RM Parent December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 • RMPARENT.COM

Holiday

MINI-GETAWAYS .........................................

Christmas

TREE CHOICES

TERRIFIC teens

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Roll a STRIKE

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STRANGER DANGER

RESET

.................................

Inner

strength in your kids

PLUS:

F EST IV E HOLIDAY G U I DE & CA LE N DA R

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HOLIDAY FUN!

STORY TIME WITH SANTA! Thursday and Friday at 11:30am November 27th through December 18th

BUY LOCAL!

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(970) 224-2866 • 111 North College Avenue • clothespony.com

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DECEMBER 2015

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

Why do we fall, sir?—Well for several reasons actually, Alfred…

FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Stranger danger reset—ways to protect your kids beyond creating fear and anxiety

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Discover holiday magic on a mini-getaway— trains, trolley, zoos and the North Pole…

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

Special Section FESTIVE

HOLIDAY GUIDE Have some holiday family fun this year.

Check out all the fun outdoor activities that await your family.

And find that perfect performance. Finally, be safe with your gifts and on your trips.

F ES T I V E

Holiday Guide

Head outside to the winter playgroun d

Page 4

Safety tips for gifts & trips

Page 4

Holiday calendar

Page 8

Santa sightings

Page 20

Roll a strike—grab the family and hit the lanes

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Genuine sense of community—connections, safety, health and more help make NoCo great

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . . 16 O (real, local) Christmas tree—thy leaves are so recyclable and healthful, actually

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

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4

Features 18 THE TERRIFIC TEENS

Why as a parent can we sail relatively smoothly through our children’s early years and suddenly lose all semblances of confidence and composure when they hit the years between childhood and adulthood?

Learning to take the ride together and the highs and lows in stride might transform those teenage years.

Why math works—coming around to the new, new math

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 LISA students connect art, nature and community, Garfield staff create blankets for cancer patients, Students perform and display art at conference, Teen Court students learn firsthand about judicial system

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Lesher rock climbing club develops critical thinking and discipline, Webber students talk with astronaut on International Space Station, calendar of events

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Greeley West named AVID demonstration school, new school board members take oath of office, Bear Hug Club needs volunteers

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

20 THE GIFT OF RESILIENCE

It’s tempting to want to shield our kids from bad news or hard realities. Yet strength and resiliency come from learning how to navigate tough situations and times of unwelcome change. Their happiness depends on how well they deal with bumps and bruises, not whether or not they have them.

ABOUT THE COVER: Brexlyn, 5 months, likes giggling, playing, eating and loves her big brother and sister. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective Why do we fall, sir?

Well for several reasons actually, Alfred…

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e just watched Batman Begins…I know, a decade late, but you know how the queue builds up. Anyway, remember when little Bruce falls into the well? So his dad is carrying him afterwards and asks, “Why do we fall, Bruce?” He then answers his own question, “So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” He’s getting at, of course, one of the key ingredients of resiliency. Lynn Nichols has a great feature story about resilience and how to promote inner strength in your kids on page 18.

Back to little Bruce. Of course, things go horribly wrong for him soon after that and he does a lot of falling down. The theme though is picked up near the end of the movie after the bad guys burn down his mansion and he’s lying at the bottom of the underground elevator. Bruce is lamenting that he failed. This time it’s Alfred who delivers the same lines as Bruce’s dad had years ago. Then Bruce hits him with, “You still haven’t given up on me.” To which Alfred replies, “Never.”

Back to kids, this seems to be an important thing: that they have, as Lynn says, a rock in their lives, someone who will be there and love them and support them no matter what goes on.

Something else that strikes me as to why it’s good for kids to fall is that they can relate with others when they fall. It’s one thing to get good at picking yourself up. It’s another thing to be able to see others in need and have a visceral response that says, oh, yeah, I remember how crummy it feels when it seems as though things just can’t go right for me and it doesn’t seem as though anyone is in my corner. And they can learn to be someone else’s rock.

I think this applies to all kinds of things from generosity to patience to compassion. So I guess maybe (how’s that for certainty) that my holiday message is that helping to promote inner strength in our kids can also help them to learn through understanding and empathy some of the virtues we admire and that make us strong together.

I just came across an excerpt from Natalia Ginzburg’s essay The Little Virtues that seems to relate to resiliency in a way. Here’s a little bit of it: “As far as the education of children is concerned I think they should be taught not the little virtues but the great ones. Not thrift but generosity and an indifference to money; not caution but courage and a contempt for danger; not shrewdness but frankness and a love of truth; not tact but love for one’s neighbor and self-denial; not a desire for success but a desire to be and to know. Usually we do just the opposite…In doing this, we are choosing the easiest way, because the little virtues do not involve any actual dangers; indeed they provide shelter from Fortune’s blows.”

I think Batman might agree…

Scott

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DECEMBER 2015 • Volume 20, Issue 7 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt Sharon Klahn, Kyle Moyer COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Harris, Lea Hanson, 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. ©2015 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

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first years

Stranger danger reset

Ways to protect your kids beyond creating fear and anxiety LY NN U. NICHOLS

W

hile stranger danger may rhyme well, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for keeping your kids safe. A blanket fear of every adult your child doesn’t know can make her become fearful and anxious.

It can also kill the opportunity for her to learn how to be a good citizen and care for others in need. Besides, according to the Child Advocacy Center, 90 percent of children who have been sexually abused were not hurt by a stranger, it was someone they knew.

So what’s a parent to do? You want your child to be safe from predators and you know he’s too young to understand that a wolf might be underneath a kind and friendly mask. You empower him with knowledge and the strength to say no. You set rules that keep him safe.

Then you hit the replay button on these lessons over and over again.

PREDATORS DON’T LOOK LIKE THE BOOGEYMAN Most predators do not look scary—they appear friendly and fun. They offer gifts or favors. They ask kids for help. They tell kids to keep secrets. They brush off a kid’s concern of asking mom or dad first. Teach your child it’s not the stranger part that makes a person dangerous—in fact, let him know that most people are good people—it’s what that person is asking or suggesting. Dangerous people are tricky people.

It can be hard to grasp this concept especially for little ones, so set a simple rule of saying, ‘I have to ask my mom first,’ before your child can ever do anything with any adult outside of the classroom or off the sports field. They have to ask first, period.

Role playing safety situations can help young kids practice saying ‘I have to ask first,’ or simply ‘No!’ and running away. You can be the tricky adult and 8

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offer for him to see your new puppy and encourage him to come around the corner and he can have fun practicing his new ask-first mantra and assertiveness skills.

A part of keeping young kids safe is helping them identify their internal feelings when they are presented with a strange opportunity from an adult. You can define this as an ‘uh-oh” feeling and share times you had such a feeling when you were a kid. Help your little ones practice identifying this danger feeling throughout the day when crossing the street, encountering animals, meeting strangers at the park or grocery store, and so on.

PRIVATE PARTS ARE PRIVATE As young as age 2, talk with your child about private parts, teaching the appropriate names for her genitals and reinforcing that no one gets to touch them without her permission and that only mom, dad and the doctor are ever allowed to touch them and only for bathing or keeping her healthy. Let her know she alone is the boss of her body.

In general, encourage your child to be assertive, even to adults. While kids do need to learn respect for adults, they

also need to learn that they can say no when something doesn’t feel right.

WHEN A STRANGER IS NEEDED Another reason you should throw away the stranger danger concept is that at some point your child may need help.

Almost every child gets lost at least once in his or her lifetime. When this happens—or another emergency—he needs to know who to ask for help.

Teach him to find a mom with kids and ask her for help. Let him know moms know how to handle these things best and so he needs to look around and find one. Then, make sure as early as possible he knows your real name, not just mommy or daddy, and your phone number.

Lastly, don’t be concerned that talking about tricky people will only prove to make your child feel scared. In fact, talking and role-playing what to do actually empowers kids as they feel they’re now equipped to handle the situation.

With all good parenting, instilling important lessons takes time. Repeat these lessons often. No doubt they will stick with your kids much better than the old stranger danger mantra.

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family activities

Discover magic on a mini-getaway Trains, trolleys, zoos and the North Pole…

KATIE HARRIS

‘

Tis the season for excitement and anticipation as kids in northern Colorado prepare for a long winter’s break from school! If you’re wondering what to do with your pack of squirrelly kiddos for the two weeks surrounding the holidays, you’re sure to find plenty of entertainment locally. Sledding, ice-skating, visits with Santa, carriage rides, concerts and more take place throughout December at various locations around the region.

If you’ve lived here long enough, you might be ready to head out of town for a short day trip or weekend, and explore some of the holiday festivities nearby towns and cities have to offer.

CHEYENNE STREET RAILWAY TROLLEY

December 12-24 the trolley loops the city, taking its riders past homes aglow with holiday lights, all from the comfort of an enclosed trolley car. Tours depart from Sears at Frontier Mall, 1400 W. Dell Range. To purchase tickets, call 307-778-3133. Cost is $12/ adult, $6/child. For more information on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley, including its year-round tours and other special events, visit www.cheyennetrolley.com.

POLAR EXPRESS

Sip hot cocoa and sing along to Christmas carols as you make your way to the North Pole, where true believers might even receive a gift from Santa himself!

The Polar Express travels on select evenings throughout December, and tickets go quickly! Reservations can be made at www.Durangotrain.com, or by calling 888-872-4607. Ticket prices vary depending on day of travel and seat selection. The Polar Express (AKA Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad) is located at 479 Main St, Durango, CO 81301.

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SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN

Complete with Christmas music, elves, holiday treats, and Santa himself, this journey to the North Pole via the stunning Royal Gorge is one you don’t want to miss! The railway also offers a Holiday Train package; a two-hour ride complete with breathtaking views the whole family will appreciate! The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is located at 330 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212. For more information and reservations call 888-724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgeroute.com.

NORTH POLE

This Colorado Springs gem offers rides for kids, including the new Santa’s Sleigh Zipline, gift shops, and of course, a visit with Santa in his workshop. Admission is $21/guest, and The North Pole is open Th-M, 10am-5pm throughout December. The North Pole is located at 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809. More information can be found at www.northpole colorado.com.

CHEYENNE ZOO

Christmas day through New Year’s Day the zoo comes to life with over 1 million glittering lights and animated sculptures.

Scattered fire pits offer a reprieve from the cold, as you tour the zoo set high above Colorado Springs. What better place to view the city lights? Details about this zoo, located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, can be found at www.cmzoo.org.

DENVER ZOO

The Denver Zoo offers a magical holiday experience of its own, with Zoo Lights, running nightly from December 4th through January 3rd. The exhibit will double this year, with 70 acres of the zoo’s campus coming alive with lights, animated sculptures, and entertainment. Zoo Lights takes place 5:30-9pm nightly, and tickets must be purchased separately from general admission. The zoo is located at 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205.

Visit www.denverzoo.org for tickets and details.

HOLIDAY FUN!

STORY TIME WITH SANTA!

Thursday and Friday at 11:30am November 27th through December 18th

BUY LOCAL!

Like us on

(970) 224-2866 • 111 North College Avenue • clothespony.com RMPARENT

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learn and live

A new blast from the past Grab the family and hit the lanes

KIM SHARPE

Where to bowl in NoCo • Chipper’s Lanes www.chipperslanes.com

Estes Park, 555 S. St. Vrain Ave. 970-586-8625 Fort Collins, 830 N. College Ave., 970-484-4777 Fort Collins, 217 W. Horsetooth Road, 970-226-6327 Greeley, 2454 8th Ave., 970-353-4275 • Highland Park Lanes, 1900 59th Ave., Greeley. 970-330-2695 or www.highlandparklanes.com • Sweetheart Lanes, 2320 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland. 970-667-3510 or www.sweetheartlanes.net • The Summit, 4455 N. Fairgrounds Ave., Windsor. 970-663-6363 or www. thesummitwindsor.com

W

hat activity can the whole family enjoy at once that provides a bit of physical exercise, and lots of laughter and fun?

Why bowling, of course!

During the mid- to late-1900s in the U.S., bowling was the No. 1 recreational choice for thousands of people. It was so popular that the White House installed a bowling alley in 1947. In the 1960s, there were more than 12,000 public alleys in the nation and the U.S. Bowling Congress peaked at 4.6 million recreational members, many of whom took the sport seriously and joined leagues, which competed for 36 weeks each year. Today, while there are only about 5,000 alleys nationwide and fewer people belong to leagues, bowling is still an entertaining 12

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pastime that seems to be gaining favor in northern Colorado.

In recent years, Chippers Lanes bought older alleys and renovated them to include laser tag and video arcades, making them very family friendly. Brand new lanes are part of The Summit Windsor, which opened last year near Crossroads Blvd. and Interstate 25. It’s a $15 million center that has 40 lanes, a full-service restaurant, laser tag and other games.

There are older facilities, too, which have stood the test of time and offer just as much fun, like Sweetheart Lanes in Loveland.

Matt Hoeven, one of Chipper’s Lanes several owners, says, “Bowling provides a perfect social occasion in which the majority of time is spent

talking and laughing, while a short time is taken for each persons turn throwing their ball down the lane.

People of varying ages and abilities can comfortably bowl together; a 25-yearold professional, 4-year-old toddler and 85-year-old grandpa can share the lane and a game.”

So if you’re looking for a great way to spend a weekend afternoon, date night or family time, check out a bowling alley near you. If you haven’t bowled before, don’t worry. “Everyone can jump on the lanes and have fun right out of the chute,” says Hoeven. If you want to arrive at the lanes a little prepared, you can watch instructional videos on the Internet, including the ones on Chipper’s Lanes website: www.chipperslanes.com/learn-bowl.

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community news

Genuine sense of community

Connections, safety, health and more help make NoCo great KIM SHARPE

N

NEW COMMUNITY SPACE OPENS IN FORT COLLINS’ RIVER DISTRICT Wolverine Farm Publishing recently opened a new space, the Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, at 316 Willow St. in Fort Collins’—River District. The Letterpress & Publick House will focus on art, culture and craft, with a unique twist propelled by a mission to “mindfully engage people with the world around them.”

“We’re striving for something different here,” says Todd Simmons, Wolverine Farm founder and director.

“This is an educational and cultural facility with really nice concessions.

But it’s also a social experiment in the sense of, ‘What skills and craft do people want to learn right now in Fort Collins, what issues are important enough to hold a town meeting about, how can literature and art make a difference in our lives?’”

The Letterpress & Publick House features a working letterpress print shop; retail space for local makers; coffee, beer, and wine downstairs; and events, workshops, and other cultural programming upstairs. The communityminded space will be available for rent and also collaborations with other groups and nonprofits.

Wolverine Farm Publishing began publishing in 2003 and become a 501(c) 14

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLVERINEFARM.ORG

orthern Colorado is one of the best places in the world to live, partially because there’s a genuine sense of community—people care about one another and make time to be together—and leaders work hard to put world-class amenities in place to make it safe and enjoyable. When the not-sopleasant issues inherent in life must be addressed, leaders, again, take swift measures to do so. Below are some recent examples of what makes NoCo great.

3 literary/art nonprofit in 2005. They publish a community newspaper, books, and operate a volunteer-run bookstore downtown. With the help of a few anonymous lenders, the Local Development Company, and a successful crowd funding campaign, Wolverine Farm bought the property in 2013 and began redevelopment almost immediately.

To operate the Letterpress & Publick House, Wolverine Farm created a subsidiary, Publick House, LLC, to help handle the new terrain of concessions and event space. “All profits still go back to charity, but this will allow us to handle walk-in traffic not directly related to our mission,” says Simmons. “Once we get people in the door, we hope to engage them with our mission, and see where we can go together.”

To find more information, visit www.wolverinefarm.org or call Todd Simmons at 970-227-9383.

CSU EARNS PLATINUM STATUS FOR BICYCLING CSU recently became the only university in the state and one of only five in the nation recognized as platinum by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).

To reach platinum status, the university had to demonstrate that it is an exemplary campus for bicyclists, welcoming cycling at every level and has a number of people biking at much higher levels than the national average. CSU is the first university to climb directly from Silver to Platinum, skipping Gold, in its quest for top recognition for supporting biking on campus.

“This recognition is a nod to the entire cycling culture in northern Colorado and Fort Collins,” says Aaron Fodge, alternative transportation manager for the university. “The work of many people at the university, and our strong partnership with the city, creates

a seamless transition for cyclists from city to campus, and the strong commitment from so many crafts an optimized bike-friendly experience for our students, faculty, staff and guests. We hope to see more and more of our community try out bicycling as a mode of transportation to and on campus.”

As part of its commitment to supporting bicycling on campus, CSU has: • 15,000 bike racks to support commuters • A bicycle maintenance and educational service provider on campus run by students, which fixes bikes and demonstrates for customers how to fix common problems themselves • A bicycle retail shop in the Lory Student Center • A network of bike enforcement officers • Eleven bike fix-it stations at various campus locations that provide free access to tools • Extensive educational programming on bicycling safety and regulations • A bike library branch on campus • A program to sell used bikes abandoned on campus to encourage new commuters • A bike master plan developed with the city • More than 10 miles of bike trails and lanes on campus • Tailored classes and coaching for individuals who want to commute to campus by bike.

“In its fourth year, we’ve seen the Bicycle Friendly University program reach an exciting level of growth and momentum, as more and more campuses support bicycling in new and innovative ways,” says Amelia Neptune, the LAB Bicycle Friendly University program manager.

“From bike storage inside dorm rooms to bicycle-powered music festivals, we applaud this round of universities for raising the standards of what a bicycle-friendly campus looks like.”

were hospitalized; all three have recovered from the illness. No new cases have been reported since mid-October.

Officials from the State Health Department and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment believe the illness was acquired from an infected food handler at a franchised Qdoba Mexican restaurant in Firestone. Qdoba management and employees have been highly cooperative in the investigation. The infected food handler is not working at the restaurant, does not have symptoms of the illness and will receive appropriate medical treatment. Additional testing of current and former employees will be completed to make sure no other individuals are confirmed with the illness.

“Typhoid fever is very rare,” says Dr. Mark E. Wallace, MD MPH, executive director of the Weld County Health Department. “The good news is the illness is treatable with antibiotics.

Simply having eaten at the restaurant is not a reason to see your health care provider. Only those currently exhibiting symptoms should contact their health care provider.”

The signs and symptoms for typhoid fever include a sustained fever as high as 103°-104°F. The infected person also may feel weak, or have stomach pains, head-

ache or loss of appetite. In some cases, patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever is to have stool samples or blood tested for the presence of Salmonella typhi. If someone is currently ill with these symptoms, they should contact their health care provider to get tested and treated.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a statewide message to health care providers notifying them of the typhoid cases. Typhoid fever, also known as Salmonella typhi, is a life-threatening bacterial infection. In the United States, it’s estimated approximately 5,700 cases occur annually. Most cases (up to 75 percent) are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 21 million people annually. People can get typhoid fever if they eat food or drink beverages handled by a person who is shedding Salmonella typhi or if sewage contaminated with the bacteria gets into the drinking water.

Colorado averages about five cases of typhoid fever each year.

For more information, contact the Colorado CO-HELP telephone number at 877-462-2911 or visit www.weldhealth.org.

TYPHOID FEVER STRIKES WELD COUNTY Public health officials have confirmed three cases of typhoid fever among individuals who had eaten at a restaurant in Firestone in August. Two individuals RMPARENT

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healthy living

O (real, local) Christmas tree Thy leaves are so recyclable and healthful, actually LEA HANSON

Where to recycle your tree

T

hose who celebrate Christmas and/or decorate for the winter holidays with a Christmas tree know choices abound when it comes to picking out the perfect tree.

FAKE VERSUS REAL Artificial trees have one clear advantage over farmed ones: They last a long time.

But they also have one clear disadvantage: They last a long time. True, using a fake tree prevents us from cutting down a tree; but trees are a renewable resource and it’s pretty easy to grow new ones.

Artificial trees are made of PVC plastic and wire, and many come with LED lights. They’re almost impossible to recycle. They’re also often made in China and therefore require enormous amounts of natural resources to be shipped to our local store to be ready for purchase.

RESPONSIBLE BUYING While real trees create less pollution to produce (they actually add to our earth’s health rather than take from it), unless you’re buying one grown locally or cutting it down yourself, it’s not necessarily “green” when one considers the fuel and resources needed to get it to your neighborhood parking lot. So the most environmentally responsible tree-buying is 16

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either chopping your own or obtaining a real one that is locally grown.

Christmas tree permits, which allow you to cut your own Christmas tree on public lands, are now on sale at National Forest/BLM offices and selected retail outlets in northern Colorado. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, this year’s regional primary Christmas tree cutting dates will be December 5-13, 2015.

Christmas Tree Permits cost $10 per tree (limit five per household), are for personal use only (not for resale). They can be purchased at any Forest Service Ranger District Office.

It’s easy to make an event out of tree-cutting at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch in Red Feather Lakes. In addition to cutting a tree, you can enjoy hot cocoa in the restaurant and slide down the tubing hill. Tree cutting begins on Nov. 19 and goes through Christmas Eve. If you’re committed to buying a locally grown tree, but aren’t interested in cutting your own, there are many options including The Windsor Christmas Tree Farm (www.colorado.com/farm-ranchactivities/windsor-christmas-tree-farm).

Additionally, most local nurseries will offer fresh, locally raised trees for sale for easy, convenient selection and pick up.

Most municipalities in the U.S. offer some kind of recycling program for dried out Christmas trees, and the variety of uses for those tired old trees is truly astonishing. In the City of Fort Collins and in Larimer County, trees are recycled is via the wood chipper, producing mulch that is then distributed to residents or used in community projects. To recycle your tree this year, remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, plastic, etc., and take your tree to one of the following free drop-off locations:

Fort Collins:

• Edora Park, 1420 E. Stuart St. (Tennis court parking lot) • Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Rd. (Monday – Saturday, 8am to 4:30pm) • Rolland Moore Park, 2201 S. Shields St. (Parking lot, S.E. corner) • Streets Department, 625 Ninth Street (S.W. corner of Lemay Ave. and E. Vine Dr.)

Wellington:

• Wellington Recycling Drop-Off Site (corner of 6th Street and Grant Ave.)

Greeley:

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Loveland:

• Centennial Park (West 1st and Taft Ave.) • Loveland Recycling Center (off of 1st Street & Wilson Avenue) • Kroh Park (North Highway 287 and 52nd St.)

Windsor:

• Brush Recycling Site & Recycling Center (801 Diamond Valley Dr.)

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The

Terrific teens

Make them an enjoyable time for all

...............................................................

Kim Sharpe

B

eginning when people learn they’re expecting a little bundle of joy, they’re flooded with all kinds of parenting advice from those who’ve gone before them. First come the delivery stories, many of which can make the most stalwart of birthing troopers wince and wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into. Then come warnings about the “Terrible Twos,” which of course are a mild precursor to the dreaded teenage years.

While well meaning, all the sages who are so eager to share their experiences can give the whole parenting gig a bum rap, especially when it comes to parenting teens. But you have to wonder why. Why as a parent can you sail

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relatively smoothly through your child’s early years and suddenly lose all semblances of confidence and composure when you hit the years between childhood and adulthood. What gives?

TURBULENCE EXPLAINED Donovan Dreyer, a counselor at Frederick High School and life coach, believes the teenage years are complicated because as a society “we have our priorities upside down and we live in a ‘red zone’ world where everyone’s stressed out too much of the time.”

The American Psychology Association 2013 Stress in America Survey results support his assessment. “We

assumed that teens experience stress, but what was surprising was that it was so high compared with adults.” Stressors reported by teens include “homework, grades, work, friendships and family relations. More than a third of teens reported that stress caused them to lose sleep, a third said it made them feel sad and depressed, and nearly a quarter said it led to their skipping meals.”

Beyond societal stress, Mary Dravis-Parish, NoCo author of Empowered Parents, Empowering Kids, A Guide to BE YOU Parenting, says, the teen years get a bad rap because kids “…are growing from childhood, where it is much safer being who you are, into

Tips for teens and parents

Empowered Parents, Empowering Kids, A Guide to BE YOU Parenting contains some great ideas to help the teen be happy, healthy and rewarding.

•E xpress gratitude to each other with sincerity often.

•R espect the changes that each of you is going through. This is a difficult time for

parents as well as teens. For many parents, it’s hard to face the fact that their child is growing up.

•A sk questions of each other, and be honest about how you feel and what you need from each other.

•R ecognize that both of you are doing the best you can. Acknowledge that you both are doing the best with what you know in the moment.

•E njoy what time you have together doing activities that both can engage in with interest.

Play and have fun in life.

•V alue each other’s opinions and use them as a way to get to know each other more deeply. Allow for individual choices and preferences.

•B e the you that you are here to be, not what you think you should be. (This may be easier for teens than for parents.)

•B e willing to learn from each other. Each person has the ability to give and to receive regardless of age.

•S tart each day with a clean slate; erasing all that we said or did that wasn’t in the best interest of our relationships the day before. Forgive and move on.

................................................... discovering how they fit into the world.

As they step into adulthood, they resist losing their identity to become the society’s norm. Some teens fall into the norm with ease, but others will begin to try to show the world who they are by doing things that are uncomfortable for parents. They are discovering they have beliefs and ideas that are unique to them, which may collide with their parents’ beliefs. They are literally fighting for the right to be who they want to be.”

PREPARE WITH POSITIVITY Perhaps one of the best ways to approach the teen years is with a positive attitude.

Like anything else, if you go into this time with an upbeat outlook and are intentional about making it an enjoyable experience, you’ll come out the other side in a much better place than if you approach it with doom and foreboding.

“Preparation for being a parent of a teen begins when you become a parent. If you go into the teen years with an attitude

that it will be an exciting time for both of you, you’ll create more ease and appreciation than if you are dreading it because of what other people have experienced,” says Dravish-Parish. “Have no expectations and allow the adventure to happen.”

EXTEND GRACE Another strategy for enjoying your child’s teen years is to remember your own teenage years and not expect your child to be any more perfect than you were. Teens will make mistakes and when they do, your job as a parent is not to judge, “… but rather to encourage them to see what other choices are available that would work to their advantage. Teens are going to make their own choices and ‘mistakes’ from which they’ll learn their own lesson, just as did you,” says Dravish-Parish.

Perhaps one reason parents are reluctant to let their children fail is because they believe it’s a reflection of themselves.

But Dravish-Parish reminds parents “… not to take the choices and experiences of

their teen as a reflection. Teens’ mistakes all belong to them and they can assume the ownership. It isn’t a parent’s job to rescue teens from their choices, but rather to let them know they will persevere through them and learn what they need to learn. Parents need to let go of any ideas that their kids belong to them, for they have a life of their own to build.”

MENTORS HELP The job of “parent” might be the most important one any individual can take on, so gaining some knowledge about what it takes to be a good one makes sense.

“We wouldn’t expect doctors to just go practice medicine without a lot of training, so why do we expect parents to raise kids without any,” questions Dreyer.

There are many parenting books and good information on the Internet to which people can turn for tips of the trade. However, Dreyer feels “most of us need help distilling all the information because it can be confusing.”

He recommends people take parenting classes and/or connect with more experienced parents who can serve as guides. “We can’t just read a book. We all need mentors to help us find our way.” Turn to family members, friends or perhaps faith community leaders whom you respect and ask them to walk along side you down the parenting path.

STAY CONNECTED AND CARRY ON Perhaps one of the most important ways to navigate the teen years is to do it jointly with your kids. Dreyer says, “Parents need to build connectedness so kids don’t look to gangs and unhealthy places for relationships.”

Be involved with them and do life with them. The teen years can be a time of growth and bonding for all concerned. “While parents should put boundaries and expectations in place and then hold the line, they also should begin empowering their kids to discover what they’re about,” he adds.

The bottom line? Don’t give up, hold on and enjoy the ride together, taking every bump and all the highs and lows in stride. If you do, you’ll be surprised at how much fun the teenage years can be.

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GIVE THE Gift OF RESILIENCE 5 WAYS TO PROMOTE INNER STRENGTH IN YOUR KIDS

Lynn U. Nichols

W

e’ve all met someone that overcame immense adversity and is thriving today. And we’ve met the opposite—people who seem to have had only good luck and good fortune but just can’t seem to find inner peace or happiness. What’s the difference between the two? Likely resiliency. Resiliency is having the ability to bounce back—to adjust easily to change 20

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and misfortune, to be flexible when things don’t turn out as planned.

It’s tempting, especially when kids are young, to want to shield them from bad news or hard realities. Yet strength and resiliency are not born from ease—they come from learning how to navigate tough situations and times of unwelcome change. If the ultimate goal for our kids is happiness, then handling

stress and maintaining calm in the face of uncertainty is something they must master. Their happiness depends on how well they deal with bumps and bruises, not whether or not they have them.

Can we give our kids the gift of resilience, or do kids just come out that way? Like most traits, both genetics and environment are at play. If you want to help your kids practice

resilience, start incorporating parenting habits that promote it. Here are 5 things you can try, starting right now.

1. BE THEIR ROCK Resilient kids often have a stable caregiver bond from early on or a mentor in their life that is a positive influence. Be your child’s biggest fan.

Listen to them. Give them your full attention. Send the message that you think they are just great the way they are. In other words, even when you want to pass judgment and shout, ‘what were you thinking?’ or criticize their behavior, try to put yourself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from or ask yourself if your motivation is to support or teach a lesson. That’s called unconditional love. There is great freedom and comfort in knowing you have at least one person in your life that loves you no matter what. Be that person for your kids. That doesn’t mean you can’t set boundaries or show disapproval, you just have to do it in a loving way.

2. HOLD BACK ON THE ADVICE We want to teach kids what we know and point out the obvious, but the hard truth is kids often need to learn life lessons on their own. If you feel your child is headed down a slippery slope, say with grades, rather than grounding them from video games and demanding they sit and study nonstop, ask them what’s up, and what their thoughts are on helping to improve the situation.

“Ask open-ended questions and listen

3. ACT HONESTLY, BE HONEST It’s tempting, especially during the holidays, to pretend everything is okay.

Maybe you buy that big gift your child has been pining for even though you can’t afford it, or you smooth over disagreements at the family dinner party.

It makes sense you want the holidays to be perfect and magical, just don’t make acting falsely a habit.

“As parents, our inability to tolerate our children’s discomfort or disappointment can really get in the way. We hate to see our kids in pain so we try to make it better by minimizing problems or fixing problems for them. By taking away problems too quickly, we take away opportunities for kids to learn how to navigate challenges,” Mesinger says.

Kids who see parents working through a solution to a problem are more resilient. The next time you are unsure how to handle a situation, let your kids witness how you work it out.

“I advise parents to problem solve out loud in front of their kids. Show them it’s a process. Show them you don’t have all the answers immediately, and when you do make a mistake, admit it,” Mesinger says.

5. PROMOTE HEALTHY HABITS Young people don’t have the life experience to know the valuable lesson that “this too shall pass.” School or social stress can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. After the fact when they feel better the next day, it’s okay to reinforce this wisdom or put it in words you think they will understand. When your kids screw up, talk it through with them.

Ask what they could do differently next time then help them to set it aside, or encourage them to take the action they deem appropriate to fix the situation.

Also, help kids learn healthy habits in the face of stress—and let them witness how you deal with stress. Different actions work for different people and for different situations. Putting on music, going for a walk or run, getting out in nature, taking a break from what’s causing the stress, writing in a journal, or talking or crying it out are all healthy ways to cope with stress.

Real strength comes from facing challenges and working through them.

Let your kids practice resiliency—they’ll be much happier for it, and so will you.

4. SAY NO Resilient kids know they don’t get everything they ask for, and therefore they appreciate when they do get something they want that much more. That means you can lose the guilt for not buying them everything they want on their holiday wish list. In addition, resist buying a treat or toy just for going to the store with you, or giving material rewards for

Resiliency is having the ability to bounce back to their comments and solutions. If they come up with an idea themselves they are more apt to make it work,” says Dr. Brian Mesinger, pediatric psychologist with the Fort Collins Youth Clinic.

good behavior. Doing the right thing or getting good results from working hard is reward itself. Set clear boundaries around behavior and when those rules are broken, give clear consequences.

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thompson school district news LISA students connect cancer patients to help provide comfort and warmth as they undergo treatment.

Mountain View High School’s Loveland area Integrated School of the Arts (LISA) program partnered with the Heart J Learning Center at Sylvan Dale Ranch in October to provide 122 LISA students with a day of art-integrated learning. The focus of the retreat was on making connections with art, nature, community and each other. Students attended a series of workshops taught by local artists Justin Roth, Veronica Patterson and Trish Murtha to explore songwriting, poetry and painting. During the retreat, students also embarked on a challenge course to explore leadership, trust and communication.

Teachers, parents and TSD Board of Education member Denise Montagu joined the students on the course for the “Buckin’ Bronco” challenge.

GARFIELD STAFF CREATE BLANKETS FOR CANCER PATIENTS As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Garfield Elementary School staff gathered together to create fleece blankets to show their support for local individuals who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Each staff member was encouraged to donate $3.50 to help

purchase materials for the blankets. The school’s PTA also donated funds for one blanket. Garfield Elementary, along with the CSU Ram Strength Lubick Foundation, donated the blankets to local

STUDENTS PERFORM, DISPLAY ART AT CONFERENCE The 38th annual Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented conference traveled north in October to Embassy Suites Loveland for its 2015 event. The professional conference has an annual attendance of approximately 700 educators, administrators and parents. As part of the experience, TSD students treated visitors to several musical performances. Students also displayed several pieces of artwork throughout the conference area. The Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT) is a nonprofit organization of parents, educators and others interested in promoting appropriate education, including creative and critical thinking, for gifted and talented children. CAGT also seeks public recognition and support for the special needs of gifted and talented children.

Garfield Elementary staff created fleece blankets for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

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participate in community service or use the experience as volunteer hours for resumes and scholarship applications. New students are always welcome to join the group.

For more information, please contact your high school.

TEEN COURT STUDENTS LEARN FIRSTHAND ABOUT JUDICIAL SYSTEM TSD high school students are getting a first-hand education on how the judicial system works through a partnership with the City of Loveland.

“Teen Court” is an after-school activity open to all high school students within the district. The group meets on Tuesdays and works with Judge

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Joneson and Vincent Jungles, City of Loveland Assistant District Attorney, to not only learn about the court system and procedures, but also to participate in actual sentencing hearings. District students actively participate as the judge, jury, attorneys and bailiff to assist the City of Loveland in teen court cases. Students have the opportunity to earn credit,

TSD RECEIVES ELECTRIC-CAR CHARGING STATION Drive Electric Northern Colorado is proud to announce that TSD is the recipient of the Level II charging station giveaway from their September #WorkplaceChargingChallenge workshop. The station was donated

by Telefonix, Inc. and PowerPost EVSE and will be installed at the new High Plains School this coming spring! This region is one of the nation’s top innovators and leaders for electric vehicle (EV ) adoption, including school systems that are leading the way to “drive” EV adoption in the community. Pictured in the image are Bill Williams, Business Development Manager at Telefonix, Inc., and Brett Dowgin, Resource and Energy Manager at Thompson School District, as the new Telefonix Station was delivered.

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poudre school district news Rock climbing club develops critical thinking

The Inner Strength Rock Gym in early November was filled with the distinctive clank of metal carabiners mixed with the thump of feet hitting mats and the chatter of the Lesher Middle School rock-climbing club.

Rock climbing is growing in popularity around the district, from the after-school climbing clubs at Johnson and Traut Elementary to the gym classes on the in-school rock wall at Blevins Middle school.

“I started this club two years ago because I wanted to give kids the experience of rock climbing, since there are just so many benefits,” says Lesher science teacher and club sponsor Ben Mayer. “Since we don’t have our own rock wall, we aren’t able to do this unless we get kids over here after school.”

Relying on parent volunteers to shuttle students to the gym once a week after school, the club has grown since that first year from five kids to 50. Besides providing a safe place to be active and get some exercise, rock climbing teaches the preteens problem solving and discipline.

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“What I like about rock climbing is that it’s like a puzzle,” eighth grader Alex Ellmer says. “If you don’t get it the first day, you can just come back the next day and keep working on it.”

Over the months the club meets, the kids set personal goals and track their weekly progress towards achieving them.

“I like working through a hard route, even if I can’t get it at first,” student Murphy Brglund says. “It’s just kind of fun being up on the ropes and trying to figure out the best way to hold a hold or step up on it.”

As a non-competitive sport, the weekly climbing excursions give students the opportunity to challenge themselves in a low-pressure, informal environment.

The atmosphere also fosters teacherstudent bonding, which translates to academic benefits back in the classroom.

“You get this really cool relationship between you and the student, where you can get them to belay you while you’re climbing and catch you. To then teach them in class is really powerful and relationship building,” tech engineering and robotics teacher Owen Murphy says.

STUDENTS TALK WITH ASTRONAUT ON INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION Webber Middle School recently got a shout out from space.

Kjell Lindgren, an astronaut currently on board the International Space Station, hosted a live video chat with students at 10 schools across America, answering their questions about what it’s like to live and work in space.

“The kids get to see that he’s a real live human being, who as a young boy had a dream of being an astronaut,” tech teacher Bill Rutledge says. “They get to see a little of where the future might be going for them.”

Each semester, Webber Aerospace Ventures in Education (WAVE) coordinates a simulated, two-day trip to the International Space Station in a giant wooden shuttle located in their tech classroom. Back in 1996, while Lindgren was studying at CSU, he participated in WAVE mission 8 as an adult astronaut.

Along with astronauts, the WAVE crew includes positions like public affairs officer and mission commander.

Students apply for each, often rising

through the ranks as they progress through middle school.

Seventh grade student Leah Gugelman is the flight director for WAVE’s current mission, number 44, which happens to coordinate with the number of Lindgren’s mission. While busy managing her team of middle school astronauts, she thought it was cool to see one who’s actually in space.

“I love space—especially interspace,” she says. “But the best part of WAVE is being a leader and getting to work with other people and be creative.”

Alumni of WAVE have gone on to earn PhDs in theoretical physics and planetary geology. Some have graduated from West Point or become pilots. One even became the first female commander on a navy submarine.

“It really is very gratifying to hear that,” says Joel Peterson, former tech teacher at Webber who helped develop the WAVE program. “This is a great opportunity for kids to develop teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking.”

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greeley-evans district 6 news Greeley West named AVID demonstration school

Greeley West High School has been selected as a National Demonstration School by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a kindergarten through postsecondary system that helps to change underperforming students into confident, college-going scholars and graduates.

The school, which joins approximately 150 other AVID National Demonstration Schools, was selected through an application process, screening, and review that included a site visit.

AVID is implemented in approximately 5,600 schools in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 other countries/territories and impacts more than 900,000 students annually in grades K-12 and postsecondary institutions.

AVID Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sandy Husk says attaining demonstration site recognition is significant.

“Schools recognized as national demonstration sites have proven their ability to successfully implement the AVID elective course and take the strategies schoolwide to impact all students,” says Dr. Husk. “Greeley West High School was selected as an 28

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AVID National Demonstration School because it has implemented the AVID system throughout the school and can serve as a model for new AVID sites.”

The recognition of being an AVID National Demonstration School was established in 1993 with a $250,000 award from the Charles A. Dana Foundation of New York. As part of the AVID Demonstration Sites Network, sites are expected to develop a model program with schoolwide participation.

With AVID’s proven methodologies used throughout subject-area classes, performance levels improve for all students, but especially for those students who are the least likely to attend fouryear colleges. Schools from around the world that are preparing to implement the AVID system will visit demonstration schools to observe a highlyevolved AVID system.

Shelli Robins, Greeley West High School’s principal, says she is pleased that the school was chosen as an AVID National Demonstration School, noting the impact of the program on staff and students.

“It is a tremendous honor to be

selected as a demo, and we are proud of our AVID program and our school as a whole,” says Amanda Kreiger, AVID and Secondary Language Arts Coordinator. “The use of AVID strategies schoolwide has positively impacted students and staff, and we continue to see a more engaged and college-ready student body.”

AVID is a nonprofit, proven college readiness system that closes the achievement gap. Today, AVID is implemented in approximately 5,600 schools in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 countries/ territories and impacts more than 900,000 students in grades K-12 and in 40 postsecondary institutions. The AVID College Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and succeed in higher education and training. To learn more, please visit www.avid.org.

NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE One new board member and two returning members took oaths tonight to serve on the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education.

Nineteenth Judicial District Court Chief Judge James Hartmann administered the oath of office to new board member Terri Pappas and returning board members Dr. Julia Richard and Doug Lidiak, all who were elected on November 3 to serve four-year terms on the Board of Education.

Both Lidiak and Richard are starting their second elected term in office.

Richard was appointed to the board in 2010 and Lidiak was appointed in 2011.

Both were appointed to fill vacancies created by resignations.

Pappas has worked in education most of her career, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in District 6, as well as working as a

consultant for the Colorado Department of Education and currently as an adjunct professor for the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition, the board elected current Board President Roger DeWitt to serve as president again and Steve Hall to serve as vice president. Former Vice President Logan Richardson lost his second bid for the board.

BEAR HUG CLUB NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Greeley-Evans School District 6 is seeking motivated volunteers who would be interested in directly assisting teachers during literacy blocks at elementary schools.

The Bear Hug Club, originally a partnership between District 6 and the University of Northern Colorado College of Education, is expanding volunteer opportunities to interested community members. Volunteers are needed to assist in classrooms on a weekly basis throughout the school year during reading and writing lessons.

Interested volunteers will be paired

with a classroom teacher to assist with helping students apply what they are learning in reading and writing. The time and duties of each volunteer opportunity might be different based on teacher and student needs.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program, or who would like to sign up to volunteer are urged to contact Community Engagement Specialist Cassandra Noble at cnoble@greeleyschools.org, or at (970) 348-6223.

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

1 Chicken Alfredo; hamburger/ cheeseburger 2 Sweet & sour meatballs; chicken patty sandwich 3 Chicken enchilada bake; chili & cinnamon roll 4 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; Mediterranean pasta salad 7 Bacon cheeseburger; mac n’cheese 8 Baked ziti pasta; chicken bites & roll 9 Asian noodles w/chicken; trout

treasures 10 Green chili pork bowl; chicken patty sandwich 11 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; chicken Caesar wrap 14 Shepherd’s pie & roll; chicken nuggets 15 Spaghetti & meat sauce; sloppy Joe sandwich 16 Orange chicken & rice; hot dog 17 Bean & cheese burrito; hamburger/cheeseburger

18 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; chef salad MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Beef lasagna; cheese ravioli 2 Orange chicken or beef 3 Beef & bean burrito bar 4 Sloppy Joe sandwich; baked chicken roll 7 Toasted cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken bites & roll 8 Baked ziti pasta; meatball sub 9 Asian bar; Honey Siracha steak/

chicken & egg roll 10 Green chili bowl w/pork or chicken 11 Pig in a blanket; chili & cinnamon roll 14 Philly cheesesteak (beef or chicken) 15 Chicken Alfredo; penne & meat sauce 16 Asian Bar; Teriyaki chicken/beef & egg roll 17 Beef & chicken taco bar 18 Trout treasures; mac & cheese bar

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

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 2 Hamburger; chef salad 3 Cheesy nachos; taco salad 4 Sweet n’sour chicken; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 7 Chicken breast nuggets; Caesar salad w/roll 8 Chicken parmesan sandwich; crispy chicken tender salad

9 French bread boat; chef salad 10 Shepherd’s pie; taco salad 11 Chili w/cinnamon roll; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 14-18 Manager’s choice SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 2 Hamburger; yogurt basket 3 Cheesy nachos; taco salad

4 Sweet n’sour chicken; yogurt basket 7 Chicken breast nuggets; Caesar salad w/roll 8 Chicken parmesan sandwich; yogurt basket 9 French bread boat; chef salad w/roll 10 Shepherd’s pie; yogurt basket 11 Chili w/cinnamon roll; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 14-18 Manager’s choice

GREELEY DISTRICT 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce & breadstick; club hoagie 2 Chicken soft taco; PBJ sandwich 3 Pot roast w/dinner roll; ham & cheese hoagie 4 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 7 Mac n’cheese w/roll; chicken salad sandwich 8 Bean & cheese burrito; green chili 9 Turkey meatloaf w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese wrap

10 Baked ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 11 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 14 Pork carnitas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 15 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; club hoagie 16 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 17 Hamburger/cheeseburger; ham & cheese hoagie

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce & breadstick; club hoagie 2 Chicken soft taco; PBJ sandwich 3 Pot roast w/dinner roll; ham & cheese hoagie 4 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 7 Mac n’cheese w/roll; chicken salad sandwich 8 Bean & cheese burrito; green chili 9 Turkey meatloaf w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese wrap

10 Baked ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 11 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 14 Pork carnitas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 15 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; club hoagie 16 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 17 Chicken pot pie; ham & cheese hoagie

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

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Mac n’cheese; PBJ 2 Chicken soft tacos; corn dog 3 Turkey noodle soup; PBJ 4 Big Daddy’s cheese pizza; turkey & cheese sub 7 Hot dog; mini cheeseburgers 8 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; PBJ 9 Chicken & black bean chili; corn dog

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10 French toast sticks; PBJ 11 Thin crust cheese or pepperoni pizza 14 Chicken sandwich; mini cheeseburgers 15 Mini cheese ravioli; PBJ 16 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes & gravy; corn dog 17 Cheese nachos; PBJ

SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Mac n’cheese 2 Cheese enchilada w/green sauce 3 Turkey noodle soup 4 Steak & cheese sub 7 Wiener wrap 8 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice 9 Chicken & black bean chili

10 French toast sticks w/sausage patties 11 Pepperoni calzone 14 Turkey BBQ sandwich 15 Potato bar 16 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes & gravy 17 Chili nachos 18 Meatball sub

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DECEMBER 2015 ONGOING DECEMBER 2 AND 5 Body Scrubs Learn about the different types of materials you can use in a body scrub, why to use them and which ones go best with particular scents. Registration required. $30. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. Times vary. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

DECEMBER 3 AND 5 Annual Holiday Spectacular This charming evening of traditional, secular and sacred holiday music is a celebration of community, and includes something for all ages to enjoy. $20-adults; $10-youth. University Center for the Arts, Griffin Concert Hall, 1400 Remington St., FC. www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 5 28th Annual Festival of Trees This exciting annual event features beautifully decorated trees, a silent auction, kids’ activities, live performances and special events. $2-adults; $1-children. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1-5pm. www.ucstars.com.

DECEMBER 3 AND 8 All Stressed Up and No Place to Go Experts will help you understand how unrelieved stress contributes to many physical and mental challenges, and present techniques to help you recognize and relieve your stress.

Registration required. Ticket prices, event locations and times vary. www. bannerhealth.com.

DECEMBER 5, 12 AND 19 Breakfast with Santa at the Promenade Shops Join the celebration and receive a 5x7 photo with Santa, a goody bag for the children, hot breakfast buffet and door prize giveaways. $10. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 8:30am. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.

DECEMBER 4, 5, 10, 11 AND 12 The Winter’s Tale This tale of love and jealousy has many consequences, yet evolves into a moving recognition of love and redemption. Ticket prices and times vary. University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. www.

CSUArtsTickets.com.

DECEMBER 6, 13 AND 20 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Step back in time as you embark on an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. Rides depart in front of The Ice Rink. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 12noon-4pm. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.

DECEMBER 4 THROUGH JANUARY 4 Garden of Lights Tour perennial flower beds all decked out with holiday lights. Visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, sip warm beverages. Prices vary based on days of the week. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm.

970-416-2486.

DECEMBER 8 AND 9 A Winter’s Solstice A seasonal celebration in dance, prose and song. Dance Express premiers this new production for December celebrating the solstice. Ticket prices and times vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

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

Loveland (970) 493-7442

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DECEMBER 12, 19 AND 26 The Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market The market will feature a variety of vendors, including past favorites and some newcomers. Opera Galeria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 9am-1pm. www. nocofoodcluster.com.

DECEMBER 19 & 20 A Candlelight Christmas The Larimer Chorale will revisit old favorites and explore music from a variety of cultures. Ticket prices and times vary. First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

DECEMBER 22 AND 29 Winter Break Movie & Craft Watch a movie and make a related craft!

Grades K-5. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

DECEMBER 9 AND 12 Infused Vinegars Learn about the properties of many herbs that are great to use when making infused vinegars and leave with an infusion of your own. Registration required. $20. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. Times vary. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 13 Christmas Wonders Loveland’s premiere holiday tradition features the jubilant Loveland Chorale Society voices and festive Christmas orchestra. $18. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. 970-962-2120 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

The Nutcracker Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to present its annual performances of this classic Christmas tale. Ticket prices and times vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

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THROUGH DECEMBER 13 Downtown Santa’s Shopping Quest Knock out some holiday shopping in Downtown Fort Collins and search for Santas with a gold star to participate in a contest to win prizes. Downtown Fort Collins, FC. 970-484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.org.

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 20 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas The Stampede Troupe presents this play based on the poem by Clement C. Moore. $12, $9-students. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

DECEMBER 12, 13, 19 AND 20 A Christmas Walk in the Woods Head over the river and to the woods, just a little ways out of town to hear the carolers and see the lights this December. The Savage Woods, 1750 Savage Rd., LV. 4–8pm. www. christmaswalkinthewoods.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 26 Embassy Suites Gingerbread Village Explore a life-size gingerbread house for the holidays, complete with fireplace, decorations and candy. Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., LV. www. embassysuites.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 27 A Tuna Christmas A Tuna Christmas takes place in fictitious Tuna, Texas. How can only two actors make fun of such a big state? Quite easily, as you’ll see. Ticket prices and times vary. Bas Bleu Theater Company, 401 Pine St., FC. 970-4988949 or www.basbleu.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER 31 A Christmas Carol Based on the classic holiday tale by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol is a heart-warming family story with larger-than-life characters that come to life on stage. Ticket prices and times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. www. coloradocandlelight.com.

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THROUGH JANUARY 3 Celebrating the Season: The 13th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition The show features work created by Cultural Arts Council visual arts members. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. Exhibit times vary. 970-586-9203 or www. visitestespark.com.

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

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

THROUGH JANUARY 13 Nativities Around the World Nativity scenes have been created and recreated for many centuries. This exhibit is one of the most eclectic international collections of nativity sets. Ticket prices and exhibit hours vary. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 970-221-4600 or www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

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

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Special Hanukkah Story Time with Natasha Wing Picture book author Natasha Wing leads a story time celebrating the approaching start of Hanukkah! Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10:30am. 970-4847898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

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

Grades 6-12. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

NightLights Tree Lighting Celebration Realities For Children invites you to gather outside around the 50-foot tall NightLights Tree and watch as it’s lighted by 30,000 lights. Enjoy hot soup and quesadillas from Qdoba, hot cider

and cocoa from The Salvation Army, sweet treats from around the community, live musical performances and visits with Santa. First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 6-7pm. 970-484-9090 or www.realitiesforchildren.com.

Dave Villano’s Celtic Christmas Magic Join Dave and 10 of Colorado’s top musicians for the 5th annual magical evening of traditional Celtic and contemporary holiday music, with special guests local guitar virtuoso Dave Beegle and American Idol contestant Devan Jones. $25; $15-seniors, students, military; $10-children 12 and under. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Silver Bells Social Seniors 55 and older can ring in the season at a special event just for them at the Festival of Trees. Live music, door prizes, silent auction. $5.50.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1-3pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

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fortcollinsclub.net RMPARENT

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The Santa Clause This holiday comedy offers a new take on the story of Santa Claus and features the first big-screen performance of comedian Tim Allen. $5; $2-children 12 and under. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Sculpt Snowman Ornaments Create sweet little holiday snowman ornaments out of Sculpey Clay. Grades 2-5. Registration required. $20 ($16 Museum Members). Loveland Museum/ Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 4:30-6:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Sip & Shop-Ladies Night Out Festival fashionistas will enjoy a night of shopping, cocktails, appetizers, fashion shows from local boutiques, door prizes, holiday hair and makeup demos and more. $15.50. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5:30-7:30pm. 970356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Mental Health Matters This event is open to the northern Colorado community. Breakouts on Mental Health topics will be presented every hour, allowing participants to attend up to three sessions. Poudre High School, 201 Impala Drive, FC. 6-9pm. www.phs.psdschools.org.

White Christmas This 1954 Christmas classic movie starring Bing Crosby is a romantic tale which takes place in a Vermont lodge where it’s almost always a white Christmas. $5; $2-children 12 and under. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Timnath’s Holiday Lighting Festival Santa will light up the night and then be available for pictures. Food, drinks, sleigh rides and shopping are also a part of the evening. Old Town Timnath, 4100 Main St., Timnath. 5:30-7:30pm. 970980-4501.

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The Winter Song Gala Event includes gourmet dinner, bar, silent auction and musical offerings. $75; $50-students. CSU Lory Student Center Theatre, 1101 Central Ave. Mall, FC. 6pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Carol Fest People of all ages and singing abilities can carol the streets of Downtown Fort Collins while being led by professional singers. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Movie Marathon All-you-can-eat breakfast for the whole family. Includes holiday arts, crafts, games, Christmas carols and movies. $6; $5-12 and under; Free-3 and under OR $12 for a family of 4 or more. Estes Park Events Complex, 1209 Manford Ave., EP. 8-11am.

800-443-7837.

Teddy Bear Bash Kids (3-9 years) will meet Christopher the Christmas Bear, play games, fish at the North Pole and more. $5.50. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9-11am. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

MakeIt Teens: Candle and Card Making Create handmade holiday cards and jarred candles. The jarred candles will be made using hot wax and then personalized with color and scents.

Registration required. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Holiday Tea with Melody This tea party includes refreshments, live holiday music and activities for all ages.

Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary. us.

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MakeIt: Holiday Hacking at the POD Stop by to make light up holiday cards, ornaments and other surprising holiday hacks. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Holiday Ice Show Enjoy holiday entertainment as skaters dazzle you with their routines to The Grinch That Stole Christmas theme.

Ticket prices vary. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 970-350-9402 or www. greeleyicehaus.com.

The Grinch’s ‘Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes’ Party Meet the Grinch, hear a story, and enjoy games, crafts and snacks! Suggested donation of $5 per child that will be used to purchase books for the nonprofit group, Project Self-Sufficiency. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6-7pm. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

Poinsettia Pops Concert The Greeley Philharmonic Orchesta, Greeley Chorale and Children’s Chorale will entertain by playing all of your favorite holiday classics. Children under 2 years are not admitted to this performance. Prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-3565000 or www.ucstars.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 ‘ Tis the Season—A Holiday SingAlong Participate in this annual community sing-along with Loveland’s own singing sensation Sharon Sheets. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

UNC Choir Holiday Concert Get in the holiday spirit with UNC choir members as they sing for joy. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

Upcycled Holiday Projects Adults have fun making several unique crafts from recycled materials for the holidays to enjoy at home as decorations or to give as gifts. All materials provided. Registration required.

Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 Cooking Cool Christmas Treats Have some fun creating yummy edible treats using pomegranates, mangoes and chocolate. Ages 5-12.

Registration required. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 6-7pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Snow and Ice Are Nice Join the sensory fun with all things c-cc-cold! Ages 3-6. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 6-7pm. www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Curious Stories of Familiar Holiday Plants Go on a tour of the mysterious origins of familiar holiday plants. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 12noon.

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

Robotics This class will offer an introduction to EV3 Robotics with hands-on building and programming in a non-competitive environment. Registration required.

Ages 8-17. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

The Wonderful World of Winter Squash Taught by Ann Walker, RD. $10.

North Colorado Medical Center, Cardiac Kitchen, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-7:15pm.

970-810-6633.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 “A Nutcracker” Storytime with The Longmont Dance Theater This special storytime features a reading and performance of the classic tale.

Followed by photos, crafts and activities.

Erie Community Library, Living Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 5-6pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Winter Bike to Work Day Featuring breakfast stations all over town with food, coffee, bike repairs and free treats to reward those who arrive by bicycle. Locations vary, FC. 7-9:30am. www.fcgov.com/bikewinter.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 Healthy Holiday Desserts These desserts are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. $10. McKee Education Building, 1825 E. 18th St., Ste. B, LV. 6-7:15pm. 970-810-6633.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 An Evening on the Polar Express Come in your pajamas for a Polar Express Family Storytime. Enjoy snacks as you “ride” the Riverside train and listen to this timeless classic.

Tickets available at the door; first come, first served. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Dasher 5K Warm up the holiday season with this family friendly 5K run. Dress to impress in holiday outfits. Entrance fees vary. Bond Park in Downtown Estes, Macgregor Ave., EP. 10am. www. epmarathon.org.

Tuba Christmas Northern Colorado Come celebrate the holiday season with a brass band of tuba proportions. Oak Street Plaza, FC. 2-3pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.org.

Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who is surrounded by legions of fuzzy, felt puppets in this Christmas tale (G). Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

A Brass Christmas Join members of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra for this annual holiday treat. First United Methodist Church, 9917 W. 10th St., GR. 7:30pm.

970-353-5522 or www.fumcgreeley.org.

Skygazing Enjoy viewing the night sky with telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers provided by the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Fossil Creek Natural Area, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7:30pm. www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 Mini Gingerbread Houses Learn how to make a deliciously adorable mini gingerbread house.

Tweens ages 8+. Registration required.

Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 6-7:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 Colcannon: Celtic Christmas Celebrate Christmas with the talents of Colcannon and enjoy their traditional Irish tunes. $22-advance; $27-day of show. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 Bells of the Rockies A highly skilled handbell ensemble presents both traditional and contemporary musical performances to ring in the holiday spirit. $15; $10-seniors, students; Free-6 and under. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Holiday Lights by Bike Tour of some of the best holiday lights in the city-by bike! Hot drinks and treats after the tour. Bike and helmet required.

Must be able to ride six miles round-trip.

City of Fort Collins, 281 N. College Ave., FC. 6:45-9pm. www.fcgov.com.

Timothy P. and the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers Enjoy a toe-tappin’, red-hot pickin’ holiday extravaganza featuring some the region’s finest Western, bluegrass and folk musicians. Guaranteed to please. $19-advance; $23-day of show. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Big Band Christmas Experience a family friendly, holidaythemed big band jazz concert with Denver’s top jazz musicians. $28; $22-seniors, students. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Family Games for the Holidays Head to the library for an afternoon of gaming. Games for every age group will be available. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 Brickmasters LEGO building club. Free build with occasional challenges and experience with cubelets robots. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am-3pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 Great Westerns Head to the library for this classic movie night featuring Jeremiah Johnson (1972). Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6:30-8:30pm. www. cityofloveland.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Happy Noon Year Children and families are invited to celebrate the New Year at the library.

Wear your finest attire as you celebrate with a dance party, face-painting and a special countdown to NOON! Erie Community Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 11am-12noon. 888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

First Night Ring in the New Year at this alcoholfree evening where you will enjoy live music, dancing, theatrical performances and much more at many venues throughout Downtown Fort Collins.

Call or check website for ticket prices.

5-10:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. downtownfortcollins.org.

New Year’s Eve at The Ice Rink This family friendly New Year’s night out includes ice skating, fun and a fireworks show. Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 6–10pm. www. theicerinkattheshops.com.

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time out

Why math works

Coming around to the new, new math

A

hh, common core, the new way of doing math. Two years in, and still it’s the bane of many parents’ existences as they watch their children put pencil to paper and a slew of seemingly superfluous numbers appear where there used to be just one— the answer.

Last week, my second-grader brought home her math homework and one of these new common-core standards appeared at the top. “The Sum of all Totals” asked her to perform vertical addition with three-digit numbers, but instead of just carrying the one and solving (the way it was done in the good old days), she explained to me that the problem required her to first separate each three-digit number into hundreds, tens, and ones, add each of these groups up separately, then (get this), combine them back together to arrive at the same sum in two minutes that we would have arrived at in five seconds pre-common core.

The whole thing is fishy I tell you.

Every problem, drawn out, expanded, making one page of math homework take 30 minutes to solve. Worst of all, creating an era of parents who aren’t able to help their kids with even the simplest addition and subtraction problems, because the answer isn’t considered correct unless they can prove they got there by using the common-core method.

While sitting in during a fifthgrade math session, my perspective changed. I realized I couldn’t remember for the life of me how to solve one of these dreaded equations.

I watched intently as the teacher solved example problems on the board.

The kids around me started to show signs of excitement as understanding dawned on them, but all I could think was that none of what she was doing looked remotely familiar. What were 44

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KATIE HARRIS

these kids seeing that I wasn’t?

Then she said something that would forever change my view on common core. “When you divide fractions, you get a bigger number. When you multiply fractions, you get a smaller number.”

Just two simple sentences and suddenly I understood. It occurred to me that, had I heard that simple explanation 20 years ago I’d likely still remember how to do the math today.

That day, I discovered what common core’s really all about. Those expanded equations, math mountains, flats, bars and other apparent mumbo jumbo weren’t just invented to make math homework take longer and confuse parents, they were designed to help kids understand why math works, before teaching them to arrive at the correct solution via shortcut.

My kids both love math, much more than I ever did. Luckily for me they’re good at it too, because the times when I can be of any help to them with their homework are few and far between. I see my kids understanding and enjoying math, even asking for extra problems at home... I direct them to their father when that happens. They seem to get it, even when I don’t, and I’m able to accept that they will probably be five times the mathematicians that I am 20 years from now.

As for dividing fractions, in my writing career I may never have to use that formula again, but it feels good to know how. I am now officially as smart as a fifth-grader! I think I might even retain the information long enough this time to help my kids with their fifthgrade math, when the time comes.

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