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MAY 2020 | VOL. 2 • ISSUE 5
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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER Brian Rushing EDITORIAL Mary Ditch Editorial Director Bonnie Rushing Contributing Writer CREATIVE Lauren Pontiff Graphic Designer ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff Director of Sales Beth Tabor DIGITAL MARKETING Keely Diebold
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Ready for Summer!
04 06 08 10 12
HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS
The coronavirus has May looking a little different this year. While these activities may not happen during this month, we hope they still will occur.
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GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL
In this month’s issue, we learn how to make salsa with fresh veggies and have fun painting shadow drawings. We also make a prize for mom and learn a few exercises to do while having fun outside. Check out the images of our sweet homeschool happenings, too!
16 18
AT THE LIBRARY
My 5-year-old son sighed the other day and announced, “I’m ready for summer, y’all.” I just took that to mean he is already tired of having Mom as his teacher these last few months of PreK. But I understand, son. I am ready for summer too! May is usually such a fun time. End of school projects, field trips, and celebrations! Graduation for those making to move to the next big grade, prom for our high school students, and the joy of getting your senior ring for juniors.
CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
Pictures from the classroom
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC
FAMILYFIRSTHOUMA.COM
Easy Homemade Salsa
KID ENERGY ALL-STARS Olivia Burnham
SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY Hooray for Mother’s Day
S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL Shadow Painting
Keeping Active Through Stressful Times
6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 • 985.868.7515
Imagine Your Story
FUN AND GAMES Test Your Brain
We hope you and your family are safe and well. Remember to wash your hands and be nice to one another!
MARY DOWNER DITCH
MAY 2020 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 5
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego
FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
Family First Magazine is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Family First Magazine is published monthly by Rushing Media.
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homeroom happenings HOMESCHOOL HAPPENINGS! WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR CLASSROOM AT HOME?
Send your accomplishments to us at mary@rushing-media.com!
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MAY 2020
We're All About Smiles
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MAY 2020
HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC | BY MELISSA RILEY, MHA, RD, LDN AND BAILEY LEE RDN, LDN
HEALTHY EATING HABITS EASY HOMEMADE SALSA
With all of the changes happening in our world recently, many of us have adopted different ways in how we purchase and prepare meals for our families. You may have noticed limited availability of some food items that you normally purchase, or you may be dining out less frequently. As we find ourselves making more meals at home, how can we make these meals as nutritious as possible? Frozen fruits and vegetables are a convenient and affordable way to get our daily intake. Freezing helps to preserve nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. You can add frozen veggies to soups, fried rice, quesadillas, and tacos, or add to pasta sauces. Frozen fruits are great for smoothies. Canned fruits and vegetables can also be part of a healthy diet. When choosing canned fruits, choose those packed in water instead of syrup. Choose canned vegetables without added salt. Be sure to avoid cans with dents or leaks, as air allowed to enter may grow bacteria. You can use canned veggies to make your own salsa. Incorporate whole grains into your cooking as well. Examples of whole grain foods include brown rice, wheat pastas, whole grain breads, oats, and barley. Read food labels and choose products high in fiber with fewer added sugars. When searching for whole grain bread, whole wheat flour should be the first ingredient on the list. When you need a night off from cooking, delivery or takeout can still be a healthy option. Items that are healthier usually use terms such as grilled, roasted, or steamed. Limit fried foods and items in heavy sauces such as cream sauce or alfredo sauce. Request sauces and dressings on the side and only use half of what you are given. Order steamed vegetables or fruit as a side option instead of fried foods. Overall, enjoy trying new recipes with your family while incorporating some of the tips provided above. Search for recipes online that may include these ingredients, and get the whole family involved in preparing and tasting your new recipe!
INGREDIENTS • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 clove large of garlic roughly chopped
• 4 ounce can of green chiles undrained
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (you can sub 1 tablespoon
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
white vinegar, if you need to)
• 1 chunk yellow onion roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or more, to taste
(about 2 tablespoons )
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor, and secure the lid. STEP 2 Press “pulse” 7 to 9 times (or more, until desired consistency), being careful not to over blend. STEP 3 Remove the lid, and serve.
• FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
KID ENERGY ALL-STARS
ALL-STAR OF THE MONTH
OLIVIA BURNHAM ALL STAR CHEER · ICE ALLSTARS
When did you start cheering? Last year Why did you decide to give cheerleading a try? It is my passion. How often do you practice? Everyday What’s your favorite stunt? Elite What have you learned about teamwork? When we work together we do great things! How do your teammates make practice fun? We work hard and laugh together a lot.
FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
What is the best part of performing? The excitement from the crowd What is one thing you do after a good performance? Celebrate with my friends What do you do to calm any butterflies while performing? Pray Who is your favorite sports hero? Sofie Dowse and Simone Biles What are you looking forward to doing next in your sport? Having more competitions Do you play any other sports? I love to dance and do gymnastics
ALL-STAR ADVICE Work hard, pray hard and have FUN!
TIP FROM BERNIE & EARL Have an adult call 811 before you dig!
Nominate your child to be a Kid Energy All-Star by emailing rhett@kidenergyusa.com.
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FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
SYNERGY BANK PRESENTS SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY D. PELICAN
HOORAY FOR MOTHER’S DAY May is the month to celebrate Moms! This year may be a little different because you are not in school. It may be difficult to purchase a gift for your mom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make her Mother’s Day amazing. Here are some great ideas that you can do at home to make her day special: • Do Mom’s chores for the day or create a coupon chore book for her to redeem any day. • Bring Mom to the “movies.” Rent her favorite movie and make her popcorn and a treat. • Cook Mom her favorite meal or her favorite dessert. (Don’t forget to clean up afterward.) • Make Mom a keepsake with your hand print like a Berry note like the one below.
BERRY HANDPRINT CARD
You can use your handprint to make your mom a special Mother’s Day card.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Red washable paint
White paper
Black marker
Green washable paint
Paintbrush
WHAT TO DO: STEP 1 Place your paper on a flat surface. Paint one hand red using the paintbrush. Press your painted hand in the middle of your paper, fingers down, as shown. Let it dry. STEP 2 Paint one thumb green and press it three times at the top of the “berry” as shown. You may need to repaint your thumb each time. Once the red paint is dry, use the black marker to make the seeds. STEP 3 Once all the paint is dry, write a message for your mom. We suggest “I Love You Berry Much!” Be sure to clean your mess. FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
SECRET MESSAGE For the secret message below, each number represents a letter of the alphabet. Use the key to figure out the secret message.
’ __ __ __ __ __ __
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13 15 20 8
19
4
5
18
1
25
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19 5
19
5
3
15 14 4
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19 21 14 4
9
13 1
1
25
14
25
1
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8
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13
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A
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Z
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MAY 2020
S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL
SHADOW PAINTING
Shadow activities and experiments can help children learn what a shadow is and how they are formed. A shadow is created when an object blocks a source of light. Examples of an object can be a person, animal or toy. The object must be solid or else the light can pass through (like the light through a glass window.) The size and shape of your shadow depends on the position of the sun. In this art and science activity, ask children to use their bodies, and other objects, to block the light of the sun in order to create a shadow. Try tracing your shadows at different times throughout the day and talk about the position of the sun and how it changes the shape and size of your shadow.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
WHAT TO DO: STEP 1 Create shadows with your body! Arms up, hands on hips, any pose you wish. You can also use toys or anything tall enough to cast a shadow.
• Sunny day • Open space with no other shadows (driveway works well) • Chalk paint (see tips)
STEP 2 Trace your shadow! You will need a partner to take turns with when tracing human shadows.
• Paintbrushes
STEP 3 Use your chalk paint or regular sidewalk chalk to paint your drawing! We experimented with flour paint, regular sidewalk chalk, and chalking on the wet cement.
FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
985-868-5699 From your first tooth... to your last.
Houma Family
Dental
TIPS: • We made “chalk paint” by mixing flour and food coloring with a bit of water. It worked well when it was thick and applied with a sponge brush. Once dried, it was colorful! • You can also make chalk paint by crushing chalk into a fine powder in a plastic bag and dissolving it in water. • We also experimented with painting the sidewalk with water, then coloring the water with sidewalk chalk to make more vivid colors.
•
SPONSORED BY
www.houmafamilydental.com FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
KEEPING ACTIVE THROUGH STRESSFUL TIMES
Exercise is vital for maintaining mental fitness and reducing stress. Studies have shown that exercise is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate. Staying active as a family may feel like a challenge while you try to balance today’s changing social environment, transition to homeschooling sessions, or the inability to participate in activities or school sports. It’s easy for physical health to go out the window. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways for kids to get moving now that it’s warm outside. Let’s explore a few options to help you move, burn calories, and keep a positive outlook!
Take group walks. Get your family into the habit of taking walks in the neighborhood after dinner. Not only will kids get some fresh air and exercise, but it’s a great opportunity to bond! Go on nature hikes around the neighborhood and back yard! Hikes may not get your heart pumping as much as baseball practice, but they’re a great opportunity to sneak in some physical activity while bird watching or looking for collectibles to use for craft projects. Encourage "old-school" games from your childhood. Do you remember when you used to play games of four-square or double-dutch? There’s no reason why you can’t pass your childhood games onto the next generation. Try hopscotch, jump rope, old school sack races or 3-legged races, or challenge your child to a 50-yard dash.
FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
Household chores are a score for mom and dad! Cleaning your house is exercise. While you may not be in a gym pumping iron or running on a treadmill, it is still exercise and requires you to work and burn more energy than being sedentary. Any type of movement leads to additional calories burned, so absolutely, housework is considered exercise.
Put on a YouTube tutorial. Yes, the thing that often keeps kids from any physical activity can also be a source of great (and free) exercise for all different ages! You can access many kid-friendly exercise tutorial videos.
Create an Indoor Dance Floor. Parents.com suggests moving aside the furniture in the living room, and cranking on some high-energy dance music. You can even let the kids use a flashlight as “strobe light,” presumably to mimic a dance club atmosphere, or tune into music that your younger ones know the words to, so they can sing along as they move.
•
SPONSORED BY
For more information contact the Thibodaux Regional Fitness Center, 985.493.4950. FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
at the library
Enrolling
NOW
BY NAOMI HURTIENNE MAGOLA, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN
IMAGINE YOUR STORY
FOR SUMMER CAMPS
READING • WRITING • ENGINEERING • ROBOTICS • TUTORING • COLLEGE PREP MATH • CODING • STUDY SKILLS • GEOMETRY • ALGEBRA • ACT PREP Our personal learning approach will really connect with your child, combining engaging technology with amazing teachers, raising grades and confidence.
Visit our website for our summer camp schedule!
Sylvan Learning Center • 657 Corporate Drive, Ste A www.sylvanhouma.com • Call Today! 985-223-3798
schedule schedule your your next next field field trip trip with with us us today! today!
There’s a fantastic world of stories to discover--and they’re all at your library. Whether you want to read about dragons, magicians, or brave princes and princesses there is something for everyone at your library. This summer, the Terrebonne Parish Library will be kicking off its annual Summer Reading Program on June 1st. By reading for just 20 minutes a day, library users of all ages can earn the chance to win big prizes (bikes for kindergarten to sixth grade and Kindle Fire tablets for teens and adults). Be sure to drop by any of the nine library branches or visit www.mytpl.org/srp to sign up! In order to get you and your family in the mood to celebrate summer reading, here are a couple of my favorite books about exploring magical places. All three books are available through the Terrebonne Parish Library System, and you can reserve a copy today at www.mytpl.org.
Preschool
King Baby
Written and Illustrated by Kate Beaton
OPEN Monday through Friday 10AM to 4PM Saturday 10AM to 2PM
Being king isn’t easy, but someone has to do it. Thank goodness for King Baby! He will reign supreme over his subjects and shower them with gurgles and coos. But it’s not all easy ruling. King Baby has his demands that need to be met and if they aren’t, well, he might just do it himself!
1154 Barrow St., Houma, LA • (985) 873-8200 regionalmilitarymuseum.com FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
K-3rd
Princess in Black
Written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale Illustrated by LeUyen Pham Princess Magnolia is a princess that has secrets (especially in the broom closet!). When Duchess Wigtower comes over to visit, Princess Magnolia learns that the reason the Duchess loves to visit people’s houses is because that is when she gets to find out all kinds of delicious secrets. One of Princess Magnolia’s biggest secrets is that she is
also the Princess in Black--an honest to goodness hero. When she gets called out on a secret mission during the Duchess’ visit, will Magnolia be able to save the day and still get back in time to keep her secret, secret?
4th-6th
Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
By Kate DiCamillo Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering Despereaux Tilling is an unlikely hero. He is a tiny mouse with huge ears and a burning desire to honor the human princess he loves by rescuing her. All of this is quite unmouse-like and lands him into a heap of trouble with his fellow mice and lands him down in the dungeon. The dungeon is where the rats live, blood hungry creatures
that fight over the chance to kill anyone that falls onto their path. Along the way you will meet a serving girl that wants to be a princess, a rat that wants some soup, and host of other characters all wanting their fairy tale ending.
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FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
FUN & Games
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399 BAYOU GARDENS BLVD, HOUMA, LA 70364 985.872.9470 • DRMARKBILELLO.COM FAMILY FIRST
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MAY 2020
CONNECT THE DOTS
DURING UNCERTAINTY MAKE A CHANGE THAT IMPACTS YOUR LIFE! MAKE A CHANGE THAT IMPACTS YOUR LIFE!
START CLASSES FROM HOME! We are enrolling for Esthetics • Cosmetology • Clinical Medical Assisting • Medical Billing • Coding
STARTING IN MAY
803 Barrow Street • Houma, LA 70360 • 985-601-4000
COMPLETE THE MAZE
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MAY 2020
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MARCH 2019