of Events Dorn to Sing

32 Cooking with Kids Tortilla Time

34 Humor Get-Real Resolutions

16 Progress Not Perfection Tips for cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

8

18 School Search Strategies for finding the right program for your child.

19 Private School Guide A handy compendium of local institutions.

24 The TemperamentSavvy Parent How to raise an introverted or very sensitive child.

4 SonomaFamilyLife

32

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

“Alice in Wonderland' Musical Theatre Summer Camp, 2018

One-to-one instruction

Winter Classes begin week of January 7! (Ages 5- 17)

Musical in a Week! - “Giants in the Sky”

Apprentice Company Workshop Productions: “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” “The Girl Who Fell Through a Hole in her Sweater”

Gift certificates available!

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SoloQuest School

• Middle and high school WASC–accredited • Full- or part-time yearround enrollment • Tutoring in all subjects • ACT/SAT/GED test prep

131 College Prep Courses include: 17 AP Courses, 9 Honors, 58 online, 70 NCAA approved

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Contact us to find out if YOU would make a great foster parent.

(707) 565 - 4274 www.sonomafamilylife.com

w w w. S o n o m a F o s t e r C a r e . o r g January 2019

FOSTER

ADOPT

SONOMA COUNTY

New! Programming for Easter Week March 18 - 22

HOST

Magical Play!, Improv and Circus Theatre Let's Explore Shakespeare and Musical Theatre

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

H

appy New Year!

As we begin 2019, we take a moment to thank you, our readers, for your support. We can’t wait to keep Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor providing you with Sharon@family-life.us informative articles that make your job easier.

We start off this year with our Private School Guide (page 19). Are you looking for specialized education for your kids?

Instead of spending hours googling your options, check out our list, which has all the information you need to know about 27 local schools.

If you’ve been wondering if a Waldorf school might be good for your family but don’t know much about it, read “What’s Waldorf?” (page 10) for an introduction to its philosophy and practices.

a grade or high school. The first step to getting into top-notch institutions is nailing the SATs, something that college admissions consultant Greg Kaplan says your child can do with the right preparation. Read his “SAT Strategies” (page 14) to find out more.

No matter where you are in your kids’ educational journey, keeping your family physically robust is always a priority. Turn to “Happy, Healthy Techie” (page 12) for free apps that your children can use to take charge of their own wellness. And then check out “Tortilla Time” (page 32) to learn how to make some nourishing vegetarian enchiladas. If taking care of yourself seems like pie-in-the-sky, humorist L. J. Kunkel’s “Get-Real Resolutions” (page 34) might be just your speed.

We look forward to serving you in the year to come.

Perhaps, your thoughts are more focused on choosing a college than

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media

Their future begins with a great education.

Online Registration for One- & Two-Year Kindergarten for Santa Rosa City Schools begins on January 15, 2019 Albert F. Biella, Brook Hill, Luther Burbank, Hidden Valley, Helen Lehman, Abraham Lincoln, James Monroe, Proctor Terrace, Steele Lane, SR Charter School for the Arts, SR French-American Charter, Cesar Chavez Language Academy

Before- and after-school day care at selected sites.

Register early, classes fill quickly!

Office Manager

For information and a link to register: www.srcschools.org/kindergarten Need help? Contact your school

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Tanni Haas Malia Jacobson Greg Kaplan Christina Katz L. J. Kunkel Karen Nochimowski Dolores Smyth

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 586-9562

www.SRCSchools.org/kindergarten 6 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories Get weekly FREE e-mail updates for the best LOCAL family fun calendar visit

Sonoma Family Life.com

Bits & Pieces

Bodega Bay Chowder Day

Manhattan or New England?

I

John Hershey

f folks who live by the ocean know how to cook anything, it’s clam chowder. Get a chance to taste your neighbors’ best recipes—and vote on your favorites—at the Bodega Bay Chowder Day on January 26. Drive along scenic Highway 1 and hop out of your car at various (mostly) outdoor soup stops. Tastings start at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased via visitbodegabayca.com/chowder-day. ¶

Draw It Out

J

apanese comics, called manga, are all the rage among American kids. While children may love to read them, most have no idea how to create them. Art instructor Barbara Golden aims to teach them how. At her Cartoon Workshop for Kids, students ages 8–12 will learn how to draw their own manga, Pokemon, and Neopets characters. The free class will be held on January 11 at 4 p.m. at the Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library in Rohnert Park. Register at sonomacounty.libcal.com. ¶

Let It Snow

F

or kids who live in colder regions of the United States, numerous blizzards mean countless hours spent building snow caves and snow people. North Bay kids can have the same experience—no blizzards necessary—at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County’s Snow Days Family Fundraiser, January 19–21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Children can slide down a toboggan run, make snow angels, and otherwise have good wintery fun thanks to 50 tons of snow dumped in the Santa Rosa museum’s back parking lot. Besides the abundance of white stuff, the event will also feature indoor museum activities, including art projects, snow slime, and face painting.

Admission is $15 and may be purchased at cmosc.org/snow-days/. Indoor activities may require an additional fee. ¶

8 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Young Talent

M

ozart was 5 years old when he composed his first piece. And more than 250 years later, musicians of all stripes are still playing his music. Some of them are even kids, just as he once was. And you can listen to them play at the Orchestra Concerto Showcase, where members of the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra will be performing not only Mozart’s work, but also pieces by Mendelssohn, Weber, Vaughn Williams, and other masters. See the recitals on January 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts in Sebastopol. Tickets are $10–$15 and may be purchased at sebarts.org/sca-events. Proceeds benefit the Santa Rosa Symphony Institute of Music Education. ¶

Beethoven Meets Bass hat do you get when you combine hip-hop sensibilities with classical musical training? The fancy finger work and deep grooves of Black Violin. The duo, made up of viola player Wil B. and violinist Kev Marcus, will be performing their unique style of music on January 31 at 8 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $35–$45 and may be purchased at lutherburbankcenter.org/event/ black-violin. ¶

Colin Brennan

W

Black Violin

Get Crackin’

Boys and Girls Clubs Crab Feed

www.sonomafamilylife.com

E

very year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County (BGCCSC) serves more than 2,100 children with its after-school activities and sports and summer programming.

All that good work takes a bunch of cash to keep going—millions a year, according to the organization’s website. Want to help keep BGCSC’s coffers full? Attend its annual Crab Feed. Eat as much crab as you like, dance to a DJ’s beats, and bid on items at the live and silent auctions. This 21-and-over event happens on January 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lucchesi Park Clubhouse in Petaluma. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased via bgccsc.org/events/ petaluma_crab. ¶

January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 9

who authored Simplicity Parenting (Ballantine Books, 2010) and spent 20 years as a Waldorf educator. Waldorf schools are well-orchestrated hubs of carefully planned, developmentally appropriate learning. While Waldorf schools avoid the traditional textbooks

What’s Waldorf?

A Primer & Myth Buster

By Malia Jacobson

W

aldorf education has been called the “best-kept secret in American education.” It also may be the most misunderstood. Parents of Waldorf students know well the quizzical expressions and curious inquiries.

“Waldorf? Isn’t that the school without computers?” “Do kids just draw all day?” “Can your kids read yet?”

Waldorf began in 1919, after Rudolf Steiner created a school for the children of workers of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany. From these humble beginnings, Waldorf education grew. There are now more than 250 schools in North America and some 1,090 worldwide.

school”: available to all children, open to both boys and girls, and largely free of government or state interference. Today, however, many people misinterpret the word “free,” assuming that Waldorf education is extremely liberal and unstructured—as in no formal lessons, no grades, and teachers in flowing tie-dyed caftans.

Soulful Structure Based on Steiner’s guiding principles, Waldorf was created as a “free

In fact, Waldorf education is highly structured, says Kim John Payne, M.Ed., the educational consultant

10 SonomaFamilyLife

Waldorf-taught children are often reading voraciously in fourth or fifth grade, with better comprehension than traditionally taught students. and computers found in other classrooms, students are still assessed regularly with grades and tests.

One thing that stands out about Waldorf is its un-randomness, says Payne. “It’s predictable, which helps children feel secure. Each lesson is planned with exquisite attention to developmental appropriateness.

Steiner was one of the giants in developmental sensitivity.”

That developmental sensitivity is at the heart of another Waldorf mystery: Why do its bright, intelligent students read later than other children?

It’s true that academics are not emphasized in early years, but like everything else in Waldorf education, this is intentional, says Patrice Maynard, M.Ed., director of Publications and Development for the Research Institute for Waldorf Education, and the parent of three Waldorf graduates. The early school years are better spent mastering fundamental sensory skills that support reading, she says.

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

By intentionally avoiding memorization and reading drills in kindergarten, Waldorf focuses learning at the right time, says Maynard. “In preschool and kindergarten, children are learning sensory integration, eye-tracking skills, and trans-lateral coordination, which builds to a deep, rich comprehension of reading later on.” Waldorf-taught children are often reading voraciously in fourth or fifth grade, with better comprehension than traditionally taught students, she notes.

Rich Relationships Another misconception—that Waldorf teachers are less qualified to teach than traditional teachers—stems from the fact that Waldorf instructors often don’t possess traditional teaching degrees or certifications.

They do, however, spend years in school perfecting their art. Waldorf teachers earn a certificate in Waldorf Education, and many go on to

The rooms are filled with art, natural materials, and simple playthings. earn master’s and doctoral degrees.

“Teaching at a Waldorf school is incredibly rigorous,” says Payne.

In the Waldorf model, teachers remain with the same group of students from first grade through middle school, building a rich, one-on-one relationship with each student. The result: children who are comfortable interacting with adults and competent in the adult world.

Beyond Arts and Crafts Waldorf kindergartens are beautiful spaces: without a speck of plastic to be seen, the rooms are filled with art, natural materials, and simple playthings. “The whole entire school is imbued with art,” says Price. “We sing every day; we paint every day; we play flutes or recorders; we have movement classes.” But Waldorf’s focus on art extends beyond the physical arts to the art of living a purpose-filled life.

“It’s an education toward social artistry,” says Price. “We’re striving to help students discover their social work in the world when they finally grow up and graduate.” ¶ Malia Jacobson is a nationally published freelance writer and mom.

She blogs about health and parenting at maliajacobson.com/blog.

sonoma LOCAL

#1 local resource for for 25 years local families

magazine • web • email • events

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January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 11

Happy, Healthy Techie 7 Apps that Promote Kids’ Well-Being

By Tanni Haas

D

o you want fun and educational ways to teach your kids to stay healthy? Encourage them to download an app—or three. Here are seven of the very best apps available, and they’re all free.

DreamyKid (Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play; ages 9–18) Healthy living is about taking good care of the mind and the body. DreamyKid teaches kids how to relax their minds with guided meditations, visualizations, and affirmations through calming, positive messages. There are some issue-specific meditations that some kids might find particularly useful, including meditations aimed at building confidence and focusing on their schoolwork. The app itself is free but many of the meditations must be purchased ($3.99 each).

12 SonomaFamilyLife

Eat & Move-O-Matic (Available at: Apple App Store; ages 9–18) If you want your kids to understand the consequences of their food choices, Eat & Move-O-Matic is the right app for them. Created by the Learning Games Lab at New Mexico State University, the app teaches kids to be aware of what they eat or drink.

It lets them compare the calories in their food choices with the amount of time required engaging in physical activities—biking, running, or walking—to burn off those calories.

Monster Heart Medic (Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play; ages 9–12) Monster Heart Medic teaches kids about a topic few other apps cover, namely the cardiovascular system and how to stay heart-healthy.

Created by the University of California, Berkeley, the app features a friendly monster named Ragnar who suffers from cardiovascular problems and needs help. Kids run various diagnostic tests to figure out what’s causing Ragnar’s problems.

If you want your kids to learn to eat well, encourage them to download Space Chef.

Nature Melody (Available at: Apple App Store; ages 5–18) If there’s one thing kids need in order to lead healthy lives it’s a good night’s sleep, and the app Nature Melody can help them get it. It functions like an alarm clock and has more than 30 soothing, nature-inspired sounds to slowly and gently wake up your kids in the morning. The app can be used in the afternoon and evening, too, using the nap and sleep timer function.

NFL Play 60 (Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play; ages 5–18) If your kids love sports, especially football, but it’s hard to get them to do any actual exercise, NFL Play 60 is just the right app for them. Created by the NFL, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the app lets kids pretend that they’re professional

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

football players. The catch is that kids have to get off the couch and actually run, jump, catch, and turn to make their avatars move. Kids can even count the steps they’ve taken while playing the game.

IF YOU MEMORIZE THE ANSWERS, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE QUESTIONS CHANGE? Quest Forward Academy (formerly NGL Academy) is a new kind of high school, in the heart of Santa Rosa.

Discover a student-driven projectbased environment with small class sizes (12:1), innovative curriculum, personalized instruction, affordable tuition and scholarships. Quest Forward Academy helps students gain the mindset, habits, and skills necessary to forge a path toward a future they have yet to imagine.

Healthy living is about taking good care of the mind and the body.

Space Chef (Available at: Apple App Store; ages 5–12) If you want your kids to learn to eat well, encourage them to download Space Chef. Created by the University of California, Berkeley, maker of the Monster Heart Medic app, Space Chef teaches kids important facts about healthy foods.

And it goes one important step further: It has more than 60 easy-to-make and kid-friendly recipes that encourage healthy eating.

Super Stretch Yoga (Available at: Apple App Store; ages 9–18) Besides meditation, yoga is a great way for kids to relax their minds and bodies. Super Stretch Yoga, created by well-known yoga instructor Jessica Rosenberg, teaches kids yoga through video demonstrations by other kids, with a focus on breathing and movement. It’s narrated by a character named Super Stretch and features 12 different poses with different skill levels. Kids can use the built-in camera to take pictures of themselves doing the various poses. ¶ Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York–Brooklyn College.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Now accepting applications in all grades (9-12) at www.questforward.academy Application deadline for Priority Decision is January 21st.

Questions? 707-733-6452 or email media@questforward.academy www.questforward.org

Bennett Valley Union School District Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2019-20 School Year begins February 5 & 6

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2019-20 will be accepted

California Distinguished Schools

Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433

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Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • Excellent Teachers • Reduced Class Size (K–3) • Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten • Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30-1:25) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs YMCA provides on-site child care

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Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 1/15, 1/23, 2/12, 2/20, 3/5, 3/27, 4/17 Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433 Registration Packets available Jan. 7. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2019 to be eligible for kindergarten.

Two-year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2019.

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 13

program, I knew the answer for some math questions without even needing to read them. I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT I Math component. Find a program within your budget that gives your child that outcome and make sure she sticks with it.

Both college and the college application process are shockingly expensive. Personally, I found it a bitter pill to swallow paying for a

SAT Strategies Test Prep Programs Increase Scores

By Greg Kaplan

T

o be a competitive college applicant, your child must be at the top of the applicant pool with respect to the entrance exam scores. If your child is not initially scoring in the top 25 percent of the applicant pool for the colleges she is interested in, you must implement a test prep program to improve her scores.

There are a variety of test prep programs that can help your child improve her entrance exam scores.

Your child can use an independent study program, a group class, or a private tutor. Private tutors will be the most expensive. The more hands-on and individual attention your child receives, the more expensive the prep program will be.

You may ask, what is the right test prep program for my child? The 14 SonomaFamilyLife

answer is whatever program helps her score in the top 25 percent of the applicant pool for the college your child wants to attend. Only you and your child, together, can answer what prep program that is.

The SAT and ACT can be mastered.

Your student can learn techniques for specific types of questions that previously seemed impossible to answer. By the end of my SAT prep

Begin your search for an SAT prep program early. private SAT tutor, knowing that I would pay a fortune to attend college the following year. However, I knew that I did not have the SAT scores needed to get into college.

SAT tutoring was one of the best investments my family made in me to this day. I went from a 660 on the SAT I math component to an 800 and raised my other SAT I component and SAT II scores as well. Private tutoring paid off immensely in the form of acceptances I probably would not have otherwise received. Prioritize SAT prep above anything else.

When evaluating tutors or other test prep programs, ask to discuss their track records. Ask about their prior students’ starting scores—especially in the range your child is starting at—and how they scored after the prep program. My SAT tutor gladly shared her outcomes, good and bad, and warned me that she would fire me as a client if I did not keep up

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Registration for 2019-2020 Begins Now TK through 8th Grade

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with the assignments. I needed the discipline only a private tutor could provide.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 5, 9–10:30AM RSVP 433-2758 or carmen.callinan@sjshbg.org

Begin your search for an SAT prep program early. It may take longer than it should. It is sad, but from my own experience, do not expect friends to share with you their child’s coveted SAT tutor. After all,

Achieving Academic Excellence for Over Three Generations Challenging the Intellect, Nourishing the Spirit and Educating the Whole Child since 1950

www.sjshbg.org • 707-433-2758 • Historic Downtown Healdsburg

Private tutoring paid off immensely in the form of acceptances I probably would not have otherwise received. your child is competing with their child. Several of my classmates (including friends I grew up with and played on a traveling basketball team with) had used a particular SAT tutor. I heard secondhand how they had scored remarkably well on the SAT and asked them if they used an SAT tutor, but both they, and several other classmates who I had known for years, remained tightlipped. Eventually, a friend of mine who had aced the SAT, and felt more confident in her own admissions prospects, divulged the name of the tutor! ¶

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HOME OF

B Mî `ƒ

Reprinted with permission from Earning Admission: Real Strategies for Getting into Highly Selective Colleges (2016) by Greg Kaplan.

Greg Kaplan is a college application strategist and the founder of College Path, the first web app that provides affordable weekly college counseling. College Path is dedicated to helping students to earn admissions to their dream colleges. For more information, visit collegepathweekly.com or earningadmission.com.

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SonomaFamilyLife 15

whenever they fail or exert too much effort to learn a skill. As a result of this “fixed mindset,” these children view challenges and mistakes as potential sources of “looking dumb,” and lose confidence and motivation when the work stops being easy.

Progress Not Perfection 4 Tips for Raising a Motivated Learner

By Dolores Smyth

O

ne of the biggest frustrations parents often face is getting their kids motivated to learn. Our children’s reluctance is understandable. Learning new skills can be frustrating, and failure can be discouraging or, worse, embarrassing. Research has shown, however, that parents can help their children more readily embrace challenges and understand the value of persistence without relying on excessive external rewards.

Here are four strategies to help your children become motivated learners: 1. See learning as an opportunity. Over three decades of research has shown that there is a direct correlation between what children think of their abilities and their willingness to face challenges, 16 SonomaFamilyLife

according to Carol Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford University.

As Dweck’s extensive research with children has found, when children see their abilities as fixed and not subject to improvement, they worry that their intelligence will be questioned

However, children who believe that the harder they work at something, the better they’ll get at it see obstacles as opportunities to add to their skillset, not as potential blows to their self-confidence. Dweck refers to

Letting children fail teaches them resilience and how to take responsibility for the natural consequences of their actions. this mindset as the “growth mindset.”

Children with a growth mindset understand that effort is necessary to succeed.

So how can we teach our kids to have a growth mindset? Research shows that children at any level can be taught to adopt a growth mindset.

Specifically, parents should emphasize the effort and strategies their children use to achieve a desired outcome rather than focus on children’s intelligence or talent.

This emphasis on process gives children a sense of control, in that they see that good results often come from increased effort and not necessarily innate ability. This sense of control boosts children’s confidence to keep working at a problem.

While encouraging your children to value the process of learning

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

EXCLUSIVE

rather than just the outcome itself, Dweck cautions parents to use praise effectively. Parents should be mindful to use words that praise children’s efforts in accomplishing a desired

Children with a growth mindset understand that effort is necessary to succeed. result (“You studied hard and did great!”) versus words that praise children’s intelligence (“You got an ‘A’ because you’re so smart!”).

2. Make learning fun. To help foster motivated learning, parents can turn lessons into fun activities. Add excitement to your children’s learning experience by encouraging them to explore their interests. If your children are interested in music, sign them up to play musical instruments of their choosing or take them to children’s concerts, many of which are free at parks and community centers.

If your children are interested in history or dinosaurs, take them to a museum or head to your local library to peruse through books on the subject. For younger learners, use puzzles and board games to make mastering concepts connected to their interests colorful and fun.

To have fun with learning, use sparingly external rewards, such as stickers, candy, and money. The overuse of external rewards can undercut motivation over time by communicating to kids that they can choose to do the task only if they want the reward, not just for the inherent value in learning something new. www.sonomafamilylife.com

3. Respect frustrations and need for downtime. It’s unreasonable to expect children to be motivated all the time. When parents don’t acknowledge children’s frustration with learning a particular skill, children are more likely to disengage from the learning process.

But exploring your children’s hesitation to do a task can give them the reassurance they need to keep striving. If you aren’t making progress in talking to your children about their frustrations, seek out a teacher or coach who may have better success.

Likewise, be respectful of your children’s need for downtime. While parents want to give their children every opportunity to learn, this well-intentioned goal has to be balanced with the equally important goal of letting children enjoy being kids, notes child psychiatrist Alvin Rosenfeld, co-author of The Overscheduled Child (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2001).

4. Allow your children to fail.

Although it seems counterintuitive at first, part of helping children learn not to become discouraged is to let them fail. This teaches them resilience and how to take responsibility for the natural consequences of their actions.

In some children, the fear of failure can be especially daunting. Try lessening these children’s fears by explaining that innovators they may admire—from Thomas Edison to Walt Disney to J. K. Rowling— experienced numerous obstacles and failures before succeeding. ¶ Connect with Dolores Smyth @LolaWordSmyth.

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SonomaFamilyLife 17

Find Top-Notch Local Programs

college or trade school do you want your child to attend after he or she graduates?

School Search H

ow do you choose the right school for your child? It helps to break down the decision-making process into manageable tasks.

First, go on a fact-finding mission to discover what’s out there. Are you considering a private school? Start your search on the facing page with the 2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide. We surveyed staff and researched websites of 27 local private schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

While you are in research mode, don’t ignore your neighborhood public schools. Is there one that might be a great fit? You may be able to transfer. Ask the district office.

(Charter schools, even though they’re public, generally don’t require transfer approval.)

Figure out your priorities. What is your child interested in? What are your top expectations of a school? What

Next, decide on three to five schools for a “deep dive.” Write down questions to ask administrators before you schedule tours. Visit the schools’ websites and review upcoming deadlines. Talk to teachers and parents, especially parents whose children graduated from the schools you’re visiting. If possible, attend some school events to get a feel for the culture and community.

Apply to your dream school and back-up schools as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly.

Finding the right school can be a daunting experience. There are so many options in our area. The best school for your child is out there, just waiting for you to find it!

The Art of Academic Excellence Pre-K to Grade 8

Twin Hills Middle School 6-8

A safe, small country school with high academic and elective standards. Teachers focus on character development and lifelong learning habits.

We offer a challenging high school prep environment.

Come and see the difference a Catholic education at St. Rose can make • Academic excellence • Social and Emotional learning • Instruction in faith, character development & kindness • State-of-the-art technology • Campus beautifully restored after Tubbs Fire • Highly qualified and committed teachers, including specialists in Math & Science

Call 707 545-0379 to schedule a tour today.

18 SonomaFamilyLife

Electives: Culinary arts • Dance • Spanish • Music • Art • Photoshop • Video editing • Technology MATHEMATICS ENGLISH • SCIENCE CREATIVE ARTS ATHLETICS • HISTORY

Are you ready for a challenge?

707.823.7446 www.twinhillsusd.org

700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org

Charter Middle 6-8

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide SONOMA COUNTY Healdsburg Healdsburg School. $15,100.

Inspiring compassionate leaders through academic excellence.

Grades K–8. Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/ Max: 205/210. Extended care, lunch program. Financial aid available. 33 Healdsburg Ave. H, Healdsburg. 433-4847. thehealdsburgschool.org.

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy.

$12,834. Goal is to maximize every student’s potential, no matter the background. Learn.

Serve. Lead. Grades 9–12.

Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 150/190.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing. Casual dress code. 3200 Rio Lindo Ave., Healdsburg. 431-5100. riolindo.org.

Saint John the Baptist Catholic School. $7,100. Achieving Academic Excellence for over Three Generations. Grades TK–8.

Avg. class size: 23. Enrollment Current/Max: 210/250. Spanish, art, music, extended care.

Multi-child/family discount. 217 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 433-2758. sjshbg.org.

Petaluma Harvest Christian School. $6,500.

Distinctively classical education.

January 2019

Grades TK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/ Max: 150/250. Extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program.

Requires uniforms. 3700 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma.

763-2954. harvestpetaluma.org.

Saint Vincent de Paul Elementary.

Call for rates. Faith. Academics.

Service. Grades K–8. Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/ Max: 220/290. Extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program.

Requires uniforms. Open house: Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m.–noon.

Kindergarten Parent Tours: Jan. 17 & Feb. 5, 8:45–9:45 a.m. 100

SonomaFamilyLife 19

2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide Howard & Union St., Petaluma.

762-6426. svelem.org.

Saint Vincent de Paul High School.

$16,180. College prep. Developing spiritual, academic & social potential. Grades 9–12. Avg. class size: 18–20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 310/400. Multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 849 Keokuk St., Petaluma. 763-1032. svhs-pet.org.

Spring Hill Montessori & Academy.

$7,550–$14,775. Montessori, bilingual, science-focused, creativity. Toddler–grade 8. Avg. class size: 8–20. Enrollment Current/Max: 120/150. Bilingual programs, project-based

Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 795-7863. crossandcrownschoolrp.org.

curriculum, STEAM focus, makers & art, public speaking, global & community outreach, extended care & summer programs. 825 Middlefield Dr., Petaluma. 763-9222. springhillmontessori.org.

Santa Rosa Bridge Haven School. Call

Rohnert Park Cross & Crown Lutheran Church & School. Call for rates.

Christian-based, Spanish, art, music enrichment. New private School Satellite Program for homeschoolers. Grades PK–6.

Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/Max: 75/200. Extended care, multi-child/family discount, summer programs. Requires uniforms for elementary only. 5475

for rates. Day school, homeschool classes available. Strong creative arts program. Grades PK–8. Avg. class size: 8. Enrollment Current/ Max: 24/25. Multi-child/family discount, summer programs.

Requires uniforms. Santa Rosa.

241-6942. bridgehavenschool.com.

Brush Creek Montessori. Call

for rates. Montessori, AMS-affiliated.

Grades PK–6. Avg. class size: 15.

Enrollment Current/Max: 70/100.

Extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1569

SAFE SWIMMERS START HERE HELPING YOUR KIDS SUCCEED IN SCHOOL! We can help with specialized projects.

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Private Tutoring (by certified teachers) After-School Homework Help 1–6pm on School Days Special Appointments Available

First Session FREE Come In Check Us Out!

5213 El Mercado Pkwy., Suite D, Santa Rosa 707-522-2289 summiteducationcenter@hotmail.com www.summiteducationcenter.net

20 SonomaFamilyLife

REGISTER NOW FOR SWIM LESSONS

SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA 707-545-9622 x 3138 www.scfymca.org

Sonoma County Family YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 • 707-545-9622 • F 707-544-7805 The Y is a non-profit Community Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide Brush Creek Rd., Santa Rosa.

539-7980. bcmontessori.org.

Cardinal Newman High School.

$14,865. Co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school. Educating mind, body & spirit. Grades 9–12.

Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/Max: 600/NA. Cafeteria/ lunch program, transportation/ busing, summer programs. 50 Ursuline Rd., Santa Rosa. 546-6470. cardinalnewman.org.

Quest Forward Academy. (formerly

NGL Academy). $14,950. A college-prep high school that is flexible, personal & engaging.

Grades 9–12. Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Max: 200.

Extended care, cafeteria/lunch

program, summer programs.

Full scholarships & financial aid available. 1500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 733-6452. ngl.academy/ santa-rosa.

Redwood Adventist Academy.

$5,465–$6,886. Academic, physical, social & spiritual growth focus. Grades K–8.

Avg. class size: 16. Enrollment Current/Max: 58/85. Extended care, multi-child/family discount. 385 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 545-1697. weloveredwood.com.

Rincon Valley Christian School.

$8,335–$12,665. “Christ, Community, Commitment.”

Grades PK–12. Avg. class size:

15. Enrollment Current/Max: 246/500. Extended care, financial assistance, multi-child discounts, athletics, performing arts. 4585 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-1486. rvchristian.org.

Saint Eugene’s Cathedral School.

$6,280. Catholic philosophy.

Foreign languages. Grades PK–8.

Avg. class size: 30. Enrollment Current/Max: 250/300. Extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms.

300 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa.

545-7252. steugenesch.org.

Saint Rose Catholic School. $6,500.

Nurturing environment with high academic standards, committed

Come Discover HARVEST

Join Our Community Apple Blossom Elementary School

harvestpetaluma.org

Our mission is to nurture our students’ creative and critical thinking, academic proficiency, global awareness, appreciation for diversity and respect for themselves and others in a continually changing technological world.

Now Accepting Applications

Grade levels: K-5 • Small class sizes: K-3 (18-20), 4-6 (24-26) Interactive, project-based learning • On-site pre-school Before and after-school care ART, MUSIC, GARDENING, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Call (707)763-2954 TK - 8th Grade

The Art of Academic Excellence 707.823.1041 www.twinhillsusd.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

H ARVEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org

January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 21

2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide to developing the whole person.

Grades PK–8. Avg. class size: 32. Enrollment Current/Max: 270/320. Extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 4300 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa.

545-0379. strosecatholicschool.org.

Sonoma Academy. $44,350.

Independent college-preparatory high school. Grades 9–12. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 326/326. Daily lunch service, shuttle to Santa Rosa SMART Train depot, school bus, international travel trip, athletic teams, Speech & Debate, Robotics team, summer programs. 2500

Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 545-1770. sonomaacademy.org.

655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa.

575-7194. summerfieldwaldorf.org.

Sonoma Country Day School.

Sebastopol

$24,100–$26,990. Bringing learning to life. Grades TK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 280/300. Extended care, cafeteria/ lunch program, summer programs.

Requires uniforms. 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa. 284-3200. scds.org.

Pleasant Hill Christian School. $5,632.

Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. $5,300–$20,000. Waldorf,

college-prep, arts & academics.

Grades PK–12. Avg. class size: 12–28. Enrollment Current/Max: 351/400. Extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs.

We Grow Them★

REDWOOD STRONG! Classes for all ages Birthday Parties!

Academic excellence & character development within a supportive community. Grades TK–6.

Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Current/Max: 40/60. Music, art, Spanish, Spark PE, extended care, multi-child discount, lunch program. 1782 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. 823-5868. phcs.org.

Sonoma Presentation School. $12,950.

Founded in the Catholic tradition, embracing all faiths. Grades K–8.

Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 196/200. Extended

The

The EACH Schoo

EACH

Charter School

Charter School

Serving Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade

• Project Based Academic Program • Social Emotional Learning Focus • Small Class Sizes • Expressive Arts Integration

CHECK OUT OUR NEW CLASSES FOR 2019

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• Focus on collaborative and activity driven learning For more information, please attend one of our Parent Information Events at 487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472.

A schedule of our events is on our website:

www.reach-program.com

since 1979

Redwood Empire Gymnastics www.regymnastics.com 707.763.5010

22 SonomaFamilyLife

707-823-8618

487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, 95472 January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2019 Sonoma County Private School Guide care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms.

20872 Broadway, Sonoma. 935-0122. presentationschool.com.

Enrollment Current/Max: 13/25.

Summer programs. 414 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 939-1133. soloquest.com.

Saint Francis Solano Catholic School.

$2,300–$7,540. Christ-centered education. Grades PK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 276/388. Extended care, multi-child/family discount.

Requires uniforms. 10285 Starr Rd., Windsor. 838-3757. windsorchristianacademy.org.

$8,050–$8,550. Faith, excellence, innovation & service. Grades K–8.

Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 200/300. Extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 342 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 996-4994. saintfrancissolano.org.

Soloquest School & Learning Center.

Call for rates. Serving the needs of students through 1:1 instruction.

Grades 6–12. Avg. class size: 1:1.

Windsor Windsor Christian Academy.

MARIN COUNTY San Dominico School. $44,975.

Exceptional education & a sense of purpose. Independent.

Grades K–12. Avg. class size:

15. Enrollment Current/Max: 680/680. Day & boarding programs, JV & varsity athletic teams, filmmaking, dance, music, private buses, summer academic programs. Dress code. 1500 Butterfield Rd., San Anselmo.

415-258-1905. sandomenico.org.

NAPA COUNTY Justin-Siena High School. $19,950.

A Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition. Grades 9–12.

Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/Max: 560/560. Cafeteria/ lunch program, transportation/ busing, summer programs.

Requires uniforms. 4026 Maher St., Napa. 255-0950. justin-siena.org.

Educating the Whole Child

PARK SIDE (K-4) Rigorous Academics Social Skills and Collaboration Global Stewardship

BROOK HAVEN (5-8)

Academic Excellence Art, Engineering, Wood Working, Makerspace Music and more!

Comprehensive Athletics Program

CASTLE programs (K-8) Convenient Safe Nurturing

TAKE A TOUR OR ENROLL NOW! sebastopolschools.org (707) 829-4570 www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 23

Help Sensitive Kids Thrive

The TemperamentSavvy Parent

By Christina Katz

T

hese days my teenage daughter cheerfully refers to herself as an ambivert, meaning a person who possesses the qualities of both an introvert and extrovert. But this was not always the case. When she was an infant and a toddler, my daughter was highly sensitive and shied away from strangers, did not embrace new situations, and had trouble making transitions. She showed all of the signs of not only being introverted, but also of being a highly sensitive person (HSP). HSPs tend to deeply process emotions and their physical environment, and as they grow, tend toward philosophical and spiritual thinking.

An Extroverted World According to Susan Cain, author of the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (Broadway Books, 2013), we live in an extroverted world, 24 SonomaFamilyLife

meaning extroverts’ qualities tend to be embraced and praised more than introverts’ qualities. Here are some tips for helping introverted and/or highly sensitive children to adapt:

Babies need what they need.

If you have a fussy, sensitive baby, try to give her what she needs without expecting her to be a babbling, jovial baby. Pay close attention to your baby’s signals and learn how to respond by trusting your own instincts. And don’t be surprised when your baby becomes bouncier and bubblier once you start paying closer attention to what she needs.

Toddlers are born to stretch and explore. Your introverted and highly sensitive toddler may not be as adventurous as others, but don’t

Encourage your child to progress socially at her own pace, regardless of how other children are behaving. let this disappoint you. Be loving and encouraging, and celebrate even the smallest of milestones with glee. Sensitives often may act with hesitation in the company of strangers, but behave like any other toddler when loved ones surround them.

Preschoolers participate in structured activities. If getting your introverted and sensitive child through the door of the school is a challenge, try scaffolding the transition. In her podcast for parents and educators, Cain suggests taking baby steps. First walk your child all the way into the classroom. The next day, stop at the door. The next day, stop down the hall a bit. You get the picture. If this strategy isn’t working, enlist the help of a welcoming, familiar presence to ease the way. I know my daughter always managed transitions

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

best with a quick forecast of what was about to happen.

Elementary-aged children are finding friends and co-creating together. Recess might be torture for your little introvert or HSP, unless he can connect with some children in his class who share his temperament. Consult with the teacher or playground monitor to enlist assistance and brainstorm ideas. Many children at this age play group imagination games rather than sports and other more physical games.

Some kids may switch back and forth between groups depending on how they feel. Encourage your child to find the friends who are doing activities he enjoys.

Middle schoolers are becoming aware of who they are in the social hierarchy.

Bully-proofing your introverted and highly sensitive child is important, so don’t hesitate to discuss and even role-play how to handle socially aggressive situations. Bullying

Your introverted and highly sensitive toddler may not be as adventurous as others, but don’t let this disappoint you. happens, and though it’s unclear whether introverts and highly sensitive children are bullied more, they certainly may take negative treatment more to heart. Above all, encourage your child to progress socially at her own pace, regardless of how other children are behaving. www.sonomafamilylife.com

High schoolers need to use their aptitudes and skills. By the time your introvert or HSP gets to high school, she will definitely want to find her tribes. Luckily many introverted options are usually available at the high-school level.

Consider activities such as fine arts, creative writing, martial arts, and robotics. Some introverts may even

Bully-proofing your introverted and highly sensitive child is important. enjoy choir, band, and theater. As for sports, your sensitive child may prefer activities with less physical contact such as swimming, softball, baseball, track, tennis, or dance.

College-aged kids are practicing becoming adults.

Your college-aged sensitive needs balance. He may embrace the usual college social situations such as class rites of passage, fraternity rush, and themed dances, but find he needs more down time between social events than his extroverted peers.

Your student would likely prefer one roommate to three, a large library with designated quiet rooms and lots of nooks and crannies for hiding away, and scholarly programs that honor the way he learns best. ¶ Christina Katz is an introvert who was often confused with an extrovert when she was growing because of her strong verbal skills. She hopes to help parents understand that not all introverts are shy, and not all extroverts are highly verbal, and yet all people crave acceptance and appreciation the way they are.

January 2019

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SonomaFamilyLife 25

January Calendar of Events Dorn to Sing

B

ay Area musician Maya Dorn’s mission is to empower and uplift people.

To this end, she is bringing her Make a Circle event to the Windsor Library’s youngest patrons (ages 0–5). At this free class, which will be held at the Windsor Library in Windsor on January 17 at 10:15 a.m., Dorn will sing originals as well as lead the audience in childhood favorites. Kids will experiment with percussive instruments and work off energy waving scarves and playing games with a parachute. For more information, see sonomacounty.libcal.com/event/4768363. ¶

Friday 4 Gem Faire. Fine jewelry, gems,

crystals, minerals, gold, silver & more. $7 weekend pass. Parking: $9. Jan. 4: noon–6 p.m. Jan. 5: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Jan. 6: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. gemfaire.com.

Saturday 5

Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

FREE KidsWorks at Friedman’s.

Have a blast exploring the Museum-on-the-Go’s interactive displays. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.–noon.

Friedman’s Home Improvement Center. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Giant canopy next to garden center. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Whirling Waters Vortex. Be prepared

FREE 13th Annual Bucket

to get wet. Weather permitting. $9–$12. Under 12 mos.: free. Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays (except Jan. 19). 10 a.m. Children’s Museum of

Brigade. Fire Department Blood

AMAZING THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE...

Toddler–8th Grade

• Bilingual Programs • Project-Based Curriculum • STEAM Focus • Makers & Art • Public Speaking Petaluma • springhillmontessori.org admissions@springhillmontessori.org • 707.763.9222

26 SonomaFamilyLife

Maya Dorn

Drive Challenge. Bring photo ID to donate. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. 5200 Country Club Dr., Rohnert Park. rohnertparkchamber.org.

Pudding Creek Express. Travel

along the Pudding Creek Estuary to Glen Blair Junction on this scenic 7-mile round-trip. $10–$25. Dogs: $10.

Saturdays & Sundays (plus Jan. 21). 11 a.m. Some days also at 1 or 1:30 p.m.

Thru Feb. 24. Fort Bragg Depot. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-6371. skunktrain.com.

Snoopy’s Skate Party. Live DJ,

games, prizes, on-ice lounge & food.

Ages 12–15. $10. 7:30 p.m. Snoopy’s

Home Ice. 1667 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-7147. snoopyshomeice.com.

Sunday 6 Wildcat Adventures. Featuring 5 live

wild cats. $5–$10. 3 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Seating is limited; reserve tickets in advance.

874-3176.

Monday 7 Museum Mondays. Stories,

arts & craft activities & movement games. For children ages 1–5 & their caregivers. New theme weekly.

Admission before 11 a.m.: $5 per child & up to 2 adults per child.

After 11 a.m., regular admission applies. Mondays. 10 a.m.–noon.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Wednesday 9 FREE Youth Chess Club. All levels

of learners are welcome. Chess sets provided. Ages 7–17 only. 3:30–5 p.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. 537-0162. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Thursday 10 FREE University of Notre Dame Glee Club. Performance hosted

by Sonoma Academy. 6:30–8 p.m.

Sonoma Academy. 2500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. RSVP via facebook.com/ events/296512830996233.

Friday 11 Los Lobos. Grammy-nominated rock

band returns to the Raven. Reserved seating: $55–$99. Jan. 11 & 12. 7:45 p.m. Raven Performing Arts Theater.

115 North St., Healdsburg. 433-6335. raventheater.org.

FREE Cartoon Workshop for Kids.

Kids learn to draw their own manga, Pokemon & Neopets characters. 4 p.m.

Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library.

6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park.

Register at sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4765808.

Barn parking lot at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. billanddavehikes.com.

Second Saturday Cartoonist.

Sebastopol Masons Crab Feed.

$25–$50 adults. Kids under 6: free.

Two sittings: 5:30 & 7 p.m. Masonic Lodge. 373 N. Main St., Sebastopol. sebastopol.org/events.

Hillary Rose Miller, local artist creates fan art & portraits. She has sold her We Stand Taller Together print for fire relief & has raised more than $40,000 so far. $5–$12.

1 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Happy Birthday Jack. A Fireside Chat with Doug McConnell celebrating Jack London’s Birthday. $10. 11 a.m.–noon. Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. jacklondonpark.com.

FREE Magician Mike’s Winter

$45. 5–10 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Services. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. facebook.com/ events/2070897249597107.

Magic Show. All ages welcome. 11

a.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Other libraries will host this event in Jan. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Peace Officers’ Association Sports Federation Crab Feed.

FREE Toddler Time. Songs, rhymes,

finger plays & simple stories for toddlers. 10:15–10:45 a.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Other libraries will host this event in Jan. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Saturday 12 Disney’s Frozen Sing-Along. Watch

the classic film & sing along to the songs. Costumes encouraged. $15–$20. Jan. 12: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Jan. 13: 2 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse.

52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 523-4185.

6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Bill & Dave Sugarloaf Hike. Hike consists of 2 3-mile loops from the parking lot, a total of 6 miles.

Break for lunch. Rain or shine.

Parking: $8–$10. Meet at White

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 27

Sunday 13 Exploring Colgan Creek. A 3-mile

informative walk along the Laguna de Santa Rosa with Laguna Foundation naturalists & ecologists. Rain or shine. $10. Suitable for ages 12 & up accompanied by an adult. 9 a.m.–12:30

p.m. Laguna Environmental Center. 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration required. lagunafoundation.org.

welcome. Event: free. Parking: $7.

8:30–10 a.m. Tolay Lake Regional Park. 5869 Cannon Ln., Petaluma. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Family Farm Chores. Help feed goats, chickens & Pete, the mini-horse.

Collect eggs, clean pens & participate in caring for farm animals. All ages

Coastal Crabbing. This introductory

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Hundreds of local owned businesses to serve you every day.

GOLOCAL.coop/businesses and Pocket Guide

clinic will include information on the different types of crabs found along our coast, crabbing basics & time to go crabbing. No need for a fishing license on this public pier. Fishing equipment is included. $15 & registration is required. Noon–2:30 p.m. Spud Point Marina. 1818 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. 539-2865. parks.sonomacounty. ca.gov/Play/Calendar.

FREE Music Man Sing-Along.

Family-friendly screening of the classic 1962 film. The River Town Voices will help the audience warm up before the movie. 4–6 p.m. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. petalumamuseum.com.

Monday 14 School Garden Network’s Pop Up & Fundraiser. Live music with DGINN, beer, wine, a smoothie bike & silent auction. $15–$20. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Lagunitas Petaluma Tap Room.

1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. eventbrite.com.

Wednesday 16 The Trivia Factory. Family-friendly

night of trivia for prizes. Wednesdays.

7 p.m. Round Table Pizza. 227 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 773-3330. visitpetaluma.com.

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

28 SonomaFamilyLife

Special

Cut & Color $75 Special for 1st time clients.

Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week

Thursday 17 FREE Make a Circle. Singer Maya

Dorn will perform originals & lead audience in childhood favorites. Ages 0–5. 10:15 a.m. Windsor Library.

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor.

838-1020. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

FREE Zumba for Kids. Ages 5 & up.

4–5 p.m. Windsor Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. 838-1020. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra. Solo recitals on flute, violin, bassoon, oboe, trumpet & piano. A benefit for the Santa Rosa Symphony’s Institute for Music Education. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m.

Sebastopol Center for the Arts. 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. sebarts.org/ sca-events.

Saturday 19 Snow Days. 50 tons of fresh snow for

children to explore. Features toboggan hill & special toddler zone. $10–$15.

Under 12 mos.: free. Jan. 19–21: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 564-4069. cmosc.org.

FREE Family Yoga. Kids ages 3–6

& their caregivers. Grandparents & siblings also welcome. 10 a.m.

Sebastopol Regional Library.

7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4863806.

FREE Family Movie Night. Every

third Friday. 4–5:45 p.m. Santa Rosa Central Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Ages 0–5. Explore books, songs, rhymes & play in Spanish./ Para edades 0-5. Libros, canciones, rimas y actividades en espanol. 10:15–11 a.m. Healdsburg Regional Library.

139 Piper St., Healdsburg. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Family Hikes. Learn about our local

plants & animals on an easy 1-mile walk. Event: free. Parking: $7. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Spring Lake Regional Park.

393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-2865. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Campfire at the Barracks. Short talk,

campfire songs & marshmallow roast.

All ages welcome. Steady rain cancels.

5:15–6:30 p.m. Sonoma State Historic Park. 363 3rd St. W., Sonoma. parks. ca.gov.

Petaluma’s 7-11 Lion’s Club Crab Feed. Family-friendly. $50. 5–9 p.m.

Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall.

1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com.

FLY TS

Kids swim, play games & sleep over. Breakfast served. Grades 1–6. $25–$40. Jan. 18: 7 p.m.–Jan 19: 9 a.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 545-9622, ext. 3320. scfymca.org.

Youth Overnight at the Y.

Cuentos familiares en español.

©P N

Friday 18

FREE Spanish Family Storytime/

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Nonstop flights to: - Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) - Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) - Denver (DEN) - San Francisco (SFO) - Minneapolis (MSP) - Las Vegas (LAS)

Offering connections to anywhere

www.flySTS.com

LOVE TO DANCE? CALL TO COME IN FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CLASS (707) 542-1367

Sunday 20 Crab & Cremant Aboard the Skunk Train. Featuring crab chowder & wine.

Grape juice for ages under 21. Gluten& dairy-free food. $56–$66. Under 2: $10. Jan. 20 & 27. 11:15 a.m. Fort Bragg Depot. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg.

964-6371. skunktrain.com.

Monday 21 FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Help clean up park.

Part of a nationwide effort. Tools & refreshments provided. Rain or shine. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. 1671 Hendley St., of Service.

January 2019

Classes for children starting at 4 years, taught by Fidelma Keenan certified Irish dance instructor in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and now Healdsburg Santa Rosa • 542-1367 Keenan5678@att.net www.keenanirishdanceschool.com

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Santa Rosa. Sign up online: srcity. volunteerhub.com.

Sensory Friendly Night. Exclusive

to families of children with special needs. Music turned off & distractions dialed down. $16 per child (chaperone or parent is included). 5–8 p.m. Rebounderz. 555 Rohnert Park Expy., Rohnert Park.

416-4445. rebounderz.com.

Tuesday 22 Waldorf at Weill. An

annual event celebrating musical performances by students of 8 North Bay Waldorf schools. Parking: $5. 6:30 p.m.

Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Thursday 24 Bone Hill: The Concert. American

roots music. $25–$55. 7:30 p.m.

Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Friday 25 FREE Maker Studio: Light Up Origami. Learn

Play with Paper

T

he ancient Japanese art of origami turns paper into three-dimensional objects.

Affix a bulb to one of these creations, and add yet another dimension—light. Such are the kinds of illuminated figures kids in grades 4–7 will assemble at the Maker Studio: Light Up Origami, which will teach the basics of origami construction and electrical circuits. The free class will be held at local libraries this and next month: January 25, 4 p.m., Northwest Library, Santa Rosa; January 30, 6 p.m., Rohnert Park– Cotati Library, Rohnert Park; February 7, 4 p.m., Rincon Valley Library, Santa Rosa; February 8, 4 p.m., Windsor Library, Windsor. Register at sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4798680. ¶

30 SonomaFamilyLife

the basics of origami construction & electrical circuits. Grades 4–7. 4 p.m.

Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Ctr., Santa Rosa. This event held at other local libraries in Jan. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches & times.

Saturday 26 Rejoice! A Night of Jewish Song.

Rooted in Middle Eastern, Hasidic, Israeli & other musical traditions, Nava Tehila performs celebratory & meditative musical prayers. $15–$25.

8 p.m. Preceded by a community reception at 7 p.m. Glaser Center (at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Rosa). 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. shalomevents.ticketleap.com/rejoice.

Call to sign up or register online: 546-2265, sonomacounty.libcal.com.

LumaCon. Comic convention for youth. Meet well-known artists, illustrators & writers of comic books & graphic novels. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lucchesi Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lumacon.net.

2019 Crab Feed. Benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County. Individual tickets: $75.

Unlimited-beer-&-wine bracelets: $20. 5:30–10 p.m. Lucchesi Clubhouse. 203 Maria Dr., Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com/event/ boys-girls-club-2019-crab-feed.

Dunham School PTO Crab Feed.

Crab, silent & live auctions. $55.

Cocktails: 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Hermann Sons Hall. 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. 795-5050. dunhamsd.org/parentsclub/crabfeed.

The Bowl 2019. Benefit for Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Paella & tapas

by Backyard & wine & sangria by Thumbprint. Live entertainment. $45–$50. 4–9 p.m. Sebastopol Center for the Arts. 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. sebarts.org.

Bodega Bay Area Annual Chowder Day. Sample chowder at numerous Bodega Bay area restaurants. Vote for the best. This is a driving event. $12. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Two tastings: 10 a.m. & noon. bodegabaychowder2019. brownpapertickets.com.

FREE Hip Hop Dance Class.

Coppola Crab Fest Fundraiser.

Ages 8–12. Space is limited to 15 participants. 2–3 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Ctr., Santa Rosa.

Benefits Camp Fire Relief Fund.

6–10 p.m. Francis Ford Coppola Winery. 300 Via Archimedes,

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Geyserville. francisfordcoppola winery.com.

Sunday 27 Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery. Santa Rosa Symphony Family Concert Series. $12–$18. 3 p.m. (2 p.m. instrument petting zoo). Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 546-8742. srsymphony.org.

Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series.

Peter Gors from the original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

A mix of travel tales, video clips & friendly exotic animals, which will be introduced to the audience. $16–$21. Lap passes for ages 2 & under (available only on day of show): $5. 3 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 546-3600. lutherburbankcenter.org.

SIGN UP TODAY FOR

n u FBlast!

Weekend

Find out what’s happening this weekend.

SonomaFamilyLife.com

Tuesday 29 FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon.

Exclusive to families of children ages 0–12 with special needs.

Hands-on exhibits, art studio. Safe, accessible environment. Noon–5 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Thursday 31 Black Violin. Viola

player Wil B. & violinist Kev Marcus combine classical training with hip-hop sensibilities. $35–$45. 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa.

546-3600. lutherburbankcenter.org.

HEY MOM, GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

• What do you want to see more or less of?

• Know a teacher, coach, or special person that makes local family life better?

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

• Want to write stories, recipes, or blog for Family Life?

e-mail melissa@family-life.us www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Cooking with Kids

Tortilla Time Spice Up Your Dinner with Chiles & Salsa

By Momma Chef

W

hen my friend called to ask if I would like to try a delicious recipe that would be perfect for Momma Chef’s website, I most definitely said yes! Especially since this friend, Jordan, is an amazing cook. I knew this would be a recipe I wanted to get online ASAP. When I asked him if he had taken any photos, he explained that he wasn’t able to get any since his wife and daughters finished the entire dish.

Within one week of getting this recipe, I had tried it, fed it to my family, and put it on my website.

This is a vegetarian version, but you can add ½ cup shredded chicken or ground beef to the black-bean mixture. ¶ Find the recipes of Karen Nochimowski, aka Momma Chef, on mommachef.com. Each of her recipes contains six ingredients or fewer and takes under six minutes to prepare. Momma Chef’s latest endeavor is the creation of a soup kitchen. See mommachef.com/soup-kitchen.

32 SonomaFamilyLife

Oh-So Simple and Delicious Vegetarian Enchiladas Ingredients • 15-oz. can of black beans, drained • 4-oz. can of chopped chiles, drained • ½ packet of taco seasoning • ½ jar salsa • 6 medium tortillas • ¾ cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese

Instructions 1. In a small pan over low heat, warm black beans, chiles, and taco seasoning together for 3 minutes.

2. While mixture is warming, take 1 /3 cup salsa and spread on bottom of 8” x 8” or 10” x 12” Pyrex pan.

3. Spoon black-bean mixture onto tortillas, then fold and place tortillas (seam-side down or on their sides) in pan.

Tips

4. Repeat for the remainder of tortillas.

1. For a nice presentation, sprinkle with some chopped herbs right before serving.

5. Spoon another 1/3 cup of salsa on top of rolled tortillas, and then put a layer of cheese on top.

2. Serve with sour cream and extra salsa.

6. Broil for 5–7 minutes (keep an eye on them).

Serves: 6

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

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The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

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child’s future!

The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

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Are You Ready for a Musical Adventure?

Learn to play piano in a small group

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Piano Classes 4 You (707) 397-5291 pianoclasses4you.com

MONTHLY FIX-IT CLINIC For low-income residents of Rohnert Park & Cotati

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Preschool • Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6 years

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The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment.

Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners.

Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified.

M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

SonomaFamilyLife 33

Humor Break

Get-Real Resolutions A New Year a Mom Can Live With

By L. J. Kunkel “New Year, New You!” I see this everywhere, and I can’t help but roll my eyes a little. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for motivation and self-improvement. Kudos to those pursuing new awesomeness this year!

But I’m a mother of three youngsters. At this point in my life I’m just trying to keep my head above water and not go completely crazy. Considering 92 percent of resolutions fail, I’m keeping it real this year with more modest goals.

1. Get up earlier. Start the day with an hour of yoga. (Fast forward to alarm buzzing at ungodly hour…)

Nope, nope, nope. Sleep wins.

But maybe let’s try ten minutes earlier— just enough time to consume my coffee so I don’t bite everyone’s head off the moment I hear them bounding down the stairs.

2. Prep ahead. That means kids’ backpacks and lunches pre-packed, clothes laid out the night before, a to-do list for the next day, structured daily schedule for the little ones, and dinners planned out for the week.

Bahaha! Just kidding. The only thing I’ll be prepping is my solid expectation for morning madness.

34 SonomaFamilyLife

3. Eat healthier. I’d really like to get more superfoods into my diet.

Bring on the kale, broccoli, avocado, magic spices, those chia things that get stuck in your teeth and—wait— chocolate is a superfood, right? Good.

Let’s go with that one.

4. Work out more. By “more” I mean putting the chocolate in the basement so I have to take the stairs to get to it.

Okay, I really should take this one seriously. Considering the many proven benefits of exercise, it could really change my life for the better. But hey, baby steps, right?

5. Actually fold and put away the laundry. I should at least do one basketful before the next mountain of mess. Eh, who am I kidding? Let’s just accept the laundry as the perpetual pile of doom it is.

6. Stop apologizing all the time. Why am I always apologizing?

WHY?! It’s usually not even remotely my fault. Sorry my house is so messy.

Sorry I’m not more organized. Sorry I spent five extra minutes hiding in the bathroom after my shower. Sorry my kid is crying in the middle of the store.

Sorry I didn’t make your favorite meal tonight. Sorry we can’t invite your

entire freaking class to your birthday party. Sorry you got sick because you keep putting things in your mouth even though you know that’s how germs get in.

Enough of that! We really need to come up with a replacement phrase for this. How about, “Well, that’s life. Deal with it.”

7. Stop doing everything for everybody. I really gotta stop doing for them what they can do for themselves.

First grader: You are fully capable of putting away all the toys and art and junk in your room and finding something non-destructive to do when you’re bored. Toddler: You can pull down your own pants to go potty. (I know you can since you seem to have no problem doing it when you want to run around naked.) Baby: Well, your job is to drool and poop. You’re pretty much the boss right now. Enjoy it while you can.

Lofty goals, I know. Time to tackle ’em! ¶ Originally published on parent.com.

L. J. Kunkel is a fitness trainer who spends most of her time chasing 3 boys and 20 mini dinosaurs (er, chickens).

See more from her at fitmixmom.com.

January 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Gravenstein Union School District

n wi Ne -20!

19 20

ENRICH!

An innovative and inclusive program for all at Gravenstein Elementary School

Energetic & Compassionate Teachers!

Beautiful, rural school setting!

Rigorous academic expectations for all.

Engaging enrichment classes.

Age-appropriate exposure to technology.

Social-Emotional Learning curriculum.

Affordable before/after school care.

New this year...ALL TK-5 students participate in enrichment classes!

Enrichment classes may include: Art, Music, Spanish, PE and Athletics, Dance, Drama, Poetry, and HandsOn Science.

Contact Principal Keri Pugno for more info or to book a tour: (707) 823-5361 kpugno@grav.k12.ca.us

January 12 from10:00-11:00 AM Gravenstein Elementary School: 3840 Twig Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Paperwork available at www.grav.k12.ca.us or in the school office

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