AUGUST 2022 • RMPARENT.COM SPECIALSECTION: BACK-TO-SCHOOL Kid-ready for kindergarten! Keep eyes healthy and safe Last minute summer adventures Commuting to school Favoritessafelythings:Backtoschool CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO FAMILIES
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Visit us online at RMParent.com | 5 22 Greeley-Evans D6 School Kick-off Community Celebration 24 Poudre Kindergarten registration, bussing, apply for free meals, become a bus driver 26 Thompson Jamie Lockwood named Principal at Ponderosa Elementary School, John Berg named Principal at Laurene Edmondson Elementary School contents 18 Kid-ready for Kindergarten! Starting school is a big step in your child’s life. Make that transition smoother by knowing how to support your child along the way. 6 Perspective Free your mind 8 Family Health Keeping an eye on your child’s vision 10 Family Fun Last minute summer adventures 12 Family Favorites Favorite Things: Back to School 14 Family Living Back to school—Commute to school safely 28 Community news Community support you can use 32 Calendar Events and activities for parents, kids and families 36 Time out What’s the going rate for chores? DEPARTMENTS FEATURE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS ABOUT THE COVER Cover kid Braydenn loves swimming, riding a bike, developing his super speed and watching Sonic the Hedgehog. His favorite color is blue and he will be a kindergartner this year! Photo shot by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open www.skysopendesign.comDesign. Back-to-School SPECIAL SECTION Browse family activities and enrichment opportunities.
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In our quest to sort out right from wrong, good from bad, we get into an us-and-them mindset. And it just gets easier and easier to not even be open to ideas that don’t fit our world view. What’s the difference between a weed and a flower? A judgment. And we seem to solidify our judgements. But what if we didn’t? It seems that part of becoming an adult can be sorting thoughts and ideas into boxes: these things I believe and these things I don’t. These beliefs and lifestyles are right, and these aren’t. But what if instead we didn’t separate weeds from flowers and tried to keep our minds flexible. What if we didn’t cling so tightly to our opinions as though they’re right simply because they’re ours. Easier said than done, I know. Lynn Nichols writes about preparing for and starting kindergarten. Kindergarten is the first step on the path to adulthood. An early step where we learned rules that make civil society and where we get introduced to new ideas and people. I’m just curious how we go from our big open minds that we have as children where everything is a wonder to our “adult” mind full of opinions and narrowing views. Anyway, that’s what I think of when I read the phrase: The stupidest thing I ever did was to become an adult. Stay loose, Scott
AUGUST 2022 • Volume 26, Issue 3 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, Kristinscott.rmpublishing@gmail.com(970)221-9210EDITORTitterington,(970)221-9210kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.comCREATIVEDIRECTOREmilyZaynardemily.rmpublishing@gmail.comADVERTISINGSALESDIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 ROCKYCourtesysusan.rmpublishing@gmail.comgreg.rmpublishing@gmail.comDISTRIBUTIONMANAGERSusanHartingCOVERPHOTOCheriSchonfeldofSky'sOpenDesignsCONTRIBUTINGWRITERSTheresaBaer,LeaHanson,LynnU.Nichols,ClaireL.SableMOUNTAINPUBLISHINGPOBox740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 lishing,publishededitor@rockymountainpub.comwww.RMParent.comRockyMountainParentmagazineismonthlybyRockyMountainPubInc.Publicationofthispaperdoesnotconsituteanendorsementoftheproductsorservicesadvertised.RMPreservestherighttorefuseanyadvertisementforanyreason.Theopinionsexpressedbycontributorsor writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2022 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permis sion is prohibited. OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER: SCOTT TITTERINGTONFreePerspectiveyourmind
I wonder at what point do we go from being open-minded beings exploring our world with fascination to being opinionated, stuck people who have a hard time seeing beyond our own noses. I’m probably overstating, but it seems that we do lose some of the wonder and openness to the endless variety that the world offers to getting frozen in place as our minds (and our bodies) become more rigid and less flexible.
MY DAD SENT ME one of those lists of witty sayings that go around the internet. This one was about getting older. One of the phrases stuck in my mind: The stupidest thing I ever did was to become an adult. First, it just made me laugh, and then I dug into it a little deeper and I was struck by a kernel of truth in it. Some may view being an adult as being able to juggle jobs and families, paying bills and generally getting along in the world. That’s not what I’m really thinking about here. It seems that adults get caught up in all the wrong things—having a political stance, solidifying beliefs about how the world is or should be, valuing possessions and positions.
• Needed breaks—encourage your child to go play outside or engage in another, non-screen activity.
8 | RMParent Magazine CLAIRE L. SABLEFamily Health
• Lubricate—this can be in the form of artificial tears or a humidifier.
In fact, health experts recommend that babies see an eye care professional—ideally, a pediatric ophthalmologist—for a comprehensive eye exam by age one. This enables doctors to catch problems early when they can often be more easily corrected because babies’ eyes are still developing.
Screen time–how much is too much?
Fortunately, most eye injuries are preventable with the consistent use of eye protection, and there are lots of options for kids of all ages. A quick online search garners many results or consult your eye health specialist for recommendations.
Keeping an eye on your child’s vision
• Inches away—push screens to an arm’s length away and lower the brightness.
THOSE TWO WORDS safety first—are possibly never more important than where your child’s eye health is concerned, especially for kids who participate in sports and other recreational activities such as paintball.According to the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, organized sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children. Sports including baseball, football, soccer, racquet sports, hockey and boxing are all potential sources of eye injury.
Another important point—before your child starts playing sports, get their vision checked. If they can’t clearly see the baseball or puck hurling towards them, they are more likely to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
AS TIME SPENT ON SCREENS becomes an increasingly pervasive feature of modern life, how much is too much for children’s eye health?
YOUR BABY HAS RECEIVED their first shots and you’ve even taken them in for their first dental exam, so mission accomplished, right? Well there’s one more thing to check out, or in this case, two. Those little eye-lashed orbs that peer up at you from the crib every morning are an essential piece of your baby’s healthcare puzzle.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology cites a number of problems that could arise due to excessive screen time. They include nearsightedness resulting from “near work activities.” Kids may also experience eye strain, blurry vision, itchy eyes and dry eyes because we blink less when looking at a screen.
• Know who to ask—your pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatrician are the best advisors for ways to protect your child’s eye health. Get the jump on your baby’s eye health
• Blink—every 20 minutes have your child look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance, and blink to help the eyes relax and reset.
The Remedy? B-L-I-N-K:
You’ll also want to get your child’s eyes checked early if you or other members of your family have diagnosed eye conditions. Accord ing to the Cleveland Clinic, abnormalities such as retinal degeneration, Strabismus (crossed eyes), nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigma tism and even Glaucoma can all be inherited. Here too, early diagnosis paves the way for better treatment outcomes.
Play ball! But don’t forget the eye gear
Visit us online at RMParent.com | 9 MindsColorfulTutoring • Private, in-home literacy tutoring • For 1st through 3rd grade students • Centrally located in Fort Collins villadeasj@comcast.net970-420-8635 Amy Ferrara Literacy Tutor Certified Teacher $35 per hour References Available
10 | RMParent Magazine THERESA BAERFamily Fun Last minute summer adventures NOCO OFFERS MANY hiking trails in the foothills, at reservoirs, natural areas and open spaces, in addition to nearby national forests. Visit the Colorado Trail Explorer website at https://trails. colorado.gov to search for suggestions based on location, length, difficulty and more, or the Larimer County website at changehurtparks.www.larimer.org/naturalresources/UnderstandthatpeoplecangetorlostandColoradoweathercanquickly,sobeprepared: • Bring backpacks to carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit and fire starting supplies. • Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes and wear longer socks and hiking boots or shoes with thick tread to keep you from slipping on moist grass or uneven terrain. • Tie a whistle onto each child to blow if they get lost and take your phone to use GPS mapping to find your location or call for help, knowing it may not work in remote areas. Take a hike DISC, OR FRISBEE GOLF, is a fun outdoor game for all abilities that is both physical and mental. Courses similar to golf courses meander through parks and natural areas with tee-off locations and baskets for which to aim. You’ll need at least one disc per person, though experienced players suggest 3–6 depending on the drive length and course curves. Some local courses include: •LaPorte/Bellvue Cache la Poudre Disc Golf Course, 3511 W. County Rd. 54G, LaPorte
moviesOutdoor
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Play disc golf
•Windsor
Lyric Cinema Wednesdays (family-friendly shows), Fridays and Saturdays through September 3 at 9pm. Lyric Cinema, 1209 N. College Ave., FC. www.lyriccinema.com Holiday Twin Drive-In Open through the first weekend of September. $8/ages 10+; $5/ages 6–9 and 65+ 2206 South Overland Trail, FC https://holidaytwin.com
•Greeley/Evans The Outback, 1501 65th Avenue, GR • Pioneer Park, 3701 Ponderosa Court, Evans • University of Northern Colorado Course, starts north of Butler-Hancock and ends at Candelaria, GR
• Golden Eagle, U.S. Hwy. Forest Service Rd 100, Bellvue Fort Collins • Aggie Greens Disc Golf S. Overland Trail • Edora Park, 1420 E. Stuart Street
•LovelandMehaffey Park, 3350 W. 29th Street Oxbow Disc Golf Eastman Park Drive
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What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.
12 | RMParent Magazine LEA HANSONFamily Favorites
School Years Record Book: Save and Organize Memories from Preschool through 12th Grade By Reader’s Digest Buy local: Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins Sorted by year, this book helps record scholastic and extracurricular successes, organize and store artwork and photos and stores report cards, performance programs, and other memorabilia in one place over the school years. Pockets hold 8½ x 11 pages and fillable pages offer prompts to chronicle your child’s achievements, and spaces to place your child’s school photo each year.
Written by Adam Rex and illustrated Christian Robinson Buy local: Words of Windsor in Windsor Perfect for kiddos who are nervous about the new year starting, meeting new friends, and more. This story tells us about the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.
School’s First Day of School
Picture Word Flashcards Buy local: Learning Express in Fort Collins Perfect for those learning to read, this 96-card set includes 95 sight words as well as a bonus game card for additional learning fun. Studying with flash cards increases concentration and improves recall. These can be used as review cards or creative, fun games that allow children to play and learn. Flash cards also allow children to develop thinking, decision-making, turn-taking, and social skills.
Favorite Things: Back to School
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14 | RMParent Magazine RANDALL KAEMINGKFamily
• Stay five steps away from the curb
For information regarding safety, look at the following resources:
For children using the bus, going to and from the bus stop as well as boarding the bus can be difficult. If your child is riding the bus teach them the acronym SAFE:
• SafeKids Larimer County: www.sklarimer.org
• Always wait until the bus is completely stopped to approach • Face forward in your seat on the bus
• Colorado Department of Transportation: programs/bikeped/safe-routeswww.cdot.gov/
Most likely your child will be a pedestrian at some point in the day. Whether at the bus stop, in the carpool line, at lunch, or even just to and from the car, sidewalk safety will be necessary. When walking, children should use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is not a sidewalk available, they should walk on the edge of the street facing traffic. Teach children to identify and use crosswalks to cross the street. Again, children should look left-right-left for vehicles and bikes before crossing. It is crucial that children know not to play around the street and to always pay attention. It is good to make a rule of no electronic devices when commuting to and from school.
CommuteLivingtoschool safely
It is very helpful to do a few practice rides with your child before school starts so that they know the route well. If you need a helmet and cannot afford one, please go to sklarimer.org/ bicyclesafety/ and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Biking Driving
If you are driving your children keep in mind to always be on the lookout for pedestrians. As more families are commuting at different times foot traffic is likely to be high in neighborhoods and near schools. Everyone should buckle up, every trip; even in carpools, so have a conversation with your neighbors and friends.
• Thompson School District: www.thompsonschools.org/
• Exit the bus after it is stopped and look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street. When possible, walk your child to the bus stop and meet them there at the end of the day. Make sure children that are biking have and wear a helmet that fits correctly before sending them on their way. Additionally, make sure to teach them about obeying traffic laws, correct signaling, and using bike lanes.
• Poudre Valley School District: services/transportationwww.psdschool.org/programs-
Bussing
Walking Keep it safe
16 | RMParent Magazine 970-881-2450 • info@beavermeadows.comBeaverMeadows.com•RedFeather Lakes Dreaming of Summer?Book your campsite or lodging early! CAMPING • LODGING • RESTAURANT www.JohnsonCustomFlooringandDesign.com CabinetLuxuryQuartziteTileGraniteQuartzVinylTileHardwoodCarpetNaturalStoneHardware Dedicated to creating the home of your dreams Single Rooms • Remodels • New Construction 970-663-1266 2093 E. 11thLovelandStreet FREE Competitive Estimates • Quality products for ALL budgets
kindergarten!for
18 | RMParent Magazine
I REMEMBER MY OLDEST SON’S first day of kindergarten. There was a special energy in the air as I watched him line up outside the classroom door with his classmates. As he bravely marched in, I smiled and waved, then wiped away tears—along with most of the other moms present that day. Kindergarten marks a huge transition, not just for your child but for you as a parent. It’s a letting go of those precious preschool days. It’s the start of 12 years of education, strung out into the future. Don’t worry, you’ve got this and so does your child. But it’s smart to prepare so that everything goes smoothly for both of you. Here are some tips for becoming kindergarten ready. Don’t miss the open house Every elementary school helps ease the transition to kindergarten by offering an open house in August. Make attending a priority over everything—even that last minute family vacation. “Kids play on the playground and meet other kids who will be their classmates, and get to know their teacher better,” says Stephanie Coleman, M.Ed., LPC, a school counselor with Beattie Elementary in Fort Collins. This quick bonding can have lasting effects. If your daughter is anxious about going to school, you can remind her that she will get to see her new friend, Mia. Also, getting to experience the extra fun side of school— socializing and playing—puts school in a positive light. Since the school is open, plan to arrive early to walk around school. Walk from your daughter’s class room to the bathroom, the library, and the cafeteria. Helping her create a map in her head will boost her confidence that she kind of knows her way around. If you can’t fit it in that night, most schools are open during the day the week be fore class starts. “The first three weeks of kindergarten are the hardest, but usually after that, kids are fine. If your Lynn U. Nichols
Kid-ready
• Give your child control by letting her pick out her lunchbox, back pack or water bottle. Let her bedazzle the bottle with stickers. Now that you know how to support your child, don’t forget about your own needs. If you are feeling nervous about the start of school, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school counselor, the teacher, or a friend. Approaching the start of school with excite ment and calm goes a long way in helping your child do the same. According to Poudre R-1 kindergarten teachers Karrie Allen, Melissa Lackey and Megan Swonder, it’s very helpful for children entering kindergarten to be able to: Follow directions, such as hanging up their coat Sit quietly and listen to a story Make requests and communicate their needs appropriately Be self-sufficient in the bathroom including toileting, wiping and washing hands independently Wait patiently and take turns Display good sportsmanship when losing at games Recognize numbers 0-10 Count from 0-25 Recognize their own name Write their name Use child scissors and playdough safely and appropriately Recognize uppercase letters Independently put on boots, coats, shoes and snow pants Sit still for 5-10 minutes at a time
Visit us online at RMParent.com | 19 child is struggling past three weeks, ask to meet with the school counselor,” Coleman advises. Routine rules Young children thrive with routine. It makes them feel safe and it eases stress. Commit to a regular bedtime routine and start adjusting your son’s bedtime now. Make it easy by knocking it back 10 minutes each night for a week or two, or as long as it takes to reach the de sired school bedtime. Keep in mind that kids need a lot of sleep: 3- to 5- year-olds need 10 to 13 hours per night, ac cording to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Sleep experts say that poor sleep negatively im pacts how well kids think, which in turn affects how well they do in school. Poor sleep makes it hard for your child to pay attention in class and process new in formation. It also affects his mood, making him irritable and grumpy.Likewith sleep, your child’s brain is affected by the quality of food that she eats. Studies find that students who eat breakfast have improved math grades and reading scores. Plus, breakfast-eaters pay atten tion and behave better in school. Kids need more than a bowl of cereal. Breakfast should always include a protein and a healthy fat, a whole grain, as well as a fruit or vegetable. The same is true for the lunch you pack. Try to put in foods that are as whole, natural and unpro cessed as possible.
Ease separation anxiety Kindergarten is a big, new world for kids and for some it’s also scary. If your child is especially shy or tends to do poorly with transition, you will have to work a little hard er to get her school ready. If your child is having a hard time letting go of you when you bring her to school, the school counselor can help. She or he will create a support plan for your child, which often involves meeting you and your child outside of school and putting a morning routine in place. The counselor or teacher will greet your child in the same way and in the same place every morning, helping her feel comfortable and “Iconfident.alwayspartner with parents to create this rou tine, which starts with a very standard, predictable morn ing routine at home before school,” Coleman says. “The child knows he will get up, eat breakfast, brush his teeth, get in the car, and then mommy will take him to school and Mrs. Coleman will meet him at the door.”
Tips from local teacherson school readiness
School counselors can also help your child calm down when he arrives upset by taking him to a quiet place or on a walk around school. It helps him shift his mood be fore he enters the classroom. “We’ve noticed that kids are struggling post COVID lockdowns, espe cially those who didn’t go to preschool. Most kids attend preschool, which helps a lot with starting kindergarten,” Coleman adds. Simple tips to wake up school readiness Coleman recommends avoiding the words, “This will get you ready for kin dergarten.” Instead, make it fun. Here are some ways to do •that:Plan short separations, like fun friend play dates or a summer class to help him practice listen ing to another adult.
• Practice turn-taking by playing board or yard games or enrolling her in a team sport.
• If your child is anxious about school, make a school photo album showing the front door, playground and key rooms to review before school starts. Or, play school with him where you are the teacher and he’s the student. Have him practice rais ing his hand to talk or to go to the bathroom, lining up for recess, and doing a few fun and easy worksheets.
NOW – goalac.org
BY JACOB DOYLE
To learn more about
• Students who are too socially anxious to attend a traditional high school
• Students with no place to call home
• Students who are just learning English and, the list goes on!
Serving more than 5,000 students statewide, GOAL High School has a broad appeal to an eclectic student body. Here are just a few examples:
• Students who were bullied
The many faces of GOAL High School
Antonia Gardiner, Assistant Principal Jacob Doyle, GOAL High School JournalismENROLLIntern
• Students who have to work to support their families or their own children
• Students who receive top awards for college trigonometry and organic chemistry
• Students who want to get started on college credits at no cost
What does it mean to validate a student’s struggle? If there was an easy answer to this, everyone would be an educator. The answer to this question requires an intimate knowledge of the subject, something Antonia Gardiner, Assistant Principal of GOAL High School’s Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins student drop-in centers, has tenfold. With pure passion in her voice, she recounts, “My sister struggled in school. I didn’t feel that the schools did enough to validate her struggle and authentically do everything to help. Supporting her through tears and anger cemented my conviction to support struggling students and help them succeed” This led her to become a teacher of students with behavioral issues and apply what she had gone through with her sister, both valuing and validating them and their struggles. Through her experience at GOAL High School, she has come to love the innovative community of Fort Collins, the bootstrap mentality of Longmont, and the art/theatrics of Loveland. It is this diversity that makes her love teaching, supportive, and personalized manner. “I think fundamentally it’s all the same, right? It’s that we honor who they are and validate their struggles. Whether it was my students who struggled with behavior or others who haven’t been able to figure out how to be successful in school or my previous AP students with the stress of taking say, 4 AP classes in a school year and applying to prestigious colleges in an exceptionally competitive environment. At the end of the day, both sets of those kids, need to be validated that their struggle is real, and that they are loved and supported.”
• Students who can repair complex diesel motors, but would rather not read Chaucer
Validating and valuing students’ struggles
• Students with learning disabilities who need one-on-one assistance
• Students who have been expelled
Back-to-School
2 | RMPARENT | BACK TO SCHOOL • Infant Program (Fort Collins Only) • Toddler Program • Preschool Program • Utilize Creative Curriculum • Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch & Snack • Financial Assistance Available • Dedicated Professional Staff • Nonprofit Agency • Qualistar Rated FORT COLLINS CENTER 424 Pine St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 493-2628teaching-tree.org 6:30OPEN: am - 6:00pm ALL YEAR LOVELAND CENTER 2109 Maple Dr. Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 667-7240
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4 | RMPARENT | BACK TO SCHOOL DO YOU HAVE A PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE? FOR BUSINESSES IN FORT COLLINS, CONTACT: Greg at 970-689-6832 • greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com FOR BUSINESSES IN GREELEY, LOVELAND, WINDSOR, ESTES PARK AND OTHERS, CONTACT: Susan at 970-301-3320 • susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com Program DIRECTORY BYCATEGORY• PAGE16 ALPHABETICAL•PAGE18 Program & Activity August 2018 • rmparent.com YOuthGuide List of ADVERTISERS PAGE46 Back-to-school updates PAGE 10 SCHOOL calendars PAGE44 Reach Thousands of Parents RMParent’swith Program & Activity Series throughoutDistributes inSchoolsnorthernColorado!Find out how we can help your business!
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At Arts and Imagination we blend the best of many educational philosophies. We believe a perfect union of art, academics, and peace education has been thoughtfully developed from these disciplines. 2430 W. Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO | fcArtsAndImagination@gmail.com 970-556-3759 | ArtsAndImagination.com
BACK TO SCHOOL | RMPARENT | 7 Ages 2 1/2 through 5 years • 9am-12pm Christian values • Small class sizes • Experienced staff Remodeled Classrooms • Nonprofit ministry 970.226.2341 | MorningGloryPreschoolFC.org 301 East Drake Road | Fort Collins
8 | RMPARENT | BACK TO SCHOOL All tickets and admission fees are paid by the camp. The only items your child needs to bring every day are a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen and appropriate clothing or extras (such as swimsuits or towels). Activities Include: MUSEUMS • FORT FUN • PUTT PUTT • TOURS • ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVIES • BUMPER BOWLINGS • ROLLER SKATING • SWIMMING A nondenominational Bible study begins each day Call Cat Colonna at: 970-786-9809 nocokidsacademy.com/summercamp cat@nocokidsacademy.com Fully-licensed day camp for grades 1-6 NOCO KIDS SUMMER CAMP Formerly Choice City Christian Camp For Grades 1-6 • Camp runs concurrently through school summer break.
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22 | RMParent Magazine School District News: Greeley-Evans D6
School Kick-off Community Celebration Mark your calendar for the 9th annual School Kickoff Community Celebration, to be held in the Event Center at Island Grove Regional Park Aug. 6 from 9am to 12pm. This annual event provides high-quality backpacks and school supplies to District 6 students, preschool through 12th grade. Students must be registered at a District 6 school, or register at the event, to receive a backpack. In addition, there will be community booths featuring activities, giveaways and resources. Banner Health providers will host a low-cost sports physical clinic. There will also be a petting zoo hosted by the Greeley West FFA Chapter and free sack lunches for every child who attends. One change this year: Entry to the event will be on the west side of the event center. Due to another event at Island Grove, most School Kickoff activities will happen inside the Event Center. Help us celebrate the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year by attending the School Kickoff Community Celebration! We can’t wait to see you! District 6 encourages our community nonprofit agencies to participate in the event by hosting a booth in which information, school supplies, or kid-friendly material can be handed out to our students and families.
24 | RMParent Magazine School District News: Poudre
Become a bus driver For Jessica Bard, getting behind the wheel of a school bus is as much about being a mentor as a navigator. Promoted to the position of router during her five-year career in PSD, she was back on the bus this past school year due to the shortage of drivers. Being a bus driver, Bard said, is fulfilling because you get to know the kids. “You know their personalities, what's going on, when they get new shoes…You devel op a relationship with the kids,” she said. “You be come part of their life.” Learn about being a bus operator on the Be a Bus Driver webpage at www.psdschools.org.
To register online, visit the PSD Online Registration webpage at www.psd schools.org. Families can also register in-person at their neighborhood school. School hours vary so contact the school to determine when to visit. More info: www.psdschools.org.RegistrationKindergartenwebpageat Requests for busing PSD aims to transport as many students as possible to school. To ensure that families Transportationabussingyear,applythistransportationneedingreceiveservice,ridersmustforbusingeachevenifthey’vehadbefore.Submitbusrequest:visitthewebpage at www.psdschools.org.
Kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year
Apply for free meals For the 2022-23 school year, students will no longer receive free meals unless they have been approved for the Free and Reduced Meals program. This is a change from the past school year when free meals were offered to all PSD students. The program that made that possible (related to the pandemic) ended. Families must be approved for the Free and Reduced Meals program to receive benefits. Applications for the 2022-23 school year will be accepted beginning Monday, Aug. 1. More info: School Meals webpage at www.psdschools.org.
Visit us online at RMParent.com | 25 Realities For Children Business Members RENEWING GOLD BUSINESS MEMBERS NEW GOLD BUSINESS MEMBERS NEW SILVER BUSINESS MEMBERS www.RealitiesForChildren.com • 970-484 When you shop, dine or hire a Realities For Children member, you become part of the solution to child abuse in our community.
Thompson School District has named Jamie Lockwood as the principal at Ponderosa Elementary School, effective July 15. She fills the position that is being vacated by Lorynda Sampson, who is departing the district.Ms.Lockwood is currently serving in a number of roles at Indian Peaks Elementary School in Longmont, Colo. Among her duties, she has supported staff with student behavioral needs and interventions, recruited and supported grade-level teachers for after-school tutoring, and collaborated with instructors on curriculum and intervention groups. She also has career experience as a first-grade and third-grade teacher and has served as a mathematics instructor as well.Ms. Lockwood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. She also holds two master’s degrees—one in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado and another degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Jamie Lockwood named Principal
26 | RMParent Magazine School District News: Thompson
TSD names John Berg as Principal at Laurene Edmondson Elementary School Thompson School District has named John Berg as the principal at Laurene Edmondson Elementary School, effective July 1. He fills the position that is being vacated by Trish Malik, who is departing the district. Mr. Berg is currently serving as an assistant principal at Zach Elementary School in Fort Collins, CO. His career experience includes service as a special education, math and science instructor as well as a special education department leader, all with Poudre School District. Mr. Berg earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Indiana NorthernfromDegreeHeUniversityUniversity–PurdueFortWayne.alsoholdsaMaster’sinSpecialEducationtheUniversityofColorado.
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• Connecting Weld: Linking people to the help they need. Find childcare, preK, and school-age programs near you
Northern Colorado families seeking quality childcare and preschool programs can search referral sites offered by the Weld County’s Early Childhood Council and Early Childhood Council of Larimer County. Parents and guardians can search by location, method of transportation and child’s age, and filter by full-time, part-time, before/afterschool programs, summer camps plus providers with current openings and financial-aid options. You can create an account, save your searches and continue to compare providers. In Weld County, ChildCare4Weld.orgvisit and in Larimer County, look to Larimer Child Care Connect at www.larimerchildcare.org.
• Thrive by 25: Connecting youth to caring adults.
• Reading Great by 8: Building the foundation for early childhood success.
• Aging Well: Helping older adults age well in our community.
Library district seeks community input The Poudre River Public Library District (PRPLD) is currently seeking input on your “hopes, dreams, and aspirations for your community” to identify how PRPLD can provide services to “produce greater surveymonkey.com/r/endbetotakesandSpanish,Availablecreatethatareseethatimportanttocommunityincluding:surveyforsignificancerelevance,andimpactourcommunity.”ThehasfourquestionsWhatkindofdoyouwantlivein;Whyisthattoyou;Howisdifferentfromhowyouthingsnow;andWhatsomeofthethingsneedtohappentothatkindofchange?inEnglishandthisanonymousconfidentialsurveyabout10minutescompleteandwillopenthroughtheofAugustatwww. PRPLDStrategicPlan.
• Weld’s Way Home: Preventing and ending homelessness.
28 | RMParent Magazine THERESA BAERCommunity News Community support you can use New parking alert system available for open spaces and reservoirs Know where parking is available before you head out to Larimer County’s open spaces or reservoirs. Subscribe to Larimer County Natural Resources’ new alert system to receive updates by text message or via email when Larimer County-managed parking lots have reached 80–90 percent capacity. Opt-in to receive text messages by texting lcboating or lcopenspaces to 833-5810014. To receive alerts via email, visit Horsetoothaddress.andnaturalresources/subscribelarimer.org/submityouremailLcboatingcoversReservoir,Carter Lake, Pinewood and Flatiron Reservoirs. Lcopenspaces covers Horsetooth, Devil’s Backbone, Eagle’s Nest, Red Mountain, and Hermit Park open spaces. You can opt-in or cancel at any time. Weld United Way launches new website focused on five community initiatives United Way of Weld County recently launched a new website focused on areas identified as “persistent challenges” that inhibit some community members from the opportunity to thrive. Visit www.unitedwayweld.org to learn more about the five initiatives to help solve Weld County’s long-term challenges:
The listings are referrals, not recommendations, and it is your responsibility to screen providers and decide who will best meet your needs.
30 | RMParent Magazine (970) 224-5500 | 421 Stover Street, Fort Collins trozaninsurance.com Our Team partners with you to easyMedicareunderstandingmakeyouroptionsasaspossible.Calltoday! As an independent insurance agency our team represents many of the finest plans in the health and life insurance industry. Our Team partners with you to find the right fit for your Medicare Insurance needs • Medicare Advantage • Part D (prescription drug plans) • International Travel • Final Expense • Life insurance • Medigap/Supplement • Hospital Indemnity • Dental, Vision and Hearing plans Amy Kilber and Lisa Wentz-Kinnison, LICENSED INDEPENDENT AGENTS 8/31/22Expires
Visit us online at RMParent.com | 31 New Child Care Center Now Enrolling!Ages 12 months to 4 Years Nurturing Atmosphere Excelled Academic Learning Specialized Learning Curriculum Teaching With Kindness & Openness 5137 South College Ave Conveniently located between Fort Collins and Loveland 970-232-9665 | NoCoKidsNest.Com Visit us at NoCoKidsNest.Com
FRIDAY & SATURDAY AUGUST 26 & 27 126th Old Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival Entertainment, and Colorado Sweet Corn. Old Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV. Friday 5–10pm; Saturday 9:30am–8pm. org/events-2/festival-https://loveland. entertainment. Fort Collins Peach Festival Enjoy local food, craft beers, and great music in this drive-in concert. $11. Ages 13+. Holiday Twin Drive-In, 2206 S. Overland Tr., FC. festival-entertainment.https://loveland.org/events-2/11am–7pm. ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 18 Windsor Summer Concert Series Enjoy live music, food trucks and family fun. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. Summer-Concert-Series.www.recreationliveshere.com/219/6:30–8:30pm. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4 Cinderella A contemporary take on the classic tale. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747, www.coloradocandlelight.com.
and more. The
Kidchella: Music & Art Festival Join in the fun of music and art. North Lake Park Amphitheater, 2750 N. Taft Ave., LV. www.lovgov.org/prevents.3–7pm.
rides, scavenger hunts,
includes
breakfast, carnival,
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 THROUGH TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 County Fair Fun at the fair 4H events, PRCA Rodeo, petting zoo, pony pancake free concerts, Ranch Event Complex, larimer-county-fair.www.treventscomplex.com/events/LV.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 Foam on the Range with Ann Lincoln A giant dance party and bubble bath playground. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1–3pm. www.mylibrary.us.
Larimer
32 | RMParent Magazine THERESA BAERCommunity CalendarAugust events FESTIVALS COMMUNITY& EVENTS FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 & 6 Pets ‘N’ Popsicles Meet animals and enjoy a frozen treat. $4/person, ages 3+. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. www.greeleymuseums.com.10am–4pm.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Poudre RiverFest Family-friendly festival with music, exhibitors and activities.New Belgium Brewing Company, 500 Linden St., FC. www.poudreriverfest.org.Noon–6pm.
THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15
THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4
Live music concerts on Wednesdays, outdoor dining, kids’ days, fitness classes and more. All ages. The Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. Days/ times vary. org/onesweetsummer.www.downtownloveland.
AUGUST 26
28 Cirque du Soleil
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Fort Collins Symphony Summer Concert: Beethoven Festival Enjoy a live all-Beethoven evening $12–$32. Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd., FC. 7pm. www.lctix.com.
Strings.”
The Ultimate Rock and Roll Blues Party of the Year Carvin Jones, the “King of $25. Hensel Phelps Theatre, 701 10th Ave GR. https://ucstars.showare.com.8pm. THROUGH -
July lineup includes Chris Botti and The Wood Brothers. $35–80. Gardens on Spring Creek Great Lawn, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. Days/ times www.fcgov.com/gardens/concerts.vary.
Bohemian Nights Presents Thursday Night Live Free live summer concerts. Old Town Square , FC. www.bohemiannights.org.7–9pm.
Windsor Movies in the Park Surf’s Up, Shrek, Sing and Little Rascals. Various Windsor parks, WS. 8:30pm. com/217/Movies-in-the-Park.www.recreationliveshere.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25
OVO OVO is a colorful ecosystem teeming with non-stop energy and movement. $48–154. Budweiser Event Center, LV. Times www.treventscomplex.com.vary. ACTIVE-ITIES THROUGH AUGUST UCHealth Healthy Kids Run Series The 23rd annual Series features a total of seven runs. Various locations, FC, LV, www.healthykidsclub.org.WS. AUGUST 5 & 31 Dance! A Social Experience with Healthy Larimer Open air dancing with music from a DJ for all ages; a pop-up format to release energy and dance. Old Town Square, FC. www.downtownfortcollins.org.7–10pm. FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 Loveland Valley 5000 5K Run/Walk Begins in Mehaffey Park, 3285 W. 22nd St., LV. events/valley-5000.www.sweetheartcityracing.com/6–7pm. SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 Be A Hero 5K Run/Walk Run, walk, volunteer and dress as your favorite hero to support ChildSafe. Rolland Moore Park, 2001 S Shields St., FC. 8am–Noon. childsafecolorado.org/be-a-hero-5k.www. Fort Collins Open Streets Car-free, family-friendly streets with live music and engaging arts and culture activities plus local organizations and businesses hosting free activities. All ages. Stover St. from Stuart St. to Horsetooth Rd., FC. openstreets.www.fcgov.com/10am–3pm.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10 One Sweet Summer Event Series
Live at The Gardens Summer Concert Series
AUGUST 20 THROUGH 21 Wolf Pack Ninja Tour Amateur Ninjas and athletes compete for a spot in the Finals. Plus kids’ classes (ages 4–11) on Saturday, 8am–5pm. Budweiser Event Center, LV. Times www.treventscomplex.com.vary.
34 | RMParent Magazine SCAN HERE BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE | JUNE 15-JULY 19 Help children in need start the school year off right by donating supplies!
36 | RMParent Magazine MY KID HAS NEVER earned an allowance at my house and I’m not sure how to set this process up… in fact, I’m pretty sure I started thinking realistically about this whole thing way too late. This coupled with the concept that she DOES earn one at her dad’s house makes it clear to me that I’ve botched the opportunity—if I ever had one, that is. The thing is, she just doesn’t do them. And her argument is most often that the job doesn’t pay well enough. So, the question remains: what’s the going rate for a child doing chores? My informal polling always has very mixed results and the main difference in opinion and approach is whether kids should be paid as much as adults if they are able to do the same work. The other day my daughter wanted to earn some money. And, it turns out the thing about chores is that, they’re – well –chores. They usually suck. So, like any loving mother, I offer her some options of jobs I have been meaning to do but suck too much for me to ever get to them. She declined. I went through my list and once it was exhausted – all options declined – I offered her the job of house cleaning. She asked what the pay was, and I (much regrettably) told her how much I pay the woman who normally cleans the house. Now, once my daughter was finished, she did do a pretty good job. She even scrubbed the baseboards in the whole house. In fact, she actually cleaned about as well as the regular cleaner does… but it took half the time it takes her. At that moment it was clear to me that my daughter expected to not only receive the full rate the professional cleaner receives even when she took less time. I was confused. I ended up giving her the full amount and immediately regretted it. Call me conservative, but I don’t think children should receive the same hourly rate as an adult… and as I watched those words come through my fingers onto the computer screen, I cringe. Isn’t that the whole point of abolishing child labor? Then again, and back to the former point, I don’t think my 11-year-old should make the hourly equivalent of an $80,000 annual salary. I justWhateverdon’t. happened to the days of $5 chores… or $5 per hour chores? One person in my informal poll said minimum wage was the least she’d consider paying. Even that rate made me feel as though I cannot afford for my own child to work for me. What has the world comeOthersto? in the informal poll said kids don’t get paid at all to do chores. Their payment is being allowed to live for free. Clearly the more affordable offer, but more complaining. I like complaining less than I like directing chores that don’t get done. At the end of day, this whole scenario seems more like a conversation about boundaries and expectations than one about what anyone’s time is worth or what any particular chore is worth, anyway. Probably calls for another informal poll. Time out What's the going rate for chores? LEA HANSON
