RMParent January 2016

JANUARY 2016 • RMPARENT.COM

Sticky

SITUATIONS

MIXING IT UP

in the Kitchen

KIDS AND

suicide

New baby!

Skating

AWAY

YOuth Program &

Activity Guide 2016

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JANUARY 2016

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Out with the old—the New Year is a perfect time to let go

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Standing up in sticky situations—teach your kids to be assertive when you’re not there

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Day out in Denver—Museums offer a range of adventures and education

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sliding and gliding—lace on pair of skates this winter

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Great places to live and work—business and government players continue to make life better

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mix it up in the kitchen—kids learn from cooking experiences

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Explaining evil—living in a world of mass shootings and terrorist attacks

Special Section YOUTH PROGRAM & ACTIVITY GUIDE PLUS, SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Program & Act YOuth

January 2016

om

DIRECTORY

BY CATEGORY • PAGE 24 ALPHABETICAL • PAGE •••••••

26

•••

PAGE 52

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

•••••••

TES UPDA PAGE 10

Find the right school for your child. Explore the options: neighborhood, charter, specialized programs, nontraditional, independent and more.

Also learn about school-of-choice policies and deadlines in your district.

•••

PAGE 54

Features 18 WHY?

There is no simple way to protect against suicide. What leads up to suicide is multifaceted and often complicated.

20 I JUST HAD A BABY! Larimer and Weld Counties have several

resources available to new parents to help them make their way through the parenting journey.

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

24 A RESOLUTION FOR

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among children. Child safety seats can significantly reduce the risk of death.

SAFETY THIS YEAR

ABOUT THE COVER: Emmylou, 8 months, likes playing with her big brother Cam, and her puppy dogs. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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•••••••

List of

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Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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School District News

PSD calendar of events, Mental Health Matters event brings community together, high school entrepreneurs compete in Shark Tank competition, Polaris students interview local senior citizens

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•••••••

•••

perspective Out with the old

The New Year is a perfect time to let go

W

hat does your new year look like? Any changes you’re shooting for? The usual post-holiday stuff? Lose 10 pounds… be nicer to people in my world…eat dinner at home around the table more often…take a little more time off work for family time…

The thing I’ve found about resolutions is that they’re easy to make and pretty easy to get started on, but two months in…heck, two weeks in…well, even two days in and it’s hard to maintain.

I, Scott Titterington, in the uninterested presence of Charlie my mutt, do hereby affirm that this year I shall 1. run every other day and 2. eat meat only once a week and 3. learn how to water color and 4. volunteer sometimes.

Also, I will answer the phone when Aly calls from Denver to tell me how her day was. I wonder how it will go.

I’m thinking that a better way to make the New Year shine is to try to work on my overall perspective. I know right now that it’s going to be a potentially tough year for relationships because it’s an election year and it’s already shaping up to be, shall I say, interesting. It’s odd how polarized we get over this.

We’re pretty sure that our “team” loves our country and the other “team” wants to destroy it. And it doesn’t matter what “team” we’re on, we view the other “team” as evil idiots.

So I’m going to start right now to be patient in the sense of accepting what is. I’m going to accept that my opinions are just opinions and that if I can let them go, I’ll be happier and those around me will be happier.

And as long as I’m letting go, how about trying to let go of that anger. It’s not doing me any good, really. Maybe a part of me wants to hold onto it, to roll around in it, to be right! Does it really matter whose fault it was?

And did you miss your kid’s game last night after you said you’d be there, but then you had some work come in or you just couldn’t motivate? Well, let your guilt go too. Beating yourself up won’t help.

We hold so many things that get in the way of us being happy and we have to be happy if we’re going to be of any use to others.

So here’s a couple of ideas for New Years’ resolutions.

First…and I think you see this coming…let it go. Really let it go…we need to be less hard on ourselves and on our people or those strangers we meet every day. We’re all just trying to figure it out, right?

And second, once we’re feeling better about letting it go, we should then work on putting others ahead of ourselves.

These are pretty hard resolutions, but I think if we shift our way of thinking and acting and speaking, we’ll be happier and we’ll make those around us happier. And with this fundamental reboot in our view of things, we’ll find that our other resolutions start to fall into line.

Happy New Year, Scott 6

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JANUARY 2016 • Volume 20, Issue 8 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt Sharon Klahn, Kyle Moyer COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Kris Kodrich, Alison Newman, Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2016 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

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as we grow

Standing up in sticky situations Teach your kids to be assertive when you’re not there LY NN U. NICHOLS

O

nce your kids enter elementary school, you have to do some major letting go. No longer can you be their ears and eyes and help them form the right words in tough situations. For the most part, they are on their own during class, recess and on the field. Whether it’s making the right choice about going along with a friend’s bad behavior or fending off a bully or threatening adult, they must rely on their own resources. Even though you can’t be by their side, you can give them tools to keep trouble at bay, such as specific words for certain situations, assertive body language skills, listening to their guts and talking with you when strange things happen.

THE RIGHT WORDS FOR THE RIGHT SITUATION As parents, give your kids permission to state their needs directly and clearly. Of course in normal conversation it’s best to be polite, but politeness has no place in threatening situations. Speaking directly, as in, “Stop that, I don’t like it” is a powerful tool—one all kids have when they feel threatened or afraid. If your child wants a situation to stop, fewer words are better. They also need to know they have the right to leave uncomfortable situations or check in with a trusted adult about “off” interactions. If kind appeals to stop do not work, it’s time for stronger words and physical cues, such as saying stop loudly and putting a hand out and stepping back. Role playing situations helps to hardwire these skills so your kids can automatically set them in motion when needed.

Encourage kids to speak from the ‘I’ point of view. This technique works especially well in peer situations, such as thwarting a buddy’s invitation to goof off in class or ending a teasing session of a classmate on the playground. Kids 8

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can end a situation without putting off a friend by simply saying, ‘I don’t want to do that’ in a calm manner. This works because it’s neutral—it makes it about the speaker, not about the situation or other person, so it’s less threatening.

Teaching kids to change course in an uncomfortable situation by saying, ‘Let’s go over there and play’ to a few members of the group can help end an escalating confrontation.

HEARING WHAT THEIR GUT HAS TO SAY For kids, an important part of handling a sticky situation is simply identifying it as that. In other words, hearing their gut when it says something is wrong or uncomfortable. So how do you teach your kids to get in touch with their gut feelings? Start by talking about feelings at an early age, which helps kids identify all types of feelings as they move through life.

You might help your kids identify their gut feeling as an adrenaline rush. Describe it as when their stomach feels like it’s full of butterflies, or they feel an urge to leave quickly.

That’s their gut saying something isn’t right and they need to stop and think about their next move. One way to teach kids to recognize an adrenaline rush is by playing a game where you act like a tiger and chase your child around the room. No doubt, you will stir up feelings of adrenaline. Explain that the butterfly feeling is a part of their power. It’s a warning to be alert and use tools like saying no and marching away to stay safe.

TALK ABOUT STICKY SITUATIONS Finally, and maybe most importantly, parents need to give a strong message that they want to hear about sticky situations their kids encounter. Let your kids know that if anything happens that they are concerned about or feel funny about, they should tell you. Send the message loud and clear that if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened at a friend’s house or an after-school activity, they should call home and have you come pick them up. Kids need to know there’s an escape valve and that you are there for them, no matter what.

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family activities

Day out in Denver

Museums offer a range of adventures and education KATIE HARRIS

H

ead to Denver for some adventures. Our capital city has plenty of indoor activities to keep you and your kids entertained!

Try one of our recommended itineraries based on your family’s interests, or mix and match to create your own ideal day in Denver!

OPTION 1—EXPLORATION Spend the morning exploring underwater ecosystems at the Denver Downtown Aquarium (www.aquariumrestau rants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/ default.asp). The aquarium features over 500 species of animals from around the world, including an interactive stingray touch tank. Get up close and personal with sea otters, sharks, starfish... and maybe even a mermaid or two! Before you leave, experience a one-of-a-kind dining experience tank-side at the Aquarium Restaurant.

Upon leaving the aquarium, head next door to the Children’s Museum of Denver (www.mychildsmuseum. org), where kids of all ages will find adventure at every turn. The $13/ person admission includes access to all exhibits. The lower level of the museum features activities perfect for the smallest visitors, including things to climb on, crawl through, and slide down. Older kids will experiment with science, engineering, theater, and art as they make their way through the many stations on the upper level. Be sure to check out the fire engine on your way out!

OPTION 2—EDUCATION Start your day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (www. dmns.org), open 9am-5pm daily. In addition to the permanent exhibits, “The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes” and “The Power 10

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of Poison” are special to the museum during the month of January.

Consider purchasing tickets to the IMAX or Planetarium for unforgettable journeys around our planet and the universe.

When you’ve learned about everything from rocks and minerals to prehistoric life, head over to the United States Mint in Denver (www. usmint.gov) for a free 45-minute tour through the Mint. During the tour you’ll learn how coins are produced, as well as the history of the U.S. Mint. Tours run 8am-3:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and are recommended for ages 7 and up. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir on your way out.

OPTION 3—ADVENTURE When you arrive in Denver head over to Wings Over the Rockies Air and

Space Museum (www.wingsmuseum. org). The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday through Friday, and noon5pm on Sunday. The admission cost of $11/adult and $6/child includes entrance to all exhibits. Explore over four-dozen aircraft and space vehicles, including the rarely seen B-18A Bolo and the popular Star Wars X-Wing Fighter. Learn about spacecraft and missile technology, both past and future, and take part in interactive exhibits.

Afterwards, put your newfound knowledge of air and space to the test at iFly Indoor Skydiving (www.ifly world.com). Adventurers ages 3 and up can experience the exhilarating feeling of real skydiving, in the safety of an indoor wind tunnel. Each flight lasts one minute, but plan on spending just over an hour in training your first time there.

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learn and live

Sliding and gliding Lace on a pair of skates this winter

KIM SHARPE

Learn to skate • City of Fort Collins—EPIC www.fcgov.com/recreator or 970-221-6683

• City of Greeley—Ice Haus www.greeleygov.com/activities/recreation/ facilities/greeley-ice-haus/skate-school or 970-350-9402 • NoCo Ice Center www.ncyh.org or 970-206-4423 • Qdoba Events Center www.qeclive.com or 970-282-1112 • Roller Land www.rollerlandskatecenter.com or 970-482-0497

Skating skating On a skating rink When days are cold When days are bright What do you think?

Gliding gliding Over the sheet of ice If we could skate every day Wouldn’t that be nice?

—”Skating” song lyrics by Shari and Jerry Tallon

P

eople have enjoyed ice skating since prehistoric times. Skates made of animal bones have been discovered in Russia and Scandinavia that date back to 3,000 BC. More historical artifacts show that the Dutch improved skates by adding sharpened blades of steel in about the 13th or 14th century. Since then, skates have continued to evolve and skating has become a popular means of transportation, recreation and sport for young and old alike.

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WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO INTRODUCE CHILDREN TO SKATING? “Some parents get their children on skates and on the ice as soon as they are able to walk, but the ideal age to begin tot ice-skating lessons is at about 3 or 4,” says Jo Ann Schneider Farris, figure skating expert.

Instructional skating programs offered locally at the Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) and the Northern Colorado Ice Center in Fort Collins and the Ice Haus in Greeley are recommended for children 4 years. They also offer lessons for adults.

Regardless of age, the first thing new skaters learn is that falling down and getting back up is part of the experience. Beginner classes usually include instruction on how to sit down and stand back up, march in place, march forward and then glide a small distance at a time.

To reduce the elements that could add tears and fear to learning

to skate, like getting wet and cold, Farris suggests parents introduce very young children to skating at a roller skating rink.

She says, “As soon as my own three children could walk, my husband and I began spending our weekends at the roller rink. We’d push our kids around the roller rink in strollers, but soon, they’d climb out and skate around the rink (on locked roller skate) wheels instead. Soon, the roller rink loosened those wheels and they were rolling around the rink and having a blast.

Roller skating makes the transition to ice skating easy and natural.”

Recommended equipment for safe, comfortable skating includes skates that fit well and are laced properly; a helmet; mittens or gloves; long pants or tights; and a long-sleeve top, jacket or sweater.

If you’d like to introduce your child to skating or give a go yourself, there are many locations throughout northern Colorado where you can learn.

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leadership, healthy habits and social interaction through the sport of Roller Derby. The Program strives to develop both skilled athletes and those who have not yet realized the champion inside.

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community news

Great places to live and work

Business and government players continue to make life better KIM SHARPE

A

community’s policies and amenities combine to help create its atmosphere. In northern Colorado, many employers and government agencies strive to help make Larimer and Weld Counties great places to live, work and play by providing spaces and education residents desire. Below is a sampling of this work.

GREELEY EMPLOYER RECOGNIZED FOR BREASTFEEDING POLICY The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has recognized the JBS beef processing facility in Greeley as a Breastfeeding Friendly Business.

JBS, one of Weld County’s largest employers, is making it easier for new moms to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. The company’s leaders understand that lactation support policies not only increase employee satisfaction, but also make good business sense because of the reduction in health care costs and sick leave.

JBS provides a clean, private area for team members to express milk and informs breastfeeding mothers that they can take pump breaks whenever necessary. “We want our team members who are new mothers to know we support their decision to continue breastfeeding,” says Isabel Garcia, JBS human resources manager.

The policy is winning favor with JBS employees. “It is very important to me to breast feed my baby. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to when I returned to work. I found out that JBS provides a sanitary, safe and convenient place to pump in the health services office. They provide a room with a sink to rinse out your attachments, and the door locks so that you feel comfortable and safe knowing that no one will walk in on 14

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you. My daughter is now 15 months old and I still pump at work,” says Tyra Galleos, JBS team member.

Federal and Colorado laws require employers to provide reasonable break time and a private area, other than a toilet, where nursing mothers can express breast milk. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment Breastfeeding Friendly Business initiative recognizes employers that go above and beyond the law by providing additional breastfeeding support for their employees, such as having a worksite policy and staff education. Employers who meet the criteria are provided with a framed certificate and promoted as a Breastfeeding Friendly Business on the Weld County Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ WeldCountyGoverment) and website (www.weldhealth.org).

FORT COLLINS IMPLEMENTS BICYCLE FRIENDLY DRIVER PROGRAM FC Bikes, the City of Fort Collins’ safe bicycling advocacy, planning and programming arm, has launched a Bicycle Friendly Driver Program.

The Bicycle Friendly Driver program is a one and a half-hour interactive class, taught by trained Bicycle Ambassadors, aimed at educating all motor vehicle drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people riding bicycles. Developed by FC Bikes in collaboration with Bike Fort Collins, a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization, the class addresses: ■ Why sharing the road is the safest alternative for both motorists and bicyclists ■ What’s legal or not for both motorists and bicyclists ■ Common crashes and how to avoid them ■ Why bicyclists “take the lane” and what

motorists should do in response ■ How to navigate bicycle related infrastructure, such as sharrows, bike boxes and green lanes.

Upon successful completion of the class, participants will receive a Bicycle Friendly Driver certificate and sticker which can be displayed on their vehicle.

“Initially we are targeting fleet drivers—people who drive as part of their job—with this program, because they are behind the wheel of motor vehicles more than anyone else,” says Jamie Gaskill-Fox, FC Bikes program specialist.

“Beginning in the spring, we’ll offer sessions open to the public.”

Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Driver Program at www.fcgov. com/Bicycle FriendlyDriver or call 221-6987.

CITIZENS ACADEMY SCHEDULED FOR SPRING The Larimer County Sheriff ’s Office is accepting applications for the Citizens Academy it’s offering this spring. The academy will start on February 11 and run through May 12, meeting on Thursdays, 6-9pm, for 12 classes and one Saturday field day. Classes will not be held the weeks of March 14 and April 4.

The Citizens Academy is designed to give participants an overview of the operations of the Larimer County Sheriff ’s Office, covering patrol operations, investigations, crime lab, emergency management and emergency services, SWAT and other special units, and volunteer operations.

The academy also includes a tour of the Larimer County Jail and emergency communications center, a K-9 demonstration and the opportunity to ride along with a deputy. One of the highlights of the academy is the field day during which class member participate in live scenarios, including responding to calls involving live shooting with simulated ammunition, making simulated traffic stops, experiencing the firearms simulator and processing a mock crime scene.

The fee for the academy is $30 which covers the cost of a student t-shirt, materials and lunch served at the field day. The academy is limited to

35 students. Visit www.larimersheriff. org/site-page/citizens-academy for more information and to register.

COLORADO NEIGHBORHOODS MAKE US SICK According to a new survey report released by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in partnership with the Colorado Health Foundation (CHF), Coloradans face significant barriers to healthy living due to community design and land use factors. Colorado in 2015: A ULI Survey of Views on Housing, Transportation and Community in Colorado provides insight into what Coloradans desire from the communities and places they call home. Key takeaways include:

■ Thirty-four percent of Coloradans reported that their communities lack outdoor spaces to run, walk or exercise. This barrier varies significantly for Latino respondents (49 percent) and those making less than $25,000 per year (47 percent).

■ Forty-two percent of all Coloradans, 58 percent of Latino and 54 percent of low-income respondents stated that the bike lanes in their communities are insufficient.

■ Access to fresh, healthy food and dangers from crime and traffic are not widespread concerns for all Coloradans, but they do disproportionately affect Latino

and low-income populations.

High or top priority community attributes include: the quality of the environment (87 percent), access to healthy food (79 percent), green space (64 percent) and walkability (58 percent).

Findings from the report reveal that Coloradans have a strong desire for communities that support healthy living. The ULI and CHF hope their joint work on this survey “will better galvanize key groups to drive the movement toward creating the health-centric communities Coloradans desire.” Read or download the report at www.uli.org.

LARIMER COUNTY OPEN SPACES CLOSE FOR SEASON Several Larimer County Open Spaces are closed for the season, including Red Mountain Open Space and Hermit Park Open Space. Most will reopen on March 1, barring unfavorable weather conditions.

Open spaces close during the winter months due to winter weather conditions and to protect the wintering range for big game animals, such as mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep, as set forth in the open space’s management plan.

To learn more about Larimer County’s parks and open spaces, visit www.larimer.org/naturalresources.

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healthy living

Mix it up in the kitchen Kids learn from cooking experiences

LEA HANSON

Cooking Classes for Kids

• The Cooking Studio Fort Collins (www.the-cooking-studio.com) Culinary Skills—Teens Three Class Series: 1/9/16, 1/23/16, & 2/6/16 • Foodies! Culinary Academy (www. foodiescca.com/kids/) Weekly cooking club for school-aged kids during the school year, camps in the summer.

• City of Fort Collins Recreator (www. fcgov.com/recreator/) Various classes and class series available throughout the year.

A

rience helps kids learn and understand many basic math skills. Similarly, using these math skills in cooking allows kids to learn how math is practical and applicable in their daily lives.

APPRECIATION Simply put, when kids understand all that goes into preparing a healthy meal, they will better appreciate the food they are served.

BUILDS SELF-CONFIDENCE Learning to do something—anything— new builds confidence in people of any age. When kids help prepare a meal they feel a sense of pride in their creation and they learn how to contribute to a goal.

The final result (whether it is delicious or a bit of a disaster) is something he or she helped create as a part of a team.

MATH It’s nearly impossible to cook without doing some math. Whether you’re cutting a whole recipe in half or simply measuring out cups of flour, the expe-

UNDERSTANDING NUTRITION Obesity among children has become problematic and is increasingly referred to as an epidemic. Teaching children to cook encompasses such vital information as nutritional content, food preparation, and calorie information, all aspects to leading healthier lives. O’Neill of The Cooking Studio says, “The data is very clear, people who cook their meals at home, versus eating out, eat healthier.” As your children learn to cook, they are learning a powerful tool to take control of their own health. Many believe healthful food is the best medicine; as children learn how to prepare foods, they learn from an early age how to fuel their bodies in the healthiest ways.

s parents, it is our job to prepare our children for adulthood.

We teach them social skills, instill work ethic, encourage persistence and trying new things, and a million other skills that (hopefully) help them achieve self-sufficiency. Teaching our children to cook is just one of the ways we do this. Trish O’Neill, Founder & Owner of The Cooking Studio Fort Collins, says, “[kids] see cooking in a different way than their parents see it.

It’s not a chore to them. For them it’s about fresh and delicious ingredients, creativity, and the challenge of thinking on your feet.”

Here are some other reasons why it’s a good idea to teach your children to cook:

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SPARKS CREATIVITY It’s a bizarre concept that when we put seemingly gross ingredients together they turn into something beautiful and delicious. Cooking teaches kids to use their imagination and picture what the end result can and should be, rather than focusing only on what is in front of them.

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WHY? No simple answer to suicide among kids

Lynn U. Nichols

S

uicide has been too familiar of a topic of late. My son’s good friend from middle school committed suicide last month, followed by the deaths of two local 11-year olds. Like everyone who faces such news, I grapple with how immensely tragic it is and how impossible it is to answer the resounding question of WHY? My heart breaks and I think, if only. If only his friend could’ve seen beyond the present and known brighter days lay ahead, that this too, shall pass. That there was another solution, if only he hadn’t been so blindfolded by his own depression. There is no simple way to protect against suicide.

What leads up to suicide is multi-faceted and often complicated. It’s not just a negative social media post from an uncaring

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classmate. It’s not solely a break up with a girlfriend or a fight with a parent.

Things add up. We do know there are elements that increase the chance of suicide. There are also known ways to help prevent it. Maybe, as parents, if we can build a shelter around our kids with what we do know, it just might be strong enough to withstand a possible storm and keep them safe.

WATCH TEENS WITH SUICIDE-PRONE PERSONALITY TRAITS CLOSELY I asked my high school son what he thought about bullying and suicide and if the two were linked and what, if anything, could protect against suicide.

After some time, he came to the conclusion that bullying couldn’t cause suicide,

but it could be a tipping point. That kids who get down are vulnerable. Without confidence, they lose perspective and if negative things keep happening they might see no way out and commit suicide. He still has a hard time believing his friend has died, but he does understand that he felt very stuck and didn’t see any way out.

Depression can lead to suicide, so watch for signs of depression, like isolating from friends and family, a loss of interest in things they normally enjoy, a drop in grades or activities, long-term sadness or anger, irritability, tearfulness, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.

GET HELP, IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS. Nine out of ten teens who commit

Is your teen being cyberbullied?

If your teen comes to you about bullying on social media, don’t overreact. Most parents do, which sends the message to kids to keep it quiet next time. At the same time, take it seriously.

Don’t brush it off as just words. Here’s what you can do: • A dvise your teen to disengage with the bully—tell her not to respond to messages, have her block the person on social media sites and on her cellphone • I f it happens continually on one social media site, inform the site manager who might then disable the offender’s account • I f these actions fail to change things, have your teen cancel her profiles and get her a new cell phone number • I f the cyberbullying is ongoing and involves another teen at school, inform the school of what’s going on • If possible, call the bully’s parents to make them aware of the situation • If it’s highly threatening, print out interactions and take it to the police

or increasing drug and alcohol use are also signs. Teens who are planning suicide can suddenly become happier and may set things in order by giving away items, closing social media sites and more.

If your teen is showing any of these signs, stay tuned in with them.

Check in often, make yourself available. Also, know that it’s okay to ask if they are feeling depressed or suicidal.

It only shows you care. Try not to act shocked if your child admits they have suicidal thoughts. Ask them to tell you more, stay calm as best you can and seek outside help.

suicide have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, with more than half suffering from depression or a mood disorder. A scientific study in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that young people who complete suicide had higher levels of impulsivity. The study also noted that in general, characteristics such as introverted, negative, dependent, neurotic, hostile and antisocial were also common among suicidal individuals.

LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR TEEN IS SAYING If you hear things like, “I wish I could sleep forever,” or “Nothing matters,” take these as serious red flags. Other signs of suicide include talking about death, about feeling trapped and about being a burden.

Risky behaviors such as driving too fast

FOSTER PRO-SOCIAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESILIENCY Kids who feel socially connected and supported are less likely to commit suicide. From an early age, promote traits such as kindness, tolerance, respect and empathy in your child. A good place to start is to learn the character traits that are taught at your child’s school.

“Most schools have character programs. At Dunn Elementary, we use the same words and actions not just with kids but also with our staff and parents so we have a common language to develop the IB profile traits (caring, empathy, balanced, integrity, risk taking, etc.). We see these as life skills that we are teaching our kids.

When parents support those traits at home it lets kids know it’s not just about school, it’s about life,” says Deborah Ellis, Principal of Dunn Elementary.

TALK, ASK AND ESPECIALLY LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS Another study found that in homes where kids committed suicide there was some disconnection between child and parent. Make it a habit to sit down on your teen’s bed at night or hang out with her after school. Be available and observant. If she seems sad, say, “You seem down. Is there anything you want to talk about?”

Send the message that you are always there to listen by being there when she wants to talk, and dropping what you are doing to stop and listen.

“As parents we can immediately go into lecture mode or jump in and try to fix things without really hearing what our kids have to say. Even if our intent is positive, giving advice or solutions can shut down a conversation. We need to be good listeners,” says Ellis.

If your child has a friend who seems especially down, advise him to stay connected by texting, talking, calling, stopping to say hello and asking how they are, complimenting them, telling them he cares and inviting them out.

Increasing hope is vital. If your teen is depressed, give him something to look forward to, find times to laugh, relax and have fun. If depression lasts for more than 3 weeks, get an evaluation.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH COMPUTER AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE Is Internet use and social media increasing suicide among teens? Many people are curious of the role bullying and cyberbullying play in suicide. A recent scientific survey of 2000 middle schoolers found that kids who had been victims of cyberbullying were twice as likely to attempt suicide than their counterparts.

Did you know there are websites that actually advise people on how to commit suicide? It’s frightening to consider, but true. The same researchers found over 100 pro-suicide sights available on the Internet. Be aware of this as you consider your child’s computer use.

As parents, suicide is something we don’t even want to consider, but it happens. Staying aware, available and tuned in to our teens is the best protection we can offer.

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I just had a baby!

WHERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS?

Kim Sharpe

B

ecoming a parent is wrought with emotions. Excitement. Fascination. Satisfaction. Love. Doubt.

Frustration. Terror.

Once parents learn they’re expecting, they pour energy into getting ready for the debut of their little bundle of joy. There are names to choose, birthing classes to take, nurseries to decorate. Then the baby is born and people wake to the realization that they have a tiny human to protect and nurture, but no one prepared them for post-birth daily life.

To make their way through the parenting journey, some choose to go it alone, perhaps mimicking what their 20

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parents did or relying on advice from friends or the Internet. All of those can be good options, but in northern Colorado, there are so many more. Larimer and Weld Counties have several resources available to new parents to help them get a leg up on what is perhaps one of the most amazing journeys one can ever embark on.

NURSES HELP FAMILIES LEARN THE ROPES The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) helps vulnerable first-time parents from the moment they learn they’re expecting. NFP is an evidence-based program

that empowers low-income, first-time mothers to become confident parents and strong women by pairing them with nurses who visit them in their home.

Through the trusted relationship that develops, new moms gain confidence and skills that help guide them and their children to successful futures. Visits begin during the early stages of pregnancy and continue until the child turns 2 years old.

Ideally, dads participate with their partner so they both become attached to the baby. They also will learn how to support the mom to be as healthy as she can be. If dads aren’t available during visit times, nurses encourage moms to convey

information to them. But sometimes, moms go back to work soon after the birth of their baby and it’s the dads who stay home during the day taking care of their baby and who meet with the nurses.

The program strives to be flexible and meet the needs of each family.

Brenda Graves, supervisor of Larimer County’s NFP, stresses that the program is only available to first-time moms. “We provide professional support, guide young women and families to resources they need, and help them achieve a healthy pregnancy and delivery by pairing them with a caring, compassionate nurse who will help them know fact from fiction. We want to help them accomplish their goals of being good parents right from the start.”

GIVE YOUR BABY THE BEST START Best Start for Babies and Toddlers is a series of 10 classes that offer parents education and support that builds confidence in their ability to respond to their children in healthy and positive ways.

Participants who attend eight or more class sessions show significant improvement in knowledge of child development and parental skills.

The program is available at no cost in Larimer and Weld Counties for parents who are pregnant or have a child birth to 3 years of age. Classes are offered in English and Spanish. The next set of classes for Best Start for Babies in Weld County will begin the last week in January and run through March 2016 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with childcare on-site. No dates have been set for classes in Larimer County.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS AHEAD Bright by Three (formerly Bright Beginnings) trained staff provide home and small group visits that help parents, grandparents and other care providers understand their baby and toddler’s physical, emotional and intellectual development during the critical first three years of life. One visit per year is offered in English and Spanish to parents of children ages birth to 3 years. Participants receive a bag filled with age-specific child development information and resources at the end of each annual visit.

A new component has been added to the program called Bright by Text. Parents participating in the program can opt in to receive one to two text messages per week that contain parenting tips and resources.

“Bright by Text allows us to remind parents often about how important talking, playing and thinking are to their child during the first three years of life.

They are crucial for healthy child development and can affect the future life of the child, says Jennifer Cajina Grigsby, Bright by Three coordinator. “We try to make information easy for moms and dads to understand because we know they may be feeling overwhelmed with being new parents.”

Bright by Three plans to partner with other agencies like Safe Care Colorado, childcare centers and libraries to help develop text messages and give parents information about local resources. Other future visions for the program include adding a prenatal campaign and curricula to serve families with children up to 60 months.

access to parenting resources, too.

ECCLC has a collection of materials, which can be borrowed, mainly books and catalogs, on topics relevant to parents and others interested in the field of early childhood (birth to age 8) care and education. Locate a list of what’s available at www.ecclc.org. You can check out items from ECC’s Resource Library in the lobby of its office at 1730 S. College Ave., Ste. 200. A variety of free materials are available in there, also.

“Parents are their first and most important teacher,” says Bev Thurber, ECCLC executive director. “Understanding what children learn at each stage of growth helps you understand how to best support your own baby/ child’s discovery and learning. Being ready for school is more than learning the ABC’s, and it begins at birth.

Taking parenting education classes can give you ideas on how to help your baby/child grow and development, as well as introduce you to others who are also learning about parenthood.”

SCHOOL READINESS BEGINS EARLY Be Ready navigators help families find resources they need related to early childhood (birth through age 8 years) and supporting parents as they prepare their children to enter school. The areas of focus include health and activity, language and learning, and feelings and behavior.

“We’re located at the Community Life Center at Fullana Learning Center in Fort Collins,” explains Nicole Armstrong, Be Ready early childhood navigator and supervisor. “People can visit our website, drop in or call us.

The goal is to increase kiddos’ readiness for school by providing parenting classes and support, teaching positive behavior techniques and helping families locate community resources they might need.”

RESOURCES:

MORE EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCES The Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC), the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success and the United Way of Weld County provide northern Colorado parents with child-care referrals and

BE READY Larimer 970-449-5191 or www.bereadylarimercounty.org

Best Start for Babies and Toddlers Larimer County: 970-970-449-5191 or www.bereadylarimercounty.org Weld County: 970-304-6173 or www. unitedway-weld.org/promisesforchildren/ best-start-for-babies Bright by Three 303-433-6200 (x105) or www.brightby three.org Early Childhood Council of Larimer County 970-377-3388 or www.ecclc.org Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success 970-586-3055 or www.evics.org Nurse-Family Partnership www.nursefamilypartnership.org Larimer County: 970-498-6732 or www. larimer.org/health/chs/nursepart.asp Weld County: 970-304-6420 x.2330 or www.co.weld.co.us/Departments/ HealthEnvironment/ClientHealthServices/ NurseFamilyPartnership.html United Way of Weld County 970-304-6167or www.unitedway-weld.org

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A resolution for safety this year Choosing and using a car seat properly

Alison Newman

A

s the New Year sets in and we are creating our New Year’s resolutions, make a resolution you know you can keep; keeping your children safer in 2016. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children and, when used correctly, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71 percent.

Knowing this, learning about which car seat your child should be in and 24

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how to properly install it is a great place to start your year of safety.

Which seat is correct for your child? Do some research before purchasing a car seat.

Does the seat you are looking at fit in your car and is easy to install? If you have three car seats across the back row, this is a very big deal. While shopping, many baby stores allow you to test the sample model in your car to help you decide on the right fit for you.

KNOW THE LAW VERSUS BEST PRACTICE If possible, we always want to follow the best practice protocols that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends. This is keeping a child rear facing until the height or weight limit of their rear-facing seat or until at least 2 years of age. This is five times safer in a crash than forward facing. Keep them in a forward facing seat with a 5-point harness until they outgrow the height or weight limit of their seat or until they

are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds.

Last but not least, keep your child in a booster seat until they hit 4 foot 9 inches. Sometimes this could be as old as 11 or 12, but it is when the seat belt starts hitting them in the proper areas of the chest and hips.

CAR SEATS ON PLANES Do you need a Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) approved car seat?

If you travel with your children on a plane even once a year and they are still in a rear or forward facing 5-point harness you will want to find a FFA approved car seat that allows you to use the seat on the airplane. The safest way for a child to travel in a plane is having their car seat installed into their own seat on the plane and then placed snugly in that car seat. You are not strong enough to hold a child if unexpected turbulence hits during a flight. If you are bringing extra car seats or booster seats, always gate check them to keep them from getting banged up or lost in the cargo area. Boosters should never be used on an airplane.

CHOOSING A CAR SEAT Many parents ask which car seat and/ or brand is the safest? All new car seats sold in major stores in the U.S. have been properly tested and pass the same Federal Motor Vehicle (FMV) safety regulations. The safest seat is going to be the one that fits well in your car, fits your child properly and you can install correctly each and every time. Beware of seats sold online from brands you have never heard of. They might not have been tested properly or at all.

PROPER INSTALLATION OF A CAR SEAT Read the car seat manual and the section of your vehicle manual that covers child passenger safety. Your child’s safety is not a time to play guessing games and hope you got it right. Also, it is worth it to keep from struggling and getting frustrated when installing the seat.

Many cars do not allow you to use the LATCH system in the middle seat. It is good to know these types of things before installing.

Still having trouble? You aren’t the

only one! Around 70 percent of parents bringing a newborn home from the hospital have their seat or child improperly installed on their first trip home. Call a local inspection station and set up an appointment to have a Certified Car Seat Technician take a look at your seat to check for proper installation and help answer any questions you may have. For inspection stations in northern Colorado, visit Safe Kids Larimer County’s website at www.sklarimer.org.

Time to discard that car seat

Alison Newman is the Health Educator at Community Health Improvement Safe Kids Larimer County.

Do not use a car seat if it:

u Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. If it is more than 10 years old,

it should not be used. Some manufacturers recommend that seats only be used for 5-6 years. Check with the manufacturer to find out when the company recommends getting a new seat.

u Was in a crash. It may have been weakened and should not be used, even if it looks fine. Do not use a seat if you do not know its full history.

u Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check on recalls.

u Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the car seat.

Do not rely on the former owner’s directions. Get a copy of the instruction manual from the manufacturer before you use the seat.

u Has any cracks in the frame of the seat or missing parts. u Is recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or the Auto Safety Hot Line at 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236). This information is also available online at http:// www.nhtsa.dot.gov/. If the seat has been recalled, be sure to follow instructions to fix it or get the necessary parts. You also may get a registration card for future recall notices from the hot line.

To safely dispose of the seat: Any car seat that is no longer safe to use should

have the straps cut and placed in the dump. If you would like to recycle the seat, strip it of all cloth, straps and metal pieces and take it to the Loveland Recycling Center at 400 N. Wilson Ave. You do not need to be a Loveland resident to recycle your seat.

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greeley-evans district 6 news McAuliffe to transition to K-8, STEM school

Christa McAuliffe Elementary School will begin transitioning to a K-8 school by adding sixth grade in the 2016-17 school year.

In addition, the school will adopt a STEM focus, which will allow students to receive additional instruction and learning opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

“We have asked parents what they would like to see at McAuliffe as we move forward, and this has been a theme that has emerged,” says Principal Jeff Petersen. “We want to offer our parents another choice, and hope this will fill a need in our community.”

The STEM focus will give students interested in attending the STEM Academy at Northridge High School more base knowledge and experience to help them be successful, Petersen says. It is also a great opportunity for students to make connections between science, technology, engineering and math through more project-based instruction.

“We are eager for our students to have this additional opportunity at McAuliffe, one that will really help 26

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them down the line be more prepared for careers and college,” Petersen adds.

“Our goal is to provide quality programs and schools to all of our students in District 6. We have an obligation to provide parents and students with choices that meet their needs, rather than having to go to other districts to access programs and schools,” says Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch.

Students living outside the McAuliffe boundary can apply for open enrollment through December 18. For more information and open enrollment forms, visit www.greeleyschools.org/open enrollment, or call (970) 348-6265.

GREELEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND DISTRICT 6 RESOLVE GRIEVANCE Greeley-Evans School District 6 and the Greeley Education Association have resolved a May, 2014, GEA grievance filed over the hiring of Specialized Service Professionals. All Specialized Service Professionals –which include nurses, speech language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers and school psychologists—hired on the Administrative, Professional and

Technical salary schedule will be moved to the certified salary schedule. The resolution will also result in the dismissal of a lawsuit filed in Weld District Court concerning the grievance and hiring practice.

A team of GEA members and District 6 administrators have been working together to resolve the issue since the Board of Education and GEA members approved the master contract in October. The issue of hiring Specialized Service Professionals was assigned to a committee to study and develop possible solutions.

Both GEA President Pat Otto and Superintendent Deirdre Pilch signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

“I am really proud of the work this team has done to come up with a solution that will resolve the grievance against the district and help us move forward,” says Superintendent Deirdre Pilch.

BELLA ROMERO EARNS RECOGNITION AND RECEIVES GRANT Getting Smart, a national online educational technology outlet, recently listed The Bella Romero Academy as one of the “Top 65 Elementary and Middle Schools Worth Visiting.”

The list was generated “based on a couple thousand school visits and with help from colleagues and readers.” It was intended to list “schools that achieve extraordinary results for underserved communities, create powerful learning experiences, and/or are innovativeblended and competency-based models.”

The Academy was also recently awarded a $12,500 Innovation Station grant from the OtterCares Foundation.

The grant will help fund upgrades to the 4-8 Campus makerspace, where students can gather to create, invent and learn. The grant has been used to purchase additional 3-D printers, software, professional video production and editing equipment and software and other cutting-edge products.

Dance Apparel Dance Shoes Yoga & Fitness Children’s

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poudre school district news Student entrepreneurs in Shark Tank competition

Five high school students pitched their start-up business ideas to local business executives during an innovation challenge at Fort Collins High School.

The “Shark Tank” competition was modeled after the popular TV series that pits budding entrepreneurs against each other to try to convince potential investors to support their idea. Students explained and defended their start-up ideas to the judges, who helped them think through potential problem areas.

From a rod designed to prevent boats from colliding with manatees to a cane that would provide information to people with visual impairments using cameras and sensors, the students’ business ideas were imaginative and practical.

Senior Quinn Smith won the competition with his idea to start a business that sells apparel and accessories inspired by cars and racing that will be made out of carbon fiber, the material used to build racecars. He’ll receive $1,000 to launch the product line.

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“It’s cool to have my ideas heard,” he says. “I want to see how big the business can get.”

The program provided competitors a chance to connect with other entrepreneurially minded students from all the city high schools. It also exposed dozens of middle schoolers to business thinking, thanks to a grant from the OtterCares Foundation that paid for busing and lunch.

“This is really important because it cultivates that entrepreneurial spirit in the younger generation. We want students not to be limited by their age,” Mona Dai says, one of three FCHS juniors who organized the event as a project for DECA, the school’s business club.

Mona, Preston Foxx and Peyton Walker put in months as part of their Advanced Marketing and Leadership class to plan and organize the event, which attracted about 400 people. The biggest value for both the students organizing the project and those competing

is the real-world experience, teacher and DECA advisor Terra Thiebaut explains.

“This is all about innovation, which is so important to our economy, especially here in Fort Collins. The earlier we can get students thinking about innovation and entrepreneurship, the more our community will benefit in the long run,” Thiebaut says.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS EVENT BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER Mental Health Matters, a community education night hosted at Poudre High School, brought together more than 20 presenters to teach 400 parents and community members strategies for supporting students’ mental health.

Sessions offered tools to help grieving teenagers, reduce stress and discuss hard topics like self-harm, suicide and marijuana use. An “Ask a Therapist” session gave parents a chance to run their questions by a mental health professional.

“I have two teenagers, so I need all the resources and help I can get to support them,” Sharyl Haas says. “These are realistic tips on things to remember when talking to teens.”

The three-hour event was sponsored by Poudre High School, but brought together a wide net of local professionals, social workers and experts to present.

“The more people who are aware and educated about adolescent mental health, the more opportunities there are for our community to support students,” PHS counselor Cassie Poncelow, who spearheaded the event, explains.

“Many educators, parents and community members long to support the adolescents in their lives, but aren’t even sure where to start. Mental Health Matters is a launching point to equip these individuals and start conversation about how we can partner to provide more comprehensive support for all PSD students,” she says.

Preston School Resource Officer Dave Hart made the trip to attend Mental Health Matters, seeing the event as a crucial collaboration between the district and families.

“As an SRO, we deal with every aspect of this every day,” he says. “So to

educate the parents on what we’re trying to do is very important.”

POLARIS STUDENTS INTERVIEW LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS A packed room of people from ages 8 to 80 listened as middle schoolers at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School presented about interviews they conducted with local senior citizens.

The semester-long project required students to interview residents at independent living communities in Fort Collins, then transcribe and edit the responses into a cohesive final draft.

“Since this was going to become part of this person’s family, we wanted each one to be perfect,” teacher Matt Strand explains. “This was a way for the students to have a real world audience.”

Along with learning how to interview, the kids discovered how to capture another person’s voice and organize their thoughts into a logical progression.

In the process, they realized the older adults had once been kids like them.

“The best part of the project was being able to talk to John and learn so much about him,” eighth grader Kaya Pugh says. “It was cool to get to have a new relationship — a new friendship.”

The middle schoolers gained insight

PSD Calendar of Events Jan. 4— Elementary school students return to school Jan. 5— Middle/High school students return to school Jan. 11— No School K-12, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 12— Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue, 6:30pm.

Jan. 26— Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue, 6:30pm.

from hearing about the lives of people who have lived much longer than them, creating titles for the interviews like “Precious Moments” and “Truly Grateful.”

“The thing I enjoyed was the ability of the students to come and see how things have changed in the last 60 years, but also to see how things are the same in many ways,” senior citizen Nelson Bachus says.

The presentation took place as part of Polaris’s Celebration of Learning Night, an open house the school hosts each semester for students to share what they’ve learned.

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thompson school district news Coding demystified

Hour of Code program

Several TSD schools recently incorporated the “Hour of Code” program into their studies. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Anybody can host an Hour of Code at any time. However, the grassroots campaign goal was for tens of millions of students to try an Hour of Code during the timeframe of December 7-13 in celebration of “Computer Science Education Week.

The specialty program offered up a multitude of educational opportunities for students of all ages.

STAFF SHOW STUDENTS THEY MATTER Staff members at Van Buren Elementary School spent a few nights personally delivering a specially wrapped gift to each and every students’ house attending their campus. The purpose of such a special treat was to present the opportunity for every student to feel loved and cared for and to know that they matter to every staff 30

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Whitham and Chantler

member at Van Buren Elementary. Each wrapped gift included a copy of “Twas Just Days Before Christmas” adapted by staff member Karey Thomas to include all of the staff names. Here is an excerpt from the book: “When to our surprise there arose such a clatter, It was Principal Marsh yelling.

“WE TRULY MATTER!” Away through the doorways we flew like a flash, We raced to our houses, like a 50yard dash.”

“The rooftops glistened with the new-fallen snow, Mrs. Marsh greeted us with her smile all aglow.

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear, All the VB teachers carrying gifts, hugs and tears.”

The act of kindness was well received by the entire Van Buren family.

THESPIAN STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS Congratulations to Mountain View High School’s Owen Whitham and Heather Chantler, who qualified for Nationals this year at the 2015 Thespian competition.

MVHS seniors Scott Sipes, Heather Chantler and Owen Whitham all earned a grand total of over forty call backs/interviews for the top colleges in Theatre Arts.

MASTER PLANNING Members of the TSD Master Plan Committee, including students, presented the work of the committee and what they have learned to attendees of the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) conference in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Association of School Boards was established in 1940 to provide a structure through which school board members could unite in their efforts to promote the interests and welfare of Colorado’s 178 school

districts. CASB represents and advocates for more than 1,000 school board members and superintendents statewide to groups both within and outside the K-12 education community. CASB provides services, information and training programs to support school board members as they govern their local districts.

Membership benefits and solutions are designed to enhance school board effectiveness and help board members increase their knowledge, boost their efficiency and connect with their communities.

The charge of the TSD Master Plan Committee, which consists of parents, students and community members, is to provide an ongoing assessment of school facility conditions in the district. An annual master plan is the result of this group’s study and findings.

STUDENTS PROVIDE STOCKINGS FOR VETERANS First and second graders at Berthoud Elementary School posed for a photo in the school’s hallway to show off the Christmas stockings that they created for veterans through the Soldiers’ Angels program, which provides stockings for U.S. military veterans. The stockings were created with assistance from the Berthoud American Legion Auxiliary Justin Bauer Memorial Post 67. The students provided over 100 stockings for veterans in need this holiday season.

PAJAMA TOUR Sixth graders in Ms. Kendra Vair’s class at Conrad Ball Middle School recently went on a “pajama tour” around Loveland. Stopping at a dozen locations across town, they collected over 500 sets of PJs that were donated to the Olson Pajama Project. Named in honor of

former Thompson Board of Education president and teacher, Sharon Olson, the project asks community members to collect gently-used and new children’s pajamas, which are then donated to district elementary-aged children who otherwise would not have any for the winter season.

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary student lunches are $2.45, secondary student lunches are $2.70 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4 Chicken patty sandwich; potato bar w/chili 5 Cheese ravioli; chicken bites & roll 6 Sweet & sour meatballs; fried rice 7 Beef tacos & cilantro lime rice; pit in a blanket 8 BBQ chicken or cheese pizza 11 Toasted cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken nuggets 12 Chicken Alfredo; ham & cheese sub 13 Teriyaki rice w/chicken; sloppy Joe 14 Chicken enchilada bake; chili &

cinnamon roll 15 Pepperoni or cheese pizza 18 No school!

19 Baked ziti pasta; turkey & roll 20 Asian noodles w/chicken; trout treasures 21 Green chili pork bowl; chicken patty sandwich 22 Meat lovers or cheese pizza 25 Shephard’s pie & roll; chicken nuggets 26 Spaghetti & meat sauce; lasagna & veggies

27 Orange chicken & rice; hot dog 28 Beef burrito; chicken patty sandwich 29 Pepperoni or cheese pizza MIDDLE SCHOOLS 5 Spaghetti & meatballs; cheese ravioli 6 Asian bar; chicken nuggets 7 Beef & chicken taco bar; cilantro lime rice 8 Mac n’ cheese bar; trout treasures 11 Pulled pork sandwich; southwest chicken sandwich 12 Lasagna w/veggies; chicken nuggets

13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29

Asian bar Beef & bean burrito bar Turkey pot pie; baked chicken & roll No school!

Baked ziti pasta; meatball sub Asian bar Green chili bowl w/pork or chicken Pig in a blanket; chili & cinnamon roll Philly cheesesteak (beef or chicken) Chicken Alfredo; penne & meatsauce Asian bar Been & beef burrito Tortilla soup bar

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary lunches are $2.75. Secondary school lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 6 Hamburger; chef salad 7 Cheesy nachos; taco salad 8 Sweet n’ sour chicken; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 11 Chicken breast nuggets; Caesar salad w/roll 12 Chicken Alfredo w/penne; crispy chicken tender salad w/roll 13 French bread boat; chef salad 14 Shepherd’s pie; taco salad 15 Soft taco; garden entrée salad w/ goldfish

18-19 No School!

20 Chicken patty sandwich; chef salad w/roll 21 Enchiladas; taco salad 22 Teriyaki chicken bowl; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 25 Grilled cheese sandwich; Caesar salad w/roll 26 Chicken parmesan sandwich; crispy chicken tender salad w/roll 27 Mac n’cheese; chef salad w/roll 28 Turkey chipolte burrito; taco salad 29 Chicken strip basket; garden entrée salad w/goldfish

SECONDARY SCHOOL 5 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 6 Hamburger; Buffalo chicken bites 7 Cheesy nachos; ham & cheese sandwich 8 Sweet n’sour chicken; spicy chicken sandwich 11 Chicken breast nuggets; Swedish meatballs 12 Chicken Alfredo w/penne; hot dog 13 French bread boat; chicken patty sandwich 14 Shepherd’s pie; pretzel w/cheese sauce

15 Soft taco; Baja fish tacos 18-19 No school!

20 Chicken patty sandwich; meat lasagna 21 Enchiladas; chicken breast strips 22 Teriyaki chicken bowl; popcorn chicken 25 Grilled cheese sandwich w/tomato soup; General Tso’s chicken 26 Chicken parmesan sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 27 Mac n’cheese; hamburger 28 Chicken chipotle burrito; French bread boat 29 Chicken strip basket; BBQ basket

GREELEY DISTRICT 6—To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5 Hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 6 Breakfast for lunch; Italian hoagie 7 Herb chicken w/roll; Italian hoagie 8 Cheese or green chili pizza; PBJ 11 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 12 Chicken ravioli w/breadstick; club hoagie 13 Chicken soft taco; PBJ 14 Pot roast w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 15 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 18 No school!

19 Bean & cheese burrito; PBJ 20 Turkey meatloaf w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese wrap

21 Baked ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 22 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 25 Pork carnitas w/rice; chicken fajita wrap 26 Chicken noodle soup w/roll; club hoagie 27 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 28 Chicken pot pie; ham & cheese hoagie 29 Cheese or chicken, bacon, ranch pizza; PBJ MIDDLE SCHOOL 5 Hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 6 Breakfast for lunch; mac n’ cheese 7 Herb chicken w/roll; Italian hoagie 8 Cheese or green chili pizza; PBJ 11 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 12 Chicken ravioli w/breadstick; club hoagie

13 Chicken soft taco; PBJ 14 Pot roast w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 15 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 18 No school!

19 Bean & cheese burrito; PBJ 20 Turkey meatloaf w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese wrap 21 Baked ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 22 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 25 Pork carnitas w/rice; chicken fajita wrap 26 Chicken noodle soup w/roll; club hoagie 27 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 28 Chicken pot pie; ham & cheese hoagie 29 Cheese or chicken, bacon, ranch pizza; PBJ

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT—Price for elementary lunch is $2.65, for middle school students, $2.90. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

5 Popcorn chicken; PBJ 6 Chicken soft tacos; corn dog 7 Mac n’cheese; PBJ 8 Big Daddy’s cheese pizza; turkey & cheese sub 11 Hot dog; mini cheeseburgers 12 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; PBJ 13 Chicken & black bean chili; corn dog 14 Waffles; PBJ 15 Cheese breadsticks; turkey & cheese sub

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18 No school!

19 Chicken patty sandwich; PBJ 20 Mini cheese ravioli; corn dog 21 Cheesy nachos; PBJ 22 Pizza; turkey & cheese sub 25 Chicken tenders; mini cheeseburgers 26 Chicken Alfredo; PBJ 27 Quesadilla; corn dog 28 Hamburger; PBJ 29 Stuffed crust pizza; turkey &

cheese sub SECONDARY SCHOOL 5 Spicy chicken sandwich 6 Three cheese enchiladas w/green chili sauce 7 Mac n’cheese 8 Steak & cheese sandwich 11 Fish & chips 12 Teriyaki chicken 13 Chicken & black bean chili 14 Waffles w/sausage patty

15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29

Personal pan pepperoni pizza No school!

BBQ chicken wings Lasagna w/breadstick Burrito bar Meatball sub w/goldfish crackers Chicken tenders Alfredo twists Hearty chicken noodle soup Cheeseburger w/onion rings Chili hot dog

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JANUARY 2016 ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 3 Celebrating the Season:The 13th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition Features work created by Cultural Arts Council visual arts members. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. Times vary. 586-9203 or www.visitestespark.com.

THROUGH JANUARY 5 Bike Winter Photo Contest Snap a photo of your first winter ride and submit it to info@ bicycleambassadorprogram.org. Photos with most “likes” on the FC Bikes Facebook page will win cool prizes!

Photos are due Jan. 5. www.fcgov.com/ bikewinter.

JANUARY 9 AND 10 UNC Storytime Talk, sing, read, write and play together in a format appropriate for young children. Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement. UNC Storytime is presented with Chi Sigma Iota (the international honor society for students, professional counselors and counselor educators). Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THROUGH JANUARY 13 Nativities Around the World Nativity scenes have been created and recreated for many centuries. This exhibit is one of the most eclectic international collections of nativity sets. Ticket prices and exhibit hours vary. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 221-4600 or www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

JANUARY 14 THROUGH MARCH 6 Hello, Dolly!

Dolly Levi is a delightful scheming busybody who makes her living as a matchmaker in the glamorous 1800s New York. Ticket prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 755-3748 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

JANUARY 16 AND 17 Estes Park Winter Festival Celebrate the winter season with food, drinks and music. Ticket prices vary. Estes Park Events Complex, 1209 Manford Ave., EP. 12noon-5pm. www. visitestespark.com.

JANUARY 16 AND 18 Minecraft for Kids Spend time playing Minecraft with other kids at the library. Grades 1-5.

Registration required. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am-12noon. 2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

JANUARY 22 AND 23 FOL Winter Book Sale There’s no better time than chilly January to stock up on new books to enjoy. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 9am-6pm.

221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 21 Centerra’s Ice Rink Take a family friendly spin on the ice.

Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. Times vary. 667-5283 or www.theicerinkattheshops.com.

SELECT SATURDAYS THROUGH APRIL 23 The Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Features a variety of vendors. January dates: 24th. Opera Galeria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 9am-1pm. www.nocofoodcluster.com.

Hours of Operation: M-Th 8-5pm, Fri 8-4 Fort Collins (970) 493-7442

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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Scrumptious Yarns and a fabulous staff to help you with all your knitting needs.

un F s ’ It shy l a r T a It’s cation Edu s ’ t I It’s the

Garbage Garage 1408 West Mountain Ave. Fort Collins (970) 407-1461 mysisterknits.com Hours: Tues. 10 am to 8 pm , Wed. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm .

Larimer County’s waste & recycling education center at the Larimer County Landfill in Fort Collins

(970) 498-5772 larimer.org/solidwaste

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MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS POD Open Hours Create. Build. Learn. Head to the Place of Discovery to tinker with some fun and exciting technology and participate in maker activities! Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 4pm. 888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAYS Walk and Talk Together Walk and Talk Together with fellow walkers as you discuss books and topics.

Count your steps or miles or minutes at your own pace. Every Wednesday unless it is colder than 20 degrees wind chill factor, warmer than 95 degrees, raining or snowing. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 11am. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 Harry Potter Yule Ball Witches, wizards and muggles of all ages are welcome to enjoy Hogwarts themed games, snacks, crafts and dancing.

Registration required. Carbon Valley Library, 7 Park Ave., Firestone.

6-9pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 LEGO A, B, C: Assemble, Build, Create Design, engineer and build with LEGO bricks. Ages 5+.

Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-4pm. 221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4 Amazing Race Can you unscramble a title of a book and find it in LPL’s stacks in record time?

With a partner, challenge your peers and win a prize. Grades 6-12. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 11:30am-12:30pm. 962-2548 or www. cityofloveland.org.

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New Year, New Library, New You Celebrate the library’s new look with fun, cake and refreshments, and giveaways for all ages. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-6pm. www. cityofloveland.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Natasha Wing’s Snowboarding Local picture book author Natasha Wing will share her latest book, Fresh Snow! Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

TeaInk Enjoy tea, a snack and some creative writing challenges. No writing experience required, just an open mind.

Grades 6-12. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. www. cityofloveland.org.

New Year, New You Althoff Family Chiropractic, P.C. will teach about the nervous system and how to make overall health a priority for 2016.

Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:307:30pm. 686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Teen Chess Club All skill levels welcome. Grades 6-12.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 962-2548 or www. cityofloveland.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 Dream a Little Dream Local author Karin Garbino will share her new picture book, Dream a Little Dream. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6-7pm. 484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Family Movie Night: Minions Bring snacks and the whole family to this monthly movie night. Carbon Valley Library, Meeting Room, 7 Park Ave., Firestone. 6-7:30pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Book Signing with Mary DravisParrish In her book, Empowered Parents Empowering Kids, Dravis-Parrish advises parents on how to make themselves into the best possible parents. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 2-3pm. 484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Missoula Children’s Theater Presents ‘Rapunzel’ Local children will have the opportunity to audition and participate in a week-long rehearsal/workshop and performances. Ages 5-15. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2 & 5pm. 356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Humor for the Homeless, Giving Laughs for 137 Join your neighbors for a music and comedy night that benefits area homeless people. Includes music, improv and stand up comedy. Net proceeds benefit 137 Homeless Connection. Appropriate for all ages. Ticket prices vary. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 Robotics Introduction to EV3 Robotics with hands-on building and programming in a non-competitive environment.

Registration required. Ages 8-17.

Loveland Libray, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Kick-start Your Health Discover which foods are optimal for weight management, learn about various health topics including blood pressure and digestion. Do all of this while enjoying a cooking demonstration and tasting delicious dishes. Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6-7:30pm. 686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Cupcakes ‘n Canvas Using bright colors, this class teaches young artists the joy of painting on canvas while enjoying cupcakes. Ages 8-12. $25. Mulberry Pool, 424 W. Mulberry St., FC. 1pm. www.fcgov.com.

School Out Science – Extended Time!

Special two-hour session where kids can take apart or put stuff back together. Some appliances provided or bring your own. Grades K-6. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 1:30-3:30pm. 962-2754 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Cycle Touring Basics Prepare now for warm-weather adventures by bike. 14+. Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. 6:308pm. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 Book Bingo Play bingo in the TeenSeen for your chance to win a book. Grades 6-12.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 962-2548 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Cooking Healthy in the New Year: Lighten Up Join the heart-healthy cooking class

by NCMC Community Wellness.

Includes handouts, recipes and samples for cooking healthy meals. Registration required. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 6pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 History: Hacked Every artifact has more history than could possibly be explained in exhibits.

Dive deeper and discover hidden stories.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-1pm. 221-6738 or www.fcmod.org.

Discover NASA Kick-off Join Star Wars characters as they jumpstart the new NASA Exhibit!

Enjoy demonstration tables and exhibit tours. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

“Mockingjay” Read & Reel Watch the movie and then discuss the book and movie. There will be special surprises for lucky winners. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 1:30-3:30pm. 221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Game Day @ Your Library Play a board or card game from the collection or bring a favorite from home.

Players of all ages and abilities welcome.

Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm.

221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18 Celebrate Peace Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of peace with multicultural books, songs and crafts. Grades K-5 and families. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 Book Swap Do you own any books that you are finished reading? Exchange them for books from other teens. Grades 6-12.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 12noon-1pm. 962-2548 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Canvas and Cocoa Experience a cozy painting session while sipping on hot cocoa. Artist Tami Showers will help teens paint their own masterpieces. All materials provided. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 4pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Combating the Winter Blues, Beating SAD Benchmark Medical Group will teach you how to beat those winter blues and how to deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 College Prep: How do I get in?

The college admissions process can be daunting, but armed with the right information, you can be successful!

Students or parents can learn about practical college planning and lowering the cost of college. Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie. 6-8pm.

888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

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Matthews St., FC. 7pm. 305-2261 or www.offthehookarts.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Kids & Families A fun, educational, four-hour guided tour through Rocky Mountain National Park’s snow-covered pine, spruce and fir trees.

Learn how plants and animals survive wintertime using their unique adaptations and keen survival skills. $15. Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Field Institute, 1895 Fall River Rd., EP. 9am-1pm. 5863262 or www.visitestespark.com.

Discover NASA: Solar Viewing Viewing the Sun provides an enjoyable way to supplement the usual nighttime observing activities. The Northern Colorado Astronomical Society will teach you how to safely observe the sun.

Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am.

888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Dr. King, A Dream Unfulfilled African American spirituals, poetry, videos and readings from the 19th and 20th century. Presented by Dr. George Stevens, Kent State University graduate, Professor, and Dean Emeritus. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5:30-7pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Cooking Healthy: Crockpot Recipes This class will include handouts, recipes and tasty samples. Presented by NCMC Community Wellness. Registration required. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 MakeIt: Unwind with Zentangle Learn the basic foundations that will allow you to create potentially unlimited artwork.

All materials supplied. Registration required. Ages 13+. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 5:30pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

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Teen Poetry Slam The library will be transformed into a coffee house with hot drinks and snacks provided. Teens 13+. Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5:30-7:30pm.

686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org.

The Hidden Code Imagine a visual odyssey through the cosmos, driven by lush musical compositions and inspired by complex themes of astronomy, engineering, biology and psychology. The Hidden Code is the newest work by Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky. $20. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 7-11pm. 221-6738 or www.fcmod.org.

Cartoons & Hidden Tunes: Getting Serious About Laughter!

The show features Kevin Kallaugher of The Economist and Bruce Adolphe The Piano Puzzler on Performance Today.

These two seriously funny and engaging artists will demonstrate and discuss their craft. $45-adults, $27-students.

Community Creative Center, 200

Teen Wii Tournament For a white knuckle, turtle-shellthrowing, banana-peel-sliding good time, head to Riverside Library for a Teen Mario Kart Wii tournament.

Registration required. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm.

888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

On the Road to Reading Early Literacy Fair Visit any time during the fair for lots of fun, interactive learning activities based on the five practices of Every Child Ready to Read. You and your child will enjoy imagination and musical games, fun crafts and much more! Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 1pm.

888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Teddy Bear Drop-off Drop your teddy bear off at the library for a sleepover. Pick it up at the Teddy Bear Tea Party to see a slideshow of their adventures. Old Town Library, Storytime Room, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-5pm. 221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 Bilingual Story Express Storytellers share engaging stories, songs, fingerplays and more in both Spanish and English. Recommended for families with children under 6. Foothills Activity Center, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, FC. 10-10:45am. www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 Discover NASA: Mars Rover Help build a motorized LEGO Mars Rover! Learn about this automated motor vehicle and the success it’s had on Mars collecting data and information.

Students will not get to keep the LEGO creations. Registration required. Grades K-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 37th Annual Frost Giant 5K and 10K Lace up your running shoes and grab a warm hat to partake in this fun and adventurous 5K and 10K race past the historic MacGregor Ranch. Ticket prices vary. Estes Park Municipal Building, 170 MacGregor Ave., EP. 9:30am. 586-8191 or www.visitestespark.com.

Teddy Bear Tea Party Enjoy tasty treats while you see what exciting adventures your teddy bear had at the library. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 Y is for Yoga Build literacy skills and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga. Ages 3-6. Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10 & 10:45am. 686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org.

Down Dog Divas Ready to relax and de-stress? Join in for an afternoon of yoga. Grades 6-12. Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie. 4-5pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 Gloga Yoga Enjoy this unique, glow in the dark yoga class. Ages 3-5. Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie. 5-6pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 Parasites Although we imagine them all to be vile pests, new discoveries in the ecology of parasitic organisms have forced us to re-examine our attitude toward them.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5:30pm. 962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob. Ticket prices vary. Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 6:30pm. 619-4100 or www. budweisereventscenter.com.

Book Signing with Ashley Bostock Ashley Bostock signs books from her romance series, about a group of women living in Windsor, Colorado.

Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 2-3pm. 484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

Winter Mini Showcase High Country Conservatory of Dance is proud to present its annual Winter Mini Showcase. Features dancers of all ages, levels and styles. $10-adults, $8-children. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 6pm. www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

Early Literacy Fair This interactive event is appropriate for ages birth-5 years and their families.

Windsor Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6-7:30pm. 686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

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time out

Explaining evil

Living in a world of mass shootings and terrorist attacks

D

riving my two daughters to a CSU women’s basketball game recently on the day when 14 people were slaughtered in San Bernardino, Calif., I switched radio stations from the girls’ normal pop hit station to NPR with its live reports from the scene of the massacre.

I debated whether I wanted the girls to be hearing about the tragedy.

Certainly the 14-year-old could handle it but the 10-year-old? As I turned the radio louder, my girls were oblivious to the mayhem. Kalia, the older one, was in the back seat gossiping with her friend Sydney who was joining us for the game. Bianka, in the front seat, was playing on my cell phone.

After a few minutes of distraught voices on the radio, however, Kalia asked, “Dad—has there been another shooting?”

Just a few days earlier, a man had shot up a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, leaving three dead and numerous others injured. A few weeks earlier, terrorists had struck in Paris, leaving 130 people dead.

Unfortunately, mass shootings and terrorist attacks are defining the age my girls are growing up in.

In fact, Kalia was just 6 months old when her mother and I watched her sleep on a bed in Nicaragua on September 11, 2001, while the ghastly images of New York’s Twin Towers crumbling were being broadcast live on the Spanish TV channel we had turned on that morning.

Now 14 years later, Kalia and her sister seemingly can’t escape the news of tragic events. Some of them—like the Colorado Springs killings, or the Aurora movie theater killings a few years earlier – aren’t that far away from us in northern Colorado. It’s hard to keep the girls insulated from all the awful news that’s out there.

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KRIS KODRICH

Yet, I don’t think we necessarily need to protect them from reality. This is the age we all live in.

I remember bits and pieces of a tumultuous time in the 1960s when I was young. I remember the National Guard being called into Milwaukee, where I grew up, when riots erupted in 1967 over racial discrimination. Even though I was younger than both my kids are now, I remember how tense my parents and nearly every grownup around me was at that time. I remember watching news reports the next year when Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated and sensing the sadness and apprehension around me.

In hindsight, I’m glad I wasn’t sheltered from that awful news and all the other tragedy and turmoil swirling about. Even as a youngster, I learned about issues like the civil rights, poverty, social upheaval and even the Vietnam War. The lessons we learn as

children help shape us as adults.

So perhaps the best I can hope for in this challenging time is that my girls are learning about the world—the good along with the bad. I hope that we adults are conveying the awful events in the proper context—that these mass shootings and terrorist attacks still are isolated incidents and the vast majority of people in a country of 322 million thankfully never have to personally face such violence.

So when Kalia asked about the San Bernardino shooting, I related what details I knew about the incident. While parents’ first instinct may be to protect them from knowledge of such barbarity, I think kids need to know the world isn’t perfect. Evil does exist.

We just need to do our part to try to make the world a better place.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University.

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