RMParent September 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016 • RMPARENT.COM

Sports

manship and

life lessons

5 SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS

TOILET READY REGION’S

BEST

FAMILY CALENDAR!

SPECIAL SECTION:

CONTACT SPORTS

Concussion risks vs. rewards HIT THE

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SETEMBER 2016

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

Parents gone wild—What do we hope our kids learn from playing sports?

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 No more diapers—five signs your toddler is toilet ready

Special Sections AFTHE TER

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AFTER THE BELL BELL

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Explore the possibilities for this fall and see what programs these providers have for your families.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Giddy up—saddle up and enjoy the scenery

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

Shuffle those cards—and deal up some family fun

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 What I want for my kids—find it here in northern Colorado

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . 16 Packing a lunch—plan healthful meals and reduce waste this school year

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

ADVERTISI NG SUPPLEME NT

Features 18 BEYOND SPORTSMANSHIP

Competing in sports is a great way to teach life lessons. Rather than condoning rude, selfcentered behavior from athletes as “just part of the game,” coaches and parents should use competition to teach lessons on how to be a good sport, which basically boils down to being kind.

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Creativity—your child’s most important tool

School District News Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 School Kickoff Celebration a great success, District 6 welcomes back employees with lunch event

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PSD calendar of events, Here Comes the Bus app, Latino students find community, develop skills at youth leadership program, PSD and CSU celebrate 25 years of school-supply partnership

20 CONCUSSION

REPERCUSSIONS

There has been a lot of media attention lately on concussions. As a parent, it may have you wondering if contact sports are worth the risk for your kids. There’s no right or wrong answer to that question but whatever you decide, learn about the signs and risks of concussions.

Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 High Plains School opens, meet Ferguson High’s new principal, Edmondson Elementary hosts block party and fair, Loveland High teacher recognized by Boettcher Foundation

Lunchbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

ABOUT THE COVER: Bethany, 4, likes singing and dancing, riding her bike, and playing with her cats, doggie and horses. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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perspective Parents gone wild

What do we hope our kids learn from sports?

O

ur kids grew up playing team sports, as do many kids. They had sports camps in the summers and played on teams—soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse. When Andy went out for football in 7th grade, we thought it was his way of rebelling. We were never what you might call a sports family—we didn’t watch sports on TV, we didn’t have sports heroes…no posters, no man cave with a big-screen TV. So when we found ourselves for the first time on the sidelines at a 7th-grade football game we were a little shell-shocked. It was great though. The kids played hard and the coaches cared. Over the years I saw so much great stuff on the field…from players and coaches.

I was a little worried about the parents though. Here are two little stories. The first was at a 7th-grade football game. The team’s star running back got his bell rung on a play and came stumbling off the field. The coach asked him how he was doing and he mumbled something nearly incoherent.

That’s when his dad yelled, “Cowboy up, son,” followed by, “Put him in, coach, he’s ready to play.”

I thought, you gotta be kidding me. Fortunately, the coaches had the kid sit down and told the father to calm down and to let them coach.

They kept the young athlete out for the rest of the game. Be sure to look at Lynn Nichols feature story about concussions on page 18, by the way.

The second incident occurred after one of Aly’s 9th-grade basketball games. I can’t remember the details but roughly there was a mother from the opposing team who was very angry and tried to start a physical fight with one of our players in a crowded hall. Someone stopped her, but it was an ugly scene anyway.

I saw plenty of other bad parent behavior over the years, from parents getting in coaches faces, to parents publicly shaming their kids, to parents yelling derisive comments at the opposing team. It made me wonder what they hoped that their kids were learning from playing sports.

So what do we hope for our kids as they’re out there competing and being part of team? Take a look at Kim Sharpe’s feature story on page 20 about sportsmanship and how it can be nurtured as lessons for life.

According to her story, it appears that the win-at-all-cost attitude doesn’t foster being fair, honest and respectful, while focusing on mastery and self-improvement helps teach values such as working hard, cooperating, becoming good citizens.

I’m pretty clear where my sentiments lie…

High-five, Scott

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SEPTEMBER 2016 • Volume 21, Issue 4 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn Andy Titterington COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

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

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

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as we grow

No more diapers!

Five signs your toddler is toilet ready LY NN U. NICHOLS

A

s a parent of a baby or toddler, no doubt you are looking forward to the day you can ditch the diapers. The expense to you and the environment alone are reasons enough, but not having to change a dirty diaper ever again is the major win. The trick with toilet training is not letting your anticipation of the finish line motivate you to start too soon. If you try before your child is ready, you set yourself up for relapses and frustration. That’s because toilet training is not really about training, it’s about readiness—and it’s her physical body that decides that. So, how do you know when it’s time?

First, here are the stats: most kids learn to use the toilet between 27 and 33 months of age—but earlier or later is just fine. Some show early interest, but may not have all the physical skills to follow through. Here are the top five signs that your child is ready to use the toilet.

1. GOING AT REGULAR TIMES Toddlers are ready to tackle the toilet when they have regular bowel movements and show signs of holding off the urge to go. Does your toddler wake up dry after a nap or stay dry for hours?

Does he go #2 at fairly consistent times during the day? Does he jump up and down like a jack rabbit, pull at his pants, squat, or make a screwed up face when he needs to go? If so, he may be ready!

2. SHOWS CURIOSITY ABOUT THE TOILET Another part of readiness is when your child has an ah-ha moment when it comes to the toilet. This mental awareness includes knowing that the toilet replaces diapers and that no diaper means dry pants. A sign your child has cleared this mental hurdle occurs if he knows potty talk, like pee, poop, wet, dry, messy, potty, flush. Another sign 8

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is that he’s curious about the toilet and watches or asks questions while you or an older child are using it—let him watch and learn.

3. GIVES PLAY-BY-PLAY OR HIDES Hiding is a sure sign that she is getting the message that when you poop or pee, you go off and do it alone. It’s also a sign that she’s becoming aware of her bodily functions. Also, if she wants to run around naked sometimes, let her— being naked can motivate her to seek out the toilet, but also feeling the pee flow down her leg gives her immediate feedback of how it all works.

4. KNOWS HOW TO UNDRESS Being potty-ready takes a lot of motor skills. A big requirement is if he can pull his pants up and down and climb up on the toilet. Some parents swear by pullups as a gentle move from diapers to underwear, others think they are confusing to kids. To make it work, treat them like

underwear and take your toddler to the bathroom at regular intervals.

5. DISLIKES FEELING WET Is your child starting to tell you that her diaper needs to be changed? Or, is she tugging at her diaper and fussing? Toilet training happens when your child realizes she doesn’t like being wet or soiled. It takes your child’s physical readiness—like being able to hold it—to make it stick.

Once your child seems ready, you can help her by tuning into her patterns and presenting the toilet at key times.

Mornings are often a sure bet. Now’s the time to put a training toilet in the bathroom or her bedroom and letting her know it’s her big girl toilet, but don’t insist that she use it. If she does, give praise. Talk about the potty in a positive way. Read books and watch videos about using the potty. Eventually, she’ll react to your praise and begin using it more frequently. In no time, diaper days will be a thing of the past.

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family activities

Giddy up!

Saddle up and enjoy the scenery KATIE HARRIS

B

efore winter hits, take a trip to the trail for a day of family riding. From Loveland to Livermore to Estes Park and Red Feather Lakes, there are several trail-riding outfitters to be found within an hour of Fort Collins. All ages and experience levels will find something to suit their needs as you experience family horseback riding at its best, here along the beautiful Front Range.

ESTES PARK In Estes Park, well-known Sombrero Ranch offers three locations for riding. The first is the Estes Park Stable, which can be seen on your left as you head into town on Highway 34. The stable hosts one- to four-hour rides, starting at $40. Sombrero’s Moraine Park Stable and Glacier Creek Stable, both in Rocky Mountain National Park host longer rides, from two to ten hours, and prices begin at $55.

Sombrero welcomes riders ages 2 to 4 to ride along with an adult, and riders ages 5 and up can usually ride alone.

For more information or to book your ride, visit www.sombrero.com.

SK Horses has two locations in Estes Park. Cowpoke Corner Corral is located on Highway 66, minutes from downtown, and offers one- to nine-hour rides beginning at $40.

National Park Gateway offers twoto nine-hour rides through Rocky Mountain National Park, beginning at $55. Trail riders must be at least 4 years old, and 10-30 minute junior rides are available for kids under 50 pounds, beginning at $15. Details can be found at www.skhorses.com.

full day, and start at $55. Also available are multiple day ride and camp trips, and the option to bring your own horses. More information on Red Feather Guides and Outfitters can be found at www.redfeatherguides.com.

Also in Red Feather, Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch offers excursions through Roosevelt National Forest, from one hour to full day, and starting at $39. Pony rides are also available for small children at $20 a ride. Overnight rides and dinner rides are also available.

Visit www.beavermeadowsstables.com for details.

RED FEATHER LAKES Red Feather Guides and Outfitters leads trail rides through Colorado State Forest. Trips range from two hours to

LIVERMORE Livermore is home to Western Ridge Resort, where one- to two-hour trail rides start at $35. A large barn is

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available if you prefer to trailer your own horses in, and dinner and overnight stays are provided on site if desired. Trail rides tour the miles of beautiful scenery nearby, including a pond on the property. For more information call 970-482-4401.

LOVELAND Closer to home, Loveland’s Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers one-hour rides and up, for ages 7 and up, beginning at $37.

Shorter rides travel through the wideopen, gentle terrain of the west Loveland area, while longer rides will travel up steeper terrain for ridge-top views, all part of the ranches 3200 acres.

Younger riders can hop on a pony for a $10 lead-around ride. Details can be found online at www.sylvandale.com.

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Teaching Hunter Jumper lessons to riders of all ages!

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learn and live

Shuffle those cards…

And deal up some family fun

KIM SHARPE

Game day

Fun is in the cards at these places and spaces.

Game Day @ Your Library

Third Sunday of each month, 1-5pm Old Town Library 201 Peterson St., Fort Collins 970-221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org

Family Game Night

Friday, September 30, 6-8pm Centennial Park Library 2227 23rd Ave., Greeley 970-506-8600 www.mylibrary.us

Game Night!

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 5-7:30pm Clearview Library, 720 3rd St., Windsor 970-686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/ board-game-night-15/

W

hat has 52 things half are red, half black?

It offers hours of family fun with games like Crazy Eights or SlapJack.

A deck of standard playing cards may be one of the most compact, portable, diverse and inexpensive ways to have family fun. If you’re looking for a way to have unplugged, quality time together, invite your clan members to take a seat around a table for a game of Cribbage, Rummy, Go Fish or Hearts.

Beyond making memories your kids will recall for years, card games offer lessons in math, strategy, taking turns, following rules and patience.

Playing cards also improves memory, builds fine motor skills and enhances hand-eye coordination.

Nathaniel Riggs, CSU Human Development and Family Studies 12

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associate professor, says, “Card games may provide people opportunities to hone neurocognitive skills including working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. Both young people and adults can benefit from this practice. However, the areas of the brain responsible for these skills are developing quite rapidly in children and adolescents.

So card games, or other games that challenge these cognitive skills, may be particularly beneficial. They also provide opportunities for parents and their children to spend quality time with each other, which not only benefits children’s cognitive development, but also their social-emotional and behavioral development. And if those opportunities can occur in the absence of television, smart phones and other things that can distract, then all the better.”

Heroes and Horrors Games

1215 Main St., Windsor 970-833-5128 www.heroesandhorrorsgames.com

Gryphon Games & Comics

1119 W. Drake Rd., Ste. C30, Fort Collins 970-224-3599 www.gryphongamesandcomics.com

The Nerd Store

807 8th St., Greeley 970-978-4275 www.the-nerd-store.com

Rogue’s Roost

229 E. 10th St., Loveland 970-619-8586 www.facebook.com/the roguesroost.com

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community news

What I want for my kids find it here in northern Colorado

KIM SHARPE

G

ood schools. Good books. Natural play spaces. Musical opportunities. Safe fun. If these items sound like they belong on a “What I want for my kids” wish list, read on!

Northern Colorado offers all of these to families who live and visit here.

LOOK SMART WHEN SCHOOL STARTS School is back in session and that means motorists need to be on the lookout for students walking, biking and skateboarding in school zones, residential areas and around bus stops.

“Parents can help keep children safe by teaching them the rules of the road,” says Mechelle Martz-Mayfield, Thompson School District’s Safe Routes to Schools coordinator. She adds that the district will be implementing a Walk Safe program for K-2 students and that lessons should be reinforced at home.

Students will learn to:

• Put phones, headphones, and devices away when walking/biking/riding to school • Never cross a street between parked cars • Look Left, right and left again before crossing a street •U se sidewalks or paths, and cross the street at corners or designated crosswalks.

Visit www.saferoutesinfo.org for more information about ways to walk, ride and drive safe.

LOVELAND CITIZENS ORGANIZE TO SUPPORT THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT United for Thompson, a group of parents, business leaders, retirees and students, are working to gain support for two November ballot issues. On Election Day, more than 80,000 registered voters within the Thompson School District will have the opportunity to vote on proposals to override a bond issue and mill levy.

If both pass, the district will receive funding for maintenance and safety 14

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matters, competitive compensation and curriculum enhancements.

For more information, visit the website, email info@unitedforthompson. com or call 970-430-6235.

BOOK IT THIS FALL If you like to read and discuss what you read with others, participating in the Fort Collins Reads program is for you.

Each year, Fort Collins Reads invites the whole community to read the same book and encourages civil discussion of the complex themes found in the selected book. Fort Collins Reads also brings the author of its selection to town for a special presentation.

This year’s book is “Brother, I’m Dying,” by Edwidge Danticat. Additionally, Fort Collins Reads encourages participants to read “Red Lightning” by local author Laura Pritchett. Both books explore the topic of immigration.

To learn more and view the related schedule of Fort Collins Reads events, visitwww.fortcollinsreads.org.

NEW PARK IN TIMNATH The Town of Timnath added a new community park to its fast-growing list of town amenities. It is located at 5500 Summerfield Parkway.

“The Town of Timnath is constantly growing as more and more people gravitate to the comfort of a small town to raise their family. The new community park will accommodate that growth,” says Timnath Mayor Jill Grossman-Belisle.

The new park features a playground, pavilion, market place plaza, a children’s discovery maze and a lot of grassy space.

Learn more at www.facebook.com/ townoftimnath.

FORT COLLINS NAMES FOUR NEW NATURAL AREAS Four new natural areas have been added to Fort Collins’ extensive network. Two of the sites will be open to the public within a year and access to the other two sites is expected after management planning efforts, public input and trail construction.

The sites are: Goose Hollow Natural Area in northeast Fort Collins; Tanglewood Natural Area Spring Creek, west of Taft Hill Road; Soaring Vista Natural Area on County Road 30 in the Loveland Community Separator; Flores del Sol Natural Area west of Timberline Road and south of Carpenter Road.

For more information, visit www. fcgov.com/naturalareas.

ESTES FAMILY BOOT CAMP TO PROMOTE UNPLUGGED PLAY On Saturday, Sept. 17, Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) will host the “Unplugged Family Boot camp” to help families recognize the importance of family bonding without media distractions.

“We all know too well how easy it is to ‘plug in’ to have a few minutes to cook, do laundry or even go to the bathroom in peace,” says Kristen Berg, EVICS parent educator. “We recognize the important part that technology has in today’s society and in our own families, but also that there are alternatives to media use.”

For event details and registration information, visit www.evics.org or call 970-586-3055.

WEST NILE VIRUS PERVASIVE IN NORTHERN COLORADO In recent weeks mosquitoes trapped throughout northern Colorado have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV ), which means people should take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. The Larimer County Health Department has been spraying for mosquitoes to help decrease the risk of human West Nile Virus

infection by spraying for mosquitoes (see www.larimer.org/westnilevirus for more information).

“The public needs to be vigilant and prevent mosquito bites and reduce where possible, any mosquito breeding areas,” says Mark E. Wallace, Weld County Health Department executive director. “The take home message is that anyone living in northern Colorado is at risk for WNV. The infected mosquitoes will be a threat to public health until the first hard frost—most likely in October.”

As of the writing of this column, there has been one confirmed case of a WNV infection in Weld County and another is under investigation. There have been two reported WNV infections in Larimer County.

Health officials recommend following the four “D’s” to prevent mosquito bites: • DRAIN standing water from tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

• DUSK and DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active. Limit outdoor activities and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times.

• DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully.

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquitoes are active.

West Nile virus symptoms may

appear in three to 14 days after infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and weakness and rash. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis and even death. People who develop symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately.

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? No one wants to talk about dying, but since it will happen to everyone, having an end-of life plan can insure individuals have a say in their end-of-life care and medical decisions.

The Larimer Advance Care Planning Team is offering free assistance in developing plans for any person 18 and over. Specifically, the team can help individuals: • Put plans into writing • Share those plans with an individual’s family and physicians • Explain treatment options to people diagnosed with a chronic or life-limiting illness.

• If you already have a plan, the team can offer complimentary services to aid in updating your wishes, notarizing your documents and distributing your advance care plan to local health agencies.

For more information, visit www.LarimerAdvanceCare.org or call 970-482-1909.

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healthy living • L unchskins Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags (SafeMama Fave) •B umkins Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags (lead free. with easy to open zippers)

Plan healthful meals and reduce waste LEA HANSON

I

t’s the back-to-school season and for many families this means getting back into the mode of earlier mornings, driving to and from activities, and packing lunches. Choosing a system that works for the daily routine is personal and many parents consider the convenience of a system that includes reusable containers to work best. Reusable lunch containers can come in the form of sandwich/snack bags, food storage containers, and the lunch box/bag itself.

REDUCING WASTE According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 90 percent of the plastic items in our daily lives are thrown away after only one use. Single serve, disposable convenience containers are mostly plastic and will last a long time in the environ16

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ment after being thrown away. Plus, single serve convenience foods are expensive and tend to release toxic chemicals into our food such as BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and lead. Opting for glass or stainless steel containers can greatly reduce this exposure to toxins that typically accompany petroleum-based plastic containers.

See below for brand options: •B lueAvocado (lead free) •G o Green Lunch Boxes (lead free) • E asyLunchBoxes.com (lead free) •O nxy Stainless Steel Sandwich Boxes •K lean Kanteen Insulated Food Storage (lead free)

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUNCHSKINS

Packing a lunch

WHAT TO PACK Nicole Turner-Ravana, Nutrition Coordinator for Child Nutrition Services at Poudre School District, recommends following the guidelines from MyPlate (choosemyplate.gov) is a great start when planning packing your child’s lunches.

Turner-Ravana reiterates the need to pack the following items in a lunch: one whole-grain-rich item, one protein-rich item, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables. In addition to working toward including all types of food, Turner-Ravana reminds us to read labels regularly to ensure we’re providing options that are low in both sodium and sugar.

One of the biggest mistakes parents and guardians make when preparing lunches, Turner-Ravana says, is including sugary drinks. “My recommendation is to eliminate all sugary drinks from kids’ lunches.” Include water or milk instead. A second common—and easily corrected— mistake is opting for canned fruit instead of fresh fruit. While individual containers of fruit may be tasty and convenient, selecting fresh fruit is a healthier choice, plus it cuts down on waste.

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Beyond KIM SHARPE

T

hose of us who’ve made a few trips around the sun know that in life, you win some and you lose some. The sooner kids understand this reality and learn how to handle failure, the better off they’ll be. Competing in sports is a great way to teach this important life lesson.

“Winning is exciting. Losing is disappointing. The key to coping with either is to understand that these are temporary states,” says Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author and clinical psychologist.

SPORTING GOOD BEHAVIOR Rather than condoning rude, self-centered behavior from athletes as “just part of the game,” like throwing tantrums when an official calls a foul on your team or throwing a cheap shot at an opponent, coaches and parents should use competition to teach lessons in how to be a good sport, which basically boils down to being kind.

“Team sports provide great lessons in sportsmanship,” Kennedy-Moore says.

The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports (YSI) defines sportsmanship as “…a striving for success, while maintaining a commitment to being fair, honest, and respectful [and] to following the rules—all of which is synonymous with being ethical or moral.”

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Use playing fields to teach life skills

YSI also says research concludes that, “Athletes who focus on self-mastery and personal improvement…are more likely to perceive the purpose of sport as teaching values such as working hard, cooperating with others, and becoming good citizens…Individuals who focused on beating others more often viewed intentional, injurious acts as legitimate and were more tempted to violate sportsmanship attitudes and behaviors.”

What does sportsmanship look like in action?

Kennedy-Moore suggests, “A caring coach and post-game rituals like giving the other team high-fives and going out for ice cream together can help your child learn to take competition in stride. Team sports are also an opportunity to focus on improving skills. Even when your child’s team loses, there can be small victories in making a good shot or playing good defense.”

BEYOND SPORTSMANSHIP While playing games and participating in competitions offer kids many lessons in what it means to be a good sport, they also can offer lessons in and help build character in young athletes. And just like all other behaviors children learn, acting with good sportsmanship and with character are best taught when adults—namely parents and coaches, model them.

That’s what CHAMP (Character in Athletics—Make it a Priority), a Fort Collins-based organization, works to

BEFORE THE GAME W Speak greatness into your child.

W Tell your child you are proud of him/her regardless of how well they play.

W Focus on her attitude and effort.

W Remind your child to play hard and enjoy the competition, and that it is “ok” to be nervous; it is normal.

W Make a commitment to yourself to act appropriately no matter what others may do.

DURING THE GAME W U nderstand your role; you are a fan… not the coach or an official.

W L et the coaches coach. Avoid giving your child or other players advice during the game.

help parents and coaches understand.

CHAMP’s mission is “…to help the community deliver a character-focused athletic experience and reinforce a positive character foundation in our student-athletes.”

Jason Barrett, CHAMP board president, explains, “For us, character goes beyond what you do on the sports field. It can last well beyond a game, season or career. Sportsmanship is what you do on the field. Character is not only displayed during sporting events, but it’s a lifelong trait. It’s how you act when no one’s looking.”

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? “Parents can be a huge part in using the outcome of sports to teach character lessons,” says Burkett. In the parent training’s CHAMP offers, parents are told, “Don’t be a win-at-all-costs parent. Games aren’t just about winning and losing.”

W Pick the “right” seat or surroundings for growth.

W Cheer good plays and good efforts by both teams.

W Mention good calls by officials to others.

AFTER THE GAME W S tick around for post-game with the team.

W T hank the officials for doing a difficult job.

W T hank the coaches for their effort.

W L et your child tell you about the game, avoid giving your post game analysis unless asked.

W T ell your child again that you are proud of him, especially if the game did not go well.

W T ake your child out for a treat regardless of their performance.

Ice cream is always great!

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Lynn U. Nichols

Weighing the risks and rewards of contact sports

T

here has been a lot of media attention lately on concussions.

As a parent, it may have you wondering if contact sports are worth the risk for your kids. There’s no right or wrong answer to that question but whatever you decide, learn about the signs and risks of concussions.

Dr. Alissa Wicklund, a neuropsychologist and concussion specialist with Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies believes the risk is worth the reward for her three kids, but she acknowledges it’s a personal choice for parents.

“Every parent must weigh the risks and rewards for themselves, but I think with good technique, good coaching and rules of safe play, the risk of injury can be minimized,” Wicklund says.

Most concussions occur when the head receives a sudden jolt or blow when playing a contact sport like football, hockey, rugby, soccer and even baseball, or from falls or accidents. Concussions cause the brain to move back and forth within the skull resulting in an injury, sometimes even bleeding within the brain. The movement causes alteration in how the cells of the brain function and leads to unpleasant symptoms (see box). It used to be thought that all concussions involved losing consciousness, but that’s been disproven.

Maybe you’ve heard of CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, made 20

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famous by NFL players having chronic problems, even after quitting the sport?

It’s scary stuff. With CTE, brain tissue is damaged from repeated concussions but it’s not very common. However, don’t take that as a message that concussions are not serious. Repeated concussions can lead to ongoing symptoms including headaches, sensitivity to light, dizziness or even seizures for weeks or months, especially when untreated.

If it happens, stop the game

If you or your child’s coach suspects a concussion during a game it’s best to be safe and pull them out. A mild injury can get better in a few weeks but if they continue to play and take another blow to the head they could be out for months causing them to miss the whole season rather than just a few games.

Wicklund, along with CSU professor Dr. Doug Coatsworth, recently received a grant from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Department of Defense to study the culture of concussion reporting in middle and high school youth. They’ll interview players from northern Colorado schools over the next few years. The study aims to determine why 30 to 50 percent of concussions go unreported.

“More than ever before, people know the signs and symptoms of concussions, but that’s not translating into

reporting the injury. There’s a disconnect between knowledge and behavior, and we want to learn why. With early intervention, concussions are a treatable, recoverable injury,” Wicklund states.

Do what you can to prevent concussions

Talk to your kids about the signs and symptoms of a concussion so they are more apt to recognize one. Encourage them to report a suspected concussion, even if it means sitting out the rest of the game. Recent scientific literature and current research shows a direct correlation between reporting a concussion and a faster recovery.

“First and foremost, the best way to promote safe play is having an open discussion with your child about signs and symptoms of a concussion, and letting them know they can come to you or the coach,” Wicklund says.

Also, make sure equipment—pads and helmets—fit well and are of good quality. There have been some helmet recalls lately, so check your child’s helmet.

Make sure the helmet is not loose and that it’s a good match with your child’s head size.

“Proper helmet fitting may be even more important than the type of helmet used,” she adds.

Coaches today are more aware of concussions than ever before, and are required by law to receive training on

Signs and symptoms

of a concussion Concussions affect people physically, cognitively, emotionally and with changes in sleep, according to the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies (www.orthohealth.com).

SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION INCLUDE: Physical: Headache, loss of balance, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting and sometimes loss of consciousness.

Cognitive: Confusion and difficulty with attention, concentration and memory.

Behavioral: Feelings of irritability, depression, anxiety, strong emotions, lethargy and fatigue.

Sleep: Sleeping more than usual, less than usual, and trouble falling asleep.

concussions. It’s okay to talk with coaches about concussion risk and ask them to encourage players to report symptoms, even if it means leaving the game. Kids might not report if they feel pressure to perform from the coach, or get the message that reporting looks like a cop-out among their teammates. Explain to your child that going back in with a brain injury is playing with fire as repeated injury without proper treatment may lead to long-term problems, including headaches, light sensitivity and even seizures.

Treating concussions

With concussions, the first course of action is stopping the activity and resting while you watch for signs, making sure your child is symptom-free through the night. With rest, most young people recover completely in a week or two from a mild concussion.

If you suspect a concussion, go to a concussion expert or the emergency department where they are trained to follow protocols to assess the situation, complete a CT scan if needed, and get you set up with specialty care if required.

Bottom line, don’t take concussions lightly. Learn how to identify symptoms.

After all, what’s a game or two when it’s weighed against your child’s health and future wellbeing?

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greeley-evans district 6 news School Kickoff Celebration a great success

The third annual School Kickoff Community Celebration, held Saturday, August 13 at Island Grove Regional Park, was a great success.

Through sponsorships and donations, Greeley-Evans School District 6 gave away 2,700 backpacks filled with school supplies, and provided lunch to 2,000 patrons at the park. More than 80 community booths provided information, activities and services to the estimated 5,000 students and families who attended. Student music and dance groups performed, students from Chappelow K-8 manned the face painting booth, and staff gave away free balloons.

In addition, nearly 200 volunteers worked at the event and before, stuffing backpacks to give away. Every, single backpack was given away during the event.

“We originally hosted this event to create excitement and enthusiasm about the start of the school year,” says Theresa Myers, District 6 Director of Communications, who oversees the event. “It has only grown over the last three years, and is now our signature event. We are so grateful for the amazing support we receive from the community to put on the School Kickoff. It truly is an incredible way to begin the new school year.”

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The annual School Kickoff Community Celebration is held the weekend before the start of school, which this year was August 19.

DISTRICT 6 WELCOMES EMPLOYEES WITH LUNCH EVENT More than 2,700 Greeley-Evans School District 6 employees gathered Monday, August 15 to Celebrate 6!, a district-wide event to welcome back staff and inspire

them to have a great school year.

Achieving Community Excellence, an organization created by the Greeley City Council in 2012 to support the city’s objective to improve its “civic infrastructure,” including creating educational and leadership opportunities for youth, sponsored the event.

District 6 Nutrition Services served nearly 3,000 lunches at the pavilion at Island Grove Regional Park. Employees then went to the Event Center, where they heard several District 6 speakers, including Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Board of Education President Roger DeWitt, Greeley Education Association President Patricia Otto, Classified Council President Bryan Dunbar and Mike Bond, president of the Achieving Community Excellence Board of Directors.

Dr. Tim Elmore was the special guest speaker at the event. Dr. Elmore is a best-selling author, international speaker and president of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit organization that helps develop emerging leaders. He addressed the crowd on the importance of creating strong relationships to improve educational opportunities and engage students.

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poudre school district news PSD and CSU celebrate 25 years of partnership Staff volunteers sorted through hundreds of supplies on Wednesday, creating grade-specific backpacks before packing CSU tour busses full of bags for delivery to schools on Thursday.

“It’s nice to be able to work as a team and do this during the work day,” CSU volunteer Brianna Sprole says. “We’re just laughing and giving back.”

PSD and Colorado State University celebrated 25 years of partnership this year, as the university filled more than 3,000 backpacks with school supplies for students in need.

What began as a small project with a handful of staff has grown to a universitywide initiative that leverages internal connections and staff volunteers to make sure every local student returns to school with the right tools in hand.

The drive is one of several community initiatives to provide school supplies to students. The OtterCares Foundation, the charitable arm of OtterBox, hosts an annual giving event each year, and Realities

PSD Calendar of Events Sept. 5 ....... All schools and offices closed for Labor Day Sept. 13 ..... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting, JSSC, 2407 Laporte Ave. Sept. 23 ..... N o school K-8 students; teachers on duty Sept. 27 ..... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting and work session, JSSC, 2407 Laporte Ave.

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for Children and Volunteers of America also provide assistance to families.

After realizing that the total combined efforts of all the supply drives still failed to meet the needs of 600 students, CSU partnered this year with local businesses like Costco to fill an additional 600 bags to bridge the gap.

“We’re so excited that people stepped up this year to make sure kids are successful,” Sara Colorosa, who volunteers to coordinate logistics for the drive, says. “We live in this community.

We play in this community. We want to make sure future generations have the supplies they need for a successful year.”

HERE COMES THE BUS APP PSD has adopted a new app called “Here Comes the Bus” to let parents know exactly where their child’s bus is.

Using GPS tracking, the app provides the real-time location of each bus.

The information is secure, provided to parents through a private ID that grants access to only their child’s bus.

“Here Comes the Bus” is designed to increase convenience for parents during hectic mornings and provide another layer of safety for students. Schedule changes and bus delays due to traffic or weather are easy to find, and users can choose to receive push notifications when the bus is within five minutes of their stop.

Full-access subscriptions are now free to all PSD parents through June 2017.

“The best part is that we’re able to increase student safety using this app,” Matt Bryant, Director of Transportation says. “Now parents can monitor their student’s progression to and from school in real time.”

LATINO STUDENTS FIND COMMUNITY, DEVELOP SKILLS AT YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM This summer, PSD sent more students to the Colorado Lorenzo De Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session, a Latino youth leadership program hosted at Colorado State University, than it ever has before.

Thirty-two sophomores and juniors met monthly to prepare for the life-changing experience before joining their peers from across the state, nation and four Latin American countries in June. The eight-day program trained students to cultivate their talents, and provided an opportunity to demonstrate personal excellence and leadership skills.

The program, managed by the National Hispanic Institute, gave participants a preview of working within the framework of large organizations by practicing their own youth government.

Students ran mock elections and practice legislative sessions, complete with bills that they wrote and voted on.

Students learned to navigate complex systems by proposing future community

policies and projects. The teenagers brainstormed creative community interventions that would utilize existing resources in their home and school communities.

Participants reflected on their opportunities to be bilingual, bicultural, and to understand their role in the changing dynamics of the emerging Latino population

of the future. Though each coming from a different background, the students connected to a common purpose: the desire to change the world.

Graduates of the program who attend Colorado State will receive an in-state scholarship of $10,000 or an out-of-state scholarship for $20,000.

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thompson school district news High Plains School opens Colorado in Greeley. Dr. Germain also served as a part-time instructor at the University of Northern Colorado and Metropolitan State College of Denver.

EDMONSON ELEMENTARY HOSTS BLOCK PARTY AND FAIR On August 12, Laurene Edmondson Elementary School hosted its second annual Neighborhood Block Party and Resource Fair. The event featured several booths and entities for families to visit, including the Loveland Fire Department, Loveland Police Department, Larimer County Health/Workforce, Loveland Public Library and even a special visit from “Snapshot” the Eagle.

Thompson School District was proud to formally welcome High Plains School into the TSD family on August 2. The new K-8 school, which also features a TSD Integrated Early Childhood program, will feature a STEAM focus for students (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). A Grand Opening Ceremony featuring a Cornerstone dedication, time capsule and tours of the building was hosted onsite. To watch a video of the ceremony, please visit the district’s web site, located at www.thompsonschools.org MEET FERGUSON HIGH’S NEW PRINCIPAL Thompson School District announced that it has named Dr. Jason Germain as principal of Ferguson High School in Loveland. Dr. Germain will fill the position that was vacated by Sheila Pottorff, who has departed the district.

Since 2014, Dr. Germain has served as chief student advocacy officer for Douglas County School District. Before being appointed to that 28

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position, he also served the school district in various roles throughout his career, including as special projects director/director of special education, principal of Plum Creek Academy and special education coordinator. His career highlights outside of education include service as the program director for the Griffith Centers for Children.

“I am honored to be able to become the next principal at Ferguson High School,” Dr. Germain says.

“Alternative education is my passion and background and my training and experience highlight that. I am incredibly excited to lead Ferguson’s students, staff and community in realizing our mission of ‘fostering a diverse learning community, honoring personal potential and supporting and practicing responsible citizenship.’”

Dr. Germain holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in School Psychology. Both degrees were earned at the University of Northern

LOVELAND HIGH TEACHER RECOGNIZED

BY BOETTCHER FOUNDATION Congratulations to Loveland High School’s Gregory Morrison, who was honored as one of 42 teachers who has impacted the class of 2016 Boettcher Foundation scholarship winners. LHS’ Richard Ortecho was named a Boettcher scholar this past spring.

The Boettcher Foundation hosted its 25th annual Teacher Recognition Awards Program on August 12 at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The program allows each recipient of the 2016 Boettcher Foundation Scholarship to acknowledge the teacher who has impacted him or her the most. At the event, each Boettcher Scholar delivered remarks about his or her teacher and each teacher received a $1,000 grant from the foundation to be used toward an educational program or project to benefit students at his or her school.

“These 42 teachers have played a significant role in shaping the educational experiences of our Boettcher Scholars,” says Tiffany Anderson, the Boettcher Foundation’s scholarship program director. “We are proud to honor these individuals for championing excellence in their classrooms.’

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary student lunches are $2.55, secondary student lunches are $2.80 and reduced lunches are PK-5 free, grades 6-12 $0.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken burrito; chicken patty sandwich 2 Meat lovers pizza; cheese pizza 5 No school!

6 Cheese ravioli; chicken parmesan sandwich 7 Orange chicken; hamburger/ cheeseburger 8 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets 9 Cheese or pepperoni pizza 12 Toasted cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken drumstick 13 Beef lasagna; chicken bites & roll 14 Thai chicken; chicken patty sandwich

15 Beef tacos & cilantro lime rice; mac n’cheese 16 Chicken or cheese pizza 19 Philly cheesesteak; chicken nuggets 20 Spaghetti & meatballs; hot dog 21 Teriyaki chicken w/rice; hamburger/ cheeseburger 22 Cheese or pepperoni pizza 23 No school!

26 Grilled chicken sandwich; mac n’cheese 27 Cheesy chicken pasta bake; turkey gravy & roll 28 Asian noodles w/chicken; trout treasures 29 Chicken burrito; chicken patty sandwich

30 Meat lovers or cheese pizza MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Beef & chicken taco bar 2 Chili cheese dog; potato bar 5 No school!

6 Cheese calzone dipper with marinara; penne & meatsauce 7 Asian bar—sweet & sour meatballs/ chicken 8 Beef & bean burrito bar 9 Toasted cheese sandwich and tomato soup; chicken drumstick 12 Pizza burger; chicken nuggets 13 Meatball sub; cheese ravioli 14 Asian bar—Teriyaki chicken/beef & egg roll

15 Beef & chicken taco bar 16 Trout treasures; mac n’cheese 19 Chicken parmesan sandwich; pulled pork sandwich 20 Lasagna w/veggies; chicken nuggets 21 Asian bar—orange chicken/beef 22 Beef & bean burrito bar 23 No school!

26 Chicken bites & roll; mac n’cheese 27 Cheesy chicken pasta bake; meatball sub 28 Asian bar—Thai chili chicken/steak & egg roll 29 Beef & chicken taco bar 30 Chili cheese dog; potato bar w/chili

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary lunches are $2.75. Secondary school lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are PK-5 free, grades 6-12 $0.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Asian combo; taco salad 2 BBQ sandwich basket; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 5 & 6 No school!

7 Pizza; chef salad w/roll 8 Chicken breast nuggets; taco salad 9 Farmers’ breakfast; garden entrée salad w/goldfish

12 Hamburger; Caesar salad w/roll 13 Lasagna w/meat; chicken tender salad w/roll 14 Burrito Grande; chef salad w/roll 15 Orange chicken w/rice; taco salad 16 Chicken strip basket; garden salad w/ goldfish 19 Grilled chicken sandwich; Caesar salad w/roll

20 Chicken burrito bowl; chicken tender salad w/roll 21 Pizza stick; chef salad w/roll 22 Frito pie; taco salad 23 Chicken drumstick w/cheesy rice; garden entrée salad w/roll 26 Mini pancakes w/sausage patty; Caesar salad w/roll 27 Chicken tender salad w/roll; chicken

fajita wrap 28 Pasta carbonara; chef salad w/roll 29 Asian combo; taco salad 30 BBQ sandwich basket; garden entrée salad w/goldfish SECONDARY SCHOOL Please check website for menus

GREELEY DISTRICT 6— Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are K-2 free, 3-8 $.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 2 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza 5 No school!

6 Buffalo chicken sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 7 Chicken soft taco; PBJ 8 Lasagna w/breadstick; turkey & cheese hoagie 9 Hawaiian or cheese pizza 12 Mac n’cheese w/dinner roll; American beef hoagie 13 Soft shell taco; chicken salad sandwich 14 Cheesesteak sandwich; PBJ 15 Bean & cheese burrito, green chili; ham & cheese hoagie 16 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 19 No school!

20 Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap

21 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 22 Pork carnitas w/tortilla; turkey & cheese hoagie 23 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; PBJ 26 Hamburger/cheeseburger; Italian sandwich sandwich 27 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 28 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce and breadstick; PBJ 29 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 30 Chicken or green chili chicken pizza; PBJ MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 2 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza; PBJ 5 No school!

6 Buffalo chicken sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 7 Chicken soft taco; PBJ 8 Lasagna w/breadstick; turkey & cheese hoagie 9 Hawaiian or cheese pizza 12 Mac n’cheese w/dinner roll; American beef hoagie

13 Soft shell taco; chicken salad sandwich 14 Cheesesteak sandwich; PBJ 15 Bean & cheese burrito, green chili; ham & cheese hoagie 16 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 19 No school!

20 Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 21 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 22 Pork carnitas w/tortilla; turkey & cheese hoagie 23 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; PBJ 26 Hamburger/cheeseburger; Italian sandwich 27 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 28 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce and breadstick; PBJ 29 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 30 Chicken or green chili chicken pizza; PBJ

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT—Price for elementary lunch is $2.75, for middle school students, $3. Reduced lunches are elementary, free; middle school, $0.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken tenders; PBJ 2 No lunch 5 No school!

6 Chicken soft taco; mini cheeseburger 7 French toast; yogurt w/fruit; pigs in a blanket 8 Chicken sandwich; PBJ 9 Personal pan cheese pizza; turkey & cheese sub 12 Cheese quesadilla; PBJ 13 Chicken Alfredo; mini cheeseburger 14 Chicken & black bean chili; corndog 15 Beef burger; PBJ

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16 Cheese or Hawaiian pizza; turkey & cheese sub 19 Mac n’cheese; PBJ 20 Hard shell taco; mini cheeseburger 21 Popcorn chicken; corndog 22 Pancakes & sausage links; PBJ 23 Cheese or veggie pizza; turkey & cheese sub 26 Cheesy nachos; PBJ 27 Mini raviolis; mini cheeseburger 28 Teriyaki chicken; corndog 29 Chicken tenders; PBJ 30 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; turkey & cheese sub

SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken tenders; popcorn chicken 2 No lunch 5 No school!

6 Spaghetti & garlic bread; chicken sandwich 7 Burrito bar 8 Three cheese enchiladas; weiner wrap 9 Meatball sub; cheese pizza 12 Cheese quesadilla; cheese pizza 13 Chicken Alfredo; hot ham & cheese sandwich 14 Chicken & black bean chili; cheese pizza

15 Cheeseburger; chicken tenders 16 California club; cheese pizza 19 Mac n’cheese; cheese pizza 20 Beef taco; chicken sandwich 21 Pulled pork sandwich; cheese sandwich 22 French toast & sausage; chicken nuggets 23 Steak & cheese; cheese pizza 26 Potato bar; cheese pizza 27 Lasagna w/breadstick; cheeseburger 28 Teriyaki chicken; cheese pizza 29 Turkey & gravy; popcorn chicken 30 Pepperoni calzone; cheese pizza

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SEPTEMBER 2016 ONGOING SEPTEMBER 6-7 Everything Wild and Wonderful Join Kevin Cook for his popular series exploring Colorado’s nature. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams St., LV. 12pm and 2pm. 970-962-2599, www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

SEPTEMBER 8-11 Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival Highland and Irish dancing, folk music and Celtic rock, jousting and athletic competitions at the largest Scottish Festival in the West. Prices and times vary. Events Center Complex & Fairgrounds Arena, 1125 Rooftop Way, EP. 970 586-6308, www.scotfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 24-26 Autumn Gold—A Festival of Bands, Brats ‘n Beer View golden aspen, elk bugling and foottapping music. Downtown Estes Park, Bond Park, EP. 800-443-7837, www. visitestespark.com THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 National Bike Challenge Log your miles for recreation or transportation, and help your community rise in the ranks! Register for free at www.nationalbikechallenge.org.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS POD Open Hours Create. Build. Make. Learn. Join us in the Place of Discovery at Centennial Park Library! Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 4-7pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 9 Noontime Notes Concert Series Lunch-time concert series with live, small-scale music performances. Oak Street Plaza, Downtown, FC. Noon1pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

TUESDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 Strumming in the Stacks Learn a few chords and play a song or two by the end of this six-week session.

Guitars provided. Grades 6-12; registration required. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey.

4pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 13 THROUGH DECEMBER 20 Elementary Chess Club Learn to play chess with instructors who are experienced in teaching children.

Ages 6-11. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams St., LV. 4-5:30pm. 970-9622587, www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

TUESDAYS THROUGH NOVEMBER 22 The Incredible Years Parenting Group This 12-week program for families with children 2-10 years sets the stage for sensitive, nurturing and competent parenting that fosters positive social behaviors. Dinner and childcare included. Call to sign up. Life Center, 1511 E. 11th St. LV. 5-6:30pm. 970494-4243, www.ecclc.org.

THURSDAYS Intercambio Practice your Spanish while helping other learners in a friendly environment.

Participants will speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 6pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAYS, STARTING SEPTEMBER 15 Club 345 A program exclusively for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to explore all kinds of activities. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams St., LV. 4-5pm. 970-9622754, www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

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FRIDAYS, SEPTEMBER 16 THROUGH OCTOBER 14 Building Positive Organizations Workshop Series Activate the fundamental drivers of positive change in your workplace, school, family or community. Ages 16+. $150/whole series or $40/individual session. Longs Peak Student Center, West Room, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9am, 12:30pm or 3:30pm. 970-310-8751, www.betterworldorganizations.com.

FRIDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 7 Downtown Summer Sessions A Friday evening concert series in Downtown that features a diverse line up of Colorado musical acts and local beer.

Old Town Square, FC. 7-10pm. 970-4846500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

SEPTEMBER 2 Noches en Familia (Family Nights) An afternoon in community and family with children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music in Spanish, that invites fluent speakers, as well as those interested in the Spanish language. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5-6pm. 970-221-6740, www.read. poudrelibraries.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 3 Tour De Fat Join your friends for a costumed bike parade, musical acts and interactive fun.

All ages. Civic Center Park, Laporte Ave. and Howes St., FC. 9am-4pm. www. newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/ Fort-Collins.

FIRST FRIDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 7 A Night of Art in Downtown Greeley A collaborative effort by many of Downtown Greeley’s creative industries, unique small businesses and delicious dining options. Various locations. GR. 970-356-6775 or www. greeleydowntown.com.

In the Words of Loren Eiseley Through his own words, learn how this scientist and writer made a key discovery in the 1930s at the famed Lindenmeier Site. Half-mile easy hike. Free with registration. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, North Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington. 10am-12noon. 970416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SATURDAYS Discovery Zone at the Gardens Have fun, get dirty, and learn about nature at The Gardens! Get acquainted with the new Discovery Zone in the Children’s Garden. All ages. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1012noon. 970-416-2486, www.fcgov.com/ gardens.

SEPTEMBER 4 Rist Canyon Mountain Festival Amazing food, live entertainment, vintage car show, local arts and crafts, and a silent auction to benefit the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department. Free. Rist Canyon, 11821 Rist Canyon Rd., Belvue. 10am-4pm. festivalcoordinators@rcvfd.org.

SEPTEMBER 1 Theatre Stories The Theatre Pals perform a hilarious play by Karen Christophersen. Kids 5+.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4:30-5pm. 970-221-6740, www.read. poudrelibraries.org/events.

LEGO A, B, C: Assemble, Build, Create Come design, engineer and build with LEGO bricks! All LEGO supplies provided. For families, ages 5+ with registration. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-4pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

Dungeons and Dragons Join a band of adventurers for an evening of tabletop role-playing games. Ages 12-18. Registration required. Free.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

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Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Enjoy good books and the opportunity to read to friendly animals.

Grades K-5. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

Mishawaka 100-Year Harvest Dinner Celebrate 100 years of the Mishawaka’s location with this heritage farm-tofork dinner benefiting The Kitchen Community for a garden at Lesher Middle School. $85. Grant Farms CSA, 12155 N. CR 15, Wellington. 5-10pm. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com.

SEPTEMBER 6 Tiny Trekkers Join Larimer County naturalists for a program designed for your 2-5-year-old and you. Crafts, stories and fun facts! A parent or guardian must accompany the child for this hour-long program. Free with required online registration. Devils Backbone Open Space, Hwy 34., LV. 1011am. 970-619-4565, www.larimer.org/ NRregistration.

SEPTEMBER 7 Bison Exploration See American bison in their natural habitat, the shortgrass prairie! Includes ½-mile easy hike. All ages. Free with registration. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, South Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington. 4-6pm. 970-416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Would You Rather?

Would you rather get into a high speed chase, or run into a burning building?

Share pizza with the bravest of the brave, and get answers! Ages 9 and up.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

SEPTEMBER 8 Board Game Night Learn to play some new games! Ages 8+.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7:30pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

SEPTEMBER 9 Teen Video Game Night A video game night featuring games rated T-M (Teen-Mature). Ages 13-18. Registration required. Free.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

ESTES VALLEY INVESTMENT IN CHILDHOOD SUCCESS PRESENTS:

Unplugged

FAMILY BOOT CAMP A day-long event helping families recognize the importance of parent-child bonding without media distractions, set in the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 FOR COMPLETE ACTIVITY AND REGISTRATION DETAILS, CALL 970-586-3055, OR VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.EVICS.ORG OR ON

UNPLUGGED-FOR-A-DAY

DO SOMETHING FOR

Yourself!

FITNESS CLASSES FOR MOMS ON-THE-GO visit www.fortcollinsclub.net for schedules

· · · ·

Group Power FCC Club Fit Zumba Water Aerobics

· · · ·

UJAM Spin Yoga Pilate

Take the online Life Traits Quiz and get 2 weeks of

FREE MEMBERSHIP! (New Members Only)

970-224-CLUB

1307 East Prospect Road

Fort Collins, CO 80525

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NoCo Farmer’s Markets Enjoy locally grown produce and other food stuffs at Farmers Markets SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24 Drake Road Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, fruits, baked goods, meat, seafood, honey, specialty foods and goods from more than 40 vendors. 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 10am-1pm. www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com.

SATURDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 22 Larimer County Farmers Market Breads and pastries, eggs and meat, fruits and vegetables, flowers, crafts and jewelry, jams and jellies, skin care, sauces and salsas, wine, yogurt and cheese. Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 8am-12noon. www. larimercountyfarmersmarket.colostate.edu/index. shtml.

SUNDAYS THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from about 40 vendors. Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

SUNDAYS, JUNE 26 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 City of Loveland Farmers Market Produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, packaged foods, wine, books and more from more than 40 vendors, plus live music. 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV (at the far north end of Fairgrounds). 9am-1:30pm.

Back to the Future, School Lunches Join Sapna Von Reich as she thinks outside the lunch box. She will demonstrate and share some recipes that can be made the night before for dinner and leftovers used for a healthy lunch.

Adults and teens. Registration required.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes for your viewing pleasure and share their knowledge about stars, planets, galaxies, more. Free with required online registration. Fossil Creek Reservoir, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7:45-9:45pm. 970416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

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SUNDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 Downtown Mead Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, baked goods, meat, specialty foods and goods. Mead Town Park, 441 Third St., Mead. 10am-1pm. www.townofmead.org.

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER Loveland Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, fruits, baked goods, meat, birdhouses, honey, specialty foods and goods. In front of Hobby Lobby, 3133 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from about 40 vendors. Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

WEDNESDAYS JULY 6 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28 AND SATURDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 29 Greeley Farmers Market Fresh produce, meats, cheese, honey, breads and other baked goods, roasted chiles, and more along with great items from local artisans and crafters. Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR. Wednesdays-3-6pm; Saturdays-7:30am-12noon.

970-339-2417 or www.greeleygov.com.

SEPTEMBER 10 Landforms & Life Forms Learn more about the connection between geology, landforms and the life that has evolved to live in the high prairie habitat. Moderate 3-mile walk.

Free with required online registration.

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, North Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington. 9am-12noon. 970-4162815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Family Nature Club Meet other families with similar interests and challenges. Monthly commitment encouraged but not required. Families with children 12 and under. Free with registration. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-416-2815, www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

THURSDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER Estes Valley Farmers Market Produce, fruit, breads, cheeses, smoothies, flowers and more. 107 MacGregor Ave., EP (in Bond Park next to the public library). 8am-1pm. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket.

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER Berthoud Farmers Market Fresh vegetables, local crafts, food trucks, live music, a dog agility course, more!

1201 Lake Ave., Berthoud. 9am-1pm. www. nocofoodcluster.com.

THURSDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER Wellington Farmers Market Baked goods, flowers, honey, sausage, jewelry, sauces, fruit, vegetables, birdhouses, coffee, desserts, pumpkins and skincare. 3815 Harrison Ave., Centennial Park, Wellington. 4-8pm (or dusk). www.wellingtoncofarmersmarket.org

Grandparents Day BBQ A day of fun for the whole family that will include a water balloon toss, face painting, tug of war, more! $8 for the park pass. Boyd Lake State Park, Mariner Point Group, 3720 N. CR 11C, LV. 11:30am-2:30pm. 970-222-1168, www. grandfamilycoalition.com.

The Great Waffle Experiment Can you waffle it? Teens are invited to come and experiment with waffle makers to discover what combinations of ingredients they can make into delicious treats. Tweens/teens. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1:30-3:30pm. 970221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries. org/events.

Fortified Farm Dinners

Our farm dinners showcase the very best our region has to offer in locally grown food, culinary creativity and community collaboration. Every dinner raises funds for a local non-profit.

Join us for a delicious dinner on the farm!

SEPTEMBER 4 Mishawaka 100 Year Harvest Dinner at Grant Farms CSA ................

SEPTEMBER 25 Harvest Moon Salmon Bake Poudre Valley Community Farms Pilot Farm ................

OCTOBER 15 5 Annual Bounty and Brews Beer Dinner at Jordan’s Floral Gardens ................ th

NOVEMBER 12 Mad Farmer Dinner Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House ................

For tickets and more information, visit:

FortifiedCollaborations.com

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SEPTEMBER 11 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Enjoy good books and the opportunity to read to friendly animals.

Grades K-5. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries. org/events.

SEPTEMBER 12 End-of-Summer Camp Last chance to make summer camp crafts including lanyards, photo frames and bird feeders. Ages 6-9.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

SEPTEMBER 13 Anime Club Teens gather together after school to watch anime favorites, chat about manga and munch on yummy snacks. Grades 6-12. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-2216740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/ events.

Family Bike Nights Family Bike Nights are a fun and casual 3-5-mile ride for the whole family.

Staff will be on-hand to provide bicycle education and tips. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Westmoor Park, 39th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 970-400-2387.

SEPTEMBER 14 Baskets: Anecdotes and Adventures Learn about basketry, one of the oldest and most widespread crafts in the history of human civilization. $5; free for museum members. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6-8pm. 970-221-4600, www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

SEPTEMBER 15 Parley with Pirates Ahoy, mateys! Walk the plank to Severance Town Hall for a pirate adventure! Ages 2-5. Severance Town Hall, 3 Timber Ridge Pkwy., Severance.

10:30-11am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

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Dungeons and Dragons Join a band of adventurers for an evening of tabletop role-playing games!

Ages 12-18. Registration Required.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar/.

Science Behind the Scenery- Ancient Peoples of Fossil Creek Anthropologist Dr. Jason LaBelle gives an informative talk about the ancient inhabitants of the plains at Fossil Creek Wetlands over 1,200 years ago. Free with required online registration. City of Fort Collins Administration Building, 215 N Mason St. (north door), FC. 7-8pm 970-416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov. com.

SEPTEMBER 16 Freaky Friday!

Take a trip back in time by playing old video games with your friends and enjoy some snacks. Grades 6-12. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3:30-5:30pm. 970-221-6740, www.read. poudrelibraries.org/events.

Campfire at the Cabin—The Full Moon in Fall Spend a cozy evening by a campfire learning about the changing of the seasons and what it means for flora and fauna. All ages. Free with registration.

Coyote Ridge Natural Area, Spring Mesa Rd., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SEPTEMBER 17 Curiosity Day: Curious George 75th Anniversary Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Curious George book with drop-in games and activities. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 9am-5pm. 970221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries. org/events.

Rustic Women of Soapstone Prairie Discover three pioneer women homesteaders and get a glimpse of early life on the prairie. Easy half-mile walk. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, North Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington. 1-2:30pm. 970-416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SEPTEMBER 18 Smithsonian at Lindenmeier Travel back in time to learn how Paleoindians survived in the high plains. Free with registration. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, North Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington.

10am-12noon. 970-416-2815, www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Open Streets Play in the street along this car-free route stretching from Willox to Old Town Fort Collins. All ages. Linden and Redwood Sts., FC. 10am-3pm. 970-4162628, www.fcgov.com/openstreets.

Game Day @ Your Library Players of all ages and abilities welcome.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740, www.read. poudrelibraries.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 20 Black-Footed Ferret Exploration 1-2-mile moderate hike in search of this elusive resident. Bring snacks, water, closed-toed shoes, warm layers and a flashlight. Free with online registration.

Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., FC. 5-10pm. 970-416-2815, www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SEPTEMBER 22 Board Game Night Learn to play some new games. Ages 8+.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7:30pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

Campfire at Nix Farm—The Full Moon in Fall Learn about the changing of the seasons and what it means for flora and fauna. All ages. Free with registration.

Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-416-2815, www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

NoCo Bike Show Series NoCo’s only live talk show brought to you by Bike Fort Collins and YourGroupRideLive.com featuring the latest in bicycling news and events. Free.

All Ages. Wolverine Farm Publick House, 316 Willow St., FC. 7-9pm. www. bikefortcollins.org/events/nocobikeshow.

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970-619-8139 | 4880 Thompson Pkwy | Suite 116 Johnstown

www.trpeds.com

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SEPTEMBER 23 School’s Out Day Camp Pack a lunch and have fun! Ages 5–11. $45/child (scholarships available).

Registration required. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9am-4pm.

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

Astronomy at Bobcat Ridge—Our Home in the Universe Attend a short program about the Milky Way Galaxy and enjoy sky gazing afterward. All ages. Free with registration. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, 10184 CR 32C, LV. 7-10pm. 970-4162815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SEPTEMBER 24 Fort Collins Family Fair Free books and burritos, information on area preschools, more. Fullana Learning Center, 220 N. Grant Ave., FC. 9am12noon. 970-407-7069, uwaylc.org.

“Wish you were here!”—Youth Collage Workshop Understand cultural influences through a group discussion and hands-on art project. Activity, tour and snack included. Ages 8-12. $3. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 1-4pm. 970-221-4600, www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

Tacos Made Vegetarian Explore vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan fillings for tacos. Registration required.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1:30-3pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

Stargazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society The night sky over Devil’s Backbone Open Space. All ages. Free, but online registration required. Devils Backbone Open Space, Hwy. 34., LV. 8-11pm. 970-6194565, www.larimer.org/NRregistration.

SEPTEMBER 25 Plant Walk Explore the plants and history of Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Adults. Free, but online registration is required. Devils Backbone Open Space, Hwy 34., LV. 8-11am. 970-619-4565, www.larimer. org/NRregistration.

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Soapstone Prairie Mountain Bike Ride For beginner and advanced riders alike!

Diamond Peaks Bike Patrol will lead the ride and Master Naturalists will provide information about the area. All ages.

Free with registration. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, South Parking Lot, Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington. 10am. 970-4162815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Enjoy good books and the opportunity to read to friendly animals.

Grades K-5. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 26 Classic Movie Nights Watch the comedy The Philadelphia Story. All ages. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams St., LV. 6:30-8pm. 970962-2599, www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

SEPTEMBER 27 Close-Up to Macro Learn photography techniques that allow you to literally get closer to nature. Free with registration. Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., FC. 9am-12noon. 970-416-2815, www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Y is for Yoga Let’s build literacy skills and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga. Ages 3-6. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10-11:30am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

Dollar-a-Day Boys Come enjoy a nostalgic, fun-filled program with songs, laughter and many heartfelt stories about the Civilian Conservation Corps. Presented by a realistic character right out of the CCC. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 12noon-1pm. 970-221-6740, www.read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

Job Prep Have questions about finding a job?

We will help with questions you might have about getting employed and offer help filling out an application. Ages 1218. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/calendar.

Anime Club Teens gather together after school to watch anime favorites, chat about manga and munch on yummy snacks! Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. read.poudrelibraries.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 29 Whose Live Anyway Improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Whose Live Anyway performs some of the games made famous from the Emmy Nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Various price packages. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SEPTEMBER 30 Geology Underfoot at the Devil’s Backbone Travel through millions of years of time as you gain insights into the fascinating geology of this prominent local landmark and the surrounding area.

Adults. Free, but online registration is required. Devils Backbone Open Space, Hwy. 34., LV. 10-11:30am. 970-6194565, www.larimer.org/NRregistration.

CoderDojo CoderDojo is about encouraging creativity and having fun in a relaxed, informal and creative environment. Ages 8+. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3:15-4:15pm. 970-686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/calendar/.

Magic: The Gathering Magic is more than just a card game.

It’s an opportunity to make new friends, challenge old rivals and have fun.

Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

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time out Creativity

Your child’s most important tool RICHARD KELLER

T

he Zombie Apocalypse is upon us. Don’t worry, they aren’t going to eat your brains or chase after you. Fact is, they’re going to lie around and do very little of anything. Trust me on this–I have zombies in my house.

And you probably have some as well.

Walk into your living room or any of your children’s bedrooms and you’ll find them. They’re unmoving–staring blankly at the screen of a smartphone, tablet, or video game console. Skin blanched due to lack of sunlight. Their only movements come from their eyes, always darting to and fro while playing a video game, or their fingers, texting wildly to an unknown person.

This Zombie Apocalypse has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, it came on so gradually we didn’t recognize it, and that’s a problem. You see, when our children reach this level of zombieness they lose something extremely important. The concept of creativity.

Creativeness is a huge component of a child’s life. It helps them cope, resolve problems, work together with others. Basically, being creative helps them interact in the world. And not simply in childhood. As they get older, they activate their creativity to be proactive at work, form lasting and fulfilling relationships, and achieve a greatness which you hoped they would when they first arrived in the world.

Sadly, children are losing their creativity at a rapid pace. A good deal of this is due to the zombification of our kids due to electronic devices, social media, and binge-watching streaming media like Netflix. However, education practices are also responsible for the loss of creativity. As children continue to advance in grade level the amount of rigidity increases as well. Instead of creative thought processes, many school districts still adhere to strict curriculum 42

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due to standardization. In other words, it’s “I talk, you listen, you read the book,” rather than, “Let’s read and discuss the reasons why.” Answers to questions remain “Yes,” “No,” or, “I’m not going to answer that,” as opposed to open-ended questions to pose back to the student.

Things have to change at both home and school in order for creativity to reemerge. First, open the windows to get some sunlight into your home. Don’t fret, your kids won’t turn into dust when hit by sunlight. Next, severely cut back electronic media time, and not just with your kids. Everyone in the house should be limited to just a few hours a day to provide stimulus for conversation, questions, and creativity opportunities. Third, give your kids some independence. Despite what you may hear on the news,

the world isn’t falling apart just yet. Let them explore, encounter dangers, troubleshoot ways to get out of sticky situations. Don’t helicopter over them every moment of the day.

We can reverse this Zombie Apocalypse, and not by shooting our way through like they do in The Walking Dead. What it takes is some patience, some creativity of your own, and a hope to see your children succeed as they join the next generation of adults. Trust me, the investment in their creativity will be well worth it.

Richard Keller is the founder of Wooden Pants Publishing, www.woodenpantspub. com. Richard lives in Fort Collins with his five children who have been zombies from time to time over summer vacation.

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