RM Parent | APRIL 2020

APRIL 2020 • RMPARENT.COM

5 SOCIAL SKILLS YOUR YOUNG KIDS NEED TO MASTER

Braces—Does your child need them?

What parents need to know about coronavirus INSIDE: Youth

Addressing kids’ fears and anxieties Kite Flying 101 Honor our planet— celebrate Earth Day

Program & Activity Supplement RMPARENT

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3501 South Mason Street Unit 1, Fort Collins

and Medicaid

APRIL 2020

Departments

Special Sections

PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Program & A YOuth

Up in the air—How we get through this matters

FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What parents need to know about coronavirus— Practice social distancing, wash your hands, learn the symptoms

ctivity Gu ide

PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY SUPPLEMENTAL

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . 10 Honor our Planet—Celebrate Earth Day Be a steward of the earth this month, and always

ADVERT I SUPPLE SING MENT

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Kite Flying 101—Harnessing the wind

on 2020 Growing Seas

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Keeping families healthy, safe and educated— Coronavirus, fun runs, teen self-care techniques and dating violence

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16

Addressing kids’ fears and anxieties—Model good coping skills

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0

LOCAL FOOD AND

BOUNTY SPRING ADVERTISER PREVIEW

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Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Pandemic parenting requires A-game skills—Don’t panic! Make kids feel safe, occupied and supported

Features 18 5 SOCIAL SKILLS

YOUR YOUNG KIDS NEED TO MASTER

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Kids need basic skills that will help them engage with others in positive ways. With careful guidance, they will learn to create friendships and positive relationships throughout their lives.

Kindergarten Round-Up, McAuliffe STEM Academy K-8 bond project underway, Heiman Elementary hosts Digital Learning Day, Dream Team Scholars honored at Board of Education meeting

20 BRACES—DOES YOUR

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Will your child need braces? Check early to see if her teeth are developing properly. Sometimes early intervention is the best option.

Navigating uncharted territory together during this global health crisis—a letter from the superintendent

CHILD NEED THEM?

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Groundbreaking ceremony at the new Riverview Pre-K-8 School! New mural for Namaqua Elementary School gym, Grand Battle of the Books! Schools win for participation for Turkey Trot!

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perspective perspective

Generosity Up in the air

learning, being and doing

How we get through this matters

A

approached me in a26, parking tyoung 7:43amman today, Thursday, March 2020, yesterday.

Ilot received this message on my phone: “My family I are staying over Public Safetyand Alert thereReminder, and if weColorado could getnow five dollars could officiallywehas get a pizza.

If we could get ten we could get a stay at home order in place beginning this two and that would cover us.” morning. Please only leave home for medical had no whether his story was true. care,Iwork at aidea critical workplace, or other He looked as though he was living rough, necessary reasons, for more information visit though—gaunt, sunken cheeks, despairing eyes. covid19.colorado.gov.

Without hesitation, I pulled outphone, my wallet I saved that message to my as I had andLarimer handed County him ten Stay bucks. don’t know I did it. He wasn’t the AtIHome Orderjust thatwhy came at 3:24pm the day threatening.

He wasn’t over justthat seemed really need a before and the Colorado Stayimploring.

At Home He Order cametojust 5 hours boost right then and interacting with him right there a couple of feet after that at 8:22pm. away,Many I justoffelt it was a moment. you, I’m certain, received the same alerts. I saved mine for It’s not that I’m a mission give away all This of our money. walk posterity, I guess.

Oneon day I’ll showtothe grandkids: is how theIbig and drive by plenty of people who are asking for a little push.

And I’m lockdown of 2020 began… not driven to help others by a sense of guilt or even a feeling of being Although our routines and daily lives had been changed dramatically when lucky enough to have it andgathering these others so there therefore it’s my schools, restaurants and other placesdon’t wereand closed, is something social obligation to do it.

Nor do I get a big sense of satisfaction. psychologically more profound about the stay-at-home order for me. I have a hard why Istart feel practicing compelledsocial to help out sometimes, It’stime like: pinpointing “If you kids don’t distancing more whether scooping a sidewalk a neighbor or stopping a car, consistently then I’m going to for have to do something.

OK, to I’mpush going to and other times not so much. count to 3…one, two, two and a half, two and three quarters, don’t make Every a neighbor oursrooms comesfor, bywell, withI his airreally compressor me do this, fall, three!

Now, go toofyour don’t know for and blows out our sprinkler lines.

He makes the rounds ourand I’ll how long. You can come out for meals and, well, you know in what, corner of the neighborhood andalone, gets everyone ready let you run around the back yard, once every day.”for winter. He doesn’t ask for anything.

He just does it because he can.

It is Our not a To overstate the obvious, we are living in interesting times. transactional offer in any way. collective hearts go out to all those who are sick and dying, to those facing Theresa Baer writes this month in herwho Learn and visit Livetheir column job loss and financial uncertainty, to those cannot loved about teaching children to be generous and to volunteer.

She also offers ones, really to everyone. someItideas about where and how.

The idea is to help children to be will be challenging to be confined at home—some will seem aware of others’ needs and to understand thatAdjusting they, themselves, overcrowded, others almost unbearably quiet. to living have together something to offer.

24/7 is no small thing and underlying tensions will only be aggravated.

The goal is for them, really all ofand us, to just do generosity as an How we handle this individually as not a collection of people, could activity that we have come to understand as something that we should possibly define a generation. What our kids take from this will affect do because lucky haveWhat something thoseWhat otherwill them, maybewe’re for the restenough of theirtolives. will weand model? people are struggling.

Where we’re really headed with this is forface our an our children learn? Can we rise to kindness and generosity in the children to see people who are just like they are, who just want to be ungrounded present and future or will we retreat into self-preservation happy just as they do and who don’t want to feel bad just as they don’t and pessimistic brooding? Will we take extra time to be in touch with the want to. We want the them and us feelings. We don’t just grandparents?

Willtoweget bebeyond gentle with our pets? dropWe money in athrough can andthis walk by.come We stop.

Weother talk and will get and out the sideengage withoutwith a peopleHow who are justthrough like us. it will show the quality of our characters, doubt. we get In the end, want to be not future. just do generosity, though individually and we collectively, andgenerosity, influence the the path to being generosity, it seems, lies through the path ofwho doing I am proud of our team and Rocky Mountain Publishing generosity. pushed forward on this issue with positive attitudes.

‘Tis the season,to read the stories that relate to COVID 19, but also Take a minute Scott take a look at our other offerings.

Please, visit us online at www.rmparent.com or on our Facebook page.

Be safe, be kind, Scott 6 | RMPARENT 6

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OCTOBER 2019 • Volume 24, Issue 6 APRIL 2020 • Volume 24, Issue 11

PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 PUBLISHER scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 EDITOR scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 EDITOR kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 CREATIVE DIRECTOR kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Emily Zaynard CREATIVE DIRECTOR emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com Emily Zaynard ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Hartig ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com Susan Harting COVER PHOTO susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of COVER- skysopendesign.com PHOTO Sky’s Open Design istockphoto.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson Lynn U. Nichols Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an enPublication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. dorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertiseRMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by ment for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2019 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights ©2020 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited. permission is prohibited.

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first years What parents need to know about coronavirus Practice social distancing, wash your hands, learn the symptoms LY NN U. NICHOLS

I

t’s hard to find good news about the coronavirus, so take this in: kids are the least likely to be affected. That doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind, but it does mean you can sleep better at night. Here’s what you need to know as a parent during the coronavirus crisis.

Local primary care physicians and pediatricians are getting a lot of calls from parents these days. No wonder. It’s hard to decipher just what’s coronavirus, what’s flu and what’s the latest cold going around. How do you know the difference?

If your child has a runny nose that turns into congestion, it’s most likely a cold.

COVID-19 presents in kids as a fever with a cough, difficulty breathing and fatigue and usually does not come with a runny nose or nausea. If your child is sick, call ahead to your doctor or urgent care so they can screen you over the phone before heading in. Or, take advantage of telehealth services through your insurance company.

If you need testing, your doctor’s office will tell you how to get it. Most likely you can simply hunker down at home.

Data from 100,000 cases show that kids are least affected of all age groups from coronavirus. If kids do catch it, their response tends to be mild. Remember, 80 percent of all cases are mild or moderate.

However, it’s still a good idea to practice social distancing and avoid crowded playgrounds or indoor play areas. Instead, get your kids outside. Go for a hike or bike ride, or play tennis or basketball at a local park. After all, you’ve got warming weather on your side.

Now’s also the time to teach your kids how to properly wash their hands, not only their fingers and palms but between fingers and the back of their hands as well. Practice singing the ABCs all the way through or Happy Birthday twice. It’s also a good time to review that when we cough we cough in our elbow to

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Local information on coronavirus

keep our germs to ourselves.

It’s okay to talk to your kids about the coronavirus and let them know that you are worried and you want to be cautious, but you don’t want to stoke anxiety. That means turning off the news and finding a way to relay appropriate news to your kids in an honest, but easy to digest manner.

Start the conversation by asking them what they know about the coronavirus, and how they feel about it. This will supply clues into how you can best answer and calm fears. Avoid letting them overhear you talking to a friend about your own fears, causing unrealistic worry about catching the virus and what that might mean. Reassure your kids that if they do catch it, it will probably be like a cold or flu they had earlier in the season.

It’s important to protect grandparents or neighbors. Remember, people 80 or older experience the most severe symptoms, with nearly 15 percent dying.

To protect others, leave your kids home when grocery shopping or running errands whenever possible, especially if they are even mildly sick. Doing so will help

• L arimer County larimer.org/health/communicabledisease/coronavirus-covid-19 • C olorado Department of Health colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019novel-coronavirus • U CHealth Updates uchealth.org/today/covid-19coronavirus-recent-updates/ • G reeley-Evans School District Updates https://www.greeleyschools.org/ Page/24008 • P SD COVID-19 Coronavirus Response www.psdschools.org/COVID-19Coronavirus-Response • Thompson School District Information https://www.thompsonschools.org/ Page/21612 • C DC Frequently Asked Questions www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ faq.html

flatten the curve and keep more local elderly from catching the virus.

The area school districts’ spring breaks and remote learning weeks, along with the governor’s closure of public places through April 16, will hopefully slow the virus here in northern Colorado. Until then, stay safe, have indoor and outdoor fun, and envision a summer that’s virus free. If we all do it together, it just might come true.

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family activities

Honor our Planet—Celebrate Earth Day Be a steward of the earth this month, and always KATIE HARRIS

T

here are so many ways to teach children the importance of caring for our planet, and with Earth Day and Arbor Day right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to get started! The following activities are perfect opportunities to spend quality family time outdoors while making a difference on the planet we call home. (*All included events are still scheduled to take place as of our publication deadline. Please check for updates.)

RUN FOR THE TREES—LOVELAND The Run for the Trees two-mile run/walk to benefit Loveland Parks and Recreation Foundation’s tree planting efforts will take place at Mahaffey Park on April 17th at 5pm. Food trucks and live music will be on scene during the race, which costs $15 per racer. More information can be found at sweetheartcityracing.com.

POUDRE RIVER TRAIL-ATHLON— GREELEY This free, family-friendly annual event will take place on May 2nd from 9amnoon at the Poudre Learning Center.

The event consists of 10 outdoor trail activities for participants to take part in, including a fun run, bike ride, nature walk, climbing wall, chalk art, scavenger hunt, mountain biking course, bird watching, archery and fishing. In addition, prizes, information booths, music and refreshments will be provided.

Register by April 15th to receive a free t-shirt! Visit https://poudretrail.org/ news-events/ to learn more.

SPRING PLANT SALE—FORT COLLINS Each year, the Gardens on Spring Creek collaborates with students from Colorado State University’s and Front Range Community College’s horticulture departments to present over 35,000 plants for purchase. This year’s event will take place on May 16-17th from 10

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10am-5pm at the Gardens, and will include vegetable seedlings, rare varieties of perennials and annuals, herbs and ornamental grasses, hanging baskets and patio pots. A large number of available plants are native to Colorado, and all plants are non-GMO and neonicfree. Take advantage of the event’s free admission to peruse the impressive selection of colorful blossoms, and if so inclined, load up a box and enjoy some family planting time in your own backyard! Event information is online at www.fcgov.com/gardens/special-events.

TINY TREKKERS—LARIMER COUNTY This Larimer County Naturalists program is exclusively for ages 2 to 5 and their adult caregivers, and takes place at various open space areas throughout the county. April’s events will be held at Devil’s Backbone Open Space on April 27th at 10am. The program will include nature exploration, stories and fun facts, after which guests are welcome to explore on their own. Preregistration is required for this free event, by visiting www.larimer.org/events/naturalresources/tiny-trekkers-2020-04-14.

Celebrate Earth Day the social distancing way

Micro-explore your backyard: Grab a magnifying glass and a sketch pad and choose a 5 ft x 5 ft or smaller section of your yard to explore in depth. Have kids look carefully for signs of life, such as insects, flower buds and seeds, then sketch what they find!

Plant together: Did you know soil, seed packets and gardening tools can be ordered online? Stay in, and grow as a family while growing something good for the earth, whether it be flowers to attract honeybees or veggies to share with your woodland visitors.

Enlist the family in “outdoor spring cleaning”: Tidying up is only a chore if you make it one! Turn yard work into a game by having younger kids compete to see who can clean up the most trash from the yard (thanks winter winds); give older kids a sense of independence by teaching them to prune bushes and mow grass; and work together as a family to clean out the garage. Inspire kids (and husbands) to throw out the old, i.e. broken pails, rusted shovels, and too small bicycle helmets, by replacing them with something new, such as sidewalk chalk or a set of squirt guns.

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learn and live

Kite Flying 101 Harnessing the wind

THERESA BAER

T

here is something fascinating about watching a colorful kite dip, dive and swirl high in the sky. You’re witnessing changing wind currents that can’t usually be seen. Plus, it’s fun to see the many shapes and sizes available–everything from your traditional delta or diamond shapes to dragons, fairies, airplanes, box and sled kites on up to a 48-foot octopus perhaps! And being the person flying that kite can be empowering to both young and old. Sometimes it takes a little skill and sometimes it’s just a matter of luck when the wind will pick it up and take off with it. If you haven’t flown a kite before, or it’s been a long time, try giving it a go again.

Flying a kite doesn’t have to be as troublesome as dear ole Charlie Brown experienced in the Peanuts™ comic strip. Given the right weather conditions and following these simple steps, you and your children can be successful, get some exercise and have fun together on those breezy spring days.

Starting simple with a single-line delta (triangle) or diamond kits will be easiest as they float in lighter breezes easier than other styles. You can find those and many others at local toy and hobby retailers or online for a wide range of prices.

Pick a day with steady, gentle to moderate winds–those with enough of a breeze to move branches on the trees.

Avoid high winds that can damage the kites and make for a rather unpleasant experience. Gear up with hats and/or sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes when looking up, gloves to help grab a string that might be unreeling quickly, apply sunscreen and wear a jacket as the wind can be chilly!

Choose a wide-open space free of trees, power lines and fences.

Experts recommend distances of 150 12

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UPCOMING EVENT FEATURING KITES:

Fort Collins Kids in the Park Day (formerly Kites in the Park): Sunday, May 17, 10am–3pm, Twin Silo park, www.fcgov.com/recreation/ kidsinthepark feet downwind and to either side of you. Remember to never fly kites near an airport as the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits kite flying within five miles of airport boundaries.

Launch it! For little children, let out only about 10 feet of line to make it easier to catch the wind and control the kite. Determine the direction the wind is blowing. Occasionally you or your child might have to run against

the wind to get the kite to take flight.

But if you’ve picked a good day, you won’t have to run–just hold the string in one hand and hold the kite up against the wind with your other hand and let go. Once the kite is up in the air, slowly let out more line. Releasing the line too quickly can cause the kite to drop. If that happens, stop releasing string and give the line a tug to get it rising again. To bring the kite in, simply wind the line tightly around the string handle and when the kite is within reach, gently grab it and hold on.

Once your family has mastered flying simple kites, consider moving on to the stunt kites with more lines. That would be an excellent outdoor challenge for the teens in your life. Happy flying!

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community news Keeping families healthy, safe and educated

Viruses, early childhood development, fun runs, teen self-care and dating violence THERESA BAER

Please check all events for updates due to the Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES FOR LARIMER AND WELD COUNTIES Coronavirus or COVID-19 has made headlines across the world and information continues to change daily. For official COVID-19 information and updates from local health departments, visit the following websites and social media pages: • Larimer County Department of Health & Environment (LCDHE)

www.larimer.org/coronavirus (see link to sign up to receive emails or texts about COVID-19) @LarimerHealth on Facebook and Twitter

• Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment

www.colorado.gov/pacific/cd phe/2019-novel-coronavirus

GET YOUR KIDS RUNNING TO WIN PRIZES Registration is open for the annual Healthy Kids Run Series and Fit.Teen Run Series. Sponsored UCHealth’s Healthy Kids Club, the goal of the program is to provide opportunities that promote life-long healthy habits.

In the Healthy Kids Run Series, children ages 5–12 register for free and can run seven free non-competitive one-mile fun runs in Loveland, Greeley and Fort Collins beginning April 11 and ending on August 21.

Participants will receive a custom bib and earn prizes for participating in four or more of the runs. In the Fit. Teen Run Series, teens ages 11–18 will receive discount codes for $15 entry fees for seven Northern Colorado 5k races. Registered teens earn prizes for participating in four or more of the 5ks, and up to two makeup runs (choice of any 5k) will be accepted 14

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for prizes. Learn more and register online at www.uchealth.org/services/ community-health/healthy-kids.

TEEN SELF-CARE FAIR HELPS DEVELOP COPING SKILLS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION Presented by ImagineZero and the Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the goal of this event is to create an opportunity for youth ages 13–18 to “learn new coping skills and join the conversation around suicide prevention through experiential learning” and enable parents to recognize issues and support their children through tough times. The free fair takes place Sunday, April 19 from 12:30pm to 5:30pm at the Northside Aztlan Community Center located at 112 E. Willow Street in Fort Collins and offers music, therapy dogs, community resource booths, free food and giveaways! Interactive sessions for teens and parents begin at 1pm. Youth will explore new ways to practice self-care, including yoga, medieval long sword, art, story sharing,

qigong and more. Parent session topics include: Anxiety & Stress; Talking to Your Teen; Social Media & Digital Life; Self-Harm; Question Persuade Refer; Inclusivity: the ABCs of LGBTQ ; plus Changing Minds: The Impact of drugs on the developing brain. Register online at www.imaginezerosuicide.org/events/ teen-self-care-fair.

LARIMER COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OPENINGS—APPLY

BY APRIL 19 Interested in getting involved in your community? Consider applying for a position on one of 19 Larimer County Boards and Commissions currently available. These positions make important recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on a variety of matters, such as environment and science, the juvenile community, and parks, among many others. Learn more and apply online at www. larimer.org/boards or pick up an application at the Larimer County Commissioners’ Office at 200 West Oak St., Second Floor in Fort Collins. The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 19 and new members will begin their term on July 1.

GREELEY’S SPRING CLEAN-UP WEEKEND Clean out those basements, garages and yards! Greeley’s annual Spring Cleanup Weekend is April 24 and 25 from 9am to 5pm. The annual event provides Greeley residents an opportunity to dispose of or recycle unwanted items at three drop sites designated for household hazardous waste, yard waste and other debris. No commercial dumping is allowed. Fees will apply and loads of loose materials must be secured with a tarp. Details can be found online at www. greeleycalendar.com or by calling 970-350-9336.

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE WORKSHOP An upcoming workshop, hosted by the Ashley Doolittle Foundation, helps participants understand and recognize the early signs of relationship abuse.

Parents, high school and college students, educators, health providers or anyone dealing with youth are welcome to the 40-minute screening of the film “Escalation” followed by a guided

discussion. The film tells an authentic and compelling story of an abusive relationship that leads to a tragic end. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:30-8:30pm at Grace Place, 375 Meadowlark Drive in Berthoud. RSVP by April 21 via an email to ashleydoolittlefoundation@ gmail.com or text to 720-226-5102.

Unable to attend this workshop?

You can view a short impact clip of one such workshop at www.vimeo. com/138235461 and learn more about dating violence and the staggering statistics surrounding it at www.joinonelove.org.

SPEAK NOW TRAINING FOR PARENTS REGARDING SUBSTANCE USE A Speak Now training provides the tools to open a dialogue with your children about substance use. Talking with kids early and often is effective for preventing early substance use, while strengthening parent-child relationships. Parents will gain confidence to give kids the facts and help them to make healthy decisions. This free parents-only training will happen on Wednesday, April 29 from 6–7pm at the Northside Aztlan Center in Fort Collins located at 112 E. Willow Street. Register through the Fort Collins Recreator at www.fcgov.com/rec reator or by contacting Shayna at 970484-7176 or via email to shaynak@ partnersmentoringyouth.org.

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healthy living

Addressing kids’ fears and anxieties Model good coping skills

LEA HANSON

D

ealing with crises is scary and something most families don’t have much experience with. As we’re faced with a global health scare that puts us at home with our kids, many parents feel ill-equipped.

Dr. Aimee Kleisner Walker, Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Graduate Programs for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at CSU, says, “Our actions in front of our children have enormous impact on how they’ll learn coping skills.” Kids of any age are looking at our reactions as a way to determine where their baseline should be when they are faced with something scary and unknown.

She provides the following tips: PRACTICE SELF-CARE Be reflective in how you’re reacting to things, Walker says. “There is a reason we’re told to put our emergency masks on first… we can’t help others when we’re gasping for air.” Taking care of our bodies is good for us and also models healthy habits for our kids. This includes healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness, and more. “If we can maintain healthy habits, our children will maintain healthy habits. If we can stay calm, our children will stay calm,” Walker advises.

BE HONEST The main idea here is not to ignore it.

Provide kids with a true and plausible explanation of what’s going on. Seek out developmentally appropriate resources to understand how to talk about a pandemic with your children while helping them feel safe.

For parents who aren’t sure what’s appropriate, some of the best resources include the National Association for the Education of Young Children 16

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(www.naeyc.org) for younger kids and the American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/) for older kids.

CREATE ROUTINES The feeling that everything is changing can create great instability in a child’s world. When routines and structures are taken away, kids feel very unstable and sometimes fearful. Routines can exist for kids, parents, and families; they should be written, posted, and stuck to as much as possible.

FOCUS ON POSITIVES Walker says, “As a family unit, celebrate successes and do so throughout the day. It might feel simplistic or silly, but it helps us maintain positivity.” Focus on things kids love and continue to be the same such as hobbies and favorite movies.

TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE Ensure your family continues to talk about what’s going to happen when the worries are over. Set goals, both long and short term. Walker says things that help kids cultivate a positive future outlook will help them maintain mental

wellness. This includes fantasy; parents ought not fear indulging in conversations that don’t feel realistic whether it’s literal fantasy (next year when I’m a unicorn) or just feels like it might be (when I go back to school later this month).

GIVING GRACE As a part of self-care, parents can pay attention to when families experience challenge. When challenges occur, talk openly about what needs to change individually and as a family to improve. Making mistakes and having arguments is inevitable, Walker says, but they’re always opportunities to get better at things. “As long as we’re reflective and trying to improve, we’re not creating negative cycles.”

SCHEDULE “SPECIAL TIME” Adding special time in the daily routine is essential, Walker says. Special time is a place for families to gather and chat one-on-one with each child. The point of special time is one-on-one play and it should last 20-30 minutes. To work, the adult needs to be FULLY engaged.

This means no distractions and doing whatever the child chooses.

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The low-down on orthodontics

BRACES

Katie Harris

—Does your child need them?

I

f your child has only recently sprouted his first permanent tooth, orthodontics might not yet be on your radar, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) there’s no time like the present.

“The AAO recommends kids be seen no later than age 7,” says Jon Stowers, who has been in practice at Stowers Orthodontics in Loveland for more than 20 years.

“First permanent teeth typically come in around age 6,” he says. “We like to see kids around this stage when they have both primary and adult teeth to address potential problems which can be difficult or nearly impossible to treat later on.”

According to the AAO’s website, www.aaoinfo.org, the purpose of early treatment, when necessary, is not to move baby teeth for aesthetic reasons, but to create a healthy environment for permanent teeth as they emerge.

During an initial visit, which is complimentary at many

18

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providers, orthodontists examine the relationship of the jaws and teeth to one another using a mouth mirror and light.

This helps determine whether early, “phase one” treatment is needed, or whether the patient should continue to be observed every four to six months.

“We are looking for cross bites, most commonly any upper teeth encompassed by lower teeth,” says Stowers. “We look at the skeletal relationship—width of jaws relative to one another, relationship front to back, and vertical relationship.

We measure how much overlap teeth have.”

While incorrect bites are often what lead families to seek orthodontics, other potential issues can be harder to spot.

“Sometimes children can have a beautiful smile, but if their primary teeth are well aligned with no spacing that can usually mean future crowding as adult teeth come in,” explains Stowers. “We may need to have certain primary teeth removed

BRACE YOURSELF

American Association of Orthodontics tips for making orthodontic treatment go as smoothly (and quickly!) as possible: 1. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on the frequency of brushing and flossing, and see your dentist for a professional cleaning at least every six months during orthodontic treatment, or more often if recommended.

2. Watch what you eat if you have braces. Stay away from hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. Opt for foods that are soft and easy to chew. If you have aligners, be sure to remove them before eating.

3. Beware of sugary, acidic soft drinks including regular and diet soda pop, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Tap water is recommended.

4. If prescribed, wear your elastics (rubber bands) as instructed.

5. Keep scheduled appointments with your orthodontist.

Information from www.aaoinfo.org

by a dentist to allow adult teeth to come in properly, or consider limited orthodontics.”

The AAO recommends contacting an orthodontist if your child exhibits any of the following: early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty in chewing or biting, mouth breathing, jaws that shift or make sounds, speech difficulties, biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth, facial imbalance, grinding or clenching of teeth, thumb sucking after age 4, protrusive front teeth or crowding of teeth.

If required, phase one treatment typically lasts less than a year, and

generally involves making more room in the mouth with an expander or adjusting a tooth with a small number of brackets.

The next potential window for orthodontic treatment typically occurs around age 12, when the remaining permanent teeth have emerged. At this point the majority of children who have undergone phase one orthodontics undergo phase two, while many others undergo their first phase.

“The early treatment we provide is to head off problems and make the later phase easier,” says Stowers. “As back teeth come in they may need aligning, and that’s where the next phase comes in.”

Typical orthodontic appointments last anywhere from 15 minutes for routine check ups to 30 minutes or longer, and patients are usually seen every four to six weeks during treatment.

While the cost of treatment varies, most providers offer payment plans.

Upon completion of treatment, Stowers recommends that patients wear their retainers full time for the first four months, then nightly. According to www.aaoinfo.org, “This ‘retention’

phase of care is critical to the long-term stability of treatment results.”

“The way I like to explain it is that we are living organisms,” he says.

“So once we’ve established the proper position of the teeth they always have the potential to move.”

With so many new options available in teeth alignment, choosing the best treatment for your child can be overwhelming. While traditional braces are still the most common method, clear aligners, worn at all times except when eating and switched out every one to three weeks, are increasingly being used to treat many orthodontic problems.

Stowers says the most important thing parents can do is choose a provider who is a certified orthodontist, and who can guide them in choosing the best treatment option for their child.

According to the AAO, while some dentists may perform orthodontic work, a certified orthodontist is someone who has completed four years of dental school plus an additional two to three year residency program in orthodontics.

A searchable database of AAO orthodontists can be found at www. aaoinfo.org.

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5 social skills your young kids need to master Teach children to engage and create friendships LYNN U NICHOLS

W

e all want our kids to get along socially. That’s because we know life’s easier when we are comfortable in our own skin while talking with others, and being close to others brings life meaning. Being able to get along and engage in conversations that create friendships can make all the difference in whether or not your children are content. Here are five important social skills to help your kids.

1. WE ALL LIKE POLITE To promote good communication skills in your younger children, teach manners.

This may sound like strange advice, but the same skills come in handy while communicating. Teach kids how to take 20

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turns, politely negotiate differences, and listen while someone else is talking. The dinner table is a great place to practice these skills: When your child interrupts, ask him to wait until you finish speaking. If they talk non-stop, say, ‘It’s your brother’s turn to talk.’ Doing so teaches them that turn-taking is not only part of a conversation, it’s part of good relationships.

“When kids are young it’s okay to remind them often to say please and thank you, to wait their turn, and to listen while other people are talking. As they get older give them occasional reminders and by the time they are teenagers you have to trust it’s ingrained,” says Dr. Usha Udupa, a child psychiatrist with

UCHealth Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center in Fort Collins.

2. THE KINDNESS BOOMERANG When we give kindness, we usually get kindness. It’s a basic principal of being human, and those who live by it are often guaranteed a more fulfilling, less stressful life. The best way to teach kindness is to be kind, ourselves. Model helpfulness and the ability to shift gears when someone needs your assistance.

Make empathy and encouragement a daily habit. Recognize kindness when it happens, yet resist the urge to praise your children every time they are helpful around the house. If they set the table or clear their dishes, give a smile rather

than praise, sending the message that kindness and helpfulness is expected. Of course, when they are remarkably helpful or kind—like standing up for a child who is bullied at school or befriending a new student—let the praise fly.

A part of being kind is being empathetic. Empathy is deeply understanding someone’s feelings or point of view, often because you’ve experienced it yourself. You’ve likely witnessed one of your kids realizing another child is hurt or sad and responding with kindness or offers of help. Even when empathy doesn’t come naturally, kids learn that when they say, do or act a certain way (hit, yell, call names), they often get a negative reaction, and when they are kind, helpful and caring, they get a positive one.

“We are all born with a certain temperament. Some kids naturally internalize and feel other kids’ feelings.

Others need guidance from parents or other adults to recognize how another child might feel. All kids are capable of empathy, whether it comes naturally or not,” Udupa says.

3. TURN THOSE LISTENING EARS ON It’s no surprise that kids who are good listeners often have more friends. That’s because we all like to be heard. It makes us feel valued.

The best way to encourage good listening skills is to listen well yourself.

When your kids talk to you, stop, look them in the eyes, and listen. Reflect back what they are saying to you, as in, ‘I hear you saying…’. Offer comfort or join in on their joy. By doing this, you model how to be a good listener.

Another way to promote listening skills is to require that kids put down media during conversations and be present with the family. When kids are young, you can practice taking turns telling stories reminding siblings to listen quietly. This teaches conversational turn taking, but also teaches kids to be patient. You can even quiz a brother or sister, as in, ‘What color did Emma say the dog was?’ If they get it wrong, suggest they ask Emma and really listen to her answer this time.

4. THE POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES OF COOPERATION When you see your child cooperating with others by sharing or working together nicely on a project, point it out.

Say something like, ‘Wow, you two are getting a lot done by working together,’ or ‘You two make a good team.’ On the other hand, when your child is acting bossy, bragging or being possessive, point it out in a gentle way.

differently and have different points of view—and that one way isn’t better than the other—helps foster tolerance.

Take the chance to point out how people who look or act differently than you often have the same feelings or wants and needs as you. This helps break down barriers between race, age and gender. Help kids stand in other people’s shoes by adding perspective—taking comments when you read books, watch

“Young children have a hard time seeing others points of view. But they do understand consequences,” Udupa says.

She suggests pointing out other kids’ reactions to your child’s actions to help them understand. For example, if your child is a terrible bragger, you could say ‘When you brag, Jenna walks away.’

Or, if your child won’t share a toy, you could say, ‘When you don’t share, Jack says he wants to go home.’ Stating it as a fact doesn’t hurt feelings, it raises awareness.

shows or attend a community event.

For example, you could ride the city bus if it’s something you normally don’t do, or visit Denver to attend a cultural event that shows different customs and traditions from yours.

“Kids in general are afraid of what they’re not familiar with— anyone who looks differently or talks differently makes kids feel uncomfortable. It’s less an issue of racism and more an issue of feeling comfortable. Teach your kids that when someone is different it’s not wrong, just interesting, by exposing them to different races and cultures whenever you can,” Udupa concludes.

Get your kids off to a strong social start by practicing these skills today.

Learning these skills early means they’ll be second nature by the time they grow into teens and young adults.

5. TEACH TOLERANCE Young kids tend to think everyone feels the same as they do, and that life is basically the same for everyone.

Fried chicken is their favorite food, so everyone must love it. They live in a house, so everyone else does, too. Teaching kids that people live

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greeley district 6 news Kindergarten Round-Up RLH Engineering, www. rlhengineering.com is the owner’s representative hired by District 6 to help manage this project. All these contractors were hired through a competitive bidding process.

Work is scheduled to begin in McAuliffe in the summer of 2020.

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• Child’s birth certificate • Child’s immunization record • Proof of address (examples: recent utility bill, lease agreement, closing papers for purchasing a home) • Students must be 5 on or before October 1, 2020 to be eligible for Kindergarten.

Please contact District 6 admissions at (970) 348-6062 or admissions@ greeleyschools.org for more information.

MCAULIFFE STEM ACADEMY K-8 BOND PROJECT UNDERWAY The Design Advisory Group for the McAuliffe STEM Academy’s bond renovation and addition began meeting the first week of March to discuss best hopes and the vision for the project that will add capacity and common spaces to the school.

McAuliffe STEM Academy K-8 is the first school to undergo a major renovation through the 2019 bond issue. McAuliffe, previously an elementary school, became a K-8 school in 2016, and the enrollment of the school has grown significantly.

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The school is currently about 450 students over capacity, and many classes are being taught in portable, temporary buildings. The cafeteria is inadequate to serve all students, and the gymnasium is too small for middle school sports.

This project will include a large, approximately 50,000 square foot addition to the school, a new gymnasium, an addition to the cafeteria, a safe and secure entry and other renovations to the interior of the school.

Work will also be done to improve the traffic flow at the school and increase the number of parking spaces.

A Design Advisory Group made up of McAuliffe staff, parents and students, as well as a few district-level members, held its first meeting March 3, 2020, and will continue meeting regularly throughout the school year.

The Cunningham Group, www. cunningham.com, is the architect hired to design this project. Sampson Construction is the general contractor for the project, www.sampson-construction.com.

The Board of Education must still approve the final contacts for Cunningham and Sampson.

HEIMAN ELEMENTARY HOSTS DIGITAL LEARNING DAY Heiman Elementary School hosted its annual Digital Learning Day on Thursday, February 27, showcasing the educational opportunities the school offers its students.

Parents, family members and community members were invited to Heiman to see digital learning in action.

Many of the tools the school is utilizing were purchased with money provided in the 2017 Mill Levy Override.

Students showed the various digital programs they use on a daily basis, as well as some special tools, including virtual reality devices.

DREAM TEAM SCHOLARS HONORED AT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING The Greeley Dream Team scholarship recipients for 2020 were recognized at the District 6 Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 24. This year 17 seniors from District 6 high schools have been selected to receive a $1,500 Dream Team scholarship. This is a competitive scholarship funded through donations and fundraising events.

The Greeley Dream Team is a nonprofit organization that mentors and helps empower selected District 6 students to be successful in their education and beyond. Students are identified in 6th grade, and receive mentoring and tutoring services through graduation and into postsecondary education.

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poudre school district news Navigating uncharted territory together during this global health crisis

Dear PSD families, This surely hasn’t felt like a normal spring for you and your family. As our global community faces a health crisis, most of us are dealing with a great deal of uncertainty. Many businesses are temporarily shutting their doors, office workers are telecommuting from home, and Gov. Jared Polis on March 18 ordered the closure of Colorado schools through April 17.

Many of you may be worried about your loved ones and, especially, the older adults in your lives.

As we navigate this uncharted territory together, I want to offer my deepest gratitude to you, the PSD community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we figure out how to do the best we can for our students during these unprecedented times.

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When I look back on the past few weeks, I am struck once again by what an incredible community we have. I heard from so many of you who want to help make sure all students have what they needed during the closure. I have seen tremendous acts of kindness from people wanting to help their neighbors during this time.

Everyone is stepping up to do their part.

Our IT department worked long days to make sure all middle and high school students have access to district laptops. Our dedicated custodial staff have been cleaning schools, and other essential staff are working to ensure that buildings and equipment are taken care of during the closure. Our Child Nutrition team is offering kids healthy breakfasts and lunches. Teachers are

reworking lesson plans to adapt to these unusual circumstances. Parents and guardians are setting up workspaces for their kids to use until schools reopen.

If I could ask one thing, it would be for us all to be patient and have grace with one another. There are many problems we’ve yet to solve and many questions yet to be answered. But if any community can weather this together, it’s ours because it’s filled with smart, compassionate and collaborative people.

I am so grateful for all of you. We are in this together.

Sincerely, Sandra Smyser, Ph.D. Superintendent For more information about the COVID-19 closures, please visit https:// www.psdschools.org/COVID-19Coronavirus-Response

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thompson school district news Riverview Pre-K-8 Groundbreaking ceremony

Groundbreaking was possible because of the amazing partnership of our community through their support of the 2018 bond. Thank you!

NEW MURAL FOR NAMAQUA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM Namaqua alumni students are working on a 32 ft. X 8ft. mural, which will be permanently displayed in the gymnasium at Namaqua Elementary School.

The mural includes drawings from local artist, Leizel Grant, five Namaqua alumni artists, Hailey Nielsen, Autumn Zhou, Izzy Stewart, Haley Lawton, and Siena Dallabetta, who now attend Thompson Valley High School, and three Namaqua Elementary students, Cash and Gage DeVore, Maddox Roblee-Sparks and Ellen May Grant.

The Namaqua Elementary School PTA raised funds to have this mural painted and asked Leizel Grant, owner of Living Liquid Art and Namaqua parent, to organize and design it.

GRAND BATTLE OF THE BOOKS! Congratulations to the champions of the Grand Battle of the Books!

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• 3rd grade Cottonwood Plains Elementary School • 4th grade Centennial Elementary School • 5th grade New Vision Charter School

If your child or school is interested in participating next year you can contact bob@thompsonschools.org. They will be announcing the next book list in the spring!

SCHOOLS WIN FOR PARTICIPATION FOR TURKEY TROT! Ponderosa Elementary and High Plains School were two of the top three in

school participation for this past year’s Turkey Trot. McKee Wellness Foundation presented checks to Ponderosa Elementary and High Plains School, which will be used toward their health and wellness programs!

“On behalf of the McKee Wellness Foundation staff and Board of Directors, we are proud to have provided over $12,300 towards Thompson School District’s health and wellness programs from the 2019 Loveland Turkey Trot!

The McKee Wellness Foundation was so thrilled to see 724 Thompson School District students, family and staff at this year’s event,” commented McKee Wellness Foundation Fund Development Director Chris Fine.

The funding for these grants was provided through our Heart Health Program, which aims to support the education, prevention, treatment and recovery programs in the community associated with cardiovascular wellness.

One of the key components is education and activity for our young community members, and we hope that this funding will continue to assist the amazing work already being done within the district.

The McKee Wellness Foundation was overwhelmed with the support and was proud to offer these donations as a way to impact the health and wellness within our community!

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APRIL 2020

EVENTS CALENDAR Please check websites for the status of the following events as cancelations or postponements may have been announced after our publication date.

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & CELEBRATIONS

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Old Firehouse Books 11th Anniversary Includes giveaways, visiting authors, a costume contest, more. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. See website for schedule. www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

LIBRARY & BOOK EVENTS

FRIDAYS AFTER APRIL 6 Beyond the Classroom STEM activities/topics this month include: The Capsaicin Diaries (what makes stuff spicy); Puzzle Piece Initials craft; Pollination and Bees; and creating hologram “projectors.” Grades 3–5.

Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2–3pm.

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

SATURDAYS AFTER APRIL 6 Family Fun Saturdays Learn the ukulele, explore STEAM projects, get your groove on at the open mic and more. All ages. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2–4pm. www.MyLibrary.us.

APRIL 14 & 18 Build It Build little ones’ engineering skills with blocks, boxes, marshmallows and more.

Ages 2–5. Windsor-Severance Library 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30–11am. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4123314.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Riverside STEAM: Pollination and Bees CSU Extension shares beekeeping tools and knowledge. Grades K–5. Limited to first 15. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 4–5pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Bristle Bots Mix science and imagination to design and build your very own motorized robots. Grades K–5. $75. Big Thompson Elementary, 7702 US34, Lv. 3:15–4:15pm. www.sciencematters.tv.

Family STEAM Zone Meet Cache the bunny, tackle a messy science experiment, engage with tech toys and apps, building toys and more! All ages.

Poudre Valley Learning Center, 8313 W F St., GR. 4–5pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/4066516.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 Clearview Homeschooler’s Academy Hear the classic fairy tale, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, andmake a sturdy, floating raft with supplies including craft sticks, sponges and corks. All ages. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 1–2pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4123342.

MONDAY, APRIL 13 We Dream in STEAM: Bees & Pollination Learn about bees and the process of pollination with CSU 4H youth development partner, Patrick Pulis.

Ages 9–12. Windsor-Severance Library 720 3rd St., WS. 3:30–4:30pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4123309.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 Bristle Bots Mix science and imagination to design and build your very own motorized robots.

Grades K–5. $75. Berthoud Elementary School, 560 Bunyan Ave., Berthoud.

3:10–4:10pm. www.sciencematters.tv.

Spring Activities to Promote Vocabulary Skills: • Use descriptive language when talking about the weather and seasons with your child (hot, cold, rainy, wet, sunny, cloudy, etc.)

• Use action words to describe what your child is doing when playing outside (run, jump, hop, splash, skip, hide, etc.)

• Go for a walk and talk about the senses (“What do you see in the sky?”, “What does that flower smell like?”, “How does the grass feel?” etc.)

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FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Jumanji Escape Room You and four friends have 60 minutes to crack the codes and get out. Children/teens.

Registration required. Riverside Library 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

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

APRIL 14 & 27 Tiny Trekkers Nature exploration, stories and fun facts.

Ages 2–5 yrs with required adult caregiver.

Registration required. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, 1725 Hidden Valley Dr., LV. 10– 10:45am. https://offero.larimer.org/Calendar.

Mystery Magic Sand Explore non-Newtonian fluids such as oobleck and kinetic sand. Make kinetic sand, build a sand castle and take some home. Registration required. Grades K–5.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. 3:30–4:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Skygazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society Telescopes provided for viewing the night sky.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, Carpenter Road/ CR 32, two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road. 8:30pm. https://engage.fcgov.com/calendar.

APRIL 25 World Language Events: Japanese Children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music presented by library staff and CSU students/instructors. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2:30pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Fort Collins Nursery Spring Open House Family event featuring kids activities, shopping and info from gardening and horticulture related community organizations. Fort Collins Nursery 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 10am–4pm. www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 27 School’s Out, Library’s In: Recycled Art Make a unique art piece with recycled materials. Children/teens. Riverside Library 3700 Golden St., EV. 2–3pm. www.MyLibrary.us.

Tween Top Chef Compete against your friends using special ingredients to make delicious cupcakes to decorate. Ages 9–12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3:30–4:30pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4123350.

CONNECT TO NATURE

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Read and Seed Preschool readiness activities with story and craft. Ages 2–4 with adult. Registration required. Free/members. $11/adult; $8/ child ages 2+. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10:15am & 11:15am.

970-416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Stargazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society Telescopes provided for viewing stars, galaxies and planets. All ages. $9 daily entrance permit required. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, 6550 W County Rd. 38 E, FC. 8:30–10:30pm. https://offero.larimer.org/Calendar.

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MUSEUM EVENTS

A Century of Homebrewing Charlie Papazian, considered the father of homebrewing, presents. All ages. $5. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 5–7pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

History Brown Bag Series: Improving the Race: Echoes of Nazism in Latin America, 1930-1950 Presented by Greeley Historic Preservation Commission. Greeley History Museum, 714 8th St., GR. Noon–1pm. www.greeleygov.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Parent/Child Tot Art: Flower Power Watercolor flower paintings inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe. Ages 3–5 with required adult (no younger siblings). Registration required. $15/child ($12/member). Loveland Museum & Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30–11:30am www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Parent/Child Tot Art: Monet’s Lily Pad Friends 3D painting and collage. Ages 3–5 with required adult (no younger siblings).

Registration required. $15/child ($12/ member). Loveland Museum & Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30–11:30am. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Museum Takeover: Tremendous Trees With interactive activities and CSU Biomedical students, learn to identify trees, pine beetles, how to save trees and more.

Ages 5+. Cost included with admission. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct. FC. 10am–1pm. www.fcmod.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 Mini Makers: Earth Day Creations Imagine, invent and problem solve while learning about recycling and reusing. Please bring one clean recyclable item (e.g. plastic bottle, cereal box, etc.). Ages 3–5 with adult caregivers. $5 ($4/member). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 1:15– 2:15pm. www.fcmod.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 Little STEAMers: B is for Bees Children learn how bees search for nectar, pollinate flowers, communicate with each other and make honey. Ages 3–5 with caregiver. $7/child ($5/members), caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15–11am and 2:15–3pm. www.fcmod.org.

APRIL 24 THROUGH 26 Baby Animal Days See the new resident baby animals and some visiting just for this event. $3/person age 3+.

Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St. GR. 10am–3pm. www.greeleymuseums.com/events.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Music in the Museum Concert Series The series explores the cross-fertilization between music and the visual arts with concerts in the galleries. RSVP required.

Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, 1400 Remington St., FC. Noon and 6pm. www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Discovery Lab: Inner Workings of the Ear Families learning how our ears process sound and help us maintain balance. Ages 8+ with adult. Registration recommended. $10/family of 6 ($8/member family). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 11am–Noon and 1:30–2:30pm. www.fcmod.org.

THROUGH MAY 9 Brewing History: Fort Collins’ Global Connections Learn the city’s history of beer including a long prohibition period, bootleggers and underground tunnels, home brewing, more.

All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 3 & 4 Nicholas Nickleby Lost Marbles Theatrics presents this comic delight from Charles Dickens. $15. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

APRIL 9 THROUGH MAY 31 Curtains This musical comedy whodunit is a hilarious journey for both performers and audience.

Dinner-included or show only tickets available. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. www.coloradocandlelight.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 Taste of Old Town Benefiting FoCo Cafe Intimate event featuring small plates prepared by favorite Old Town chefs, local beer/wine, live music, prizes and more.

Ages 21+. $60, includes unlimited food and drink. Everyday Joes, 144 S Mason St., FC. 5–8pm. https://conta.cc/2GryxTJ. WEEKENDS, APRIL 17 THROUGH 26 Moonlight & Magnolias Moon Theatre Company presents. $25/ adult, $23/senior/student. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Days/times vary. www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Colorado Eclipse: Moving Through the Seasons Colorado Eclipse will present their spring showcase. $13.50/person, $6.50/child age 2 and under. Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theater, 701 10th Ave., GR. 3pm. www.ucstars.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live Enjoy outrageous animal stories, worldwide adventure videos and an array of animals such as cheetahs, kangaroos, penguins, more. $40/$57+. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 4pm. www.lctix.com.

APRIL 19 THROUGH MAY 19 Always…Patsy Cline Musical based on a true story of one of the lost legends of American popular music.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. www.coloradocandlelight.com.

APRIL 24 & 25 Canyon Concert Ballet: Rubies For their 40th, or Ruby Anniversary, CCB partners with the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra for a fabulous production. All ages. $20–30. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. Times vary. www.lctix.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Wanderlust Colorado Dance Collective dancers explore differing cultures, refreshing ideas and undiscovered places that exist within one’s imagination. $15. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30–10pm. www.ucstars.com.

APRIL 25 & 26 Addams’ Family Young@Part NoCo Theatrix presents the wackiness in every family. $12/adult, $7/seniors/students, $5/child age four and under. Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theater, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary. www.ucstars.com.

APRIL 25 & 26 Spring Ice Show Local skaters wow with acrobatic jumps and spins. $7/adult, $5/child age 6 and under.

Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. Saturday 5–6:30pm, Sunday Noon–2pm. www. greeleyrec.com/facilities/greeley-ice-haus.

APRIL 30 THROUGH MAY 3 The Sensational 60’s LCS presents. $21. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Days and times vary. www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

ACTIVE-ITIES

THIRD SUNDAYS THROUGH MAY 17 Sensory Friendly Family Swim For families with sensory needs…small crowd, accepting environment, and noise lessened by turning off most water features. All ages.

Chilson Recreation Center, 700 E. Fourth St. LV. 6–7:15pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Healthy Kids Run and Fit.Teen Run Series: Loveland Classic One of seven non-competitive fun runs in the annual Series sponsored by UCHealth’s Healthy Kids Club. Register to earn prizes for participating in 4+ runs. Ages 5–12. www.uchealth.org/services/communityhealth/healthy-kids.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Healthy Kids Run and Fit.Teen Run Series: Aims Aardvark 5k One of seven non-competitive fun runs in the annual Series sponsored by UCHealth’s Healthy Kids Club. Register to earn prizes for participating in 4+ runs. Free/ages 5–12. $15/ages 11–18. www.uchealth.org/services/ community-health/healthy-kids/run-series.

ONGOING

Estes Valley Recreation Explore swimming, golf, sports and fitness programs: www.colorado.gov/pacific/evrpd.

Fort Collins Recreation Discover a multitude of swimming, sports, skating and fitness opportunities: www.fcgov.com/recreation.

Greeley Recreation Check out swimming, ice skating, sports and more: www.greeleyrec.com.

Loveland Recreation Locate sports, fitness, swimming and more: www.cityofloveland.org/departments/parksrecreation/chilson-recreation-center.

Windsor Recreation Seek swimming, fitness and athletic programs: www.recreationliveshere.com.

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time out Pandemic parenting requires A-game Don’t panic! Make kids feel safe, occupied and supported LEA HANSON

S

ince, I became a parent I’ve spend a lot of my professional life working from home. So, lucky for me, this recent pandemic transition hasn’t impacted how I complete my work obligations. And, I’ve spent enough school-out days, holiday breaks, and sick days balancing that work-from-home situation with parenting that I feel like I generally know what to do right now. Yet, while this concept of doing both/all isn’t completely foreign or uncomfortable to me, the idea that it will be the new, everyday reality for who-knows-howlong certainly is.

Here’s the deal. It’s recently come to my attention that because of my friend group, my kid’s friend group, the fact she attends school, and participates in sports and activities that I’ve probably not had many days as a parent to which I had to really bring many—if any—varsity-level skills.

And that’s sobering to say.

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sitting different for me.

My kid is watching me. All. Day. Long. This includes how I work, how I interact with my partner, how I treat my body, how I talk about the news, and—perhaps most important during this particular moment of life—how I respond to stress and crises. It can overwhelm me to think about how this shared, traumatic event will shape her generation and the world in which they grow up. And I want to create an environment at home these next few weeks/months that she’ll look back upon in a decade or two and feel residual feelings of safety alongside the discomfort. Mostly safety.

In other words, I can’t panic.

I’ve got to put on my game face and bring my A-game parenting skills so my kid feels safe, occupied, supported, and experiences this as a rough

inconvenience and not as a trauma. It scares me when I consider the weight and impact my reaction will have on her the rest of her life.

Everyone has different parenting skills they struggle with and for me, it’s being present. As I consider some loose routine (routines make kids feel safe!) these next weeks, I realize it’s going to be more of an adjustment for me to adhere to than it will be for her.

I will be the one who struggles to leave my phone in another room and focus solely on a board game or activity. I will be the one who must compile engaging resources she can use for (quasi) home-schooling. And I will be one who must be more patient than I’ve ever been, more engaged than I’ve ever been, and more self-aware than I’ve ever been.

But, I’ve got this. Everyone gets thrown into their first varsity game at some point, right?

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