RM Parent Magazine | AUGUST | 2023

Road trip: Oregon Trail

SPECIALSECTION: Back-to-School

HEALTH STARTS

DURING CHILDHOOD

R e q u e s t f o r r e s e a r c h p a r t i c i p a n t s !

W H A T I S T H I S S T U D Y

A B O U T ?

R e s e a r c h e r s f r o m t h e H e a l t h a n d E x e r c i s e S c i e n c e D e p t a t C o l o r a d o S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y a r e s t u d y i n g t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n g a r d e n i n g a n d c h i l d h e a l t h b e h a v i o r s

W H O C A N

P A R T I C I P A T E ?

P a r e n t s o f c h i l d r e n a g e s o f 6 - 1 4 Y o u r f a m i l y d o e s n o t n e e d t o g a r d e n t o p a r t i c i p a t e !

W H A T W I L L I B E

A S K E D T O D O ?

Y o u w i l l b e a s k e d t o c o m p l e t e a s u r v e y a b o u t y o u r c h i l d ’ s p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y , d i e t a n d g a r d e n i n g a c t i v i t i e s T h e s u r v e y w i l l t a k e 1 0 - 1 5 m i n u t e s t o c o m p l e t e

R V E Y ?

S c a n t h e Q R c o d e !

F o r q u e s t i o n s , c o n t a c t A s h l e y

P e r r a u l t : ( 9 7 0 ) 8 2 9 - 1 9 1 2 a s h l e y p e r r a u l t @ c o l o s t a t e e d u

18 A calm start to a new school year

Anxiety and excitement are common at the start of the school year. Talk about your child’s stressors and make a plan to lessen stress. Recognize when anxiety is out of control and seek help if needed.

It’s that odd time

SUMMER WAS A LITTLE LATE getting here! I didn’t mind all the rain in June. In fact, I welcomed it and enjoyed the moderate temperatures, especially because, sometimes, June can turn hot early. Somehow, though, it seems like summer didn’t really get going until early July and that makes the summer seem shorter.

And now we’re at the time when we’re still enjoying summer but looking at back-to-school time right around the corner. Sometimes it feels a little split in our minds. We want to live the endless summer, but we also are starting to plan for those days back in the classroom.

Much of life reflects that dichotomy. We want to be free, and we want to be secure. We want to be healthy, and we want that big bowl of ice cream too. We want that pet dog and we don’t want to clean up after it, feed it and pay vet bills.

I’m not ready to go down the rabbit hole of how to have it all, but I will posit that being happy right now oddly enough helps us to be happy in the future. Good presents lead to good futures. Enjoy the moment and plan for tomorrow, but don’t let some vague dread of what might happen get in the way of your present peace of mind.

This issue threads that not-so-tiny needle. We have a couple of excursion stories to help you wrap up your summer with a bang. Theresa Baer offers a travel guide of what to do in Colorado Springs for a day or three while Katie Harris takes us on another trip, this time to the Oregon Trail in Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa. And for little adventures and activities all month long, check out our calendar of events.

When you turn your mind to back-to-school, Lynn Nichols helps you prepare your child for the natural stress that happens whether your little student is excited or reluctant to return to school. Lea Hanson offers some ideas of products that might help you be prepared.

So let’s get out there and help our kids enjoy the final days of summer even as school looms. It’s good practice for life to learn to enjoy the moment even though life in general tends to be untidy, complicated and sometimes downright hard.

Soak it up, Scott

PUBLISHER

Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

EDITOR

Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com

COVER PHOTO istock photo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson

Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING

PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com

Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2023 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:

Make dental hygiene fun

APART FROM THE more obvious health benefits, early dental care helps ensure that your kids will continue to visit the dentist on a regular basis as they grow up. Regular dental appointments starting at an early age give children ample opportunity to get used to the process. This will help them feel less anxiety about their oral care and will keep their teeth healthier. As your children mature into teens, and then adults, they’ll view visiting the dentist as a positive experience. After all, adults who have had consistent, positive dental care as children are far more likely to continue that habit throughout life.

Brushing and flossing

START BY USING A soft child-size toothbrush around the age of 1 or 2. The Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies (https://www.rockieskidsdds.com/) says, “Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean the gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as the first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You most likely can find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore.”

Your child will probably need help brushing their teeth until they are 7 or 8 years old. Around this time, they can start using a larger sized toothbrush. You should switch out toothbrushes every three to six months or when the bristles look worn. Children should brush their teeth for two minutes. Flossing is another key part of your child’s oral care routine. People of all ages should floss once a day.

Make it fun with these tips:

• Let children help choose their own toothbrush. They can pick a favorite color or character.

• Let children help choose toothpaste. They can pick their favorite flavor.

• Read books or watch videos that talk about dental hygiene.

• Use a timer to make sure kids brush their teeth for two minutes. Or play their favorite song to help keep track of time.

• Reward children for good oral care. Do not give them food or sugary treats. Offer something healthy or simple instead, like apple slices or a gold star.

• Plan a fun activity following your child’s dentist visit.

Cavities

CAVITIES ARE HOLES that form in your teeth. These can occur when bacteria (germs) build up in the mouth. Sugar in food and drinks turn into acid, which eats away at the teeth. Cavities are common in children because their teeth are more difficult to brush. Some people are at greater risk for cavities. Your child may be one of them if they:

• Have white spots or brown areas on their teeth.

• Have ongoing special health care needs.

• Do not go to the dentist often.

• Were born early (premature) or had a low birth weight.

Diet

KIDS WHO EAT a lot of sugary foods and drinks also are at high risk for cavities. It is important to make healthy food choices for many reasons, and oral care is one of them. Too much sugar is bad for health and for teeth. Kids—especially those just starting to care for their own teeth— should not to have a lot of soda, fruit juice, or sweetened drinks in general. Limit sweet snacks and drinks between meals.

ON SPRING CREEK!

BLOOM AT THE

» Explore 12 acres of curated botanic gardens

» Visit our tropical Butterfly House with 300+ North American butterflies

» Visit the largest collection of cold hardy cacti in the area

» Perfect your techniques with our gardening classes

» Stretch your limbs with yoga and tai chi

Wrap up summer fun in Colorado Springs

Natural sights

• CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

On a mountainside overlooking Colorado Springs, discover more than 750 animals including 30 species of endangered animals in innovative exhibits and with up-close experiences and animal demos. Advanced tickets required. www.cmzoo.org

• MANITOU SPRINGS CLIFF DWELLINGS

Walk through the fascinating architecture of the ancient indigenous people and browse cultural displays overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs. www. cliffdwellingsmuseum.com

• GARDEN OF THE GODS

Formed 300 million years ago, the 1,367-acre park and its rock formations are a true natural wonder. Drive through or park and hike. Park and Visitor & Nature Center are free and offer insider tips on best trails, maps, food/refreshments. gardenofgods.com

• PIKES PEAK

Drive the 19 miles of highway or ride the scenic cog railway to the summit of one of Colorado’s Fourteeners with breathtaking views.

• ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE & PARK (AND RAILROAD)

Walk the 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet over the Arkansas River across this world-famous bridge. Additional thrills include family-friendly guided climbing, a skycoaster and zip line. Another option is to journey through the canyon right on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. royalgorgebridge.com

Attractions & Activities

• ADVENTURES OUT WEST

Check out premier recreation including zip lines, Jeep tours, balloon rides and Segway, bike, hike tours. advoutwest.com

• CAVE OF THE WINDS MOUNTAIN PARK

Tour caves and/or experience activities and rides from mild to wild like rock climbing, zip lining or free-fall drops into the canyon. caveofthewinds.com

• COLORADO WOLF & WILDLIFE CENTER

Tour the home to wolves, coyotes and foxes. Each live and thrive in large wooded enclosures. www.wolfeducation.org

• GREAT WOLF LODGE & WATERPARK

Attractions, entertainment and lodging under one roof. www.greatwolf.com

• NORTH POLE – SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Museums

• GHOST TOWN MUSEUM

Relive the racy days of the Old West when miners dug for gold and cowboys rode the range at this reconstructed ghost town and museum. www.ghosttownmuseum.com

• NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WORLD WAR II AVIATION

Learn the story of tremendous technological advancements in aviation during WWII and the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who won the air war. www.worldwariiaviation.org

• PETERSON AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Peruse artifacts of aviation and space inquiry of Peterson Air Force Base and the United States Air Force in Colorado’s oldest aviation museum. petemuseum.org

Nestled in the Colorado forest at the base of Pike’s Peak, all ages will find fun amusement park rides, shopping and Christmas cheer during summer, fall and the holiday season. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. northpolecolorado.com

• PRORODEO HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM OF AMERICAN COWBOYS

Explore artifacts, displays and memorabilia showcasing the history, culture and practices of professional rodeo and the American cowboy. www.prorodeohalloffame.com

• SPACE FOUNDATION DISCOVERY CENTER

See various space artifacts and experience interactive exhibits of our solar system, space missions, weather, geography and more in the region’s first and only space, science and technology attraction. discoverspace.org

• U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM

Experience inspirational stories of Team USA athletes since the Games began with interactive exhibits and learn about training and science/technology’s role in athlete performance. usopm.org

Back-to-school essentials—Snack, organize, deodorize

Reusable lunch and snack bags

Buy from: Any Target

As interest in sustainable living grows, more people are switching to reusable straws, reusable water bottles and reusable produce bags. Another easy and popular swap to help cut down on single-use plasticis to use reusable lunch bags for your sandwiches and snacks. While these type of snack bags are available many places, this specific set is BPA free, lead free & phthalate free. They are waterproof, leakproof, air-tight, freezersafe, and they actually “click” when you seal them. Five-pack includes (1) stand-up 1-cup bags in each of these colors: red,

Shoe Deodorizer Balls

Buy from: Scheels, 4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Johnstown Does your kiddo have stinky shoes? Gift their gym or school locker neighbor with Gear Bombs Shoe Deodorizer Balls. With their natural deodorizing properties, these deodorizer balls will keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean all day. The unique design of the balls allows them to fit perfectly in any shoe size, and they are made from a special blend of essential oils and natural ingredients that are both safe and effective. Unlike other shoe deodorizers that use synthetic fragrances, our deodorizing balls use only natural ingredients to keep your shoes smelling great.

Magnetic Fridge Activity & Chore Chart

Buy from: Any Walmart

A magnetic fridge board your family can use year after year is essential for families managing all family member’s activities and commitments. This chart is durable and tearresistant and stays firmly on your fridge. No bubbles or bending, adding just the right touch of order to those daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities. Color-coded sections, and multi-colored markers make it easy to spy activities by person with a quick glance. This set includes two magnetic chore chart boards and one small magnetic board!

WE TREAT KIDS FOR: Allergies, digestion, mood disorders, stress and more using a gentle, non-needle technique

Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic

The Oregon Trail—Explore Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa

THIS MONTH, EXPLORE pioneer life as you follow a section of the Oregon Trail through Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa.

Day 3: Day 1:

Our trip begins in Guernsey, WY, just 2.5 hours north of Fort Collins, where you’ll find five-foot wagon ruts cut into the sandstone—evidence of the pioneer’s travel through the area nearly two centuries ago (www.nps.gov/oreg/planyourvisit/ oregon-trail-ruts-historic-site.htm). Just down the road, visit Register Cliff, where hundreds of nineteenth century emigrants carved their names into the soft limestone cliffs (www.nps.gov/places/000/register-cliff-historic-site.htm).

From there you’ll head north to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum in Douglas, WY, home to hundreds of fascinating nineteenth century artifacts (wyoparks.wyo.gov/ index.php/places-to-go/wyoming-pioneer-museum). Douglas is also where you’ll catch US-20—the highway you’ll continue on for the rest of your trip across the Oregon Trail.

Next, it’s on to the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Fort Robinson State Park, where Sioux Chief, Crazy Horse, was killed 150 years ago. The park is now an epicenter for historical education, boasting multiple museums along with a playhouse and stagecoach rides by reservation (https://bit.ly/3pTc2kQ).

Chadron, NE is where you’ll make camp for the night. It’s also home to the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center (sandozcenter.com/) and Museum of the Fur Trade (www.furtrade.org/).

From Sioux City continue on to Fort Dodge, IA where, not only will you find the Blanden Memorial Art Museum (www. blanden.org/), but you’ll also have the chance to visit the famous “Petrified Man.” The 10-foot-tall Cardiff Giant, was once believed to be a real petrified figure, unearthed in New York in 1869, but was later proven to be a hoax. Regardless, the famous P.T. Barnum kept the figure on display for another 35 years (www. farmersmuseum.org/cardiff-giant/).

Day2:

Three hours east of Chadron you’ll detour north on Norden Road to the Niobrara Valley Preserve. Home to over 50,000 acres of trail system, you’re likely to spot the large herd of bison which calls the valley home while exploring the area (www.nps.gov/places/ niobrara-valley-preserve.htm). Another three hours east on US-20 will take you to Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park, where skeletons of prehistoric three-toed horses, camels and rhinos are preserved perfectly intact thanks to a volcanic eruption 12 million years ago (ashfall.unl.edu/). From there it’s on to Iowa for the home stretch of our Oregon Trail road trip, with our first stop being Sioux City for an overnight stay.

Continue on to Cedar Falls, IA, a quaint town and home to the University of Northern Iowa for a quick bite to eat, then it’s on to Waterloo, IA for a tour of the John Deere Tractor assembly plant (www. deere.com/en/connect-with-john-deere/ visit-john-deere/tractor-and-enginemuseum/). From there you’ll make your way to Quasqueton, IA to visit the Cedar Rock House. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house is one of the few he built containing a signature tile (franklloydwright.org/site/cedar-rocklowell-walter-house/).

What better way to end our journey than at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA, where the famous movie was filmed over 30 years ago? Tours of the field are available daily and guests are free to explore the corn fields surrounding the diamond (www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite. com/). Dyersville is also home to the National Farm Toy Museum (www. nationalfarmtoymuseum.com/) and is a great place to stay before heading back to Colorado the following morning.

New Early Orthodontics Helping Kids to Live a Healthy Life

A silent crisis among children today is having a devastating effect on their physical health and social well-being.

An estimated 80 percent of children have a condition causing at least one of the following symptoms: ADD/ADHD, difficulty in school, restless sleep, delayed or stunted growth, decreased IQ, crowded/crooked teeth, nightmares/ night terrors, aggressive behavior, chronic allergies, swollen adenoids or tonsils, and dark circles under eyes. These conditions have a common thread: chronic reduction of oxygen being delivered to the brain. Undiagnosed & untreated, these children face a life of health problems. We have a proven solution.

Airway orthodontics is a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting not only the alignment of teeth but also the underlying airway issues. It recognizes the crucial role of proper breathing in overall health and wellbeing, particularly in children.

Most children show signs of incorrect dental and facial development at an early age. Two of these children have a mouth-breathing habit and two have an incorrect swallow pattern. They are great candidates for NEO’s New Early Orthodontics program.

An integrative approach

Traditional orthodontics has primarily focused on aligning teeth for aesthetic purposes, often overlooking the underlying causes of malocclusion. Airway orthodontics takes a holistic approach by considering the relationship between dental and facial structures, jaw development, and overall health.

Symptoms of airway issues

Airway issues can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms. Some common indicators of airway problems in children include:

Snoring—Persistent snoring, especially accompanied by pauses in breathing, can be a sign of obstructed airflow during sleep.

Mouth breathing—Children who consistently breathe through their mouths rather than their noses may have difficulty with nasal congestion or airway obstruction.

Daytime fatigue—Chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance may result from disrupted sleep due to airway issues.

Sleep disturbances—Restless sleep, frequent waking, night sweats, or bedwetting can be linked to sleep-disordered breathing.

ADHD-like symptoms—Airway problems may mimic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, including impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.

Facial abnormalities—Underdeveloped jaws, recessed chins, open bites, or crowded teeth can be indicative of airway issues.

Key components

Diagnosis and screening: Dentists and orthodontists trained in airway orthodontics carefully evaluate a child’s dental and medical history, conduct comprehensive examinations, and may utilize advanced diagnostic tools like cephalometric X-rays or 3D imaging to assess airway patency and function.

Early intervention: Early detection and intervention are crucial in airway orthodontics. Identifying and treating airway issues in childhood can help guide jaw growth, promote proper breathing, and potentially prevent more severe problems later in life.

Non-invasive treatments: Airway orthodontics emphasizes non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches whenever possible. Orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or myofunctional devices, are used to guide jaw growth, widen the dental arches, and improve nasal breathing.

Life-changing benefits

Airway orthodontics has the potential to transform lives by addressing the underlying causes of airway issues. Schedule a consultation at neosmiles.com today for a full airway and orthodontics evaluation.

Make a plan to lower stress

A calm start

THE START OF SCHOOL IS right around the corner. With it comes a lot of positives for your kids – reuniting with friends, getting to know new teachers, enjoying fall sports and growing up. It can also bring school anxiety – a common feeling of butterflies in the stomach and a mild desire to squirm out of your skin.

“Excitement and anxiety can feel a lot alike in the body. If your child gives you a cue – like saying their stomach hurts –take it and dig deeper,” says Heidi Kalak with Heidi Kalak

Counseling, LLC, in Fort Collins. “The new school year brings a lot of unknowns and anxiety exists in unknown places.”

Anxiety with starting school is common, even among kids who are ready to dive in. Here are some tips to make the transition to school a smoother one.

Talk about their worries

Kids tend to label anxiety as a feeling that something’s wrong or a feeling of being out of control. If you notice signs of anxiety – bad sleep, stressful dreams, anger, irritability, emotional outbursts, and trouble

focusing – ask your child or teen if they are worried and help explore why. If their worry is school-related, start talking.

“Help kids label their feelings and normalize what it’s like to feel anxiety,” Kalak says. “You can say, ‘It looks like you are feeling nervous. Do you want to talk about it?”

Also, share a time when you were nervous to start school, or something else as a child or adult. Describe how you were feeling and how you got the courage to do what you needed to do – and how it turned out well.

Lynn U Nichols

to a new school year

Pay extra attention during transition years

The hardest years to start school is often the transition years between elementary and middle school, and middle school to high school. With the first, kids need to get used to a whole new setup. They will have several teachers and classrooms instead of one, all in a new school with new kids, many of them older. It means getting used to a locker and navigating the crowded hallways between classes. Starting a brand new school is akin to you starting a new job. You don’t know what kind of people you will meet, whether or not you will fit in and how.

“Your child’s brain might want to focus on everything outside of their control, but that’s not helpful because they don’t know what that is. Instead, help them focus on what they can control – a good night’s sleep, attending orientation, an organized backpack,” Kalak advises.

If your child is starting a new school, help them feel more comfortable by visiting the school ahead of time. A couple weeks before school starts, talk about the routine. Help them map out their day by talking through each small transition in the flow of their day. If you can, visit the school and physically walk the route with your child between classes, locker, lunch room and hallways. Also, encourage them to recruit a friend to walk

in together on the first day, and a plan to meet for lunch.

Validate their feelings

While you want your child to be okay, resist rushing in and telling them that it will be okay or to simply calm down.

“Doing so can feel like you are dismissing their feelings. It sends the message that starting school is not a big deal, but it is to them. When kids can’t talk about their feelings, they tend to stuff them away where they fester and build into bigger anxiety,” Kalak says.

Also, try not to put a lot of pressure on your kids over grades and performance. Let them get settled before placing any kind of expectations on them. If your child is extra anxious, connect them to the school counselor and let his or her teacher know your child’s concerns. Remind them that if they have emotional needs at school, they can ask an adult for help.

Plan ahead for less stress

Planning helps reduce stress, and kids need to be taught how to plan ahead. It’s okay to coach them, by saying, ‘So you have a tournament and a test next week, when can you find time to study?’ Don’t be afraid to pull out the calendar. Sleep is also an important way to reduce stress. If your child knows they will be home late from the tournament, they can go to bed early a few nights leading up to it.

Poor sleep really takes its toll, especially on teenagers.

Recognize when anxiety is out of control

Every one of us feels stress and anxiety at some level, but when it starts getting in the way of other parts of life, that’s when it becomes a problem. If your child is stressed but seems to be managing it, then it’s probably okay. But when things change—your child doesn’t see friends anymore or appears worried all the time—that can mean stress has gotten out of control.

The tricky thing about stress and anxiety is that people can hide it well. Sometimes, they are not even aware of the level of stress they are carrying themselves. That’s why it’s good to keep an eye out for telltale signs of stress advancing toward anxiety or depression.

The main sign of depression is a change in behavior. If your child is doing things that are not typical—say they are more grumpy than usual, getting frequent headaches, or saying they don’t want to go to school—these are signs that stress may be overwhelming them. Other signs

of advanced anxiety or depression are aches and pains that come out of nowhere, stomachaches, headaches, irritability, looking exhausted and down in the dumps. Anxiety may look like grades slipping or a new habit of skipping school. If your child is showing these signs, actively explore what’s going on and seek help if you are concerned.

Back-to-School with

The Dream Starts Here!

2023 School Kickoff Community Celebration

be required for students to receive free meals.

ASDU REGISTER FOR ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES (MS & HS FAMILIES)

Information regarding athletics and activities at the middle school and high school level, including registration information for each school can be found online.

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION, ASDU

Attend Registration Event (MS & HS Families)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the 10th annual School Kickoff Community Celebration, to be held in the Event Center at Island Grove Regional Park. This annual event provides highquality backpacks and school supplies for 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. Help us celebrate the beginning of the

2023-2024 school year by attending the School Kickoff Community Celebration! We can’t wait to see you!

August 5th, 2023, Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Avenue, 9am-12pm

SCHOOL START DATES

First Day of School:

• Grades 9th-12th:

August 14

• Grades 1st-8th with Last Name A – L: August 14

• Grades 1st-8th with Last Name M – Z: August 15

• Kindergarten with Last Name A – L: August 17

• Kindergarten with Last Name M – Z: August 18

ASDU ANNUAL STUDENT DATA UPDATE (ALL FAMILIES)

In order to ensure that we have the most current information on file for all

students, we are asking all current D6 families to review and update the information we have on file annually. This online process replaces paper forms you’ve received in previous years for each student and will cover all students in your household at once. Families new to Greeley-Evans, please visit ADMISSIONS online to register new students.

NOTE: Requests for transportation will now be accepted as part of this process.

MEAL BENEFITS

ASDU Apply for Meal Benefits (All Families)

D6 will be participating in the Colorado Healthy Meals for All program beginning in the 2023-24 school year to provide free meals for all students. No application will

Look for communication from your student’s school with more information on registration days. Not all schools will have an in-person event. Tasks may include Schedule pickup Student photos and ID badges Any other schoolspecific registration tasks

2023-24 FALL REGISTRATION

Greeley-Evans School District 6 Admissions

1025 9th Ave, Greeley, CO (970) 348-6062

admissions@greeleyschools.org

STUDENT DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY ACT

Greeley-Evans School District 6 holds data privacy and security in high regard and takes action to ensure that our students’ data is handled securely in compliance with the Colorado Student Data Transparency and Security Act (HB 16-1423) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

AUGUST 25-26, 2023 | THE BIERGARTEN

FIRST 500 REGISTERED RIDERS RECEIVE FREE RIDE SHIRT - REGISTER TODAY!

Register today for kindergarten in PSD

a longer day.

• Drive, walk or ride the new route to school.

• Discuss the new school schedule and expectations for eating, playing, learning and other classroom activities.

• Go to the library to check out children’s books that talk about kindergarten (“The Night Before Kindergarten,” “Ms. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” and other back-toschool titles your librarian suggests).

Consider logistical changes

IT’S NEVER TOO early to start planning for a bright future.

In Poudre School District, we foster the educational, social and emotional growth of kindergarteners in an environment that intertwines academics and enrichment activities.

Kindergarten is an exciting and important first step on your little one’s educational journey. In PSD, you’ll find students are supported by caring teachers and staff and welcoming, safe and collaborative school and classroom cultures that let them explore, experience and evolve.

With 33 elementary schools in Poudre School District, including

options for International Baccalaureate; Core Knowledge; dual immersion; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); projectbased learning; and much more, there’s something for every child.

Your family is part of our community. You belong in PSD.

Enrollment is open for the 2023-24 school year.

Visit www.PSDschools.org today to get started on your soon-to-be kindergartener’s bright future.

Count Down to Kindergarten

Many children spend time in preschool or daycare before entering kindergarten, while others do not. There is no right or wrong way for a child to

prepare. Rest assured that our Poudre School District kindergarten teachers are highly trained and skilled at meeting each child’s needs, no matter what step they’re on in their learning journey.

Here are some activities to help your child get ready and excited for kindergarten!

Practice new routines

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 5and 6-year-olds need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Here are some tips to help with the transition:

• Have set wake-up and sleep times each day.

• Lengthen the day without naps—there is no nap time in full-day kindergarten, and your child needs to be prepared for

• Will your child need to leave earlier or later in the morning? Will there be a bus? Will you drive or walk to school? How will kindergarten change your family’s existing schedule?

Start a “countdown” calendar to build excitement for the first day of kindergarten

• Make a paper chain representing the days until school begins. Remove a link each day to make the passage of time real to your child.

• Or, use a calendar and mark off each day with the first day of school highlighted with fun colors, shapes and/or stickers. For more activities, visit qrco.de/psdkguide to download PSD’s free guide, “How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten.”

Camp X-Stream

AS ANOTHER YEAR OF Thompson School District’s Camp X-Stream ended in June, teachers and administrators are celebrating the success of the popular program. Camp X-Stream allows elementary and middle school students to extend their learning into the summer with fun projects and a summer camp-style setting.

Jodi Wardlow, a TSD student success coach and restorative practice specialist, says her team is very proud of the program, which this year served around 850 TSD students at four sites. Camp X-Stream is free to all participants, who attend one-, two-, or three-week sessions based on grade level. According to Jodi, putting together a program like Camp X-Stream involves many months of planning by multiple staff

members leading up to summer break.

“Our goal Is to engage kids to get excited about learning,” Jodi says. “For this type of program, teachers can be more creative and explore the elements of science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math.”

Some of the elementary class themes include Robotics Aquatics, Robot Pet Vet, and Duck Chuck, among many others.

According to Sierra Espinoza, a Learning Services technician who helps plan Camp X-Stream each year, program organizers decided to use a new elementary curriculum this year that provides activity kits for each student.

“The kits come with everything the students need for the class,” Sierra

says, explaining how the process allows planners to streamline class preparation by distributing kids more efficiently to each school.

For middle school students, the classes are designed by TSD staff, and this year included topics such as cooking, engineering and stop-motion animation.

“We want it to feel more like a camp,” Sierra says of both levels of the program, adding that the goal is to provide more hands-on learning with smaller class sizes.

Camp X-Stream implements most of the same services provided during the school year, and the instructors for the program are teachers from within TSD, as well as some from neighboring districts.

Brittany Trimbath, a 10-year veteran teacher

at Namaqua Elementary, teaches a kindergarten/ first-grade class there for Camp X-Stream, and says she loves the creative play involved in the program.

“Camp X-Stream is very different from the school year because it allows more time for exploration,” she says.

“The camp allows kids to learn from each other and discover new ideas. There are no wrong answers!”

Camp X-Stream was designed to provide summer engagement for students while allowing them to meet students from other schools and make new friends.

Jodi says the feedback from families has been really good, and TSD plans to continue the program as long as possible.

“It’s an opportunity to reach kids in a different way,” she says.

Lemonade Day, bookmobile, free period products and new alert tool

a cost of approximately $13,000 to provide complete coverage of all middle and high schools.

ADDITIONAL NOCOALERT TOOL

HAVE YOU MET EVIE, THE MOBILE LIBRARY?

Evie is not only Colorado’s but also the Rocky Mountain region’s first all-electric mobile library or bookmobile with a colorful mural exterior and zero emissions for healthier air. She measures 20 feet long and 11 feet tall and delivers library materials and services to communities across northern Colorado. She carries approximately 1,500 books and audiobooks and offers library card sign-up, checkout/return of materials, printing, Wi-Fi hotspots and more. She focuses 70 percent of her time on early childhood literacy, 20 percent on older adults and the last 10 percent on special events. You can learn more about how she runs and find locations of her upcoming travels at www.poudrelibraries.org/ locations/mobile-library.

BERTHOUD LEMONADE DAY TEACHES YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Saturday, August 26 is Lemonade Day in Berthoud, a fun free learning program teaching youth how to start and operate their own lemonade stand. According to their website, “Each child that registers receives access to the Lemonade Day curriculum that teaches them lessons like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community. Along the way, they acquire skills in goal-setting, problem solving, and gain selfesteem critical for future success. They keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some.” Any adult can get involved as a mentor to help lead a child through the lessons. Learn more and register at lemonadeday.org/Berthoud.

PERIOD PRODUCTS IN LOVELAND SCHOOLS

Thompson School District (TSD) is expanding a program distributing free period products like tampons and pads to all TSD middle and high schools this coming year. A pilot program, initiated by nonprofit Grace Upon Grace, took place at select Loveland schools in 2022, and according to the nonprofit’s executive director, TSD administrators, nurses and custodians, the program resulted in less class time missed for menstruating students and fewer embarrassing moments asking staff or classmates for products or walking to the nurse’s office. In the pilot test, Grace Upon Grace donated the dispensers and products. With the expansion, Grace Upon Grace will donate approximately 80 dispensers and TSD will provide the products at

Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA911) provides the NOCOALERT Emergency Alert System, which serves all communities in Larimer and Jackson Counties, as well as the Windsor Severance Fire Protection District in Weld County. According to their website, LETA911 has partnered with Deaf Link “to provide the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) which will send accessible alert messages to registered residents who are Deaf, Blind, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf / Blind” in American Sign Language (ASL) and English voice and text which are easily accessed by Braille capable devices. Learn more about AHAS and sign up to receive them at leta. ahasalerts.com. To learn more about and sign up for the overall NOCOALERT Emergency Alert System, visit leta911.org.

Photo courtesy poudrelibraries.org

Community Calendar

August events

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

THROUGH AUGUST 23

One Sweet Summer Event Series

Live music concerts on Wednesdays, kids’ days, fitness classes, ice cream festival, more. Foundry Plaza, downtownLV. www.downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer

FRIDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15

Greeley Friday Fest

Free live music, fire spinners bubbles, balloons, more. 9th Street Plaza, downtown GR. www.DowntownGreeley.com

AUGUST 4 THROUGH 8

Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo

Live music, carnival, 4H events and rodeo. The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/ events/larimer-county-fair

AUGUST 11 THROUGH 13

Rocky Mountain Irish Gathering Festival

Entertainment, Irish storytelling, historical/ cultural/art exhibits and booths, food trucks. Lincoln Center, FC. www.lctix.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Poudre RiverFest

Family-friendly celebration promoting restoration and education about the river corridor. New Belgium Brewing Company, FC. www.poudreriverfest.org

Monster DayGR.eeley

Celebrate monsters in a positive way encouraging imagination/creativity with music, art, food and costumes. Downtown GR. www.monsterdaygreeley.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Kids Daze at Loveland

Farmers Market

Kid Entrepreneur Market with activities and games. Fairgrounds Park, LV. www. Lovgov.org/ farmersmarket

ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 10

Family FunPlex Concert Series

Bring picnic dinner and chairs/blankets for family-friendly live music. Family FunPlex outdoor amphitheater,GR. www.greeleyrec.com/ the-family-funplex-concertseries-is-back

THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 17

Windsor Summer Concert Series

Live music and food trucks. Boardwalk Park, WS. www.recreationliveshere. com/219/Summer-ConcertSeries

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21

Lyric Outdoor Movies

Enjoy classic blockbusters to indie gems under the stars. The Lyric, FC. www.lyriccinema.com/ outdoor-movies

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23

Live at The Gardens Summer Concert Series

Old Crow Medicine Show; Pink Martini; Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder; WAR. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens/ concerts

AUGUST 4, SEPTEMBER 3

Windsor Movies in the Park Bring your lawn chairs for free outdoor shows. Various parks, WS. www.recreationliveshere. com/217/Movies-in-the-Park

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

Campfire at Nix—Canines of Colorado

Enjoy a campfire, s’mores and learn about Colorado canines including the gray wolf. Nix Farm (Natural Areas Office), FC. www.fcgov.com/events

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Astronomy & Skygazing: Animals Need Dark Skies

Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

All You Need is Ice Cream and Friends!

Enjoy the Library LIMO and treats. Westside Park, LV. www.lovlib.org/events

THERESA BAER

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Free Admission Day at the Loveland Museum

Expore Medieval to Metal-The Art and Evolution of the Guitar exhibit. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum. org/programs-events

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

SWAY (Supporting Women and Youth) International Dance Festival

Family-friendly presentation of various dance styles benefitting Alternatives to Violence, Loveland. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, FC. www.lctix.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

History That Doesn’t Suck

Armed with a guitar and a sense of humor, Greg Jackson will have you reconsidering that dreaded school subject. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Australia & New Zealand: A Cultural Experience

Family-friendly activities, traditional Australian music, giveaways, drawings, and travel information. Global Village Museum,FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

Skygazing Northern Colorado Astronomical Society volunteers provide telescopes and share knowledge of stars, planets, galaxies, etc. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

ACTIVE-ITIES

THROUGH AUGUST 10

Loveland Parks & Recreation Mobile Recreation Trailer Fun, free non-competitive sport and rec activities for youth/families. Various LV. parks. lovgov.org/PRevents

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 9

Family Nights at Discovery Bay Evening hours at the outdoor waterpark. Discovery Bay Waterpark, GR. www.greeleyrec.com/events

THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 10

Wibit Obstacle Course at Centennial Pool

Test your ninja skills on the Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Centennial Pool, GR. www.greeleyrec.com/events

THROUGH AUGUST

Healthy Kids Run Series

One-mile run on or onyour-own runs. FC, GR, LV. www.uchealth.org/services/ community-health/healthykids/run-series

AUGUST 4 & 5

Family Art Challenge: 360 Degrees of Fun

Families create a piece of art to display at the library.

Clearview Library, WS.

https://clearview.libnet.info/ event/8570155

AUGUST 4 & 5

Choice City Running Festival: Mountain Avenue Mile & Human Race

All ages/abilities can walk, jog or run one-mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon events, activities, food/beverage. Old Town, FC.

www.choicecityrunning.com

Additional programs available through local recreation departments:

Estes Park: https://evrpd. colorado.gov/recreation

Fort Collins: www.fcgov. com/recreation

Greeley: https://greeleyrec. com

Loveland: www.LovGov.org/ ActivityGuide

Windsor: www.recreation liveshere.com/160/Activity-Guide

Schooling in the world of school choice

THERE ARE TWO KINDS of parents in the world: those who kiss their kids goodbye at the bus stop and send them on their way to the neighborhood school, where a quality education, local extracurricular opportunities, and friends who are also neighbors await them; and then there are the overthinkers. If you’re anything like me, you fall into the latter group.

Unlike those relaxed parents who simplify life by taking the same tried and true approach to schooling that our parents, grandparents and generations before them took, we like to complicate things. Thanks to Colorado’s School Choice law, that’s not hard to do!

Here in Colorado, you could send your student to the neighborhood school. Or, you could apply to send him to one of the many other schools in your local district. Or, you could even sign him up for a school in a neighboring city. You could drive him all the way to Denver if you were really ambitious. Don’t forget the charter school option! And of course, there’re always private schools if you’re willing to shell out the extra bucks. For those who prefer the “alternative” approach, homeschooling and online schooling are options as well.

So how does your runof-the-mill overthinking,

borderline-obsessive parent narrow down the options to determine which fit is best for her budding star student? With so many criteria to base the decision on, it can feel nearly impossible.

Do you suck it up and deal with the added drive time to send him to the top ranked academic school in the state? Send him to a school where he already has a friend group? One where the homework load is known for being manageable? Perhaps you pick the school with the best baseball program. Or the STEM school for your young science enthusiast.

You could roll the dice. Flip a coin. Ask friends for advice or take to social media for peer reviews. At the end of the day, though, there’s just no real way of knowing which school will provide the best experience for your unique child.

As a mom of four, three of whom are schoolaged, we’ve run the gamut. My oldest two started kindergarten at our neighborhood school. When our town’s population exploded and class sizes grew exponentially, we switched to homeschooling where we happily fieldtripped our days away through the remainder of elementary school.

When the kids reached middle school my husband and I sent them off to a charter school, having sworn we’d never attempt to teach them at that level. But it wasn’t long before the charter school proved to be too little a challenge. The kids grew bored and asked to transfer to a school in a neighboring city. We tried that for a year until the marathon drive coupled with a massive amount of nightly homework burnt

us out, and we returned to homeschooling where, for the moment, we happily remain. Have we found the perfect fit? We don’t know!

As we start the schooling journey with our younger kids, we’re even more baffled by where to send them than we were the first time around.

I do know this though: our oldest two are happy, smart, typical teenagers. Their friends who have attended the neighborhood school since the beginning are happy, smart, typical teenagers. Their friends who attend private school are happy, smart, typical teenagers. And based on the evidence so far, as they wrap up their final years of high school, they’ll all grow up to be happy, smart, productive adults regardless of the schooling journey they took to get there.

AUGUST 5TH

SEPTEMBER

16TH

i25 & HWY 34 | Loveland, CO

CONCOURS DE PROMENADE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH | 10AM - 3PM | MAIN PLAZA

A cars and coffee festival you won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience as we join forces with Northern Colorado Cars & Coffee to bring you an extraordinary day with the most exquisite cars in town. Prepare to be captivated by thrilling competitions, exhilarating games and giveaways, all while enjoying exclusive discounts at your favorite stores and restaurants. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

THE WILD ZONE AT WILD WONDERFUL WEEKEND

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH | 1PM - 5PM | MAIN PLAZA

Celebrating Colorado’s first wildlife habitat community - Centerra! Unleash your wild side and explore Colorado’s local ecosystems. Discover the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices while getting hands-on with animals, nature exhibits, crafts, obstacle courses, and a rock wall. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

ThePromenadeShopsAtCenterra.com

Scan the QR code to discover our upcoming events.