Parents Press February 2022

February 2022

6 BOOKS

for the Kids Who Want to Know it All

4 EASY

STEPS TO Tackle that Pile of Art & School Work

BEAUTIFUL BITES! Healthy and Visually Appealing Snacks Your Little One Will Gobble Up

11 Amazing Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Family YEAR-BY-YEAR GUIDE to Prep Your High Schooler for College

PS VISION

PS CARE Prospect Sierra students engage in deep academic work, practice skills to hone greater self-knowledge, and demonstrate compassion and care for others. Immersed in a joyful school community, they develop a lifelong love of learning.

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February 2022

PS JOY

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Volume 41 • Number 6

What’s Inside February 2022

14 20 F E AT UR E S . ..

Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 www.ParentsPress. com Publisher Parenting Media, Inc. Art Director Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores Sophie Archer Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area.

Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com

Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2022 Parents’ Press

10 | Year-by-Year Guide to Prep Your High Schooler for College 14 | How do You Teach Your Children to be More Mindful?

30

20 | Beautiful Bites Benefits of Healthy and Visually Appealing Snacks 30 | The Ultimate Guide to Teen Tours . .. AND TH ER E’S MO R E 6 Good to Know 12 Book Club • Looking for a Great Summer Camp?

• 11 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids • Black History Month

6 Books for the Eager to Learn

28 Organizing Kids’ School Papers and Artwork Projects

February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

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Good to Know

Looking for a Great Summer Camp?

Don’t miss the Parents Press 2022 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo in February. This year we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customize so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive your customized package of camp information: https://parentspress. com/summer-camp-expo.html

Black History Month “If there is no struggle there is no progress.”

– Frederick Douglass

T

hese words are as relevant today as they were in 1857 when the famous statesman, writer and orator first used them. Black History Month, or National African American History Month, was started in 1926 as a weeklong celebration coinciding with the birthdays of Douglass (Feb. 14, 1818) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809). See our Calendar for suggestions about things to do to celebrate Black History Month.

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February 2022

Celebrating February Holidays

T

he whole world is familiar with Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, and in the U.S. we have Groundhog Day, Presidents’ Day, plus a few important birthdays to celebrate, but how many other February holidays are you familiar with?

Maybe you celebrate No Brainer Day or Polar Bear Day, both on Feb. 27.

Then there is Lost Penny Day on the 12th which was ‘invented’ to encourage people to look around their homes for all of their stray coins (lost pennies), gather them up and donate them to charity.

Other honorable mentions are National Margarita Day, World Thinking Day and Be Humble Day all share the 22nd. There are certainly some great holidays to celebrate during February and if you don’t get any chocolates on Valentine’s Day don’t worry as the 15th of February is Gumdrop Day so you can have your fill of sugar then!

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Good to Know write a saying (Happy Valentine’s Day XOXO, A Valentine’s Day Hug) and let your child decorate the heart and arms with markers, crayons, glitter, stickers and/or stick on gems. Fold the arms over as if they are giving the heart a hug. This makes a great decoration around the house or a great gift for a loved one.

4 Sweets & Treats 5Handmade Valentines 6Valentine Crayons

Head to the kitchen and make cookies or cupcakes to decorate with pink frosting and sprinkles.

Make Valentines for your children’s friends and loved ones, or even deliver to a local nursing home!

11

Valentine’s Day Ideas FOR KIDS

V

alentine’s Day is all about romance and chocolate.

Once you have children, the holiday tends to change a little. It usually includes spending time celebrating with your children – and having to share that box of chocolate with them. Make this year’s Valentine’s Day fun and special for your children. Check out the 11 ways to celebrate below.

1

Get Crafty

Decorate a T-shirt or onesie with your child. They can decorate with hearts and puffy paints, and wear it proudly!

2

Breakfast Surprise

Surprise them with cupcakes for breakfast, surrounded by candy hearts. You can tie a heart balloon on their chairs for an extra surprise.

3Create Hearts

Trace your child’s arms and hands. Cut them out and then attach to each side of a heart. In the center you can

Buy a silicon tray with hearts (you can pick these up at a craft store). Collect all your broken crayons and fill each heart with different colors. Place in a 200 degree oven and watch closely until they melt. Let cool and you now have a great Valentine crayon heart to give out to friends.

7Crafts

Decorate the house with Valentine’s Day crafts. For an easy craft, cut strips of paper and fold them into a heart shape. Great way to make paper chains!

8Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt 9 Family Move Night

Write clues on pieces of paper that lead children to a special treat or gift.

Get the popcorn ready and snuggle in to watch a cute Valentine’s Day movie like Lady and the Tramp or Mickey and Minnie’s Sweetheart Stories.

10Love Letters 11Game Night

10 “love” notes telling your children something special you love about them.

Have a special dinner with the family, then enjoy a night playing their favorite games.

These 11 ideas, crafts and treats are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you family.

1822

Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a signature heart-

shaped box of chocolates. But do you know who originated the sweet treat? In 1822, John Cadbury, originally a coffee and tea shop owner, began producing chocolates. That very same year his son Richard brainstormed the idea of packing them up in the first-ever heart-shaped box. We’d love to know if recipients back then looted through to find the caramels like we do.

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February 2022

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Countdown to College Tips to Help Students Find Their Fit

T

he high school road to college may seem like four of the most challenging years families face.

There are deadlines, tough financial choices and parents and children don’t always agree on colleges. If that isn’t stressful enough, every year there are tasks that high school students should be checking off their to-do list. How do parents help their high school students navigate all the details and decisions they must make during their countdown to college? Here is some advice from the pros -- a parent who’s been through the process and a college admissions counselor.

Starting the Conversation It all starts with a conversation between parent and child. But often the question that starts the conversation is the wrong one, according to Rick Clark, an undergraduate admissions counselor.

“Parents ask ‘Where do you want to go to college?’ “Clark says. The biggest question that parents don’t ask or lose sight of is ‘Why do you want to go to college?’ “That why is important, and should be followed up with questions like “What do you hope to get out of this? What do you want to study? What do you want to do long-term?” says Clark.

Freshman Year: The Importance of Academics Rachael Fain, a mom of three, stresses the importance of the GPA during freshman year. Fain’s daughter, Hannah, graduated from college in 2017. Fain also has a son, Matthew, who is a junior in college.

“My children started taking high school classes in eighth grade,” Fain says. “A GPA is harder to bring up in

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February 2022

By Janeen Lewis

junior and senior year, so our goal their eighth and ninth grade years was to keep their GPA high.”

The freshman year is also important for getting on a challenging track of classes.“Course choice is important,” Clark says. “Math in particular is something students need to pay attention to.”

Taking challenging classes in high school helped Fain’s son Matthew make his college decision. He decided to pursue his degree at the University where he took dual credit courses when he was in high school.

Sophomore Year: Getting to Know You Tenth grade is a good year for self-reflection. Students can take personality tests and the PSAT to figure out their strengths and weaknesses. They can also start thinking about the kind and size of school they want to attend.

Understanding what they are good at will help high school students be realistic about the school that is the best fit for them.

Junior Year: Balancing Grades and Activities Grades are crucial during the junior year. Junior year also involves a more challenging track of classes and leadership roles in clubs and activities. It’s hard to do it all, so how important are the extracurricular activities?

It depends on the student and the college.

“At one of my children’s colleges, extracurricular activities were really important,” Fain said. “At the other one, they didn’t’ matter as much.”

Clark says one out of every four students who apply to the school where he works are accepted.

“Most students that apply have good test scores, good grades and good courses. Then the review committee asks ‘Is this kid a good fit for us?’”

Clark says they look for students who are innovative or who are entrepreneurs, and they ask “How does this student use their time?”

“If they are a good student who goes home and plays video games, what will they contribute to the school?” Clark says.

But it stands out if students are responsible, if they work a job or if they make an impact some way.

Senior Year: Find Your Fit Clark says the most important thing about making a college decision is finding a good fit.

“Fit doesn’t really mean can the student do the work, but are they aligned well to the school.” For example, Clark says two universities can look the same on paper. A student will apply to each with the same grades and same test scores and get accepted to one and not the other.

“That is what fit is,” Clark says. “How a student fits with a school, not just from an academic standpoint.”

If you and your child do not agree on the same school, Clark says how you approach the topic may resolve a lot of conflict over the situation. “Continue to tell your kids you love them, and that no matter where they go to college, it will be great.”

The good news is that there are many schools across the country and probably more than one of them will match your student’s personality and academic standing.

“If you or your child feels overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember there is a school for every student,” says Fain.

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country.

Countdown to College Checklist A Timeline That Will Take You Places

Preparing for college can be overwhelming for high school students and their parents because of the many steps it takes to get an acceptance letter. But breaking the college to-do list into manageable steps for each year of high school makes the process less stressful and teaches students responsibility, the very thing they will need for what they want to achieve -- a college education. Follow this step-by-step guide for a smoother countdown to college.

FRESHMAN YEAR • Talk to your parents and guidance counselor at the beginning of the year to set goals.

• Take the most challenging courses available to you.

Make good grades.

• Try a variety of activities.

• Take advantage of opportunities to visit college campuses when you travel.

SOPHOMORE YEAR • Visit college and career fairs.

• Build your resume. Make a list of awards, accomplishments, and activities.

• Take the PSAT for practice (you can take it your sophomore and junior year, but it won’t count until you are a junior).

• Start studying for the ACT and SAT. There are many test prep guides available online and in book form.

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses and take a personality inventory.

• Research possible careers.

• During the summer begin researching colleges that might be a good fit.

JUNIOR YEAR • Take the PSAT. • Accept leadership roles in the activities that suit you best.

• Narrow your list of possible careers.

• Narrow your list of possible colleges.

• Take the ACT and SAT. • During the summer volunteer or find an internship or job related to your future career.

• Write a college entrance essay draft. Have it critiqued by a guidance counselor or teacher.

SENIOR YEAR • Narrow your college search to six to eight schools.

• Post all important deadline dates on a wall calendar.

• Retake the ACT or SAT if needed.

• Polish your resume.

• Ask for teacher recommendations.

• Visit the colleges you are applying to.

• Send out all your college applications.

• After you receive your acceptance letters, compare scholarship and financial aid packages and make your final decision.

• Notify all the schools you were accepted to of your decision.

• Celebrate the beginning of a new timeline at college!

February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

11

Book Club

F

OR THE KID WHO WANTS TO KNOW IT ALL!

Cover topics from amazing rivers to bacteria to Cleopatra. These impressively detailed books will keep the kids engaged and entertained as well as expand their minds.

LISTIFIED Ever wondered which 10 dinosaurs were the largest, and what they weighed… in cats? Or how much of your DNA you share with other animals…and bananas?

Enter the listiverse and get ready to see the world in a whole new way. Listified! takes the best and most amazing parts of the universe-erupting volcanoes, medieval machines, jumping spiders, exploding stars and everything in between and organizes them into quirky list form for curious kids and their friends and family to enjoy. Age: 8-12

BRITANNICA’S FIRST BIG BOOK OF WHY Britannica’s huge, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated question and answer book will satisfy even the most curious kids, with over 100 questions verified by Britannica experts.

Spanning a range of topics including animals, the body, machines, space, and more, this book provides clear and accessible explanations and even explores some of the mysteries that experts are still trying to solve!

Age: 4-8

EARTH IS BIG: A BOOK OF COMPARISONS Get to know our planet in a whole new way by comparing it to a huge variety of other incredible things— from tiny particles to giant star clusters. Did you know soap bubbles are some of the roundest objects in the universe? Or that we humans are totally outnumbered by chickens? Or that the driest desert on Earth isn’t scorching but freezing? Tour some of the most extreme places on the planet and beyond it, take a look at life forms from bacteria to elephants to redwood trees, and explore what makes our planet the perfect home for us. Age: 6-11

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February 2022

FACTOPIA! Hop from topic to topic in unexpected and delightful ways, and discover what connects a giraffe with the Eiffel tower, or a slice of pizza with Cleopatra.

On your aweinspiring journey, you will find out extraordinary facts about space, bones, dinosaurs and more. Age: 8-12

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to enjoy the baby as much and may feel deprived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like.

No one can imagine what daily life will be like with a new baby. Of course, no one has the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s no wonder that both parents can wind up

to life than a good meal and a nap. In facts youmore can provides fact, by thetrust end of her third month, she’ll hundreds be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll of hours see ofherfun learning curious get excited and animated for just seeHEALTH & WELLNESS his face. So be patient, support each children ing and their families.

Age: 8-12 other through this difficult time, and you’ll

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13

How do You Teach Your Children to be More Mindful?

By Carole Kramer Arsenault

W

e often hear the challenges in teaching mindfulness—how do you teach your children to be more mindful? One of the most popular questions we get asked is can mindfulness even be taught? The short answer, yes. There are many techniques parents and childcare providers can teach children how to be more self-aware in the present

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February 2022

moment. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can have a positive impact on a child’s development, mental health and wellbeing. For example, children who are taught mindfulness at a young age are more likely to be confident, patient, stress resilient, and have healthy coping mechanisms.

Mindfulness starts at home—you must be present, calm, stress savvy to help raise a mindful and self-

aware child, and be willing to practice along with them! Taking part in mindfulness activities with your child will help in your own practice, as well as further advance your family’s learnings. Here are five techniques that can help raise more mindful children: Children’s Yoga Yoga is a great way for children to calm their bodies, transition between activities, or settle down before bed.

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Consider leveraging children’s books to help teach your children about yoga, mindfulness, and movement. Sleepy Little Yoga, by Rebecca Whitford and Goodnight Yoga, by Mariam Gates are great books to read together. You can also find great resources on YouTube such as the Cosmic Kids Yoga stories.

Responsive, Loving Care Studies show that infants and toddlers exposed to lots of nurturing touch are more likely to develop into stress-resilient adults. Positive affirmation, physical affection, friendly talk and sympathetic body language help to develop your children into a more self-compassionate human being. This allows children to view themselves from a place of self love and acceptance, rather than a place of judgement. All of these tactics teach children to cope with their negative emotions, as well as develop secure, healthy attachment relationships.

Meditation Jar A meditation jar is a great way to relax a child’s mind from stress and/ or anxiety-provoking thoughts, and creates an easy-to-understand way to teach children about meditation.

The visualization of glitter in the jar and what it represents teaches children to be still in these moments of “chaos”. Visualization is great for kids. Even if they cannot articulate the concept in words, their brain absorbs this information and learns that eventually their mind and body will calm and settle as well. Ready Moody Cow Meditates, by Kerry MacLean is a great book to teach meditation as well.

Breathing Practices Teaching breathing is a way to practice mindfulness in children and allows them to focus their attention solely on breathing. Over time this will help them learn how to concentrate on one thing at a

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Positive affirmation, physical affection, friendly talk and sympathetic body language help to develop your children into a more self-compassionate human being. time. Breathing techniques can help children redirect their focus away from an upsetting situation, such as a scraped knee or lost toy. Long deep breaths supply oxygen to the brain which signals your parasympathetic nervous system to relax and calm your body.

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Benefits of Making Healthy Snacks Visually Appealing to Kids

By Sarah Lyons

A

healthy and well balanced diet is important for kids to maintain healthy growth and development. Snack time is a great way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into a child’s daily diet. Children have smaller sized stomachs than adults and therefore are less likely to eat enough at meals to keep them full and energized until the next mealtime which makes snack time a great way for parents to get in those extra nutrients. They also offer a variety of benefits.

Continued on page 22 >>>

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February 2022

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Snacking helps kids develop healthy habits Including three meals and two healthy snacks into your child’s daily diet helps kids learn healthy eating habits that will stick with them for a lifetime. Providing a well balanced and healthy diet helps kids learn appropriate portion control, to eat (and enjoy) a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, and develop a healthy relationship with food. Kids who learn these valuable habits early are less likely to form unhealthy eating habits such as eating out of boredom or based on emotional factors. They also learn to eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full, a skill many adults struggle with.

Snacking gives kids the boost they need Without snacking, kids are less likely to meet the suggested nutritional intake to maintain a healthy diet because their stomachs are smaller and become full with a smaller meal. Adding two small snacks a day that provide fruit, veggies, low fat dairy, or whole grain helps kids fill in the nutritional gaps they may have been missing from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, snacks provide a boost of energy to get kids through the rest of the day.

Snacking benefits a child’s overall health The development of healthy eating habits at a young age decreases the likelihood of children developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Kids who eat more fruits and vegetables and less “junk food” that contain high quantities of sugar are also more likely to have better dental hygiene. Kids who maintain a healthy diet, including smart snack choices, are less likely to binge on foods high in calories and carbohydrates and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives.

Snacking helps power brain development Kids who eat healthy snacks are, generally, more prepared to listen and learn at school because their bellies are full. They have more energy and are more attentive in class. Hungry kids become irritable, tired, and less alert. A healthy snack can do a lot to help kids grow and develop properly.

Now that we understand the great benefits to healthy snacking, how can we get our kids to eat the fruits and vegetables their bodies need? Preparing snacks that are fun encourages kids to try new foods and may even help them to forget they are eating healthy food at all.

Here are some great snacks that kids will have fun eating.

22 Parents Press | February 2022

The development of healthy eating habits at a young age decreases the likelihood of children developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Healthy and Visually Appealing Snacks for Kids FROZEN BANANA “ICE CREAM” For a tasty sweet treat that is also healthy, simply slice a banana and freeze overnight. The next day put the bananas in a blender or food processor and you will have a creamy, healthy snack that tastes similar to ice cream.

APPLE SLICES Slices of apple can be more appetizing for kids and are fun to eat. Add a side of peanut butter for dipping to make them even more appealing.

FRUIT KABOBS Fun fruit kabobs are visually appealing and fun to eat.

Create “caterpillars” out of grapes for a snack that is cute and healthy. Another way to make fruit appealing is to use cookie cutters to cut interesting shapes.

ANTS ON A LOG This cute snack is great for an afternoon snack or a fun surprise in the lunchbox. Simply fill celery with peanut butter and top with raisins to make “ants on a log”.

DINOSAUR BROCCOLI TREES To a kid, broccoli resembles a tree. Why not make it fun and bring the dinosaur toys to the table to “share the trees”. Add some fun dip like ranch, blue cheese, or cottage cheese to the side to make it more appealing.

ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI Kids love spaghetti. This healthier alternative is just as tasty as traditional spaghetti noodles.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six children, including 7-yearold triplets.

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23

Carlos Trujillo, Bishop O’Dowd High School Math Department Chair, teaching Advanced Placement Calculus.

s e r u t u F c i m a n in Math Dy Bishop O’Dowd High School Moves Students Ahead of the Curve

“T

here’s a problem with how we teach math in the United States,”

explains Carlos Trujillo, Chair of Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Math Department.

“The standard course sequence dates back to the Industrial Revolution. It’s not setting students up to master the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.”

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February 2022

In an effort to accelerate student access to upper-level courses like Pre Calculus and Finite Math, the O’Dowd Math Department made a decision in 2018 to eliminate a more basic Algebra 2 course, instead offering an unleveled Algebra 2 Trigonometry to all students. “By shifting every student into this more advanced class, we opened the gates for them to engage earlier in college prep courses that

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lean more towards their interests, whether that’s traditional STEM, business, or social entrepreneurship,” says Trujillo.

Along those lines, the Department also added AP Computer Science Principles in 2016. “We’ve seen that course jump from 24 students in 2016, to 100 students this year,” Trujillo reports.

O’Dowd’s Math Department has also intentionally modernized its teaching methods, transitioning the classroom to a “flipped model” where students might watch a teaching video the night before class to preview concepts, and then come to class prepared to practice. “One of the

most necessary skills in today’s world is collaboration,” Trujillo notes. “We’re supporting students to work in groups and attack a problem together. We want classes to be spaces of active learning, instead of passively taking lecture notes.

And we’ve found that students master and own the material much more deeply through this model.”

Last year, in accordance with leadingedge research from the Stanford Graduate School of Education, The University of Chicago, and a growing cadre of mathematicians, data scientists, teachers, and education policy leaders, O’Dowd’s CONTINUED NEXT PAGE >

AP Calculus students prepare for their end of semester finals.

February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

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< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Math Department developed a new two-year geometry, algebra, and trigonometry sequence—an innovative course remodel designed to prepare students to be problem solvers in today’s tech and data economy.

thinking that matter for problem solving. It’s like an exponential function. Our student’s mastery will compound and accelerate over four years and put them at an advantage when it comes to pursuing STEM careers.”

As it stands now, most U.S. math students learn The shift also opens the pathways for all students a sequence of Algebra 1 (one year), Geometry (one to take AP Calculus by their junior or senior year year), Algebra 2 (one year). “This math track is like —something less than 10 percent of students were learning to play piano one year, switching to cello for previously able to achieve. another year, then going back to piano as though you never stopped practicing,” I took AP Calculus and AP Computer Science Principles in 11th Trujillo says. First, the sequence grade. O’Dowd’s math teachers don’t just explain concepts doesn’t support a true command of like the quotient derivative rule, they support us to develop a growth fundamental math concepts. “It’s how mindset. Through math, I’ve learned that brains and talent are a good students get frustrated with math,” starting point, but it takes hard work and dedication to succeed.

Trujillo notes. Second, this sequence Teachers like Mr. Trujillo have given me confidence to meet any usually doesn’t create enough challenge —in an equation or in life.

— Diego, 12th Grade time for students to take multiple upper division courses, like Data “By creating this intentional two-year sequence, Science and Multivariable Calculus. “These are the we’re giving students a rock-solid foundation to courses that have a big payoff for students,” Trujillo excel in Pre Calculus, Finite Math, Data Science or explains. “They start solving real world problems, even AP Calculus as juniors,” Trujillo emphasizes. thinking creatively, and strengthening their college From there, there are a range of AP courses they applications.” can take, even Multivariable Calculus. “We are one O’Dowd’s two-year math sequence is focused on of only a few high schools in the nation that teaches students mastering the concepts they need to be this,” Trujillo says. Multivariable Calculus lays successful. “We don’t want students who just know the mathematical foundation for machine learning how to do the mechanics.” Trujillo states. “We want and theoretical computer science. “We need to be them to gain the technical vocabulary, notational preparing students to be drivers and innovators of fluency, the analytical skills, and the conceptual the kinds of systems that Google Maps and Spotify 26 Parents Press |

February 2022

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are built on,” Trujillo insists. “They’re going to keep changing the world.”

O’Dowd’s move to modernize the Math Department is already ahead of the curve. Last year, the University of California and the California State Universities made changes to accept courses in data science as equivalent to Algebra II, pointing towards the relevance of data science to analyze and tackle social problems, from climate change to crime. Other elite colleges may follow soon.

“Our Math Department is reading the economic landscape and leading innovation,” declares O’Dowd Board Member and alumna Melinda EisenhutDunn ’74. As the former CFO of Sequoia Capital, a $20B global investment firm, Melinda knows how important it is for education to expose young people to disciplines that connect to our emerging marketplace.

“O’Dowd is looking ahead,” she says. “We’re equipping our graduates to become leaders in the next generation of our society.” ✷

Honors Pre-Calculus students work on graphing equations.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college preparatory community that engages students in learning experiences that encompass mind, body and spirit, and emboldens graduates to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.

To learn more about O’Dowd’s award-winning programs, visit www.bishopodowd.org/admissions February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

27

ORGANIZING Kids’ School Papers and Art Projects If you have school-age children, you are most likely dealing with an ever-growing stack of school papers and artwork. Some of the papers may go straight to the recycle bin but what do you do with the important papers and special artwork you would like to keep?

By Sarah Lyons

Start by Sorting

B

efore you can start organizing your child’s paperwork and art projects you need to decide what to discard and what to keep. “I keep things that reveal his personality,” says Kara Thomas, mom to a ten-year-old son.

Set aside papers that show your child’s writing skills and artwork that you feel is unique to your child’s personality. Discard worksheets or daily papers.

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February 2022

Make another stack of papers that have information you need such as calendars, directories, or spelling lists. Try to sort items at least once a week so the paper stack does not get out of control. “Parents may want to feature their child’s artwork by hanging it in frames on the wall.

This gives them the opportunity to enjoy it, then change the pictures over time.” says Stephanie Davis, a Certified Professional Organizer.

Start a Keepsake Box

A keepsake box is a space for you to save items that mean something to you or your child. Davis, suggests using a file box. “A keepsake box causes you to constantly purge and evaluate what you really want to keep,” says Davis. Some parents may have a file for each grade level but Stephanie suggests sorting items by type, such as artwork, invitations, pictures, projects, and adventures. This will give the file box a more defined purpose and is easier for the parent to maintain. “The keepsake boxes should be stored where they are easy to get to. If it is stored on a closet shelf, it is less likely to be used than if it is stored somewhere that is easily accessed.”

Create a Family Binder

As a mom of six, our family has our fair share of paperwork. Creating a family binder for important information has helped me stay organized. Each family member has a tab and their sports calendars, school directories, and medical information are stored there. When I need something in a hurry, I know right where to look. “I encourage families to go digital. They can use one family calendar app so everyone knows what is going on and important papers can be scanned and computerized as well.” says Davis. “I try to be flexible and figure out what works for each family.”

Go Digital

Some parents may find it easier to go digital when it comes to storing their child’s artwork and school papers. Joanna Cline, mother of three, says “I use the Artkive app to store my kids’ art. At the end of the year, I will make a photobook of their artwork.”

Other apps that help save artwork are DearMuse or Keepy. Many of these apps have family sharing available.

The main thing to remember is the items we want to keep will develop and change over time. As you add to your keepsake box, you may find that some items don’t seem as important a few years later and it is okay to discard them to make room for the things that you value now. Parents should never feel guilty about not keeping every single paper, painting, and essay. Realistically it’s only important to keep the items that mean the most.  Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

She loves reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. With six children in three schools, she is very familiar with the need to organize school papers and art projects.

February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TEEN

TOURS

By Cheryl Maguire

W Can I go to the East Coast?

hen my soon to be fourteenyear-old daughter asked me this question my initial response was, “There is no way you are going, especially without me.”

And then I saw the cost of the trip which only solidified my sentiment.

The public school she attends teamed up with a travel tour company to offer a week-long educational trip to the East Coast for students who applied. The trip is not considered a school trip since it will be during April vacation, but teachers will be participating along with the travel guides from the tour company.

“Didn’t you go on a similar trip when you were her age?”

My husband, the voice of reason, pointed out a fact that I did indeed

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February 2022

travel to the west coast at the age of fourteen, except instead of a week I traveled for three weeks. I went with a private “teen tour” company over the summer.

I loved my teen tour experience.

It enabled me to see national parks and historical sites that I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise, which is why I changed my mind and I’m allowing her to go.

WHAT IS A TEEN TOUR? A teen tour is when a group of teens travel with adult leaders to specific locations. These tours are usually private companies but sometimes pair up with public schools. Some tours are also run through religious organizations.

The trips can be domestic or international and can be community

“Didn’t you go on a similar trip when you were her age?” service based or educational. The length of time can vary from one week to one month or longer. The group stays at camp grounds or hotels, traveling by a coach bus.

TYPES OF TEEN TOURS PRIVATE: Most of the teen tour companies are privately owned. Like a camp, the company hires staff counselors who will travel and be responsible for the teens during the trip. These tours can be accredited by the Camping Association.

When selecting a tour, make sure to research the company through the Better Business Bureau and by asking for recommendations from friends or family.

Collaborate with Public/Private School: If your school doesn’t currently offer a travel program, you could ask about partnering with a travel company.

RELIGIOUS: Local religious organizations may offer a teen travel experience during the

summer. Sometimes these trips are community service orientated while other times it may be educational.

You could check with your local place of worship to find out if they offer a teen tour.

COST The cost of these tours isn’t cheap ranging from $3k-$10k and up.

Usually, the cost includes all meals, transportation during the trip (not to the first location), admission, and staff guides. You might be able to receive financial aid or a scholarship through Geography of Hope. You may also be able to travel for free if you are willing to volunteer.

There is a tuition free program you can apply to for girls age 15-17 called Inspiring Girls Expeditions.

IS A TEEN TOUR RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY? Traveling requires a certain type of personality, usually someone who enjoys adventure and is able

to be patient when necessary.

My daughter’s twin brother had zero interest in attending the trip and didn’t even show me the paperwork. His personality is vastly different from his twin, so I can understand why he doesn’t want to go.

If you can afford the high cost or qualify for a scholarship, then a teen tour can be a unique learning experience for your child.

I visited various places and met people from diverse backgrounds.

And even though I will miss her terribly, I’m sure my daughter will have an incredible trip.  Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

“I LOVED MY TEEN TOUR EXPERIENCE. It enabled me to see national parks and historical sites that I PROBABLY WOULDN’T HAVE VISITED OTHERWISE, which is why I changed my mind and I’M ALLOWING HER TO GO.”

February 2022 | ParentsPress.com

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