sonoma
FREE!
January 2020
Private Schools Our local guide
Bye Bad Habits 12 strategies
Money Apps For kids
Get Fit 3 smart steps
FREE
KiDS EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT
EXPO
SATURDAY JANUARY 18
11 A.M.–3 P.M. • SANTA ROSA PLAZA MALL, CENTER COURT
THE ONLY EDUCATION FAIR IN THE NORTH BAY! Learn about top private & charter elementary schools & after-school activities. Meet representatives, admission directors & enrichment teachers! To learn more call 707-205-1539.
January 2020
Every Issue 6
Dear Reader
7
Cooking with Kids Kale Power
8
18
Bits and Pieces Symphonic Theater Sing Hallelujah! Be a Superhero Free Education Expo
Features
Erudite Canines Trash to Treasure
10 A Good Education How to pick the best school for your child.
12 Sonoma County Private School Guide
Telling Tales
24 Calendar of Events Year of the Rat
34 Humor Break What Happened to Cute?
Details on local institutions.
18 Ace the Admissions Process Techniques for helping kids succeed.
20 Save, Invest, Spend Apps that teach little ones about money.
22 3 Steps to Getting Fit Meet your fitness goals.
24 Break Bad Habits Release the grip of unwanted behaviors.
8 4 SonomaFamilyLife
7 January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
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CELEBRATE
THE NEW YEAR with Mountain Mike’s
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!
LARGE PARTY ROOMS BASEBALL TEAMS • SOCCER TEAMS BIRTHDAY PARTIES • FUNDRAISERS
EASY ONLINE ORDERING
WE DELIVER TOO!
MOUNTAINMIKES.COM LOCATIONS WITH A FULL BAR COMMERCE BLVD., ROHNERT PARK CLEVELAND AVE., SANTA ROSA MONTGOMERY DR., SANTA ROSA HEMBREE LN., WINDSOR
Santa Rosa
2280 Santa Rosa Ave 707-544-2828
Rohnert Park
1451 Southwest Blvd 707-795-4433
Rohnert Park
6314 Commerce Blvd 707-303-7474
Petaluma
919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989
Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911
Windsor
6580 Hembree Ln #258 707-836-1700
Santa Rosa
4501 Montgomery Dr. 707-890-5033
Santa Rosa
3125 Cleveland Ave 707-595-6505
A Mindfulness Preschool For The Whole Child A SAFE • ENGAGING • OPENMIND SET SCHOOL
www.saissprouts.com
(707) 753-4902 768 East Cotati Ave., Cotati
Now enrolling 2-5-year-olds www.sonomafamilylife.com
January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 5
Dear Reader
H
ello 2020! How is your family welcoming the New Year? Are you making resolutions? If so, we’ve got just the Sharon Gowan articles to support Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us your efforts: “Break Bad Habits” (page 24) offers ideas for helping your kids to change unwanted behaviors, while “3 Steps to Getting Fit” (page 22) outlines strategies for developing a workout plan you can stick to. Besides resolutions, money may also be on your mind—holiday gift-giving has most of us tightening our belts in January. You may be looking at your kids, thinking: “How do I teach them to save?” Like everything else, there’s an app for that! Several, actually. Find out about them in “Save, Invest, Spend” (page 20.)
thinking about sending your child to a private middle or high school next year. Our Sonoma County Private School Guide (page 12) is here to assist you, with important information on 24 local institutions. Pick out a few places to explore, and then let “A Good Education” (page 10) guide your decision-making. If you are searching for elementary, not middle, schools, then check out Family Life ’s free Kids Education and Enrichment Expo on January 18, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall in Santa Rosa. It will be bustling with representatives of a variety of private and charter elementary schools and after-school programs. Talk to teachers and administrators and get a feel for what kind of program would be right for your child. See page 9 for more information. We wish you a month of inspiring brand-new starts. Happy New Year!
Money and fitness aside, education is also a topic at hand, especially if you are
Office Manager 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 Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us
Contributing Writers
Peter and the Wolf
Tanni Haas Cynthia Lair Heidi Morris Denise Morrison Yearian
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 586-9562
Sunday, January 26, 3pm Weill Hall, Green Music Center Bobby Rogers, conductor Roustabout Theater Enjoy a memorable afternoon of music, learning and laughter with the irresistible music of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. FREE Instrument Petting Zoo at 2 PM!
Single tickets: $20/adult; $10/child (ages 12 and under) 6 SonomaFamilyLife
srsymphony.org
54-MUSIC (707) 546-8742 January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Cooking with Kids
Kale Power Jim Henkens
A Hearty Salad for Rainy Days
By Cynthia Lair
A
ll hearty, dark greens work well in this recipe. If you choose curly-leaf kale, as opposed to lacinato, you may want to massage it a bit more than the directions say because it has tougher leaves. For a truly vegetarian salad, choose vegan Worcestershire sauce (no anchovies in the ingredients).
Ernie Sapiro
(c)2019 By Cynthia Lair. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Sourdough on the Rise by permission of Sasquatch Books. Cynthia Lair is a faculty member at Bastyr University’s Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science and is the founder of their Nutrition and Culinary Arts program. She is the author of Feeding the Young Athlete: Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players, Parents and Coaches (Readers to Eaters, 2017), Feeding the Whole Family: Recipes for Babies, Young Children, and Their Parents (Sasquatch Books, 2008), and Sourdough on the Rise: How to Confidently Make Whole Grain Sourdough Breads at Home (Sasquatch Books, 2019).
www.sonomafamilylife.com
Winter Greens Vegetarian Caesar Hands-on time: 15 minutes Makes 2/3 cup dressing, 4 to 6 servings of salad
For the dressing 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise or aioli 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons olive oil For the salad 8 ounces Swiss chard, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces 5 ounces kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces 1⁄2 teaspoon fine sea salt 3 ounces baby arugula 1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese 1 hard-cooked egg, sliced Freshly ground black pepper
January 2020
Instuctions In a blender, add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Blend until smooth. Turn the blender on low and slowly add the olive oil to emulsify. Taste, and adjust the sugar, salt (which comes from the Worcestershire sauce), and acid (lemon juice or vinegar) to your liking. In a large bowl, add the chard, kale, and salt. Using your hands, massage the chard and kale with the salt for 2 minutes, until the leaves begin to soften. Add the arugula and cheese, and toss. Add the dressing to the greens just before serving. Toss well, garnish with the egg slices and black pepper, and serve.
SonomaFamilyLife 7
Bits & Pieces
Symphonic Theater
I
n 1936, when Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev wrote Peter and the Wolf —a symphonic tale about a boy who defeats a nefarious four-legged—
his aim was to introduce orchestral instruments and music to children. The narrated piece tells the story in both word and music, with a particular instrument and theme representing each character. For instance, strings represent Peter and French horns, the wolf. With the help of Roustabout Theater’s actors, the Santa Rosa Symphony will perform this 60-minute children’s symphony on January 26 at 3 p.m. at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. (At 2 p.m., there will be a free instrument petting zoo.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and younger, and may be purchased at srsymphony.org. ¶
Sing Hallelujah!
G Oakland Interfaith Choir
ospel music is known for its emotional power and messages of love and peace. And the Oakland Interfaith Choir makes sure that folks don’t have to go to church to hear it. Under the direction of Emmy-award winning Terrance Kelly, the choir will perform on January 30 at 8 p.m. at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. The evening will also feature the Lighthouse Singers of Marin. Tickets are $5 and available at gmc.sonoma.edu. ¶
Be a Superhero
B
am! Pow! Wack! Comics have been
engaging fans for decades. And LumaCon is where avid fans of the genre get together to share their passion. The free library-sponsored convention will offer cosplay, which encourages participants to dress up as their favorite superheroes, and LARPing, in which said heroes can engage in battles with fake swords. Meanwhile, in the Artists’ Alley, young comic-book artists may display their work alongside that of professionals. The convention will be held on January 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Petaluma Community Center in Petaluma. For more information, go to lumacon.net. ¶
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January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
S&
Free Education Expo
T
here are different kinds of smarts: visual, auditory, musical, interpersonal, to name just four of the nine “multiple intelligences” that comprise Harvard education professor Howard Gardener’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. For every talent and learning proclivity, there is a way to nurture it, whether in school or through participation in a hobby or sport. At Family Life ’s free Kids Education and Enrichment Expo, parents can discover private and charter schools and extracurricular activities that will feed their children’s interests. They can meet organizations’ representatives and school admission directors and instructors, too. The expo will be held on January 18, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall in Santa Rosa. Go to sonomafamilylife.com for more information. ¶
NT
O Erudite Canines
L
earning to read can make kids nervous. But at the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa, young students can test out their skills with nonjudgmental listeners: dogs. And not just any canines—these are the Sonoma County Humane Society’s specially trained therapy dogs. The Read to a Dog program happens at many local libraries. On January 4, it will be held 11 a.m.–noon at the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa. Search on “Read to a Dog” at sonomacounty.libcal.com for more dates and locations. ¶
Trash to Treasure
O
ne person’s trash is another’s treasure. It’s a popular saying that artist Paula Strother takes to heart when she teaches children to make art from items that are usually recycled or thrown away. Her free Using Trash to Make Art class, geared to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, will be held on January 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sebastopol Regional Library in Sebastopol. See sonomacounty. libcal.com/event/5929457. ¶
www.sonomafamilylife.com
Read to a Dog program
Telling Tales
P
reschoolers love to engage in imaginative play, making up stories about their dolls, stuffed animals, or other toys. As kids age, this early storytelling may transform into writing narratives. At the free Writing Club for Kids, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of the Guardian Herd (HarperCollins) series of fantasy books for middle schoolers, aims to teach young scribes ages 9–17 how to tell a good tale. Alvarez, who is also the Healdsburg Literary Guild’s Literary Laureate, will hold the club on January 27, 4–5 p.m., at the Healdsburg Regional Library in Healdsburg. Clubs will also be held at libraries in Cloverdale, Rincon Valley, Windsor, and Rohnert Park. See sonomacounty.libcal.com and search the events calendar for “Writing Club for Kids” to find out more. ¶
January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 9
constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. 3. Make a list. Write down what you are looking for in a school. Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework, and where parents fit in the running of the
A Good Education
Choose the Right School
By Denise Yearian
T
here are a host of reasons why parents send their children to private schools. For some it is a smaller teacher-student ratio and more individualized attention. For others, it is the religious grounding their children receive. For still others, it is to better address their students’ needs—be they late bloomers or gifted in math or art. But since no two schools are alike, where do parents begin their search for the right academic setting? Consider these tips:
1. Get real with recommendations. Get input from other parents you know and trust. At the same time realize there is no perfect school or one-size-fits-all academic setting. Every school has a different flavor, and one is not necessarily better than another. It’s that one may be a better fit for your child than another. 10 SonomaFamilyLife
2. Consider your child’s individuality. Take into account your children’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and talents. Also mull over what sort of learning environment they would be most comfortable in. A self-motivated learner, for example, may do well in a program where she gets to direct and carry out her own learning. But a child in need of
If possible, sit in on classes and observe the teachers and students. school. Then prioritize your list. Some things may be non-negotiable while other things would be nice but not necessarily mandatory. 4. Research options. Check out schools’ websites or call and ask for more information. See our Private School Guide (page 13). Consider each school’s program, mission, services, faculty, and administration. What makes the school unique? What is its teaching philosophy? Is there a vision for the future? Is there anything the school does particularly well? What about the curriculum? Will it cater to your child’s talents and interests? 5. Don’t let cost limit you. Look at a school, even if you don’t think you can afford it. Most academic institutions offer scholarships or have financial aid based on need, so ask about it. 6. Go the distance, if needed. A ride as far as 30 minutes may be worth it if the school has an environment where your child will be happy and thrive. Look for someone to carpool with. Or use that distance to let your child study or spend quality time with you.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
7. Schedule a visit. This will give you a feel for the school’s academic and developmental philosophy. Note that a school that seemed to be the perfect fit on the Internet or phone
Every school has a different flavor, and one is not necessarily better than another. may prove otherwise once you have visited. And the school you weren’t initially drawn to may be the “one.” 8. Meet with authorities. Spend a few minutes talking with the principal or school administrators. Discuss your child’s needs and ask if the school can meet them.
9. Make observations. If possible, sit in on classes and observe the teachers and students. Write down obvious facts, such as school and class size, ambiance as a whole and within individual classrooms, absence or presence of a dress code, and general demeanor of the students and teachers. Also record the students’ reactions. Did they feel comfortable and relaxed, or anxious and uptight? 10. Ask for references. If you haven’t already done so, get names of several parents whose children attend the school that would be willing to talk with you. Find out what they do and don’t like about the school. If you can, obtain a few names of parents who were not happy with the school. Finding out about a child who did not
thrive there can give you a balanced perspective. 11. Get your child’s take. Return to the schools that meet your criteria and bring your children with you. Have them meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students. What was their reaction? Did they seem comfortable with the school? The teacher? Other students? 12. Follow your intuition. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school for your child. ¶ Denise Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and six grandchildren.
Join Our Community Apple Blossom Elementary School
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.
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
The Art of Academic Excellence 707.823.1041 www.twinhillsusd.org
www.sonomafamilylife.com
January 2020
700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org
SonomaFamilyLife 11
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 2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide. We surveyed staff and researched websites of 24 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!
Grounded in Christ. Ready for the World.
NOW ENROLLING
K-12 | MUSIC | FINE ARTS | ATHLETICS We exist, in partnership with families, to provide a nurturing and challenging educational experience in a Christcentered community, where students are renewed in the image of their Creator and are equipped to live out their God-given purpose for His glory and others’ good.
• Band, Choir, Art • 3rd-6th grade STEM Robotics Program • Free math tutoring • Opportunities for student leadership and outreach.
(707) 539-1486 | 4585 Badger Road, Santa Rosa | www.victoryca.org
12 SonomaFamilyLife
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide
SONOMA COUNTY Healdsburg Healdsburg School. $15,100. Inspiring compassionate leaders through academic excellence. Offers: extended care, uniforms, summer programs, lunch program. Grades: K–8. Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/Max: 205/210. Financial aid available. 33 Healdsburg Ave. H, Healdsburg. 433-4847. thehealdsburgschool.org. Rio Lindo Adventist Academy. $13,356–$24,849. The goal is to maximize every student’s potential, no matter the background. Day & boarding school. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 130/190. Offers: 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. $6,500–$9,400. Where children are known & learning is personalized. Faith-based. Grades: TK–8. Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/Max: 210/220. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 217 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 433-2758. sjshbg.org.
Experience our forward-thinking high school and see firsthand how we prepare students and get results.
• • • •
Small class sizes Project-based learning Relevant and engaging curriculum Skills and habits for long-term success
707-733-6452 • questforward.academy/jan23
JAN 31 Priority Decision Application DE ADLINE
JAN 23 Open House RSVP TODAY!
Their future begins with a great education. Online Registration for One- & Two-Year Kindergarten for Santa Rosa City Schools begins on January 14, 2020 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
For information and a link to register: www.srcschools.org/kindergarten Need help? Contact your school.
Before- and after-school day care at selected sites. Register early; classes fill quickly!
www.SRCSchools.org/kindergarten www.sonomafamilylife.com
January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 13
2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide Petaluma Harvest Christian School. $3,500–$8,550. HCS is a distinctively classical education. Grades: TK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 150/250. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 3700 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma. 763-2954. harvestpetaluma.org.
program. Requires uniforms. 246 Howard St., Petaluma. 762-6426. svelem.org. Saint Vincent de Paul High School. $16,180. College prep. Develops students’ spiritual, academic & social potential. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 17. Enrollment Current/Max: 230/400. Offers: multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniform. 849 Keokuk St., Petaluma. 763-1032. svhs-pet.org.
Saint Vincent de Paul Elementary School. Call for rates. Educating the whole child. Grades: K–8. Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/Max: 151/NA. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch
Spring Hill Montessori. $9,136–$18,149. Where learning is inspired & passions discovered. 18 mos.–grade 8. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 160/195.
Bennett Valley Union School District Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2020-21 School Year begins February 4 & 5
Call 542-6272 to sign up
A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2020-21 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
Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools
YMCA provides on-site child care
Rohnert Park Cross & Crown Lutheran Church & School. $6,170. Christian-based. Spanish, art, music enrichment. New private School Satellite Program for homeschoolers. Grades: PK–6. Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/Max: 70/200. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, summer programs. Requires uniforms for elementary only. 5475 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 795-7863. crossandcrownschoolrp.org. Santa Rosa Brush Creek Montessori. $7,000–$10,000. Montessori, AMS affiliated. Grades: PK–6. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 85/100. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, summer programs. 1569 Brush Creek Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-7980. bcmontessori.org. Cardinal Newman High School. $16,200. Co-ed Catholic college-prep high school. Educating mind, body & spirit. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/Max: 608/NA. Offers: cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. 50 Ursuline Rd., Santa Rosa. 546-6470. cardinalnewman.org.
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
Offers: extended care & summer programs. 825 Middlefield Dr., Petaluma. 763-9222. springhillmontessori.org.
• Band, Percussion and Chorus (4th–6th) • Boys’ and Girls’ Interscholastic Basketball (4th–6th) • Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship • Gifted and Talented Education (4th–6th)
Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 1/22, 2/11, 2/18, 3/5, 4/2 Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433 Registration Packets available Jan. 7. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2020 to be eligible for kindergarten. Two-year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2020.
707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org 14 SonomaFamilyLife
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide Quest Forward Academy. $16,950. Prepares students to thrive in college, career & life. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Current/Max: 74/220. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 733-6452. ngl.academy. Redwood Adventist Academy. $5,465–$6,886. Focuses on academic, physical, social & spiritual growth. Grades: K–8. Avg. class size: 13–16. Enrollment Current/Max: 70/85. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount. 385 Mark West
Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 545-1697. weloveredwood.com. Saint Eugene’s Cathedral School. $7,030. Catholic philosophy. Foreign languages. Grades: PK–8. Avg. class size: 30. Enrollment Current/Max: 236/360. Offers: 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. $7,500. Nurturing environment with high academic standards, committed to developing the whole person. Grades: PK–8. Avg. class size: 32. Enrollment Current/
Max: 250/300. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 4300 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa. 545-0379. strosecatholicschool.org. Sonoma Academy. $46,230. Independent college-prep high school. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 16. Enrollment Current/ Max: 230/NA. Offers: cafeteria/ lunch service, shuttle to Santa Rosa SMART train depot, school bus, international travel trip, summer programs. 2500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 545-1770. sonomaacademy.org. Sonoma Country Day School. $24,950–$27,950.
The Art of Academic Excellence 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. 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
www.sonomafamilylife.com
700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org
Charter Middle 6-8
January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 15
2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide
sonoma
LOCAL for 30 years
#1 local resource for local families
Bringing learning to life. Grades: TK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 285/300. Offers: extended care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa. 284-3200. scds.org. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. $6,000–$21,950. Waldorf, college-prep, arts & academics. Grades: PK–12. Avg. class size: 12–28. Enrollment Current/ Max: 362/400. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, hot lunch program, summer programs. 655 Willowside
magazine • web • email
Rd., Santa Rosa. 575-7194. summerfieldwaldorf.org. Victory Christian School. $9,000. Grounded in Christ; ready for the world. Grades: K–12. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 85/150. Offers: extended care, multi-child discounts. 4585 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-1486. victoryca.org. Sebastopol Pleasant Hill Christian School. $5,850. Whole-hearted excellence in elementary education. Grades: K–6. Avg. class size: 14. Enrollment Current/Max: 48/75. Offers: extended care, multi-child discount, lunch program. 1782
Karate is the BEST thing you can DO for Your Child!
Give your child the BEST start to life there is!
Get 2 Weeks of Lessons for a $27 donation to the American Red Cross Kincade–Fire Disaster Relief. For your generosity receive a FREE Shotokan Karate Uniform. “My daughter has grown so much in her confidence and willingness to step forward and help. For someone who is only 4 years old she has more courage and confidence than some adults.� Justin Overshiner, Rosie age 4, Santa Rosa Your child will benefit from improved confidence, self-discipline, and focus while you will feel good about helping the victims of Sonoma County’s largest wildfire.
Call Now (707) 575-1681
Shotokan Karate Leadership SchoolÂŽ At the corner of Marlow and Piner Roads
16 SonomaFamilyLife
HELPING YOUR KIDS SUCCEED IN SCHOOL! Individualized Tutoring and Homework Assistance 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
Daily Tours Available: Elementary- Mondays at 9am Middle School:-Wednesdays at 9 & 10:15am Please visit our website or email admissions@thespringhillschool.org to register for the Open House or a daily tour. www.thespringhillschool.org
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
2020 Sonoma County Private School Guide Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. 823-5868. phcs.org. Sonoma Presentation School. $14,950. Founded in the Catholic tradition, embracing all faiths. Grades: K–8. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 196/200. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 20872 Broadway, Sonoma. 935-0122. presentationschool.com. Saint Francis Solano Catholic School. Call for rates. Faith, excellence, innovation & service. Grades: K–8. Avg. class size: 20.
Enrollment Current/Max: 177/300. Offers: 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. $10,000. All students learn successfully with time & support. Grades 6–12. Avg. class size: 1:1. Enrollment Current/ Max: 40/100. Offers: summer programs. 414 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 939-1133. soloquest.com. Windsor Windsor Christian Academy. $4,750–$7,900. Provides a Christ-centered education.
Grades: PK–8. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 267/388. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount. Requires uniforms. 10285 Starr Rd., Windsor. 838-3757. windsorchristianacademy.org. NAPA COUNTY Justin-Siena High School. $20,750. Students are well prepared for college & life. Grades: 9–12. Avg. class size: 24. Enrollment Current/Max: 550/550. Offers: cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 4026 Maher St., Napa. 255-0950. justin-siena.org.
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a page or two why they’re interested in attending a specific school, and to describe their academic interests as well as how those interests align with the school’s curriculum. Go online to the school’s website and read about its curriculum, educational philosophy, and approach to learning. This will enable you to help your kids make their letters of intent as relevant as possible. Does the school pride itself on collaborative, team-based
Ace the Admissions Help Your Kids with Process Winning Strategies By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
O
nce upon a time, the only tough academic hurdle was getting into a good college. That’s not the case anymore. Now, many middle and high schools also have challenging admissions procedures. So how do you prepare your kids for them? Here I consider the three most common elements: (1) the letter of intent, (2) the on-site interview, and (3) the on-site essay prompt.
The Letter of Intent It might sound odd, but applying to middle or high school isn’t that different than applying for a job. Your kids are asking to become members of an organization with certain values and ways of doing things. 18 SonomaFamilyLife
Schools typically refer to this as their “educational philosophy” (values) and “approach to learning” (ways of doing things). It’s important to keep this in mind when you help your kids write their letters of intent. In the letter, your kids are expected to outline in
The school’s guidance counselor can often supply examples of commonly asked questions in advance of the interview. learning, or does it prefer students who work independently? Is the curriculum infused with lots of digital technology, or does it rely on more traditional, pen-and-paper learning? I had to deal with these questions when my 15-year-old-son applied for middle school. My son, who has a passion for precious stones, decided to write his letter of intent on that topic and connect it to the school’s strong focus on earth science. We knew, from reading the school’s website, that it had a very contemporary educational philosophy and approach to learning. Knowing that, we made sure that his letter of intent emphasized his interest in collaborative, team-based learning and his ease with different digital technologies. He got admitted to that school, and we believe that this targeted approach and preparation were big factors.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
St. John School
The On-Site Interview Another common part of the admissions process is the on-site interview, which an admissions officer typically conducts with individuals or in a group context. It’s very important that your kids appear confident and knowledgeable. Like at job interviews, applicants who look like they’d rather disappear under the chair and who know little about the organization don’t impress interviewers. The school’s guidance counselor can often supply examples of commonly asked questions in advance of the interview. If your kids are invited to a group interview, tell them that it is important that they strike a balance between being too domineering and too shy. On the one hand, you
It might sound odd, but applying to middle or high school isn’t that different than applying for a job.
www.sonomafamilylife.com
interview, and we’d practice the most commonly asked interview questions until he felt comfortable with all of them. The On-Site Essay Prompt Many middle and high schools also require applicants to write an essay on-site before the interview as a way to focus the conversation. Sometimes kids are asked to write one long essay on a specific topic. Other times, they are given two or shorter essay prompts to answer in a limited period of time. Like with the on-site interview, if you contact the school’s guidance counselor in advance you can often get a list of common essay prompts. When responding to the essay prompts, stress the importance of writing neatly and clearly, and using correct grammar and spelling. The on-site essay isn’t the right occasion to try out new words your kids don’t know how to spell, or to use complex sentence constructions that they have never mastered before. Instead, they should try to write in as straightforward and simple a way as possible. That will impress the admissions officer. Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a college communications professor.
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My son had many individual and group interviews as part of his high school admissions process. For two months prior to his first
It’s very important that your kids appear confident and knowledgeable.
©P N
want your kids to speak up so that the interviewer notices them. On the other hand, you don’t want your kids to talk over or interrupt other kids. It’s also important to stress that if your kids are asked the same question as other kids, they shouldn’t respond: “I agree with what that other kid said.” If no original answer comes to mind, it’s best to restate what was already said but in a different way.
interview, we’d daily practice his interviewing skills. I’d pretend to be a high school admissions officer, and he’d knock on the door, enter the room as though it were a real
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allowances as recurring payments; and it encourages kids to balance their accounts.
Save, Invest, 8 Money-Management Spend Apps for Children I By Tanni Haas
f you want your kids to learn about the value of money in a way that’s both educational and fun, then encourage them to download an app—or three. Below are eight of the most popular and kid-friendly money-management apps available and the best part is that they are all free. Have your kids try different ones until they find the one they like the most.
AdVenture Capitalist Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Ages 5–12. This app lets kids experience what it’s like to be a virtual investor. They start off with a single lemonade stand and, depending on how successful they are at managing this business, they can acquire more complex companies, including banks and oil companies. Through hiring managers and employees, they also learn important management lessons. 20 SonomaFamilyLife
Bankaroo Available at Amazon Apps, Apple App Store, and Google Play. Ages 9–12. Created by 11-year-old Dani Gafni and her father, Etay, for their own family’s needs, this app teaches kids how to save and budget their allowances and other sources of income. Kids open up virtual bank accounts, set specific savings goals, and then track their ability to reach those goals. Simulating real bank accounts, the app registers
FamZoo Family Finance Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Ages 5–18. This app functions as a virtual bank. Parents are the “bankers” and the kids are the “customers.” The whole family is connected, so it’s easy to move money around. Aside from teaching kids how to save money and track their spending over time, parents can transfer real money to them with prepaid and reloadable debit cards.
Kids act as space aliens who perform various “jobs” for which they are paid. Other useful features include the ability to give your kids loans, and then teaching them how to pay back those loans in installments. PiggyBot Available at Apple App Store. Ages 5–8. This app functions like a virtual piggybank so kids can save for a special purchase. They can post pictures of what they want and keep track of their progress toward making their purchases. They open virtual accounts, with unique PIN numbers, to give them a sense of responsibility for and ownership of their money. As kids get closer to their goal, parents can contribute virtual money. RoosterMoney Available at Amazon Apps, Apple App Store, and Google Play. Ages 5–12. This app teaches kids to keep track of how much money they have
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
earned from their parents and how much money is still owed to them. Kids set savings goals and then see, through easy-to-use charts, how close they are to reaching those goals. The app includes a so-called “safe” option that allows kids to send money to a virtual safe, thereby teaching them to distinguish between short-term and long-term savings goals. Star Banks Adventure Available at Apple App Store. Ages 5–12. This app teaches kids more complex money-management principles, including asset allocation, diversification, and the dangers of risky investments. Kids act as space aliens who perform various “jobs” for which they are paid. Other useful
features include frequent, short quizzes that cover financial literary concepts and allow kids to earn extra
Parents are the “bankers” and the kids are the “customers.” money. Kids will learn how to save, spend wisely, invest, and set financial goals. Toshl Finance Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Ages 13 and up. Linked to one or more real bank accounts, this app includes charts and data visualizations that display past spending patterns and information
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about current finances, helping users to identify potential areas for savings and create more realistic budgets. Other useful features include a receipt database and reminders of when bills are due. Yuby Available at Apple App Store. Ages 5–12. This app includes a “wish list” that helps kids compare the cost of items they would like to purchase and track how much progress they have made towards making those purchases. Kids learn not only to save money, but also to budget for and prioritize different goals. They are also encouraged to set aside money for charity. ¶ Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a college communications professor.
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SonomaFamilyLife 21
Why do you want to feel good about yourself? Because I want to be confident. Why do you want to be confident? I want to be a role model for my daughters. It may not be easy to keep peeling back the layers on your Why. But the cliché is true—nothing worthwhile is easy. Once you’re crystal clear about the source of
the 3 Steps to LayFoundation Getting Fit for Success By Pam Moore
I
f you’re like most people, January finds you ready to start a new fitness routine. And if you’re like most people, by February, your motivation vanishes along with the cookies you swore you wouldn’t eat. Studies show only four percent of people who join a gym in January step foot in that gym in February. If you are one of the many who wanted this year to be different, here are three things you can do to lay a foundation for success. 1. Find your Why. You’d be surprised how easy it is to commit to your fitness journey when you know why you embarked on the mission in the first place. Ask yourself why you want to get in shape. Then ask again. And again. You’ll know when you’re done. Once you get over the awkwardness of having a conversation with yourself, you 22 SonomaFamilyLife
might be surprised how powerful your Why is. The conversation might go something like this: Why do you want to get fit? Because I want my jeans to fit better. Why do you want your jeans to fit better? So I can feel good about myself.
Treat your workout time as you would any other appointment. your desire, it becomes a million times easier to say no to the snooze button or girls’ night, and say yes to your workout—and yourself—instead. 2. Have a measurable goal. I love fitness. As an Ironman triathlete, an avid runner, a running coach, and a spin instructor, it’s fair to say I am obsessed with fitness. But I can’t support a goal of simply “getting fit.” The same goes for “getting in shape” or “toning up.” Fitness goals must be objective and measurable. In other words, you should be able to attach numbers and dates to them. If you have a weight loss goal, make sure it includes a number of pounds and a date. “Lose weight” becomes a long-term goal of “Lose 20 pounds by April 1.” Once you have a long-term goal, add a few short-term goals to keep you motivated and to provide benchmarks of your progress.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Short-term goals might be: • Lose two pounds by January 10. • Lose ten pounds by June first. 3. Schedule your workouts. “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” Benjamin Franklin knew this was true way before we dreamed of holding tiny computers with calendars, alarm clocks, and timers in the palms of our hands. As all successful people know, what gets on the calendar gets accomplished.
Fitness goals must be objective and measurable. Treat your workout time as you would any other appointment. Create an event on your Outlook or Google calendar, pencil it into your planner, or create an alert on your phone 20 minutes in advance. Do whatever works for you to carve out the time. If you’re having trouble keeping your workout appointments, try a different approach. In her book, Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives (Crown, 2015), author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin classifies most people as what she calls “obligers.” Obligers find it much easier to follow through on a commitment they’ve made to a friend than one they’ve made to themselves. While most of us would easily hit snooze and skip the 7 a.m. spin class, we’d never stand up the friend we promised to meet at the gym.
establish a new habit. You could start by: • Finding a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to work out with. • Attending classes at a group fitness studio with a strict cancellation policy. It’s hard to skip a workout you’ve already paid for. • Join an exercise group, fitness studio, running club, cycling club, masters swim team, or hiking group. • Becoming a member of an online accountability group. • Hiring a personal trainer. Before you give up on fitness—or better yet, before you buy that fancy workout tracker and the pricey yoga pants—ask yourself the hard questions. Being honest with yourself about your fitness goals will keep you on your fitness path
If you have a weight loss goal, make sure it includes a number of pounds and a date. over the long haul. Because once you know your Why, your What, and your When, the question of How becomes a whole lot easier to answer. ¶
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This article was originally published on NuGlow. Pam Moore helps women push through fear to become their best selves. To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome, visit pam-moore.com.
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SonomaFamilyLife 23
is calm and you aren’t in the midst of the problem. Avoid lecturing, scolding, or ridiculing as this could cause the behavior to escalate. 4. Stay positive and state specifics. When discussing it, state clearly and positively the behaviors you want to see. Instead of saying,
Break Bad How to Approach Habits Unhelpful Behaviors By Denise Morrison Yearian
C
hildren, like adults, are creatures of habit who take comfort in the familiar—for better or for worse. Although most children’s bad habits are developmentally related and disappear over time, behaviors that persist, are injurious, or intensify may need to be addressed. Following are 12 tips for helping kids break bad habits and move on.
1. Understand the source. Some children engage in habits for comfort or to help them cope with stress, fear, or anxiety. Others do it out of boredom or to get attention. For still others, it’s a need from infancy that lingers on. Look at the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of the bad behavior, and identify what is causing your children to act in a negative way. What are they getting out of the behavior? Once a pattern has been identified, formulate steps to help 24 SonomaFamilyLife
decrease the need for the behavior and find a more acceptable action to replace the bad habit. 2. Wait it out. If the habit is not an injurious behavior or hasn’t intensified, consider taking a wait-and-see approach; focusing on the behavior may exacerbate the problem and potentially lead to a power struggle. 3. Take on teachable times. Look for teachable moments to talk with your child about his or her habit. Choose a time when the atmosphere
Look for teachable moments to talk with your child about his or her habit. “Don’t forget your homework again,” say, “Remember to do your math and science homework tonight.” When you see desired behaviors offer praise. This increases your child’s awareness of the habit in a non-overt way and serves as a reminder of what he or she should be doing. 5. Be consistent. Sometimes parents enable behaviors to persist by saying one thing and doing another. If, for example, you tell your children not to interrupt while you are talking with others but let them slip in a quick, “Can I just go to…?” statement and give an answer, this reinforces the undesirable behavior. Remember breaking old habits takes time, repetition, and support from parents. New habits must be established before old ones can disappear. 6. Deliver distractions. For example, give children who suck their thumbs something else to do with their hands—help make cookies, color, or play with clay. 7. Communicate and collaborate. If your children are old enough, get their input and develop
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
solutions together. Or come up with several strategies yourself, then lay them out and ask which ones they would like to try first. This will give them a sense of empowerment. 8. Render rewards. Provide incentives for small steps taken toward breaking a habit. Look for nonmaterial rewards they will enjoy—painting fingernails or playing catch. 9. Reach for resources. Age-appropriate books, videos, and other resources are a way to help your child understand undesirable
Focusing on the behavior may exacerbate the problem and potentially lead to a power struggle. behaviors in a non-confrontational way. Use them when you aren’t in the heat of the situation. 10. Allow natural consequences. Parents may need to wait until their children are interested in changing their behavior. Sometimes kids need to feel the consequences of their actions before they are ready to change. 11. Set an example. Children often follow their parent’s lead. Role model and teach desired habits. 12. Determine the danger. If the behavior is dangerous to your child or others, is affecting her or his relationships, or is getting in the way of healthy development, talk with your pediatrician or other professional. ¶
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Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.
www.sonomafamilylife.com
January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 25
January Calendar of Events
Year of the Rat
I
n the West, rats are not exactly appealing animals. But in Chinese astrology, they represent the first sign of the zodiac, and 2020 is dedicated to that sign. The Year of the Rat begins on the Lunar New Year, January 25, 2020. And with the help of the Chinese Redwood Empire Association, local libraries will celebrate it with cultural dances, martial arts, calligraphy demos, and more. The Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa will hold its Lunar New Year celebration on January 11, 2–3:30 p.m., while the Rohnert Park Regional Library in Rohnert Park will hold its event on January 18, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the soiree of the Sebastopol Regional Library in Sebastopol will be held on February 15, 2–3:30 p.m. For more information, go to sonomacounty.libcal.com. ¶
FREE Magician Mike’s Winter Magic
Thursday 2 FREE Kindergym. Thursdays. 10 a.m.–
noon. Donations accepted. Forestville United Methodist Church. 6550 Covey Rd., Forestville. sebastopol.org.
Friday 3
Show. All ages. 1–2 p.m. Central
Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. Other libraries will host this event. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times. The World Goes Round. A
FREE Holiday Puppet Show: The Boy Who Cried Wolf. All ages. 2–3 p.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
cabaret-style revue featuring tunes from Cabaret, Chicago & other Broadway shows. $30–$42. Jan. 3 & 4: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5: 2 p.m. Cinnabar
It’s a New Year, Try Something New! Classes for Tots to Seniors
Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org. FREE Learn How to Make Chainmaille Jewelry. Taught by
Amber Romero, of Chimera Arts. Grades 7–12. 2–3:30 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
Saturday 4 FREE Nature Hike. Slow-paced,
1-mile hike along the lower Montini Preserve Trail. All ages. 11:30 a.m. Sonoma State Historic Park. Meet at the Vallejo Home Parking Lot at the end of 3rd St. W., Sonoma. sonomaparks.org. FREE Read to a Dog. Kids can read to specially trained therapy dogs. 11 a.m.–noon. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. Other libraries will host this event; see sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.
Sign up at SantaRosaRec.com 26 SonomaFamilyLife
FREE Glow in the Dark Teen Yoga.
Playful teen yoga class. Introduces yoga poses with cooperative games, breathing & relaxation exercises.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Ages 13–17. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
Sunday 5 Halloween in January. Postponed
Harry Potter concert. Interactive concert with storytelling & music from Harry Potter. Ages 12 & younger: $10. Adults: $20. 3 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org/EventDetail/163.
Thursday 9 FREE Animal Music. Ages 0–5. Sing & dance with Farmer Ann, Miss Dragonfly & Miss Heidi. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomacounty. libcal.com.
Friday 10 Messengers of Peace Chant Evening. Chanting in a group context. 7–8:30 p.m. Congregation Ner Shalom. 85 La Plaza, Cotati. nershalom.org.
Tuesday 7 players (2 tables of 7). Grades 7–12. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
FREE The Bat Lady! Meet bats
& learn about their value to the environment from Corky Quire of NorCalBats. She will dispel fears & myths about bats. 2–3 p.m. Guerneville Regional Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. sonomacounty.libcal.com. FREE Lunar New Year Celebration.
Saturday 11
FREE Dungeons & Dragons. 14
7:30 p.m. Jan. 12: 3 p.m. Discovery rehearsal on Jan. 11: $10 for youth & $20 for adults. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org.
Santa Rosa Symphony: Shadows & Sunshine. Starring violinist Simone
Porter. Program of Francesco, Sibelius & Brahms. $24–$87. Jan. 11 & 13:
Cultural dances, martial arts, calligraphy demos & more. 2–3:30 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
MAKE THE MOST OF PLAYTIME LAUNCH RIGHT IN WITH . . .
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Pencil
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Paper towel tube
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nose to the traced shape. Then draw two rounded triangles for wings.
Small piece of cardboard
Markers or paint
3. Cut out the shape.
Scissors
(with an adult�s help)
Paper
5. Glue your cut tube on top of the cardboard in the shape of a spacecraft, and let it dry.
4. Trace the bottom of a toilet paper tube on top of another. Then cut out the round shape.
6. Color or paint your spacecraft. You
can also decorate it with stickers. Place a small toy inside and go for a ride. Tell a story about where you’re going!
TinkerActive Workbooks cover essential skills using curriculum-based exercises and interactive tinkering, making, and engineering activities using common household materials!
The Active Way to learn through play www.sonomafamilylife.com
Glue
January 2020
Odd Dot
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AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
SonomaFamilyLife 27
Second Saturday Cartoonist:
Youth/Teen Drawing Workshop.
Matthew Luhn. 1–3 p.m. Charles M.
With Nicole Irene Anderson. Ages 10–18. Free with museum admission ($7–$10, free for ages 12 & younger).
Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.
HOME OF
1–3 p.m. Museum of Sonoma County. 425 7th St., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org.
B Mî `ƒ
Henna Art. With Aatika of Lavender Henna. Free with museum admission ($9–$12, free for babies younger than 12 mos.) 1–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.
Sunday 12 Newt Commute. Family-friendly walk to frog pond to observe newts on their annual journey. Event: free. Parking: $7. 10 a.m.–noon. Spring Lake Regional Park. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.
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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 who 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 28 SonomaFamilyLife
Taught by artist Paula Strother. Grades K–6. 3:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
Wednesday 15 FREE Family Yoga. High-energy
family yoga class combines animated yoga poses, games, story telling & relaxation. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomacounty.libcal.com. FREE Pride Book Club for Teens.
Discuss the latest queer young adult books. Pick up monthly selection at the reference desk. Snacks provided. 4–5 p.m. Guerneville Regional Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
Saturday 18 Grease Sing-a-Long & Sock Hop.
Thru Jan. 19. $20. Sing-a-long only: $10. Ages 2 & up welcome. All audience members, including children, must January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
have a ticket & seat. Children may not sit on laps. Sock hop: 1–2:30 p.m. Movie Sing-a-Long: 2:30–5 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 6thstreetplayhouse.com. FREE Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All. Meet
the author of Intersection Allies, Chelsea Johnson. The children’s book celebrates kids of all genders, races, sexualities, abilities, cultures & origins. Kids & parents learn rhyming strategies to support & celebrate each other’s differences. 11 a.m.–noon. Rincon Valley Regional Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. Other libraries will host; see sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.
FREE Make Your Makerspace.
Explore the Chimera space. Pizza & drinks while supplies last. Every 3rd Saturday of the month. 5–7 p.m. Chimera Arts Space. 6791 Sebastopol Ave. Ste. 180, Sebastopol. facebook. com/chimeraartspace.
Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble. Local
FREE Family Life Kids Education
musicians perform Klezmer tunes, traditional Israeli dance numbers & Yiddish songs. 2–3 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomacounty. libcal.com.
& Enrichment Expo. Find out
The Musers. Original folk & rock
about private & charter schools & extracurricular activities. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Santa Rosa Plaza Mall. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. sonomafamilylife.com.
music. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Congregation Ner Shalom. 85 La Plaza, Cotati. nershalom.org.
Snow Days. Children can play in 50
tons of fresh snow. $15. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Thru Jan. 20. Children’s Museum of
HORSE RIDING LESSONS &
Tuesday 21 FREE Game On! Grades 4–12. Games may include but are not limited to the Nintendo Switch: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Party,
EVERYONE WELCOME
STRIDES SUMMER CAMPS
• 20-acre horse facility with 2 lovely indoor arenas for riding on wet winter days. •Riding lessons available for children and adults.
50% off JOIN FEE thru 1/31
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY INTRODUCTORY RIDING LESSON
CAMPS RUN ON WEEKLY SESSIONS MON-FRI FROM JUNE 1-AUGUST 14
Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.
TIME TO PLAN YOUR SUMMER! Summer Camp Registration is Now Open! Get your children
WE’RE NEAR YOU-Join the Y & have access to YMCA’s across the country
outside, active, engaged with other children & animals & away from their screens this summer!
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE-We have programs for all ages, whether you are 1 or 101, there’s a place for YOU.
WE CREATE COMMUNITY-Access for all. Affordable pricing. Genuine support. Financial Assistance. 100 Lynch Road • Petaluma • www.stridesridingacademy.com stridesridingacademy@gmail.com • 707-799-5054
www.sonomafamilylife.com
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 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 29
Mario Tennis Aces, Rocket League & Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Virtual Reality is for ages 14 & older. 3:30–5 p.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. Other libraries will host this event; see sonomacounty. libcal.com for branches/times.
Thursday 23
Celebrating YEARS
FREE P Is for Parks: Nature & Books Unite! Bilingual
storytime featuring nature stories, crafts & songs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Ste. 100, Windsor. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. Favorite Edible Mushrooms of Sonoma County. Presentation by
Darvin DeShazer. $14. 6:30–8 p.m. Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. eventbrite.com. lagunafoundation.org. FREE Maker Studio: Lego Robotics EV3. Learn the basics of Mindstorms,
YEARS as the #1 resource for local families
magazine • web • email • events 30 SonomaFamilyLife
the programming software for Lego Robotics. Create programs & download to a prebuilt Lego robot. All materials provided. Grades 4–6 only. 4–5:30 p.m. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Ste. 100, Windsor. Register: sonomacounty. libcal.com/event/6045514.
Friday 24 Suessical Jr. Horton the Elephant,
the Cat in the Hat & other Dr. Seuss characters come to life in this musical. $17. Ages 18 & younger: $12. Jan. 24 & 31: 7 p.m. Jan. 25–26 & Feb. 1–2: 1 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 588-3400. spreckelsonline.com. The Wolves. New
play about the jagged-edged dynamics of a girls’
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
soccer team. $25–$28. Jan. 30: adults & seniors two for one. Jan. 24 (opening night bubbly): 8 p.m. Jan. 25, 30 & 31: 8 p.m. Jan. 26: 2 p.m. Thru Feb. 9. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 North St., Healdsburg. raventheater.org.
MARCH 20
Saturday 25 Crab & Crémant Train. Featuring
sparkling wine & bread bowl of crab chowder. 90-minute trip. Departs from Fort Bragg. $10.95–$69. Jan. 25 & Feb. 1. 11 a.m. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Schedule: skunktrain.com. Be sure to give the SFL19 code for 20% off for Sonoma Family Life readers.
Thank you for choosing local first!
Bodega Bay Chowder Day. $15. 10
a.m.–3 p.m. Tastings at 10 a.m. & noon. Various locations. Bodega Bay. visitbodegabayca.com/chowder-day. Science Spark: From Chewing to Pooing. A reading of a new picture book, From Chewing to Pooing: Food’s Journey Through Your Body to the Potty, followed by a hands-on experiment replicating part of the digestive process. Free with museum admission ($9–$12, free for babies younger than 12 mos.) 2–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org. Back Country Kitchen. Participate
in leave-no-trace principles while cooking a full meal & dessert. Event: $15. Parking: $7. 1–3:30 p.m. Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. 5750 Faught Rd., Windsor. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. Crab Feed. Crab, pasta & silent
auction. Benefits Rancho Cotate High School Cougar Boosters. Adult-only event. No outside beverages. $65.
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Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!
Champagne Hair Lounge
7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati
Special
Cut & Color $75 Special for 1st time clients.
Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week
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Cocktails: 5 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. eventbrite.com. FREE LumaCon. Comics convention. Larping & cosplay. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Petaluma Community Center & Lucchesi Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lumacon.net.
Sunday 26 Peter & the Wolf. Narrated Santa
Rosa Symphony performance. Rostabout Theater actors play out story. $10–$20. 3 p.m. Green Music
Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu. Fabric Printing Workshop. Part of the Nature Craft Series. All ages. Adult must accompany children. Materials provided. Event: $10. Parking: $7. 10:30 a.m.– noon. Spring Lake Regional Park. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: sonomacountyparks.ticketleap.com/ nature-craft-series.
Monday 27 Museum Mondays for Little Ones.
Designed for children ages 1–5 & their caregivers. Stories, movement
games & craft activities. $5 per child/ free for up to 2 adults before 11 a.m. Regular museum admission prices apply after 11 a.m. Free for members. 10 a.m.–noon. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org. FREE Writing Club for Kids. For
ages 9–17. Taught by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of the Guardian Herd (HarperCollins) series of fantasy books for middle schoolers. 4–5 p.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. Other libraries will host this event; see sonomacounty.libcal. com for branches/times.
Thursday 30 Resilient Native Generations Online
open to tribal members that reside in Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties. 1–4 p.m. California Indian Museum & Cultural Center. 5250 Aero Dr., Santa Rosa. facebook.com/ cimandcc. Stephanie Moore Photography
Photo Contest. Only
Legends: Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono. Hawaiian
slack-key guitar masters perform. $35–$49. 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.
Bodega Bay Chowder Day
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
Seafood Sensation
O
ne of the advantages of living by the ocean is access to fresh seafood. And clams, as well as, of course, clam chowder are coastal favorites. At the annual Bodega Bay Chowder Day in Bodega Bay, local chefs serve their iterations of the soup, and the tasters get to vote for the ones they like best. The popular annual event will be held this year on January 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. There are two tasting groups, one at 10 a.m. and the other at noon. Tasting tickets are $15 and are available at visitbodegabayca.com/chowder-day. Note that participants do not walk, but drive from restaurant to restaurant. And because so many people come, and Bodega Bay is a small town with limited parking, carpooling is recommended. ¶
32 SonomaFamilyLife
$5. 8 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc. sonoma.edu. FREE Baby Sign & Storytime. Learn sign language from a certified Sign2Me instructor. For babies & toddlers & their parents or caregivers. 10:15–11 a.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
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Self Defense • Fitness • Focus • Discipline Confidence • Fun • Friendship • Bully Proof Tiger Tots: Mon-Thurs 3:30-4pm Saturdays 10:30-11am Kids BJJ: Mon-Thurs 4-5pm Saturdays 11-12pm petalumajiujitsu.com (707) 559-3887
Paternity and Child Support Order Establishment Payment Collection Services Payment Tracking and Accounting Child Support Modification
PRICING & REGISTRATION: 707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org
The Sonoma County Family YMCA is an inclusive, charitable organization that enriches community through the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Call Today 866-901-3212 Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403
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www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2276 January 2020
SonomaFamilyLife 33
Humor Break
have driven home her message: “Take it out faster next time.”
What Happened Awkward Moments to Cute? with Babies By Heidi Morris
B
abies bring about all sorts of experiences with them, and some of them are just plain awkward. No matter how well prepared you feel for that bundle of joy, there will come moments when you won’t know what to do. Babies are particularly good at causing scenes, and they don’t even need random screaming sessions to do it. It all will get better. But here are some of those moments you may never forget. The Wet Spot on the Shirt If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you will probably feel relieved when she sucks for the first time and the milk flows. It may be a little painful at first, but you will be glad that you have enough milk to feed her—and then the endless flow will arrive. As 34 SonomaFamilyLife
the baby won’t be feeding non-stop, the breasts may fill up and well, spill. This is a good thing if your little one is constantly hungry. What, however, you won’t be prepared for is the overflow. Fancy walking about with two big wet spots around your nipples. When those spots just keep getting bigger, you will jump into the nearest store, get some breast pads, and then run to the washroom. The Humiliating Smack on the Boob One day, you will let out your boob in public to feed your little cozy bundle. Then, as you look down into her eyes with all the love and affection you can muster, said bundle will lift her tiny hand and smack you hard on the boob. Everyone will look at you and find it amusing, and the baby will
The Pooper You take off your baby’s diaper and she starts to cry. So, to calm her, you decide to pick her up for a quick feed before fastening a fresh diaper. You start nursing her and two minutes later something warm and moist is on your lap. When you realize what just happened, you want to scream. Welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood. The Unexpected Colic Imagine a cool night when you decide to treat yourself to a meal at a Chinese restaurant that you last visited when you still had cravings and a
Something warm and moist is on your lap. When you realize what just happened, you want to scream. bulging belly. Your baby is calm and even giggling in his car seat—until you pick him up. Then the little one screams, kicks, and yells, not accepting any amount of soothing. Everyone is looking at you and you are made to understand that you are a nuisance. You have to pick up your crying child and go back home. Conclusively, babies do have a mind of their own. Being a loving mother, however, you are left with no choice but to clean up, forget all about it, and perhaps even laugh it out later. ¶ Heidi Morris is the author of the parenting/ lifestyle blog Textbook Mommy at textbookmommy.com.
January 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
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