RAK magazine May 2021

MAY 2021

RaisingARIZONA Kids your partner on the parenting path KEEPING KIDS SAFE

around water

Will the kids be all right?

Family adventures in Hawaii ADDRESSING LEARNING LOSSES and DIFFERENCES

MOTHER'S DAY

gifts and events Grayson Reed (4) at Great Wolf Lodge in Phoenix.

contents

May 2021 FEATURES 20 Statistics don’t matter if it’s your kid who drowns

As a pediatric hospitalist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Dr. Jeff Weiss cared for many children who were non-fatal drowning victims. Here's what he's learned.

24 Will the kids be all right?

Kids are more stressed than ever. But Teen Lifeline’s Nikki Kontz says the picture isn’t all bleak, because they’re finding help.

24 20

28 Summer slide gives way to “pandemic slide”

Here's how public schools are responding to COVID-related learning gaps.

Plus: Does your child need tutoring? An assessment?

DEPARTMENTS 2 dialogue May is all right

4 az grown • 4th graders get free access to America’s national parks • Sea Life Arizona breeds mosquito-eating fish • Maricopa County Reads sign-up kicks off this month • Libraries are reopening around the Valley

10

• Sari on Science: Space helmet challenge • Raising Outdoor Kids: A Hawaiian Islands family adventure • Using Common Sense: Re-establishing screen-time limits • Mother’s Day gift ideas

38 family time!

• Top May events • Around Arizona • Cinco de Mayo celebrations • Fun runs and walks • Mother’s Day events

WHAT'S COMING UP...

SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

1

dialogue

May 2021 | Vol 32 | No 3

PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr EDITOR Kara G. Morrison

allll right May is a

CONTRIBUTORS Sari Custer, Lisa Van Loo, Ilana Lowery, Jeff. Weiss, M.D. ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Reed

MAY IS TYPICALLY a busy month,

crisis intervention and suicide hotline,

filled with teacher appreciation events,

Kontz says suicide rates have dropped and

Mother’s Day gatherings, end-of-school-

teens are proving resilient, resourceful and

year celebrations and Memorial Day

open to mental health help in the wake of

remembrances. Before the real Arizona

a pandemic that has claimed more than

R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295)

heat kicks in, May mornings and evenings

580,000 lives in the United States.

was created to connect Valley families to local

are still pleasant, pools are heating up and summer break is in sight.

It’s dizzying how much has happened

May is also National Water Safety Month, so with help from Dr. Jeff Weiss, we explore ways to keep kids safe around

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg

resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2021 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written

since this time last year. More than 40

water. June through August are peak times

permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20

percent of Arizonans have been vaccinated

for drownings in Arizona, and we don’t

for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are

for COVID-19, making in-person family

need ANY more family tragedies.

events and summer vacations possible.

Finally, there’s no denying that this

Now that everyone 16 and older is eligible

was a tough year academically. We’re

to be vaccinated, let’s keep doing our part

only beginning to understand learning

to get friends and family members their

losses experienced this school year.

shots to stay ahead of some of the new

Many schools are gearing up to offer free

COVID strains circulating the globe. With

summer school programs to help address

vaccines and some precautions, we can

those deficits. We also spoke to Sydney

reboot our lives.

Moses, Director of Arcadia Literacy &

In this issue, Lisa Van Loo gives tips on planning a family vacation to Hawaii,

Learning, to see how else parents can make sure their kids will be all right.

Common Sense Media’s Ilana Lowery offers ways to reign in screen-time this summer, and Teen Lifeline’s Nikki Kontz explains why she’s hopeful about the mental health of our tweens and teens.

While calls are up to the Phoenix-based

2 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

$6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Content guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 10645 N. Tatum Blvd. #200-314 Phoenix, AZ 85028 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) | F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dear Friends, One year ago, when our YMCA wellness centers were closed for the first time, we had to pivot. Our community was tested in ways we have never seen before, and the Y was called to action. Together, we adapted to the challenges of a pandemic and learned new ways to provide critical programs that kept our communities engaged, healthy and safe.

While this past year was incredibly challenging and uncomfortable for our communities, members, volunteers, and staff, we were quick to remember that growth is often uncomfortable. Staff, volunteers, and donors invented new ways to serve, and moved quickly to help others. However challenging; essential workers, seniors in our community and the Governor’s office asked us to step into the work.

Here is how our Y family served our communities over the past year.

Being an organization of service is a rich part of our legacy and will continue to lead us into the future. We will, of course, continue to offer the high-quality youth development, healthy living, and outreach programs and services that our communities need and expect from the Y. But we are quickly adapting to the ever-changing needs of our communities. Looking ahead here are some ways we are adapting to serve: • We will invest more fully in our staff and volunteers to develop future leaders.

• We will recommit ourselves to creating a culture that is diverse and inclusive.

• We will continue to meet the most immediate human needs with a focus on food insecurity and affordable housing.

• We will provide financial assistance to low-income households to ensure more than 10,000 children and families have access to YMCA programs that strengthen families.

• We will serve 1,000 youth and teens in programs such as Workforce Readiness, Youth and Government, and Teen Leaders Club to teach them the skills to become leaders, continue their education, and enter the workforce.

We are so proud of our Y family, their dedication and creativity, generosity, and commitment to serving others. We invite you to stay with us in this great cause as we continue to make thousands of lives better.

Yours in health, Bob Rice, Board Chair & Bryan Madden, President & CEO

VALLEYYMCA.ORG • 602.404.9622

az grown good to knows

SEA LIFE ARIZONA

breeds mosquito-eating fish SEA LIFE ARIZONA AQUARIUM at Arizona Mills in Tempe is helping

eliminate mosquitos in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish.

Sea Life is breeding endangered mosquito-eating Gila Topminnow fish, which will be released into local Arizona waterways to curb the mosquito population in the state.

Guests can spot several hundred of these fish at the aquarium before they are released later this year into streams, ponds and other local bodies of water. Mosquitofish, a non-native invasive species, first were introduced into local waterways to control mosquito populations. Research over the past 20 years shows that Gila

4th graders get FREE ACCESS to

AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

EVERY KID OUTDOORS — formerly called Every Kid in a

Park — is a program run by the United States National Park Service giving every fourth grader in the country free admission to America’s National Parks. The program was created by President Barack Obama in 2015 to

Topminnow are just as effective at targeting mosquito larvae as the exotic mosquitofish. Gila Topminnow eat mosquito larvae, lowering mosquito populations. Learn more at visitsealife.com/arizona

MARICOPA COUNTY READS

to national parks across the country for fourth graders

STARTING MAY 1, ages 11 and younger can sign up for Maricopa County

and family members. The pass means free entrance

Reads, the free summer reading program intended to help stop the

for all children under 16 and up to three adults in the

summer slide — the term given to the learning losses experienced by

same vehicle. Educators can also request passes for their

children between school years — and promote early literacy among pre-

fourth-grade students.

readers and their families.

Every Kid Outdoors pass at everykidoutdoors.gov. Every

The pass does not cover parking fees, camping,

TS

EN UM

All kids in the fourth grade have access to their own

TI

Service, and it was renamed and reauthorized in 2019.

E VA

Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, this pass provides free access

sign-up kicks off this month

coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Park

IR

IN

A

Participants who sign up at maricopacountyreads.org can earn points,

boating, special tours or some sites that are managed by

unlock badges and win prizes for minutes added to a personal reading log.

private operators. Because the pandemic upended travel

With enough points, kids can earn a free personal pan pizza from Peter

in 2020, current fifth graders are still eligible this year

Piper Pizza or a free kids meal from Rubio’s, and all participants who

only to use the pass through Aug. 31, 2021. Find details

reach 500 points earn a free lemonade from Raising Cane’s. At 1,000

at nps.gov or everykidoutdoors.gov

points, participants earn a free book of their choosing.

4 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Play.

Grow.

Explore.

Girl Scouts.

Do you have a girl in pre-K, kindergarten, or first grade who can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and find new adventures? Girl Scouts has you covered! From subscription-like summer activity boxes available now to virtual programming – we’ve designed many opportunities with her age, developmental stage, and needs in mind.

Get started now with a FREE Family Activity Packet & Calendar!

girlscoutsaz.org/daisylaunch

az grown community Buckeye Public Library before COVID.

Libraries are REOPENING around the Valley IN A SURE SIGN of progress against the

October, it was a more limited, curated

pandemic, most library branches around

browsing experience.

Maricopa County are entering “next stage” practices for in-person visits and access to

being able to come into your library with

materials and resources. Here’s a roundup

no expectations of what you will find

of what we know at press time:

and eventually walking out with your

Maricopa County Library District On Monday, April 26, Maricopa County Library District brought back full browsing access at all 18 of its library

6 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

“There is something special about

next favorite book, movie or album,” MCLD Director and County Librarian Jeremy Reeder said in a statement. “We are excited to safely bring that experience back to our community.”

While in-library computers remain

branches. Customers will be able to stop by

unavailable, customers can check out a

the library during Pop-In Pickup hours to

Chromebook or Wi-Fi Hotspot to use at

browse every shelf and all sections. When

home. Library cardholders can put in a

MCLD first launched Pop-In Pickup in

request for the devices online at mcldaz.

org, by calling 602-652-3000 or by visiting their nearest MCLD library. Sitting areas and study rooms remain closed and no in-person events are planned.

COVID-19 mitigation measures will still

Apache Junction Public Library

not required but are available upon request.

Public Library has allowed full access

Hours have changed, and all events remain

to its collections and spaces, with

online for now.

masks and social distancing highly

of virtual services will remain available for

recommended. Seating remains limited/

those preferring contactless library services.

distanced and the castle, kids’ computers

Phoenix Public Library began a phased restoration of in-building visits on April 19, when eight library locations reopened

headphones remain off limits.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Avondale Public Library Avondale Public Library branches are

All in-building visits require a 45-minute

80 patrons at a time are allowed in the

reservation, face coverings and adherence

Civic Center Library and only 40 in the

to social distancing measures.

Sam Garcia Library. Customers are asked

to accommodating drop-in customers who will be admitted as space allows on the half hour from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Mesa Public Library branches are open with limited occupancy and services from

open with modified hours. No more than

will have a designated number dedicated

Mesa Public Library

and toys, and computer-station

for limited visits from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. ​

Each facility’s occupancy allowance

Heroes) fully reopened April 19. Masks are

As of Nov. 19, Apache Junction

be enforced. Curbside Pickup and a variety

Phoenix Public Library

(Main, Foothills, Velma Teague, and

Mask wearing is required, and the city’s COVID-19 Code of Conduct is in place.

Park & Pickup curbside service remains available for library materials.

Scottsdale Public Library Civic Center Library offers some

to limit their time in the library to 60

in-building hours, as well as curbside pick

minutes. Masks are required.

up options. Appaloosa and Arabian and

Buckeye Public Library Buckeye Public Library implemented

Mustang libraries will continue to offer drive-thru service.

Tempe Public Library

Advance reservations can be made online

new hours and expanded services on

or through the Library’s Call Center

April 19. Masks are required, and some

(602-262-4636) up to three days prior.

services may be limited or have capacity

started April 5. Mini browsing collections

If you fail to check in within 30 minutes

restrictions.The no-contact pickup service

for all ages are available in the lobby for

of your expected arrival time, your

has been suspended.

quick browsing of popular items from 9

reservation will be canceled.

Branches currently accepting reservations include Burton Barr, Agave,

Chandler Public Library City of Chandler lifted capacity

Tempe Public Library’s expanded hours

a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Social distancing, wearing face

Cesar Chavez, Cholla, Desert Broom,

limitations at the Chandler Public Library

masks is required, and short visits are

Ironwood, Mesquite and Palo Verde.

on March 8, allowing free access to all

encouraged in accordance with CDC

facilities. Visitors to the library’s four

guidelines. Access to the entire physical

the Desert Sage, H ​ armon, Juniper and

branches must continue to wear masks and

collection is available only by placing a

Saguaro branches beginning May 3; and

follow all safety guidelines. Public internet

hold through the online catalog.

at Acacia, Century, Ocotillo Library &

computers continue to be limited by social

Workforce Literacy Center and Yucca

distancing, and access is limited to one

limited number of socially distanced public

Library beginning May 17.

hour each day.

computers. Computers are available with a

Reservations will be accepted at

Curbside services remain available at select branches.

Glendale Public Library All branches of Glendale Public Library

The Computer Lab is open with a

reservation for one, 45-minute session per day with no time extensions. Meeting and study rooms remain closed.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

7

az grown science SARI ON SCIENCE

Space helmet challenge

By Sari Custer SPACE EXPLORATION is incredibly important. It helps us explore the universe and understand our solar system, including the big blue planet we live on! One important and often overlooked feature of crewed space exploration is the spacesuit. These engineering wonders are unique and complex, having to provide protection, mobility and life

Instructions:

us to keep us anchored to the ground. Here, gravity

support to the crew members wearing them.

1. Place egg in a sandwich bag and then set it aside.

pulls the helmet to the ground when it’s dropped.

Did you know: A space suit weighs

2. Cut the water bottle and use it to create a base for

approximately 280 pounds — without the

your helmet however you'd like. Design internal

helmet cushions it inside the container, like

astronaut — and it takes 45 minutes to put on!

padding made from your collected materials.

airbags in a car during an accident. The external

A helmet is a vital part of the space suit. It keeps

3. Lay out your small/recycled materials that can be

the suit pressurized, makes up part of the ventilation

used as the outside or cushioning for your helmet.

system for breathing, provides visor shades that

4. Using your pencil and paper, design a plan. Draw

The padding surrounding your egg in the

protection you create on the outside of the helmet protects the egg by absorbing the impact felt when it hits the ground. This activity is a fun

protect astronauts from the sun’s harsh rays and can

and label needed materials. There is no wrong

take on the engineering design process used to

protect the astronaut from any sudden impacts. Can

answer — get creative!

help guide problem-solving. Here, the challenge

you engineer a space helmet focused only on impact safety? Using an egg to represent an astronaut, try engineering a safe space helmet to protect your “astronaut” when dropped from up high.

5. Start engineering your helmet! Keep the egg in the bag for easy clean-up in the event that it breaks.

6. When your helmet design is complete, determine your drop testing site. For example, you can stand

focuses on planning and creating a model of the helmet, testing the helmet, and changing or improving the design of the helmet over again until the model is successful.

on a chair and drop from your hands or find a Supplies:

safe high space from which to drop your helmet.

• One egg

• Scissors

• One sandwich bag

• Tape

happens. Was your “astronaut” protected? If it

Astronaut exhibit at Arizona Science Center

• One empty water

• Pencil

didn’t crack, congratulations, your helmet was

through May to investigate the reality of what it

• Paper

successful! If it did crack, don’t worry. Try making

takes to be a space explorer through hands-on and

changes to your helmet design and re-test.

full-body displays. Visit azscience.org.

bottle

Collect small/recycled materials around the house such as:

7. It’s test time! Drop the helmet and see what

Want to learn more?

What’s happening?

• Cotton balls

• Popsicle sticks

• Balloons

• String

container/helmet that allows an egg to safely fall

• Small pieces of fabric

• Rubber bands

from up high without breaking. Gravity is a force

• Tissue paper

• Construction paper

that pulls on mass — how much matter or “stuff”

• Cardboard

• Stickers

something is made of — and Earth’s gravity pulls on

8 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

In this activity, engineers try to create a

To explore more about space, visit the

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center and mom to daughter Carson (6).

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

Camps/ Intensives are offered for the following age groups:    

Ages 5-9, 9a-12p, $75 per 5 day camp, $60 per 4 day camp, $45 per 3 day camp Ages 7-10, 9a-3p, $150 per 5 day camp, $120 per 4 day camp, $90 per 3 day camp Ages 9-13, 9a-3p, $150 per 5 day camp, $120 per 4 day camp, $90 per 3 day camp Ages 14-18, 10:30a-4:30p, $150/ 5 day camp, $120/ 4 day camp, $90/ 3 day camp

*Online camps are a series of fun, interactive 45 minute sessions with a 15 minute guided break. *In Person Before and after care are available for $15/hr. from 8:30a-6:00p.

All students should pack lunch/snack and water. Minimum registration is 7, maximum is 15.

For In Person Instruction: Masks, temperature checks, air filters, and social distancing required.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Available.

Find Camp Schedule online, including FREE days! https://pcmrocks.org/learn-to-play/summer-camp/ Online Camps: Music in the Movies, Rock N’ Roll Will Never Die, We’ve Got the Beat In Person Camps: College Prep Bootcamp (FREE), Beats By Girls (FREE), Drum Line Readiness, Piano Pals, Guitar Pals, Beat Making, All About Strings, Music Around the World, Camp Rock 4 Kidz, and Camp Rock

Phoenix Conservatory of Music 1316 East Cheery Lynn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014

az grown travel

Riley Abelar (12), Dominic Nicita (12), Lulu Nicita (11), Nolan Abelar (8) and Josie Nicita (14) off the coast of Oahu, waiting to snorkel with dolphins.

RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

Plan a

Hawaiian Islands family adventure Story by Lisa Van Loo | Photos by Ron Abelar

J

ust before the pandemic began, we were fortunate enough to introduce our kids

to Hawaii on a surprise vacation to the island of Kauai. They’ve asked to go back

ever since. They might have even asked on the flight home.

Full of optimism, we planned another visit as airfares dipped and regulations increased. And, I’m happy to say, we pulled it off, without any special tricks or workarounds — which means anyone can do it. Really.

The Hawaiian Islands are still waking up. Largely sequestered during most of the pandemic, shielded from visitors by strict protocols, the islands suffered tremendously without tourism. And even now, with its Safe Travels program in place, many beaches are still uncharacteristically quiet, popular attractions are still unavailable and capacity is still limited. But, with a little planning, anything is possible. And, with limited crowds, it’s actually the perfect way to enjoy the islands.

The locals, who financially depend on tourism, are ready for tourists to return.

Here’s what we learned along the way, island by island, and what we recommend families explore during their stay.

The state’s Safe Travels program requires visitors to receive COVID-19 tests up to three days in advance of travel, upload the results through the specified portal and answer a questionnaire the day before departure. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s easy. With kids, it gets a bit more tedious.

But know this: Names and birthdates connected to the tests have to exactly match names and birthdates on the airline tickets. It’s non-negotiable, and a

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

11

az grown travel Left: Ron, Lisa and the kids on a hike, accessible only by kayak, along the Wailua River on the island of Kauai. The trail leads to a waterfall and a swimming hole.

Before you go

These websites can help you plan a family adventure in the Aloha State: Hawaii’s Safe Travels program (travel.hawaii.gov) details all

the latest travel requirements, including the pre-travel testing program, the Mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health Form, and temperature screening upon arrival.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (hawaiitourismauthority.org) is

a good site for up-to-date information and ideas about tourist destinations and experiences you might want to check off your list. Many sites require advance reservations, so it’s important to have some idea of what you’d like to do/see before you arrive.

AllTrails (alltrails.com) is a must-check to discover the best

hiking in the area, particularly waterfall hikes.

AirBnB Experiences (airbnb.com) is a good website to explore

unique experiences — such as private hiking tours, snorkeling trips, cooking lessons or even fire dancing — offered by locals.

It’s a great site to check wherever you may travel.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial (nps.gov/perl). Visit the

memorial to the more than 2,000 civilians and service members who died on Dec. 7, 1941, when Oahu was struck by a surprise Japanese military attack that pulled America into World War II. It includes the USS Arizona Memorial.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (nps.gov/havo). Extending

from sea level to 13,677 feet, this one-of-a-kind park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kı-lauea and Mauna Loa. Haleakala National Park (nps.gov/hale). Maui visitors know Page 13: ➊ All five kids inside the USS Arizona National Memorial at Pearl Harbor on Oahu. ➋ Props from popular movies filmed on Oahu are part of an ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu. ➌ Lisa Van Loo on the beach of the big island of Hawaii, where protected sea turtles often beach themselves to sunbathe. ➍ Nolan is kayaking the Wailua River to reach the secluded trailhead on the island of Kauai, enjoying a sunrise rainbow. ➎ Ron Abelar and Lisa Van Loo inside a lava cave on the island of Maui.

12 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

this as the best place to watch a sunrise or sunset or to gaze at the starry night sky. The National Park Service now requires a reservation for parking at the summit. Campers and hikers are drawn to its landscapes that range from Mars-like red deserts and rock gardens near the summit to lush waterfalls and streams near Hana.

mistake could upend your trip. So pay close attention to that.

Hawaii: On the Big Island, we visited with the kids, but we

Visitors who don’t follow testing protocols could be required

know families would love Lava Lava, a beach walk-up restaurant

to quarantine for up to 10 days upon arrival. We were tested

that’s open and might even feature a couple of wandering cats.

through the airport lab partner, and paid a premium for the

We’ve snorkeled with dolphins on two islands and preferred the

tests as compared to tests at a pharmacy, but we were guaranteed

experience on Hawaii, and if we go back, we would definitely

results in time for our departure, which was key. We just

try the nighttime manta ray dive. And, you can’t miss Hawaii

considered it a cost of travel.

Volcanoes National Park.

Here are more tips for visiting four of the main islands:

Kauai: We love every island, but have a soft spot for Kauai. This

Oahu: Plan ahead and reserve tickets to the Pearl Harbor

taught us to dance with fire at his home, where we kayaked the

National Memorial through recreation.gov. The tickets are only $1

Wailua River at dawn before hiking to a waterfall, and where we

each, but they meter access, and with sparse crowds at the moment,

scarfed down incredible burgers at Bubba’s Burgers.

is the island where a guide we found through AirBnB Experiences

it’s the best way to see such a historic site. For fun, snorkel at Electric Beach. Take highway 93 until it ends at Makua Beach for excellent

Airfare is still pretty favorable right now, and there are still

snorkeling and incredible mountain views, or cruise to the North

affordable (or discounted) places to stay on any of the islands. The

Shore for food trucks, beaches and killer waves.

memories and experiences are worth the expense and worth the errands needed for testing.

Maui: Take the drive to Hana and stay. Wai’anapanapa State Park offers campsites above a secluded black sand beach, and it isn’t far from Haleakala National Park, which is a must-see. If you go during humpback season (the winter months), you’ll be able to

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer. Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @ RaisingOutdoorKids

sit on pretty much any shoreline and see female humpback whales in the distance teaching their calves how to navigate the waters.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

13

az grown technology

USING COMMON SENSE

Re-establishing screen-time boundaries this summer

By Ilana Lowery

RE-ESTABLISHING tech and screen-

Picciao moved her kids — ages 14, 12

with activities. “That’s a life lesson that,

time boundaries in the wake of the

and 6 — from a school offering only

as I mom, I want my kids to contribute

pandemic’s virtual free-for-all may seem

online learning to an in-person school

or give back.”

like a tall task, but with a combination

where they are doing much better, and

of offline activities and quality digital

she says a lot of parents “just want to

things: what kids do, how much time

media, you can find ways to keep the

see their child disconnect” from screens

they spend doing it and whether their

kiddos happy and recharged.

this summer.

content choices are age appropriate.

Martha Picciao, founder and

Picciao plans to introduce them to

A healthy media diet balances three

Mixing media and tech time with

CEO of Whiz Kidz Preschools and

volunteering to get them “out of their

other activities will help families find a

a Scottsdale mother three, says she’s

‘funk’ and start thinking about others

happy medium this summer.

already started navigating the “what

who are worse off,” she says, adding

are we going to do now?” question.

that it is important to be intentional

14 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

There are several ideas on Common Sense Media’s WideOpenSchool.

MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES

org for summer activities that are

of Terros Health in Phoenix says

educational as well as fun. The site

parents must make fun a priority.

includes content from more than 75

“One thing about children is that

partners such as Learning Heroes,

they want to do something they

Time for Kids, Education.com and

consider fun,” she says. “They also

PBS Kids.

want to do things where they can

Education.com tells kids in

interact with other children.”

grades 3-5 how to help create a

Gaines signed her son up for

Family Movie Guide. Children in

I-CODE, a school that runs various

grades K-2 might like the PBS Kids’

camps where the students can learn

“Make Your Own Thank You Card”

how to create video games, become

activity. And The Be Kind School’s

better streamers and YouTubers, and

“Kindness Rocks” project shows

learn how to code. “He was so excited

kids how to decorate rocks with

because he loves video games, YouTube

inspirational messages to leave in

and streaming,” she says, “but now he

public places or to give to someone

is the one creating the programs.”

who may need them.

WishTrip just launched an

Medical experts acknowledge the pandemic created bad habits for

adventure recording app that offers

adults and children, so it is important

free interactive games for visitors

to reintroduce more structure

exploring Phoenix’s Papago Park.

throughout the day, develop a

The games, which follow Covid-19

healthy routine with screen-time

safety protocols, are designed to

limits, be active during the day and

provide families with an experience

then get more sleep. “I would tell

that combines both the virtual world

(children) to be active and to not

and real park experiences. Although

miss the fun stuff,” she says, adding

it is an app, only a parent or caregiver

that children love to go to places and

needs to have access to a mobile

interact with other children.“I would

device to launch the games, so

also emphasize that just because we

children can be completely tech-free.

have to wear our masks, it does not

When it comes to summer activities, Dr. Courtney Gaines

mean we can’t have fun, learn and interact with others safely.”

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology by empowering parents, teachers and policymakers. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org.

Finding

MEDIA balance

Keep media and tech use in check for younger children by following a few simple practices: Create screen-free times and zones.

Help kids take breaks from tech by limiting screen time in bedrooms, during study time or at the dinner table.

Learn to set parental controls. Set content limits that make sense for your family. Alongside conversations about healthy media habits, use features such as content filtering, privacy settings and time limits offered by the apps and platforms to help manage access and exposure to media.

Establish clear family rules. A family media plan can help get everyone on the same page. Decide together what kind of media and tech is OK and when it’s OK to use it.

Watch and play together. Choose quality, age-appropriate media to enjoy with your kids. Visit commonsensemedia.org to find shows, games, apps and more.

Explore built-in digital well-being tools. Together with your kids, check out the features on their devices and in their apps that can help them use tech more intentionally. Consider turning off autoplay functions, limiting notifications, using settings that turn off devices at a certain time each night and more.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

15

Mother’s Day gift ideas It’s the year of the she-session, when moms stepped up to homeschool, to look after loved ones and to keep it all together during a stressful time for all. Just getting together with family will feel like a leap forward this Mother’s Day, but here are a dozen gift ideas to help mark the important occasion on Sunday, May 9.

16 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

1. “Mom, I Wrote A Book About You.” Kidstop Toys and Books in Scottsdale sells this fill-in book that might be the gift mom treasures forever. The colorful pages offer prompts such as “If I could give you a trophy, it would be for …” While you’re at this toy and gift shop, buy some fancy gel pens and let the kids fill in the blanks. $14.99 at kidstoptoys.com

2. The Art of Rest. Changing Hands bookstores in Phoenix and Tempe have rolled out hand-curated gift boxes, including this one that features the book, “The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age,” packaged along with a lavender eye pillow, lavender and vanilla soap, hand cream, spa face masks, lip balm and more. They also sell Sonoran Gardener, Book Lover and Arizona Love gift boxes. $76-$89 at changinghands.com

3. High tea. Schedule some quality time with mom over tea with scones, finger sandwiches and pastries. Mother's Day events typically sell out in advance, so pick a future date and make a reservation! The Phoenician hosts an elegant afternoon tea for $60 per adult, $35 for ages 4-12. Or visit the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree for a more traditional spread that’s $12-$32. thephoenician.com or carefreetea.com

4. AirTags. Does Mom ever lose her purse or car keys? Apple just launched its new AirTag smart tracker device, which fits easily on a keychain or in a purse. Using the Find My app, you can play a sound on your AirTag to find something hiding nearby or get the exact distance and direction to the item. Personalize it for Mom with free engraving. $29 for one or $99 for four at apple.com

5. Snarky candles. If Mom has a sense of humor, indulge her with a hand-crafted candle with a label that says “Thanks for raising me, Mom. I’m Awesome.” Other favorites: “Don’t make me use my mom voice,” “I craft so I don’t kill people,” and for these COVID times: “If you can’t smell this candle, get away from me!” These are just the ones we could print. $20 at maliciouswomenco.com

6. Paint-by-numbers. Remember these kits from childhood? Pink Picasso has recreated them for adults. They come in fun botanicals or modern landscapes with all the brushes and paints mom will need to create a masterpiece. Like coloring books for grown-ups, but better! $40-$42 at pinkpicassokits.com or amazon.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

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18 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

a few more

Mother’s Day gift ideas 7. Beauty bag. Ipsy’s subscription Glam Bag shows up monthly with

personalized, deluxe-size beauty samples sent in a cute makeup pouch.

Be prepared to fill out a survey about mom’s features and makeup preferences. Subscribers get to choose one product each month. $12 per month at ipsy.com

8. Chocolate! See’s Candies is honoring moms with an assortment of classic favorites including its milk chocolate almond caramel, dark chocolate Scotchmallow, brittle and chocolates with nut-and-cream-filled centers. $25.75 for a one-pound Happy Mother’s Day box at local stores or sees.com

9. Savory treat. If Mom likes salty more than sweet, send her the Mother’s Day gift box of tasty Bavarian-style pretzels from Eastern Standard Provisions.

These artisanal soft pretzels are vegan and kosher and made without preservatives. Heat them up, sprinkle on the gourmet salts and enjoy! $39.99 at esprovisions.com

10. Stackable jewelry box. Featured on Netflix’s The Home Edit, The Container Store’s stackable jewelry box and trays will help Mom organize and actually utilize her jewelry collection. Designed in England, Stackers have become popular around the globe. We like the Stackers supersize lidded box in blush with the 41-section tray underneath. They’re $35-$40 per piece at containerstore.com

11. Perfect planner. If Mom prefers a paper rather than digital daily planner, you can create a great personalized one here. Choose from dozens of designs and layout styles and add in photos and special dates. You can also personalize stationery, notebooks and more. Prices vary at plumpaper.com

12. Photo book. Mixbook is our go-to for creating high-quality photo books.

Their website makes accessing, editing and laying out these books extremely easy, yet it gives plenty of options for creating more sophisticated custom books filled with photos and family stories. You can also create a book of family recipes. Prices vary at mixbook.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

19

STATISTICS DON’T MATTER if it’s your kid who drowns

By Jeff. Weiss, M.D.

A

S A PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIST

drowning deaths are in toddlers (ages 1-4)

lessons for children under age 4 for fear

at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I

and adolescent boys. Black and Native

that parents would have a false sense of

have cared for many children who were

American kids are at higher risk, but I

security and would relax their supervision

non-fatal drowning victims. The stories

have seen kids of all ages and genders and

around water. Research shows this concern

are all tragic: Severe brain damage.

backgrounds. Statistics don’t really matter

to be valid.

Ventilators and feeding tubes. Frequent

much if it’s your kid who drowns.

hospitalizations. Family guilt and blame,

Most kids are developmentally ready

In 2009, an important study was published that showed kids ages 1-4 who

and frequent divorce. All preventable, if

to learn to swim by age 4. I was on

drowned were less likely to have had

someone had just been watching, or had

the American Academy of Pediatrics

swimming lessons than a group of similar-

put up a fence, or had been taught to

Committee on Injury, Violence, and

age kids who had been taught to swim.

swim, or had put on a life vest, or had not

Poison Prevention in 2008 when I was

There were no details about what types of

been left alone in a bathtub, or had taken a

assigned the job of revising the Drowning

swim programs were best, and there was

CPR class.

Prevention Policy Statement. Up to that

no information about infants under age 1.

time, the AAP recommended against swim

Based on this study and two others from

Statistics say the highest rates of

20 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Asia, the Committee recommendation against swim lessons until age 4 was

Pool fencing is an effective way to

should do something rather than details of “how” to do it. For instance, rather

relaxed, but there was not enough evidence

decrease pool drownings, because it keeps

than saying, “Get a pool fence so your kid

to recommend that all children 1-4 should

kids out of the pool area when they are not

doesn’t drown,” a better approach might

get swim lessons at that early age.

supposed to be there. The fence should

be, “Many of my patients have used ABC

be at least 4-feet high, have a self-closing,

fence company. They have a variety of

about starting swim lessons or water-

self-locking gate, and should completely

attractive styles at reasonable prices. They

survival skills training at an early age

enclose and isolate the pool area. I have

get the work done fast, and everyone has

must be individualized on the basis of the

cared for several drowning victims where a

been happy with the results. Here’s their

child’s frequency of exposure to water,

young child got out of the house through a

phone number.”

emotional maturity, physical and cognitive

sliding door or through a “doggie door” to

limitations, and health concerns related to

enter the backyard pool.

Now the AAP says, “a parent’s decision

swimming pools.”

It is important to remember that

Unfortunately, the laws in Arizona do

Or for swim lessons: “Many of my patients have learned to swim at Sally’s Swim School. They have classes for all

not require that the pool fence be built to

ages and are reasonably priced. They

even proficient swimmers can drown.

prevent pool access from the back of the

involve parents in water safety education,

Swimming in a pool while wearing a

house. And don’t forget, young children

and they are very good dealing with

bathing suit is not the same as falling into

also need effective barriers to keep them

kids who are afraid of water. Here’s how

a pool or lake with all your clothes and

out of hot tubs and above-ground pools.

to contact them.” And for life jackets:

shoes on. During falls, people can hit their

Here in Arizona, we often think

“Big Bob’s sport store on Washington

heads, or panic, or become confused (with

only of swimming pools when we think

Street sells Coast Guard-approved life

adolescents, often from alcohol), which can

of drowning, but we also should consider

jackets for kids for about $25. There is

make their swimming skills useless.

beach and boating drownings. Properly

someone there who knows how to fit

fitting life jackets are a well-proven

kids properly. Other patients of mine

prevention method.

have been pleased.”

It’s easy to say that parents should always watch their kids carefully around water, but this is easier said than done!

HALF POINT

the phone rings, let it go to voicemail!

Although rare, in-home drownings

A counseling approach focusing on

One of my patients drowned when

also occur. Young children can fall into

the “how” rather than the “why” comes

his mother went to comfort a sibling

buckets and toilets, but being left alone

from studies by Albert Bandura and his

who was crying from a scraped knee.

in a bathtub is by far the biggest cause of

Social Learning Theory. I have been using

Another drowned when his father went

in-home drowning. Baby bath seats and

this technique and teaching it to medical

to answer the phone. In an instant, a

bath rings can be a big problem, because

students, interns, residents and pediatricians

child can fall into a pool and submerge

they can tip over and trap the baby under

for many years, and I think patients and

silently below the water’s surface where

the water. Infants should always be with an

families appreciate this approach.

they can’t easily be seen.

adult when in a bath.

Some experts have suggested there

An important role of a physician is to

should always be a designated and

advise families about childhood drowning

identified “water watcher” who is

and injury prevention. The problem is

responsible for pool safety and is expected

that several studies show that there is

to fully disengage from any distracting

little time during an office visit for such

activities. Unless there is an older, mature

counseling and that it is only marginally

adolescent you can trust to supervise,

effective anyway.

remove all children from the pool area before attending to any other tasks. When

I believe that much of the problem is that doctors often focus on “why” people

As Chief of General Pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Jeff Weiss served on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention for six years, during which time he authored policy statements on drowning prevention, teen drivers and pedestrian injury. Newly retired, Dr. Weiss enjoys golf, bicycling and creating laser-cut artwork at jeffweissart.com.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

21

WATER SAFETY resources JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST are peak times

for child drownings in Arizona. Safety experts recommend creating many “layers of protection” to prevent such tragedies — from swim lessons for young children to reliable pool barriers to designated water watchers. Here are tips for keeping kids safe around water from the Drowning HALF POINT

Prevention Coalition of Arizona: • Always stay within an arm’s reach of a child near the bathtub, toilet, pool, spa or buckets. Never leave a child alone or in the care of other children during bath time.

• Empty/drain all bathtubs, buckets, containers, and wading pools immediately after use.

• Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.

• Never leave a child unattended in a tub or around any other body of water, even if he or she knows how to swim.

Children in baby bath seats and rings must be watched every second.

• Small children can fit through a pet door. Be sure the doggie door does not

Learn more: • Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (prevent drownings.org) offers drowning statistics and water safety tips, resources and events to reduce drownings.

• Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Water Safety Program (phoenixchildrens.org/ center-family-health-safety/water-safety-program) offers free water safety kits and “Playing it Safe” workshops where parents can create a water safety plan.

• Water Smart Babies (watersmartbabies.com). On a child’s nine-month and 1-year well visits, his or her pediatrician writes out a “Doctor’s prescription” for water safety lessons and parents get a handbook with tips on home water safety, water safety lesson facilities, CPR classes and safety devices, such as pool fencing and door and pool alarms.

• Hire a lifeguard. If you’re hosting a pool party, keep everyone safe. Kidtastics Recreation Center (kidtastics.com) and Pam’s School of Swim (pamssos.com) have lifeguard-for-hire programs

lead directly to the pool area.

• Consider swimming lessons for young

including self-latching, self-closing

around the pool area, and keep tables,

children in a facility that is clean, well-

gates with fences 5-feet high completely

chairs and ladders away from pool fences.

staffed and emphasizes other layers of

separating the pool from the backyard

protection (such as supervision) as part

and house. Always lock the gate and

of a complete water safety plan.

never prop the gate open.

• Install a barrier that meets safety standards around a pool or spa,

22 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

• Install door alarms to sound if a child goes out to the pool area.

• Mount life-saving devices near the pool and always have a phone near the

• Do not allow children to play in or

pool area.

If I could change one thing that day...

Weston was 4 years old when he drowned in his family’s swimming pool Memorial Day weekend Dad was in the garage prepping for a barbecue.

Mom was inside putting his twin baby sisters down for a nap.

It was in those moments of distraction that altered their lives forever.

Weston with his baby sisters Morgan and Makenzie

“If I could change one thing that day,” says Mom Druann, “I would have made sure his Dad and I knew who was watching him. Don’t assume the other person is supervising.”

You can make changes NOW to help your family reduce the risk of drowning.

Learn how: www.PreventDrownings.org In partnership with DPCA member:

we

E DEP

T

F

IR

OF SCOTTSDA L

E

TY CI

care for you

Practice the ABC’s of Water Safety: Adult Supervision, Barriers, and Classes & Coast Guard-Approved Lifejackets

WILL THE KIDS BE ALL RIGHT?

Kids are more stressed than ever. But Teen Lifeline’s Nikki Kontz says the picture isn’t all bleak, because they’re finding help.

By Kara G. Morrison

P

ARENTS and educators continue to

family problems and suicide. That increase

peers. Have these teens been able to

worry about the mental health fallout

is not exclusively related to the pandemic,

volunteer during the pandemic? At the

from teens being physically isolated

but includes calls about everything our state

beginning of the pandemic, our volunteers

from friends, teachers and extended

and country have been dealing with the past

were identified as essential workers within

family members during the pandemic

year. Civil unrest, political contention, the

the healthcare industry because they are

and virtual classrooms. Common Sense

election and everything that has happened

providing support to people in crisis. We

Media’s latest study found 38 percent

since are also having an impact on our kids.

worked hard to create a safe space in our

of young people ages 14-22 were feeling

One thing to note: We have seen a decrease

facility with social distancing and increased

stressed and depressed in fall 2020, as

in calls related to bullying — likely because

cleaning precautions in place. We are

compared to 25 percent two years ago.

schools have been virtual.

grateful for understanding parents who

Nikki Kontz is the clinical director at Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based crisis

Teen suicide rates had been rising in

ensure our peer counselors were still able

intervention and suicide hotline that works

recent years before the pandemic.

to volunteer. For many of our volunteers,

to prevent teen suicide. The nonprofit has

How does that compare to what you’re

Teen Lifeline was the only place they were

been helping Arizona teens and their families

seeing now? Surprisingly, both across

allowed to go outside of their home.

for 35 years, teaching youth resilience and

the country and in Arizona, there was a

fostering supportive communities. Kontz says

significant decrease in suicides the year

of trainings we held in 2020, so we saw a

Teen Lifeline is busier than ever, with callers

prior to the pandemic. The most recent

decrease in the number of new volunteers

as young as 8! But she’s hopeful, because

reporting from the Arizona Department

we trained. However, many of our current

this generation seems to be proactive about

of Health Services shows teen suicide in

peer counselors were able to volunteer

getting help, getting involved and working

Arizona decreased 41 percent in 2019

more hours than they would during a

toward positive change.

compared to 2018.

typical year. And, a lot of our college-aged

Kontz says while the number of calls

G POINT STUDIO

acted in partnership with Teen Lifeline to

There’s been quite a bit of

We did have to decrease the number

volunteers who were attending classes online

to Teen Lifeline has spiked, teen suicide

misinformation about a pandemic-related

from home, instead of in-person across the

rates have declined. She also shared

increase in teen suicide. We’ve definitely

country, were able to come in and volunteer.

three important things parents should

seen an increase in kids and even adults

As facilities reopen, we are planning

do right now to help create resilient kids:

reaching out for help and support, but

to ramp up our trainings, with social

Help kids verbalize their feelings, learn

that hasn’t necessarily translated into an

distancing and safety protocols in place.

problem-solving skills and find healthy

increase in deaths. It is still too early for

ways to relax and cope with stress.

us to presume what the final 2020 suicide

A Common Sense Media report says

numbers are going to look like or how the

social media is providing teens an

Everyone is concerned about the mental

pandemic has impacted teen suicide. It

important way of connecting with others

health of kids and teens in the wake

takes time for the death of every teen in

and to search for needed mental health

of virtual schooling and the pandemic.

Arizona to be investigated thoroughly by

information and services. For that

What are you seeing at Teen Lifeline?

a team from the Arizona Department of

reason, they caution parents against

We’ve definitely seen an increase in the

Health Services. Teen suicide statistics for

taking away devices. What are your

number of kids reaching out to the Teen

any given year are released to the public in

thoughts? I completely agree. I’m always

Lifeline hotline for help. In fact, we had

November of the following year.

reluctant to recommend parents take away

nearly 30 percent more calls and texts in

their child’s phone, especially as the go-to

2020 than we did the year before. The

Teen Lifeline staffs its call centers with

punishment or first thing they take away.

largest increase has been in teens calling

dozens of trained teenagers — ages

The connection your teen’s phone provides

about issues related to anxiety, depression,

15 to 19 — who lend a caring ear to

could be lifesaving. It’s imperative that

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

25

Teen Lifeline

602-248-8336 (TEEN) or 1-800-248-8336 A Phoenix-based crisis intervention and suicide hotline, offering help to both youth and their parents.

Talk to a teenage peer counselor from 3-9 p.m. daily or text one from noon to 9 p.m. weekdays and 3-9 p.m. weekends. Adult counselors are available at all other times. Visit teenlifeline.org

when they need a lifeline, they are able to

that technology is the way our teens choose

challenges in more than three decades?

connect with it.

to connect.

During the past 35 years, we’ve seen a

Even prior to the pandemic, Teen

Sometimes, teens are looking for

definite shift in people’s willingness and

Lifeline staff have worked to educate parents

something as simple as a quick search to

openness to talking about mental health,

and families that one of the biggest factors

make sure they’re not alone in a feeling or

suicide, crisis or even just the issues kids

helping protect our youth from suicide

emotion. Teens sometimes struggle with

are facing every day. The most drastic

and even substance abuse is a feeling of

wanting to be unique while at the same

change in our willingness, as a society, to

connectedness. For teens, that connection is

time not wanting to feel different from their

talk about these difficult topics has come

important with their family members, but

peers. Just like most adults, they don’t want

in the last 10-20 years.

it is equally important they feel connected

to feel alone. Right now, technology and

to friends and peers. Most of today’s teens

social media can help them to maintain that

social media, cell phones and a significant

have grown up with technology and know

feeling of connection to others.

increase in instant gratification. While

how to quickly search for what they need —

We’ve also experienced the birth of

our lives have become easier because of

good or bad. While it’s wise to monitor our

2021 marks the 35th anniversary of Teen

these new norms, in some ways it has

teens’ social media use, we have to accept

Lifeline. What are the biggest changes/

made life for our kids more difficult. They

26 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

sooner, talk much more openly about

What didn’t I ask that you’d like to add?

mental health and suicide, train teachers

Suicidal thoughts might start younger than

in suicide prevention, provide prevention

you would think. Nearly one-fourth of

opportunities to parents and teach kids

our calls and texts in 2020 came from kids

how to help their friends and peers. As an

under the age of 13. Some of our calls even

agency, we added our School ID initiative

come from kids as young as 8 years old.

in 2015 and began a texting program in

Helping your kids learn resilience when

2016 to make it easier for teens to connect

they are young may help prevent suicide

to hope. We’re helping more kids and

and suicidal thoughts as they get older. We

educating more adults than we ever have.

recommend parents work on the following

It seems like each year more and more

three skills with their kids:

doors open that enable us to create more

• Talking. Have them practice

supportive communities. Some of these

verbalizing feelings with an adult who

accomplishments were unthinkable in the

will listen.

1980s when we first started.

• Problem-solving. Work with your child or teen to brainstorm options for

Is there anything the public can do to

healthy solutions to problems.

help your mission? At Teen Lifeline, our

• Relieving stress. Help your child to

primary focus is to build the resiliency of

find healthy ways to cope with stress

our youth. Part of that mission is fulfilled

and relax.

by fostering supportive communities.

The more we can work with families and

Please remember, Teen Lifeline isn’t

communities to help them support their

just a resource for kids and teens. We help

teens, the better.

parents as well. If you are worried about

If you know a teenager, let them know

your child or have other suicide prevention

you’re there for them. If you’re a parent,

questions, call our office at 602-248-8337

have to grow up faster than kids in prior

know that Teen Lifeline can serve as a

or visit teenlifeline.org.

generations did, and that is faster than

resource for you, too. If you have a middle

their brain development is necessarily

school or high school student, check the

help, our highly-trained volunteer peer

ready for. However, our current generation

back of their student ID to see if the Teen

counselors are ready to lend a listening ear.

of teens is much more engaged in advocacy

Lifeline crisis hotline phone number is

Teens can call 602-248-8336 24 hours a

and helping their fellow man than other

listed. If it’s not, ask your school to add

day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

generations have been. While many of our

the phone number to make sure all the

Peer counselors answer the phones from 3

teens are struggling in ways we’ve never

students at your child’s school have access

p.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Adult counselors

seen before, they’re also trying to create

to support. You can learn more about

from the Crisis Response Network answer

real and positive changes in their world.

our School ID Initiative at teenlifeline.

the phones at all other times. Teens can

Perhaps more importantly, they’re willing

org/schoolid. Finally, we are a nonprofit

also text Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336

to put in the effort to actually accomplish

organization, so any donations we receive

from noon until 9 p.m. on weekdays or 3

those changes. That’s amazing!

help us ensure our mission to save lives is

p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekends.

Also, in the last 35 years, mental health and research have come such a long way. We’re now able to help people

realized year after year. You can learn more about donating at teenlifeline.org/donate.

And, if you know a teen who needs

Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (8). Reach her at kara@ rakmagazine.com.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

27

A student of the Dysart Unified School District.

Photo courtesy of Dysart Unified School District.

Summer slide

“PANDEMIC SL ID

gives way to

E”

How public schools are responding COVID-rela t to e d learning ga

By Karen Da vis Barr ps

U

SUALLY at this time of year, we would be writing about ways to prevent “summer slide” — the academic lapses typical of

many students during an extended break from school.

The difficulty of ASSESSMENT

It’s hard to register the impact of a year of online learning,

says R. Michael Lee, EdD, assistant superintendent for special

Oh, for the days.

programs and professional learning at Buckeye Elementary

This summer, the prospect of longer-term, pandemic-related

School District, which remained fully virtual — except for a brief

learning gaps is the higher priority. In February, Governor Doug Ducey directed the State Board of Education to study student

“hybrid” spell — until March 15 of this year.

“The challenging thing has been getting good data in terms

assessment data to identify areas of significant learning loss that

of learning loss or lack of learning loss. Virtual assessment raises

occurred during the pandemic. Research will focus on comparing

questions about whether you’re getting real and reliable data.”

AZMerit data from prior years to the AZM2 assessments completed just last month.

In late March, soon after Ducey ordered public schools to

Another challenge is determining how engaged students have been with learning. “Teachers everywhere will tell you what we might get from one kid is different from another kid. The

return to in-person learning, we sent a questionnaire to Raising

difference is that cognitive-engagement factor, whether the child

Arizona Kids readers asking, “How concerned are you about

was able to stay attentive. In [a regular] classroom, you can see

COVID-related learning gaps in your child’s education?” Nearly

better whether kids are ‘getting it’.”

68 percent indicated they were either “extremely concerned” or

Standardized testing like AzM2 [formerly the AzMERIT],

“somewhat concerned” about learning losses their children might

administered in April to all public school students in grades 3-8

have suffered during the pandemic.

and 10, may offer insights into groups of students, but it will fall

We reached out to several local districts to find out how their students had weathered a difficult year, and what they were doing to make sure students who had struggled through it weren’t left behind.

What did we find? Lots of optimism from education veterans who understand that good teachers who are well supported know how to help kids catch up. The districts we consulted are planning

to teachers to untangle and support individual students’ losses and needs.

“The governor has tasked the state to study learning loss, but the state measure isn’t going to tell us a lot,” Lee says.

“Comparisons [to prior years] are important. But they won’t [account for] the difference in socioeconomic status.”

Some families were able to make “a heavy investment in

expanded summer school programs, often free of charge, and

private tutoring, versus families just trying to make it [despite]

continued building upon hard-earned lessons of the past year

lost jobs or multiple jobs. Nothing plays out evenly over

about how children learn best under challenging conditions.

demographic groups,” he says.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

29

That puts the burden on teachers, who are doing lots of

“We want to be able to emphasize and fill foundational skills gaps

“taking the temperature of where kids are in their learning,” Lee

for those younger kids, those early readers.” Writing skills also

says. “The depth and breadth of content teachers must understand

need shoring up, Potter-Davis says. “Writing on the computer is

in their own grade-level standards already is daunting. We’re

not the same as holding a pencil. With little ones, you have to

working with teachers on having that comfort level with standards

focus on mechanics.”

both above and below their grade level. In today’s society, these are

Student math skills also will be monitored closely. “If you

skill sets that master teachers have had to develop already, but this

look at national data reviews, math is rising to the top in terms

[pandemic year] really put that on steroids.”

of content area of most concern,” Potter-Davis says. “Concepts in

How long will it take to get kids back on track? “As educators,

math build on each other. If you miss one (step), it’s hard to build

we have to be prepared for the maximum possible need,” Lee says.

on the next. We will be looking at getting some real precise data to

“We know this will be a multi-year effort. One thing we know

figure out what [Osborn students] know and don’t know, and how

doesn’t work is cram and catch up. Kids don’t learn that way.

to address that.”

Instead, we need to focus on essential skills in engaging ways.”

Buckeye immediately began providing group tutoring and

Osborn plans to provide an “expanded, robust program” this summer at five campuses. “We won’t be able to serve all of our

instruction after school, starting with prioritizing K-3 literacy and

students, but we’ll serve as many as we possibly can. We’ll be able

math for grades 4-8. Summer school will follow the same model.

to keep all of our current K-2 students at their home campuses for

“The arts are so important, but experts are telling us you have to

summer school. Grades 4-6 will be together on one [elementary]

give most attention to reading and mathematics because of this

campus, and grades 7-8 will be on a middle school campus.”

fluke in time.”

“Assessments matter,” Lee says, “and we believe everyone should be held accountable. But the pandemic laid bare one

An EMPHASIS on classroom time

Dysart Unified School District was one of only a few Valley

component that really matters: when society was in a panic, what

school districts that reopened last August. The district managed

did we do and what mattered?”

to stay open throughout the school year, with few incidents of

From the top down, Buckeye school administrators focus on being a source of support for the community: providing free

COVID-19 infection.

Dr. Steve Poling, assistant superintendent for education

and reduced lunches delivered by bus, distributing thousands of

services, has four kids attending district schools, so he has a vested

laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots, teaching families how to interface

interest in the district’s prevention measures. “The COVID

with cloud-based services, providing translation services and

protocols we have in place are very strong,” he says, and include

connecting families to local support networks.

immediate quarantining of any students or staff who have had

“Schools get letter grades [for academic performance], but some of the things the community would tell you really matter

contact with a COVID-positive individual.

About 80 percent of families sent their kids to school last

aren’t included in that at all,” he says. “Our superintendent talks a

fall, and that percentage has held strong throughout the spring

lot about ‘extending grace.’ This is not the time for judgment. We

semester. Still, Poling says, in-person learning under pandemic

need to say ‘here’s where we are, here’s where we need to go.’ ”

conditions was stressful for students.

“We’ve really tried to make school as normal as possible,

Where to FOCUS

because kids need it. Some things they’ve not been able to

for the Osborn School District in Phoenix, says Abby Potter-

staff in following protocols.” The district also has maintained an

Davis, Osborn’s chief officer for learning and equity. “We were

online learning option for families who preferred to keep their

well positioned to dive right in,” she adds. “We had already rolled

children at home.

The initial transition to online learning went fairly smoothly

out one-to-one technology along with some good educational online tools and training for teachers.”

Still there is concern, especially for Osborn’s youngest students.

30 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

experience, but we’re really proud of the hard work of families and

Despite that, “we’ve seen learning losses across the board,” Poling says, though more so in the “building block, foundational years” of grades K-3. “Last spring [2020] had a negative impact,

Above: A Buckeye Elementary second grade class studying weather systems. Below: A Buckeye student’s home learning space.

Photos courtesy of Buckeye Elementary School District.

An Osborn student’s home learning spaces. Photo courtesy of Osborn School District.

Dysart’s Western Peaks Elementary school STEM & Robotic Club. Photos courtesy of Dysart Unified School District.

Dysart’s Rancho Gabriela elementary school STEM & Robotic Club. Photo courtesy of Dysart Unified School District.

Left: A Westview High School class. Right: A La Joya High School class. Photos courtesy of Tolleson Union High School District.

and then we didn’t offer summer school like we usually do.”

Losses are most apparent in the remote-learning students, he

When district leaders considered the potential impact of the pandemic last spring, they extended the summer program through

says. “Those 20 percent on remote are struggling more than those

July, allowing more than 2,100 students to participate — albeit

in person. We realized we had to tackle this.”

virtually — at no expense to families.

Federal COVID-relief dollars will make it possible for Dysart

This year, as Tolleson returned to in-person instruction March

to offer two free, three-week summer school sessions to all K-12

22, plans were in place to further increase student access to

students, beginning in June. The summer program will be “all

summer learning.

in-person,” Poling says. “We’re not using [anything] digital. It

“We know some of our students wanted to improve a grade,”

will be very targeted to what our students need. Some students

Wilson says. “This community has been heavily impacted by the

have more learning loss than others. For some, it’s more about

pandemic. Some of our students or their family members got sick.

enrichment, so they keep growing, but we’re also spanning to

We have kids who are working to help take care of their families

students who are struggling or behind.”

and didn’t receive the grades they wanted based on things they

With many parents torn between their kids’ conflicting needs for academic support and a much-needed break, what is his

couldn’t control.”

Tolleson’s traditional summer school, Success Academy, will

message to families? “Please send your student to summer school.

offer face-to-face, teacher-guided instruction in both core courses

We will have fun, but kids will learn a lot.”

and electives June 1-30, on each of the district’s seven high

BUILDING on an existing vision

In some respects, the Tolleson Union High School District was

school campuses. Students will earn one-half credit in each class they successfully complete and can take up to four classes. The district’s Blended Option Academy includes self-paced learning via

ahead of the curve in addressing concerns about academic fallout

Tolleson Virtual High School, which will be available to students

from the pandemic. “We had already set a goal to offer summer

in both June and July.

school without tuition,” says Dr. Michele Wilson, assistant

“We’re excited about expanding [summer school] to every

superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “We had already

single high school campus,” Wilson said. “We’re hoping to extend

moved to that model.”

our numbers well past 2,100 students this year.”

In a normal summer, students looking to complete core

Wilson credits district students, families and staff for adapting

classes they needed to graduate would take a month of summer

to a year when “not only academics needed support but the

school in June, at one centralized district campus. “Usually we

community has had basic needs as well, including food. I’ve been

had about 1,600 students who would take advantage of that

amazed at the resilience of the human spirit during this pandemic,”

opportunity,” she says.

she says. “We’ve all leaned in together to make it work.”

32 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Dream.

Write. Win. Arizona 5th Graders can win $529 towards an AZ529 Education Savings Plan.

What’s your child’s dream job?

How do they plan to achieve it?

Celebrate the future with AZ529 Education Savings Program 2021 Essay Writing Contest hosted by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee. Ask your child to share his or her plans, thoughts, and dreams for a chance to earn $529 for their future educational needs.

All current 5th-grade students in Arizona (including public, district/charter, private and home-school).

Answer the question, “What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it in the future?” Responses should be a minimum of three (3) paragraphs with a maximum of 350 words. The more creative, unique and thought-provoking, the better!

Entries are accepted through May 29th, 2021 at 11:59 PM (MST).

20 winners will be selected from across all 15 Arizona counties plus an additional five prizes will be awarded between Maricopa and Pima Counties. More than $10,500 will be provided to 20 young students to assist in saving for their educational plans!

To enter and see full contest rules, visit AZ529.gov/EssayContest.

d l i h c r u Does yo

?

G N I R O T U T D E NE ? t n e m s s e s s An a orrison

I

By Kara G. M

N 2020-21, parents got an eye-opening look at their child’s education. Teachers had to

pivot instantaneously to a virtual classroom, keeping 25-30 kids engaged via Google or Zoom. Some parents witnessed

worksheets and singing songs, but this is what the class was like

their child turning off his or her laptop camera to watch YouTube,

prior to COVID! The important metric is how they compare

play video games or simply tune out completely.

to their peers. If you see a large difference between your child’s

There were some silver linings. Some online learning proved fun and engaging, parents on Twitter called for paying teachers $1

performance and the other students, you may want to consider seeking additional support.

million as we realized how hard the job can be, and families were instantly more involved in their children’s education.

What advice would you give parents who felt their child

Sydney Moses, director of Arcadia Literacy & Learning

fell behind this year? This year has been anything but typical.

(arcadialiteracy.com), said ultimately this closer look during an

While online learning was better for some, many found it to be a

unusually difficult year left lots of parents concerned. Some are

more difficult adjustment. Because of this, it is unclear whether

seeing learning losses that left their children behind in skills

an individual is falling behind their peers, or they simply did not

needed to excel. Others worry whether their child’s inability to

connect with the online format. Parents know their child better

focus was the result of a more serious learning difference, such as

than anyone else. Parents should trust their gut and if they feel

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Here’s what she shared

that there may be something impacting their child’s learning, they

about helping kids catch up.

should seek an assessment to get a better picture of their child’s academic abilities.

During the pandemic, a lot of parents got an up-close look at their child’s (online) school performance, and for

Because it is especially difficult for some kids to focus

many, it wasn’t reassuring. Are you busier than usual with

online, how can parents know whether such issues are

questions from parents? Absolutely! I had a huge amount of

a sign of a larger learning difference, such as ADHD? I

inquiries from parents asking if their experience was “normal.”

think parents often forget just how distractible kids can be in

Some of them were witnessing the characteristics of a learning

and out of the classroom. It’s normal for a child to lose focus and

disorder such as ADHD or dyslexia, but most parents were just

need redirection. In my own remote sessions, the biggest change

getting their first insight into the classroom experience. One

I’ve noticed is not the child’s ability to focus, but an off-screen

family was upset that their kindergartener was just completing

helper who often assists me in refocusing their child by holding

34 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

a chair straight or removing a particularly exciting pencil. For

always be a conversation with the child’s medical professional and

older children, the introduction of virtual meeting links, various

the parent(s). Regardless of whether or not the parent(s) decide to

classroom software and keeping track of assignments presented

pursue medication as an option, there are tried and true strategies

a challenge. A child’s executive functioning skills were certainly

for helping with ADHD symptoms. An executive functioning

put to the test. For children with ADHD, this year’s more

coach should be strongly considered, and a parent or educator

demanding executive functioning requirements likely highlighted

should make every effort to familiarize themselves with the

the comparison between them and their peers. If your child often

disorder and its symptoms.

finds themselves emotionally distressed about these requirements, it may be beneficial to seek an assessment.

Can you recommend any helpful books/resources for kids of parents with possible ADHD or learning differences?

Are all assessments the same, or are there standards for

Russell Barkley is the foremost ADHD researcher. His book,

learning assessments that parents should request or seek

“Taking Charge of ADHD,” is written directly to parents of

out? Assessments are a measure of an individual’s abilities in a

ADHD children.

certain neurocognitive task, for example phonemic awareness or working memory. The tests themselves are ubiquitous amongst

What kind of qualifications should parents look for when

professionals of varying backgrounds, and there’s not much

looking for a tutor for a child who needs to catch up?

variance between tests done at one clinic versus another. The

Your child’s self-esteem is more critical to learning than you may

one exception is the neuropsychological evaluation. Certain

expect. Find a tutor who is not just knowledgeable but is invested in

tests that are necessary for a technical diagnosis can only be

making sure your child has the confidence to succeed academically.

administered by a neuropsychologist. If you are fighting for an

No matter how great a curriculum is, the skill set necessary to keep

IEP [Individualized Education Plan], it is best to go through the

a child engaged and excited for their lessons requires compassion

school for a psychoeducational evaluation or to seek a private

and patience. When seeking a tutor, parents should always meet

neuropsychologist. If you are simply seeking a general overview or

and interview the tutor first to ensure that it is a good fit. The tutor

assessment of your child’s literacy, then a local clinic can often be

should be able to describe their plan of action and explain why they

just as effective and more affordable.

chose this plan as it pertains to your child’s specific learning goals.

Do you deal with parents or teachers who think ADD is

Is there anything you’d like to add? This has been a trying

more of a discipline (or lack of discipline) issue? Absolutely.

and unusual time for families and teachers alike. Parents are

A few harsh words or a stricter schedule doesn’t change the

concerned that their children may be falling behind socially or

reuptake of dopamine in the brain. ADHD presents some very

academically. I wish I could comfort them and let them know

real difficulties in the way our school and work systems have been

that they are not alone in this feeling. Almost every parent I have

structured, but the good news is ADHD is one of the most well

spoken with has experienced similar fears and concerns. If your

understood learning differences. There is an extremely rich body

concerns have not been adequately addressed, seek assistance such

of research and methodologies for helping a child with ADHD.

as tutoring support or a meeting with the teachers. This year,

Harsher discipline is not included among them.

parents were able to get more insight into what their child’s daily life was like. It is important that when things return to normal,

Some parents hear ADD and ADHD and automatically

that parents continue to check-in on their child’s academic and

worry their kid will have to take Ritalin. Can you explain

social progress. In my experience, having a parent as an ally can be

some other ways that you work with/help kids with ADD

one of the most critical factors in a child’s success.

or ADHD? There are many parents who choose not to treat their child’s ADHD with stimulant medication. That decision should

Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (8).

Reach her at kara@rakmagazine.com.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

35

2021 SUMMER CAMPS Summer camp is a chance for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun!

• Academics • Animals • Art • Leadership • Mixed Activities • Overnight • Performing Arts • Special Needs • Sports • STEM/STEAM • Theme • Virtual

s’ rizona Kid A g in is a R to browse Click here enture! mmer adv u s ’s d il h ur c to find yo

TORY C E R I D P CAM SUMMER 36 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Science Summer Camps 5 - 11 years old Half-day and full-day, topics from archaeology to zoology!

Register at NEPhoenix.MadScience.Org

JOIN THE MOVEMENT Join us at March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™ to make a visible difference in your community now and for generations to come. You’ll be part of a larger movement— with unstoppable momentum to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

MAY 8, 2021

9 A.M. MST VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

SIGN UP at marchforbabies.org/ event/arizona

© 2021 March of Dimes

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

37

family time!

H is for Happiness (May 8) at Virginia G. Piper Theater.

38 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Ma May y TOP EVENTS So far, the weather is still great, COVID rates are down (as long as ages 16 and older continue to get vaccinated) and the number of in-person family events this month has skyrocketed. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day, National 529 Day and Memorial Day, there are plenty of things to do before the summer heat settles in. Enjoy!

Daddy Daughter Date Night (May 1) at As You Wish Pottery.

MAY 1 2021 Autism Expo: Arizona Autism Coalition presents this free resource fair for families and caregivers. More than 70 exhibitors will be showcasing autism services, plus workshops with experts, a raffle, complimentary tote bag and directory. Free admission and parking. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix. azautism.org

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive dayby-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

Drive-in Movie Night at the Park. Watch Disney’s “Moana” on the big screen from the comfort of your car. Free, but registration is required. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 623-222-2000 or surpriseaz.gov/recreation

THROUGH MAY Schnepf Farms Agritainment Park. Explore more than 25 rides and attractions, including a gondola

Derby DayClub. Watch the Kentucky Derby on 65-inch screens

Ferris wheel, zip lines, bumper cars, climbing wall, petting zoo and mini golf. 5-10 p.m. Thursday-

with refreshments, local food trucks, a DJ, live local horse

Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $27.95; free for ages 2 and younger. Additional cost for train

racing, private betting and onsite exhibitors including Sanderson

rides, food, games and merchandise. Advance tickets recommended. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road,

Lincoln’s 2021 top luxury vehicles. Plus a new 50/50 Raffle to

Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepfagritainment.com

benefit The Turf Paradise Foundation. $35-$40. Limited capacity.

7:15 a.m. Derby DayClub opens at 10:45 a.m. Turf Paradise, 1501

U-pick Peaches. Pick from several varieties of fresh peaches at Schnepf Farms this month. Choose

W. Bell Road, Phoenix. 480-423-1414 or thepoloparty.com/derby

your own in the orchard or grab already-picked fruit at the main store. Peaches are priced by the pound with bags and boxes included. Check online for times, dates and prices. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S.

Valley Youth Theatre Virtual Spring Concert. Hear more

Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com

than two dozen tweens and teens perform a variety of songs. Visit Valley Youth Theatre’s homepage on the day of the event. Free. 1 p.m. 602-253-8188 or vyt.com

APRIL 30-MAY 2 Arizona Balloon Classic. The sky will be filled with more than a dozen colorful hot-air balloons

Daddy Daughter Date Night. Dads get quality time with their

racing during the day. Then watch the evening glows. Spectators can walk on the field and watch the

daughters, and both can leave having finished a hand-painted

balloons inflating and lifting off, enjoy festival foods, balloon rides, a family fun zone, stunt bike shows,

gift for Mother’s Day at this As You Wish Pottery event. Free

fireworks (Saturday) and live entertainment. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon Sunday.

studio fees and cookies. Prices vary, depending on what you

$25; $10 seniors, free for ages 12 and younger and active military; free to all before noon on Friday and

paint. Reserve a spot at one of six As You Wish locations at

Sunday. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. abcfest.com

asyouwishpottery.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

39

family time! MAY TOP EVENTS Dog Days At The Garden (May 1-June 4) at Desert Botanical Garden.

World of Chalk Art Festival (May 8) at Tempe Marketplace.

MAY 1-2 Drive-In puppet show:”The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” This wonderful tale is told with hand puppets, unique scenery, a growing beanstalk and a very special giant. Breakfast can be ordered and delivered directly to your vehicle from Fair Trade Cafe. 9 a.m. Saturday. $40 per car load, $30 for

MAY 1-AUG. 1

members; paid reservations required in advance. Great Arizona Puppet

Tails and Tales Summer Reading Program. The Maricopa County Reads summer reading

Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

program encourages all ages to dive into summer reading, participate in challenges and earn prizes. Readers are encouraged to read or listen to audiobooks for at least 20 minutes a day.

Sign up to join on or after May 1 and visit your local library for more information about this

MAY 1-JUNE 4

reading program that officially starts June 1. maricopacountyreads.org or read20az.com or

Viva la Cultura. West Valley Arts Council dives into Latinx/Xicanx

leepor20az.com (in Spanish).

cultures through the arts. See works by Edgar Fernandez, Adriana Martinez, Cell 13 and many more artists. Plus a free outdoor festival with vendors, live performances, children’s storytime and food trucks.

MAY 3

Specialized weekly workshops, lectures and classes will follow onsite at

Scottsdale Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Recital. This summer concert features

the Arts HQ Gallery and around the west valley. Outdoor events are free.

young musicians performing compositions by great composers including Elgar, Holst,

Noon to 6 p.m. Arts HQ Gallery, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise.

Bach, Schumann, Diabelli, Mozart, Beethoven and more. 7 p.m. Donations accepted. New

623-584-2626 or westvalleyarts.org

Vision Center for Spiritual Learning, 18010 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. 480-951-6077 or scottsdalephilharmonic.com/youth-orchestra-calendar

MAY 1-JUNE 26 Dog Days At The Garden. Enjoy a “pawsitively” perfect morning stroll

MAY 4-9

through the Desert Botanical Garden with your pup while exploring the

Liberation 75. Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association for this worldwide virtual event

beauty and sniffs of the trails. 7-10 a.m. Saturdays. $14.95-$29.95.

commemorating the 75th anniversary of liberation from the Holocaust. This event includes

Advanced reservations required. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin

survivor testimony, interactive discussions, performances, films, tours and more! Free;

Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org

donations appreciated. Register at liberation75.org or phxha.com

40 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Liberation 75 (May 4-9).

WE BLANKET THE AREA.

MAY 5-16 PhxArt Frontline Appreciation Days. The Phoenix Art Museum recognizes frontline workers and medical first responders who have given so much of themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for our community. Nurses, hospital personnel, teachers, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters get free admission to the museum and its featured exhibition “Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich.” Present a work badge, ID, business card or pay stub at the visitor services desk. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-188 or phxart.org

MAY 7 Music + Murals: Evening Art Stroll in the District. Enjoy an all-new art festival with live music and mural painting. Each mural will be inspired by the genre of music nearby. 5-9 p.m. Free. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com

First Friday at Phoenix Art Museum. From 3-7 p.m. on First Fridays admission is free at Phoenix Art Museum. Suggested donation: $5. 602.257.1880 or phxart.org

MAY 8 H is for Happiness. This feel-good film for all ages will make you laugh, cry and cheer. Based on the award-winning book “My Life as an Alphabet” by Barry Jonsberg, it’s the story of a 12-year-old’s determination to bring her family back from the brink and spark happiness in their lives. 3 p.m. $8. Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org

World of Chalk Art Festival. Celebrate cultures from around the world with local

What’s more comforting than having one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation nearby?

Knowing Phoenix Children’s is close to where you live, blanketing the area with a network of more than 1,100 expert primary care doctors and specialists in over two dozen convenient locations.

So if you’re looking for top-notch care right in your community, you can rest easy.

artists creating live chalk murals and community performers paying tribute to cultural groups. Plus a create-your-own chalkboard craft for kids and a patio bar sponsored

by Dave & Buster’s. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado

Visit us at phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS (5437)

Parkway, Tempe. tempemarketplace.com/event/world-of-chalk

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

41

family time! MAY TOP EVENTS Ballet Arizona: The Four Seasons (May 18-June 5) at Desert Botanical Garden.

Experience Central Africa (May 15-16) at Musical Instrument Museum.

MAY 8-9 Drive-In puppet show:”Jack and the Beanstalk.” There’s lots of musical fun in this

MAY 15-SEPT. 6

story of three determined goats and one very mean, hungry troll. Breakfast can be delivered to

Blue Star Museums. This program — a collaboration among the

your vehicle from Fair Trade Cafe. 9 a.m. Saturday. $40 per car load, $30 for members; paid

National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department

reservations required in advance. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix.

of Defense and participating museums — provides free museum

602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

admission for America’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. For an up-to-date list of participating museums in Arizona and across the country visit arts.gov/

MAY 14

bluestarmuseums

Ryan House Virtual Community Breakfast. Learn more about Ryan House and hear stories about the inspiring work done by this organization for children with life-limiting medical conditions and their families. Free admission; you will be offered an opportunity to contribute to

MAY 18-JUNE 5

the care and comfort of Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families. Funds raised

Ballet Arizona: The Four Seasons. Ballet Arizona returns to the Desert

will directly support the nonprofit organization, which currently relies 100 percent on community

Botanical Garden stage with a journey in movement through winter,

donations. 10 to 11 a.m. Register by April 26 to receive a Virtual Event Kit via mail. ryanhouse.

spring, summer and fall with brand new costumes, all-new set designs

org/2021-community-breakfast

and multimedia elements that embrace the desert backdrop. $57-$79. 8 p.m. nightly. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

602-381-1096 or balletaz.org

MAY 15 Phoenix Boys Choir: Voices of Unity. This is the final virtual concert of the year by the Phoenix Boys Choir. It will stream on YouTube with a message of hope for solidarity for all of humanity, uniting

MAY 20-NOV. 30

with other choral ensembles around the world. Free, donations appreciated. Join their email list to

Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space. Arizona has been at

receive the link to the concert and future details. 3 p.m. 602-264-5328 or boyschoir.org/events

the forefront of space discoveries and NASA missions for decades. See objects from NASA, Lowell Observatory, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona — including an Apollo-era space suit, hand-drawn

MAY 15-16

moon maps and photographs of deep space. Learn about the researchers,

Experience Central Africa. Experience diverse music and dance traditions of Central Africa

astronauts and scientists who are taking us to the edges of our galaxy

at MIM with live performances, curator talks and other family-friendly activities. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and beyond. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. $10; $8 for seniors and

$20; $15 for ages 13-19; $10 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. Musical Instrument

students; $5 for ages 7-13; free for ages 6 and younger. Arizona History

Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. mim.org

Museum, 949 E. Second St., Tucson. 520-628-5774 or azhs.org/tucson

42 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

You Want to Enhance

[Your Child’s Skills and Abilities.]

We Are Your Healthcare Team.

Now Offering Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services The Midwestern University Occupational Therapy team provides exceptional, affordable care for children to enhance their ability to perform daily functions. Working as a team, Midwestern students collaborate with our licensed and certified faculty to empower our patients to reach their functional goals. We offer the latest technology and treatments for a wide range of occupational and developmental disorders.

Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 Midwestern University Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

Also Offering Online Telemedicine Appointments

5815 West Utopia Road Glendale Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

43

family time! MAY TOP EVENTS Children’s Museum of Phoenix reopens (May 29).

MAY 22 Maricopa County WIC Caregiver Appreciation Event and Resource

Itty Bitty Beach Party (May 28) at Surprise Aquatics Center.

Fair. This drive-through event is designed to connect families to community services and resources. Gift bags will be provided to moms, dads, grandparents, aunt/uncles and any other caregivers. Dental

MAY 28

screenings and blood pressure checks will be available. 9 a.m. to 1

Itty Bitty Beach Party. Games, prizes, crafts and more for ages 10 and younger. Enjoy the

p.m. Free. Maricopa County Public Health Clinic, 1645 E. Roosevelt St.,

slides, cool off in the water and hang out with the resident mermaid! $10; $5 residents. Morning

Phoenix, 602-506-9333.

and evening sessions available. Surprise Aquatics Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 623222-2000 or surpriseaz.gov/recreation

Friendly Pines Camp Open House. Come enjoy a free, fun-filled open house for families featuring camp tours, wagon rides, marshmallow toasting, zip-line rides, drawings for prizes, refreshments and more.

MAY 28-JUNE 6

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Advanced registration requested. Friendly

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip “Peanuts” comes

Pines Camp, 933 E. Friendly Pines Road, Prescott. 928-445-2128 or

to life with a revue of songs and vignettes. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

friendlypines.com

$20. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org

MAY 23 El Puente Virtual Festival. This free multi-cultural experience for the

MAY 29

whole family is dedicated to making connections between generations.

National 529 Day. Today is National 529 College Savings Plan Day. Read about these tax-

The live-stream event features some of Arizona’s most talented artists

advantaged savings plans designed to encourage parents, grandparents and family members

in pre-recorded performances, including dance troupes and music

to save for future college costs at az529.gov and savingforcollege.com. Arizona fifth-graders

ensembles from local Valley schools. 2 p.m. The festival can be streamed

who answer the question, “What is your dream job, and how do you plan on achieving it in the

on Cultural Coalition’s Facebook and YouTube channels. culturalcoalition.

future?” in essay form by May 29 could earn $529 toward a new or existing AZ529 Education

com/elpuente

Savings Plan account. Learn more at az529.gov/essaycontest

Children’s Museum of Phoenix reopens. Kids can once again run through the noodle forest

MAY 27

and explore the gigantic three-story climber. Plus, see: “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet,

Red Nose Day. Get your #NosesOn and show your support to end child

Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.” This play-and-learn art exhibit (on display through Sept. 6)

poverty. This national fundraising campaign is run by the nonprofit Comic

features activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books. $14.95, free for babies younger

Relief USA. Buy your “red nose” at any Walgreens store, take a picture and

than 1. Cloth face masks required for ages 3 and older. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children’s Museum of

clown around while helping kids. rednoseday.org

Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

44 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

family time! around arizona FLAGSTAFF Flagstaff Community Market (May 2-Oct. 17). This market supports independent growers and producers in northern Arizona. 8 a.m. to noon Sundays. Free. City Hall parking lot, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. 928-853-2382 or flagstaffmarket.com

Bird Walks (May 8, 22). Join Dr. Celia Holm on a morning walk through The Arboretum. More than 130 different bird species have been sighted here! Bring water, a camera, comfortable walking shoes and a mask. 7:30-9 a.m. $5; reservation required. The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-1442 or thearb.org Mothers Day Fine Art and Chocolate Festival (May 8-9) in Prescott.

Wildflower Walks (May 22). Join the knowledgeable arboretum staff on a morning walk through the gardens

Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo (May

the Eagles, participate in a special animal

food vendors along Gurley Street. 9 a.m.

to explore native northern Arizona

20-22). See two action-packed

feeding, talk with the keepers and make

to 5 p.m. Prescott Courthouse Plaza, 120

wildflowers. Bring water, a camera,

performances, plus bareback riding,

an animal craft. 9-10:30 a.m. $30, $15

S. Cortez Street, Prescott. 928-776-4009

comfortable walking shoes and a mask.

saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer

for children, discounts for members.

or mountainartistsguild.org/festivals

Walks are limited to ten participants. $5;

wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping,

Reservations required. Heritage Park

reservations required. 9:30-11 a.m. The

barrel racing and mutton bustin. 5 p.m.

Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage

SEDONA

Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody

$16; $14 for seniors; $10 for ages 8-12;

Park Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (May

Mountain Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-1442

free for ages 7 and younger. 928-978-

heritageparkzoo.org

1). Admission is free, and everyone is

or thearb.org

0694 or paysonprorodeo.com

invited! Enjoy the sounds, savory flavors Mothers Day Fine Art and Chocolate

and colorful dances of Mexico in a fun-

PAYSON

PRESCOTT

Festival (May 8-9). See works by

filled South of the Border bash. 11 a.m. to

Cinco de Mayo Fun Run/Walk (May

Community Appreciation Day! (May

more than 125 accomplished artists

5 p.m. Free. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts

1). Bring the family and enjoy a festive

1). Enjoy free admission today at the

and craftsmen from around the country,

Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona.

run/ walk followed by a fiesta with food

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary!

including paintings, sculptures, batiks,

928-282-4838 or tlaq.com

vendors. COVID measures will be in

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1403 Heritage Park

ceramics, wood carvings, photography,

place. 5 p.m. Registration required. $35

Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or

one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing and

SUPERIOR

for 5K run; $15 for 1-mile walk. Payson

heritageparkzoo.org

more. New this year is an expanded

Wallace Desert Garden Tour (May 1 &

chocolate isle offering gourmet

8). Join a volunteer guide for an 1-hour

Skatepark at Rumsey Park, 400 N. McLane Road, Payson. 928-472-5110 or

Breakfast with the Eagles (May 8).

chocolates, fudge, truffles, toffees,

walk over approximately half a mile

paysonrimcountry.com

Enjoy a continental breakfast in front of

homemade ice cream and sauces. More

of trail. Learn about the history of its

46 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Cinco de Mayo celebrations family time! acquisition, it’s acclaimed and accredited ephedra collection and many other impressive specimens. Space is limited, preregistration is required. Free. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 US 60, Superior. 520-689-2811 or btarboretum.org

TOMBSTONE Wyatt Earp Days (May 29-30). See the Wild West come alive when Tombstone honors its legendary frontier lawman Wyatt Earp. Details TBA. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Historic Allen Street in downtown Tombstone. 520-457-3511 or tombstonechamber.com

TUCSON BioBlitz Challenge: Desert Museum Style! (May 1). Enjoy

Cinco de Mayo Baby Goat Yoga (May 5) at Arizona Goat Yoga.

a day of searching, scouting and documenting wild species at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. This one-day BioBlitz is part of the 2021 Greater Tucson Area City Nature Challenge.

Cinco de Mayo Fun Run/Walk (May 1).

Cinco de Mayo Baby Goat Yoga (May 5).

What surprise animals or plants can you find? 7:30 a.m. to 5

Themed vendors will be onsite for this

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with specially

p.m. $19.95 for Arizona/Sonora residents, $11.95 for ages 3-12,

fun and festive race. $35 for 5k run/

trained yoga goats and latin music throughout

discounts for seniors and military members. Arizona-Sonora

walk; $15 for 1-mile walk. 5 p.m. Free;

a fun yoga class suitable for all levels! The

Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. 520-883-2702

register by April 25. Rumsey Park, 400 N.

alpacas will also be dressed to impress in

or desertmuseum.org

McClane Road, Payson. 928-474-5242 or

their best sombreros. Bring a mat or towel. $5

paysonrimcountry.com/fiesta

mat rentals available. 6-7 p.m. $15. Arizona

Tiny Tales for Tots (May 15). The Mini Time Machine Museum

Goat Yoga, 26601 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert.

of Miniatures hosts this early literacy program for preschool-

Cinco de Mayo at Tlaquepaque (May 1).

aged children. Each month, a costumed character brings a story

Enjoy live music, savory flavors and colorful

to life. 11:30 a.m. to noon. Timed-entry ticket required: $10.50,

dances of Mexico at Tlaquepaque. Piñata and

Virtual Cooking Class: Chile Relleño

$8.50 seniors, $7 for ages 4-17, free for ages 3 and younger.

face painting for kids. Free admission and

Enchiladas & Jalapeno Margaritas (May

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp

trolley service. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tlaquepaque

5). This Cinco de Mayo-inspired cooking

Lowell Drive, Tucson. 520-881-0606 or theminitimemachine.org

Arts & Shopping Village, 336 AZ-179 Sedona.

class will be led by Executive Chef Jude

928-282-4838 or visitsedona.com/events-

Walker, featuring his chile relleño enchiladas,

calendar/cinco-de-mayo-celebration

tres leches cake and jalapeno margaritas.

Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space (May 20- Nov 30). Arizona has been at the forefront of space discoveries and

480-269-4144 or goatyoga.com

Free. 6-8 p.m. Register at ridereliteteam.com/

NASA missions for decades. See objects from NASA, Lowell

Cinco de Mayo at Enchanted Island

CookingLive/2021/May

Observatory, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona

Amusement Park (May 2). Enjoy Mexican

— including an Apollo-era space suit, hand-drawn moon maps

Bands and Ballet Folkloricos performing in

Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose

and photographs of deep space. Learn about the researchers,

authentic costumes. Kids can take a swing at

Hernandez (May 5). Hear the first mariachi

astronauts and scientists who are taking us to the edges of our

the candy-filled piñatas. Mexican food and

ensemble to be nominated for a Grammy,

galaxy and beyond. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. $10; $8

aguas frescas vendors. Free park admission;

and one that has broken countless barriers in

for seniors and students; $5 for ages 7-13; free for ages 6 and

$19 wristbands for rides. Noon to 8 p.m.

music. All ages. $55-$65. 7 p.m. Madison

younger. Arizona History Museum, 949 E. Second St., Tucson.

1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-254-

Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St.,

520-628-5774 or azhs.org/tucson

1200 or enchantedisland.com

Phoenix. 602-664-7777 or themadison.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

47

family time! fun runs and walks Girls on the Run Virtual Celebration (April 21-May 9).

Red Rock Rumble (May 22) in Sedona.

Girls on the Run Virtual Celebration (April

with maroon and gold color bombs or showered with

21-May 9). The Girls on the Run 5K virtual event is

confetti. Wear your best Dirty Devil costume/outfit!

open to all — men, women and children — and can

There will be prizes for best team name, largest team

be completed on your own time and in your own place,

and best costume. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $39-$55, $15 for

including your neighborhood, your backyard or your

ages 6-14, free for ages 5 and younger. Registration

living room. Find your “happy pace” running, walking,

ends April 30. Arizona State University Polytechnic

biking or jumping during a 5K (3.1 miles), a 1-mile

Campus, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa. 503-

walk/run or a 45-minute dance party. Complete it by

593-6276 or thedirtyu.com/dirty-devil-5k

11:59 p.m. Tuesday, May 4. Free registration. Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-

Red Rock Rumble (May 22). Run Sedona hosts this

795-6572 or gotrmc.org

rumble on the stunning trails of Posse Grounds Park.

Part flowy single track and part mountain bike slalom.

Cinco de Mayo Fun Run/ Walk (May 1). Themed

Run starts at 8 a.m. $35-$40. Posse Grounds Park,

vendors will be onsite for this fun and festive race. $35 for

525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona. 928-862-2145 or

5k run/walk; $15 for 1-mile walk. 5 p.m. Free; register by

runsedonashop.com/red-rock-rumble

April 25. Rumsey Park, 400 N. McClane Road, Payson.

928-474-5242 or paysonrimcountry.com/fiesta

Rugged Maniac (May 22). Part festival, part mud

p.m. $79 and up. The festival and games are free; $10

run, this 3-mile recess for grown-ups features a

parking. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S.

Dirty Devil 5K (May 1). Run, walk or stride through

three-story water slide, trampolines and a fire jump.

Maricopa Road, Chandler. ruggedmaniac.com/events/

The Dirty U course and color stations. Get smattered

Plus a DJ and plenty of refreshments. 8:30 a.m. to 2

phoenix or runsedonashop.com/red-rock-rumble

48 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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623.526.9282

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

49

Mother’s Day events in Phoenix and beyond Mother’s Day Special Ikebana Workshop (May 9) at The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

Mother’s Day Modern Calligraphy Workshop

mountainartistsguild.org/festivals.

(May 8). Learn the fundamentals of modern

$15 members. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-188 or phxart.org

calligraphy from area artist Kenzie Ehlers. Participants

Mother’s Day MOMedy (May 9). Irma Ruiz (BMG

get calligraphy tools and materials to use and take

Comedy, VivaLive TV) visits from San Antonio, Texas

Mother’s Day Brunch at Alterego (May 9). Bring

home. 9-11 a.m. $70. “Life Your Best Life” Ramada

for just one night to celebrate Mother’s Day with a

Mom for a complimentary glass of sparkling and

at the Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St.,

supporting cast of local mom comedians, including

enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast. $64; $35 for ages 12

Phoenix. facebook.com/TheFarmAtSouthMountain/

AZ Powergirl Cara Nicole, Melissa Locklar, Andreona

and younger. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alterego at Canopy

events or thefarmatsouthmountain.com

Garlid, Rose Verdugo and Lexi Deemarie. This is an

by Hilton Tempe Downtown, 108 E. University Drive,

outdoor event. $15. 7-9 p.m. Desert Rose Pizza &

Tempe. 602-612-7871 or alteregotempe.com

Kingman Festival of the Arts: Mothers Day Festival

Gastro Pub, 6729 N. 57th Drive, Suite B, Glendale.

(May 8-9). This 43rd annual festival takes place at two

623-937-3004 or desertrosepizzaandgastropub.com

parks in downtown Kingman. There will be artists, crafters,

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Las Sendas Golf Club (May 9). Celebrate Mother’s Day brunch on the patio

music, dance, theater performances, food and drink and

Beth Lederman & Jazz Con Alma with Holly Pyle

or pick up the specially prepared meal and enjoy it at

many other vendors. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Metcalfe Park,

(May 9). Enjoy a special Mother’s Day performance

home. Takeout meal feeds 5-7 for $170 plus tax. 9 a.m.

315 W. Beale St., and Locomotive Park, 310 W. Beale St.,

celebrating female composers including Joni Mitchell,

to 2 p.m. For patio reservations call 602-734-5524.

Kingman. 928-716-5237 or gokingman.com

Marian McPartland Nina Simone and more. Dinner is

The Grille At Las Sendas Golf Club, 7555 E. Eagle

also available. 7:30 p.m. $39-$320; $20 streaming

Crest Drive, Mesa. lassendas.com

Mothers Day Fine Art and Chocolate Festival

access. Arizona Jewish Historical Society Garden, 122

(May 8-9). See works by more than 125

E. Culver St., Phoenix. 602-795-0464 or thenash.org

accomplished artists and craftsmen from around

Mother’s Day Special Ikebana Workshop (May 9). Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement.

the country, including paintings, sculptures, batiks,

Great Art on Screen: Secret Impressionists (May

Make several miniature ikebana and display them

ceramics, wood carvings, photography, one-of-a-

9). Uncover the story of the art revolution sparked by

on a base plate, a tray, a piece of Japanese paper or

kind jewelry and clothing and more. New this year

Impressionism, the artistic movement that produced

a table center. Includes all materials and five small

is an expanded chocolate isle offering gourmet

some of the most beloved artworks in history. The

ceramic containers by artist instructor Ping Wei (a

chocolates, fudge, truffles, toffees, homemade ice

film unveils 50 previously unseen works by iconic

value of $60) to keep. $80; $75 for members. 9-10

cream and sauces. More food vendors along Gurley

Impressionist masters Manet, Caillebotte, Renoir,

a.m. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix,

Street. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prescott Courthouse Plaza,

Monet, Cézanne, Signac, Sisley and Morisot. 2 p.m.

1125 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix. 602-274-8700 or

120 S. Cortez Street, Prescott. 928-776-4009 or

$23 (film and museum admission); $18 (film only);

japanesefriendshipgarden.org/ourevents

50 May 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Bringing Hope to Children in Foster Care

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs for children in the foster care system in the state of Arizona. .92 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs for children in foster care. www.AzHelpingHands.org 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Suite 100 Phoenix AZ 85032 480.889.0604 EIN: 86-0935988

Find out how YOU can make a difference in a foster child’s life. DONATE TODAY!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com May 2021

51

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