Bear Essential News for Kids by Boomer Bear

KIDS, PARENTS, TEACHERS!

ESSENTIAL NEW NEWS S

June 2013 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

In this Picture: A june bug, the sun, a hat, a US flag, the word FATHER, an ice cream cone, a picnic basket, a slice of pizza, a bottle of sunscreen and the word FUN!

FEATURE

Summertime Fun! Great games from Boomer Pages 10 thru 11

NEWS

Sp elling Bee A ce

Spotlight on tornadoes News Highlights page 5

NEWS

PARENTS

D isney's Bridgit Mendler! Fun & Family Happenings & more news kids can use pages 9, 14, 16–18

& Tips from Dr. Kevin Leman pages 12 & 19

S— FAMILIE for ide Look ins pons, u o c great ts. e n u ven tips & f

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June 2013

Breaking News...

A WEBSITE for Everyone in Your FAMILY! “Summer has never been so cool!” —Bear Essential reader

Contests Enter to win Fun Prizes & Tickets!

Guides & Directories • Summer Camps. Look for a summer program for your kids. • Birthday Guide. Find the latest in birthday party venues and activities. • Academic Directory. A go-to educational resource guide for school and resources • Field Trips. Plan a cool outing for your class.

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Comprehensive information for busy Arizona families & schools

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June 2013

10 Easy Rules for Swimmers

Bear essential news for kids!

Win four tickets to the movies!

1. Always have an adult around you when you are in the pool. No sneaking into the pool area. 2. Always lock the gate to the pool when you are not in the water to avoid an incident.

The Challenge:

3. If you don’t know how to swim or give CPR, ask your parent/guardian to sign you up for a class.

Draw two straight lines in the ellipse to produce three different sections, each containing:

4. Always wear sunscreen. Sunburns hurt.

• • • •

5. On a deck or dock, always walk, never run. 6. Don’t depend on floating toys; they are not designed to save lives. 7. Before you dive, check the depth. The bottom can be closer than you think.

10. Never, never get in the water with someone who is drowning. Throw them something to hold on to, yell for an adult and dial 911.

life vests flippers rubber duckies swim goggle

Be sure not to draw lines through any items!

Send your submission to: Bear Essential News/SRP 1037 S. Alvernon Way #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

8. Be nice around water—never splash or jump in the water to land on someone. 9. Keep a cordless phone near the area in case of an emergency.

3 2 2 1

Or email to: Kathy@bearessentialnews.com (Put SRP Movies in the subject line.)

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June 2013

with BOOMER! What’s on Your Mind? From Pizza to Presidents, Boomer Wants to Know What You Like and Dislike and Your Ideas for the Future.

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BearEssential News.com Volume 34 Issue 10 TM

Serving Arizona Families for 33 Years! Editor & Publisher Stephen B Gin Assistant Editors Renee Griffith Mike Loghry

Sales Director & Publisher Nancy Holmes Account Executives Syndi Taylor Terri Anderson

Administrative Asst. Kathy Cooper Rachael Drozdoff

Art Director Gary Shepard

Bear Essential News for Kids® is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity. Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students. Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories. Please Call 1-480-752-2327 for any editorial or advertising inquiries. ©2013 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 • Tucson, AZ 85711 Fax (520)792-2580 Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

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photo courtesy of Scripps National Spelling Bee

June 2013

AZ Teen Reaches Spelling Bee Semis NATIONAL HARBOR, MD—An Arizona teen went further than he ever thought he would at this year’s National Spelling Bee, reaching the semifinals on May 30. Christopher O’Connor, a seventh-grader at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic School, doubted that he’d even make it past the state level spelling bee! But he and fellow Arizona teen Samuel Yeager of Chinle Jr. High did and got to make the cross country trip to the most famous spelling competition in the world—the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee. In all, 281 of the nation’s top young spellers ranging in age from 8 to 14 duked it out letter by letter, definition by definition. (For the first time, contestants were also tested on vocabulary—knowing the words that they spelled!) ESPN channels televised the twoday competition around the planet! Despite the intense pressure, both Arizona spelling aces competed well. But the word “yannigan,” a baseball player on a scrub team, fouled things up for

Christopher O’Connor reaches the semifinals!

Bear essential news for kids!

Tornadoes! Five tornadoes swept through Oklahoma City on May 31, injuring over a hundred people and killing 13. Among the dead were three professional storm chasers. Earlier in the month, Moore, OK—a suburb of Oklahoma City—was smashed by a massive twister. It ripped through the town on May 20. Hundreds of people were injured and 24 people died. A tornado (or twister) is an intense, spinning column that descends from a thunderstorm all the way to the ground. Most tornadoes occur in the United States, especially in the Midwest. Tornado season starts in spring and goes into summer.

Samuel in the third round. Christopher successfully spelled “Rembrandt” to go on to the semifinals! The winner earns a beautiful trophy and a whopping $30,000 first prize. Only 42 of the best spellers in the country remained for Thursday’s last two rounds. For the first three rounds, contestants could study from a list of 400 words. But for the semis and Facts About Tornadoes finals, words could come from anywhere in a stanThe United States has an dard Merriam-Webster Dictionary! Christopher was average of over 1,000 tornathe first up in the semifinals and was given the word does each year—the most in the world! “pultaceous” to spell. It’s an adjective that means to have a soft consistency—pulpy. Unfamiliar with the Runner up: Canada has word, Christopher used up the questions spellers can about 100 each year. Most U.S. tornadoes, about ask the judges and guessed “P-U-L-T-A-T-I-O-U-S.” Although he was finally out of the competition, he did 95 percent, are below an EF-3 intensity. An EF-5 is incredibly well. very rare but extremely destructive.

Big Asteroid Buzzes Our Blue Planet pays us another visit will be more than 200 years from A big asteroid whizzed by Earth on May 31, giving now, in 2221, when it will pass a little closer to Earth. astronomers a chance to take a close look at the types One of NASA’s high priorities is learning about and of asteroids that could be disastrous if they hit our planet. tracking asteroids, comets and meteors that come near Known as asteroid 1998 QE2, this space rock is 1.7 the Earth (known as near-Earth objects or NEOs), and miles wide and even has its own tiny moon (if you consider 2,000-feet wide tiny)! To astronomers its flyby was ultimately protecting our planet from them. close, but it really only came within 3.6 million miles of Earth—about 15 times the distance between by Reporter Farah Eltohamy, BASIS Chandler us and the moon. NASA Terrible deadly tornadoes struck Oklahoma City and its suband other urbs on May 20 and 31, killing 37 people, including three storm organizations chasers trying to study the twisters. carried live The deadliest was an incredibly powerful and long-lasting images of the tornado that occurred May 20. The massive tornado, which asteroid on struck Moore, OK, killed 24 people, including nine young children. their webAt Plaza Towers Elementary, the whole campus was transAsteroid 1998 QE2 even sites. The formed into rubble, and seven children died. In addition, the terhas its own tiny moon! primary tele- rible twister pulverized the area. The tornado measured EF5 on scope was located on one of the Canary Islands. the Enhanced Fujita scale—the most powerful rating a tornado Scientists are also using two enormous radar can receive. It’s the deadliest tornado to hit the United States in telescopes to study 1998 QE2. These powertwo years. The death toll could have been higher if not for the ful and sophisticated scopes will show the size, heroic actions of teachers at the school. For example, teacher shape and surface details of the asteroid and its Rhonda Crosswhite saved Damian Britton’s life by laying her moon, the asteroid’s rotation and its velocity as it body over him and the rest of his classmates. President Barack travels through space. Obama acknowledged these courageous acts, stating, “Our With such detailed information, the scientists gratitude is with the teachers who gave their all to shield their can better predict the path this space rock will children.” Hopefully these heart-breaking events will make us take far into the future. The next time 1998 QE2 stronger and better prepared for future natural disasters. photo courtesy of NASA

Terrible Twisters Strike

Tornadoes form quickly and can do unbelievable amounts of damage within minutes with their wind, rain and hail. Their strength is measured by the Enhanced Fujita system, which goes from an EF-0 to an EF-5. The EF-0 and EF-1 are weak tornadoes. An EF-5 tornado packs winds that exceed 200 mph and destroys almost everything in its path! Tornado is from the Spanish word tronada, which means thunderstorm. The worst tornadoes form around what is called a supercell—a powerful rotating storm. A tornado can last from seconds to an hour, though most last for less than 10 minutes. Most happen in the afternoon and evening hours. About 75 percent of the world’s tornadoes happen in the United States. Tornadoes have been reported in every state in the country, but most occur in Florida and in the Midwest region known as Tornado Alley. Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Nebraska often have over 250 tornadoes each year. The worst tornado in U.S. history touched down March 18, 1925. Known as the Tristate tornado, it left a 219-mile path of destruction across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Tim Samaras, his son Paul and partner Carl Young were experienced storm hunters who had appeared on The Discovery Channel and The Weather Channel.

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June 2013

In this issue! Check Out All of Bear’s Contests! Page 3…Rules for Swimmers & Win Movie Tickets from SRP. Page 5…News Highlights. Arizona kid reaches semifinals at National Spelling Bee. Big asteroid buzzes Earth. Spotlight on tornadoes

Page 7… Wildlife World Zoo. Baby meerkats born in Arizona! Pages 9, 14, 16, 17 & 18…Get the Scoop! Taylor Swift shines in Red Concert. Disney’s Bridgit Mendler shares her latest, and more news by Young Reporters. Pages 10–11…Summer Fun. Start your summer off right with Boomer Bear’s fun

and challenging games!

Page 12…Have a New Kid by Friday. Dr. Kevin Leman talks about growing

families and what to expect.

Page 13…World Oceans Day. Celebrate at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium! Page 15…Letters to Boomer. I love summer, but I’m sad when school ends! Page 17…Movie Maze. Enter to win cool prizes from UltraStar. Page 19…Around Town. Fun family events perfect for summer!

GET THE W‘ RITE’ STUFF! Print out the YR forms online at

BearEssentialNews.com and click on Young Reporters.

Or call toll free 1-866-NEWS KID if you need forms mailed to you!

Come Dance with Us! Fun themed dance classes for ages 3 and up June 3–28. Call for Info.

Offering dance and cheer classes for all ages: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Mommy & Me, Tumbling

Join Us! in June

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

June 2013

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Ready for a Cool Indoor Adventure? Special Aquarium Evening Hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Check out fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles at the Wildlife World Aquarium. Explore four aquarium buildings: The Diversity of Life in Water, The Wild and Wonderful, Predators and River Monsters as you wander through more than 80 exhibits.

Baby Meerkats Are Welcome Addition at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium!

ecently, a pair of meerkats were born at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. Zookeepers are excited by these new arrivals as they are the first meerkats born here in many years. Meerkats are a type of mongoose found in the dry plains and deserts of south and southwest Africa. They form large family groups and live in elaborate underground dens with multiple connecting tunnels and exits. As social animals, older siblings and related adults help to protect and nurture the young produced by a single breeding pair. As the group leaves the den during daylight hours to forage for insects, eggs and small animals including snakes and scorpions, a few members forego eating to serve as a sentry for the rest of the group. The sentry stands guard, always on the lookout for possible threats, from birds of prey and large snakes, for example. If a threat is detected, the sentry uses a warning call to send the rest of the group dashing underground. Meerkats can eat venomous animals because they have developed a natural immunity to the venom produced by some snakes and scorpions.

tic babies

ith her energe other meerkat w

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Meerkats often stand upright to keep watch for predators!

Your Answer to What to Do during these Arizona Summer Nights! Safari Train Ride, Australian Boat Ride, Kids Carousel, Wildlife Sky Ride, & New Log Flume Ride thru Aquarium PLUS Shows!

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, in Litchfield Park, is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. Zoo exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last zoo admis足sion is at 5 p.m.) Aquarium exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daytime admission includes access to the zoo and aquarium. Special reduced evening Aquarium-Only admission is available after 5 p.m.

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June 2013

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June 2013

down by a boy, so her friend cheers her up. I asked Mendler how long she had been in the music business. She said: “I have been in the music business about two years, and it has been a blast!” There is a new When asked if she enjoyed working on the video, music video out by she replied: “I had so much fun working on the Bridgit Mendler called music video! I got to work with my friend Naomi “Hurricane.” Mendler is Scott so that made the day go by so quickly.” a 20-year-old actress You may know Scott from the Disney Channel and singer. She’s well movie “Lemonade Mouth.” She plays the part of known from the TV Mo. She is an English actress/singer. Mendler told show “Good Luck me she wrote the lyrics to the song with two other Charlie.” You may also writers. The last question I asked was if this video have heard her songs related to her life and how. She answered: “I think on Radio Disney. relationships always have their ups and downs. I emailed Mendler Especially in new relationships it can feel like you’re for the inside scoop on a roller coaster so I drew from that.” on her music video. If you would like to see the music video She told me this “Hurricane” then log on to www.disneyvideo.com video was about a and type in “hurricane” in the search box. This video girl who feels let is rated PG. Ask your parents before logging on!

A New Music Video! by Reporter Bryce Altenbernd, Agua Caliente

Volunteers Rock! by Reporter Angelique Finley, Monte Vista School If you’re looking for a rewarding experience and are available two to four hours a week, become a volunteer! Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities are great places to volunteer. The best way to help is to get involved. Recently I collected new stuffed animals and donated them to the children’s hospital. Summer Programs for students ages 13–15 offer a six-week Candy Striper program in June and July. Students 16 and older attend an eight week program. Community volunteers can help at special events or complete volunteer projects at home. The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a temporary home away from home for families who must travel to the Phoenix area to receive medical treatment for their children. They have helped more than 37,000 families since 1985. You can help the Ronald McDonald House by volunteering, donating, helping with community fundraisers or even cooking a dinner. For more information on becoming a volunteer, look online at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Volunteers and rmpcphoenix.com.

Be a young reporter!

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Facing Our Giants by Reporter Christian Davis, Monte Vista School Sometimes we are afraid of something. Something like getting bullied, crooks, bad guys, the dark or monsters. But we can overcome these fears if we know that we always have someone who has our back. Like in the movie “Epic,” the girl turned small and she was afraid for some time, but she overcame her fear. Our fears are like giants. Big giants who want to hurt our feelings and make us feel threatened. One of those giants is bullying. Bullying is when someone pushes you around, hurts your feelings, or makes you do things you don’t want to do or are not supposed to do. People like us can help. Your parents, teachers or even your friends can help. Personally, I’ve been through that—I told my teacher and my parents and they put a stop to it. So you can speak up! Cartoon Network is doing it and you should, too. Facing your giants is easy, once you have help. MORE SCOOPS! page 14 ➧

Bear essential news for kids!

Summer, Here We Come! by Reporter Farah Eltohamy Basis Chandler This year, escape the heat and go indoors to view exciting upcoming movies! The movies that have grabbed my attention include: “Despicable Me 2,” “Epic,” “Monsters University,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” and finally, “Turbo.” Hopefully these movies will make the upcoming summer exciting! Despicable Me 2: The famous 2010 hit strikes back with more minion fun. Gru surprisingly joins an Anti-Villain league, and develops a closer bond with his adopted daughters (Margo, Edith, and Agnes). Release date: July 3 Epic: This new 3D animated film features Josh Hutcherson, who voices Nod, and is known for playing the famous role of Peeta Mellark in the Hunger Games movies. The story is about Mary Katherine,She embarks on an adventure into the forest and enters a secret world. She encounters a young male named Nod and the tiny leafmen, and must help them to fight against the Boggans, nature’s enemies. Release Date: May 24 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters: The Percy Jackson series continues in a second movie as Percy, the son of Poseidon, goes on another exciting journey with his best friends Annabeth and Grover. They plan to find the magical Golden Fleece to protect Camp Half Blood from the demons that lurk nearby. Release Date: August 16 Turbo: Turbo is a tiny snail who ironically dreams of becoming the world’s fastest racer. But to his dismay, his community of slow garden snails does not appreciate this, making him a social outcast. The story gets a twist as Turbo gains a new power—ultra-fast speed. As he travels to compete in the Indy 500, he befriends a kind human. Together, they aim to make Turbo’s dream a reality. Release Date: July 17 Monsters University: Ever wonder how college life was for Sully and Mike? This new movie takes place 10 years before “Monsters, Inc.” Mike is an intelligent and studious student, but trouble awaits him when he finds himself in the same fraternity as Sullivan—the complete opposite of Mike. They become enemies and share a rivalry, but could it be that this will bring them close together?! Release Date: June 21

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30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

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June 2013

Search for Summer Fun! C I S U M V O L U N T E E R I N G B P

A O M Z W L E T T E R W R I T I N G H

M S G O D E H T K L A W P I C N I C O

P R V O V B B X W T U O K R O W T E T

S E A G N I T C E L L O C G U B R N O

R V C U K U E R E M U S E U M S O O G

SUMMERTIME! (given) DANCING SWIMMING WATERMELON CAMPS COOKING BIKE LEMONADE SNOW CONE SPORTS DRAMA MUSIC BOARD GAMES VACATION BUG COLLECTING ZOO READING

Y O A E S U M M E R T I M E ! C P C R

Y P T S M E O P A C O O K I N G E W A

L E I R L N E T A K S R E L L O R O P

I E O O A A Q U A R I U M W S W E N H

M L N D D A N C I N G N I M M I W S Y

A S E S T R O P S E M A G D R A O B G

F H O R E A D I N G N I V I D R A M A

SLEEPOVERS POEMS WORKOUT DIVING MUSEUMS ROLLERSKATE LETTER WRITING MOVIEMAKING REPORTING NEWS FAMILY ART AQUARIUM PHOTOGRAPHY PICNIC WALK THE DOG VOLUNTEERING

Boomer’s A

Summer Fun! Cool Word Scramble

re you ready for a fun-filled, mind-expanding Summer?

Stick with Boomer Bear throughout the hot summer months for some of the coolest fun on the planet. You’ll keep your mind sharp and your school skills intact in the very best way—with fun games, challenging puzzles and informative news stories written just for you! Care to up the ante on adventure? You can write for Bear Essential News, too! Share your summer travels, camp stories and other exciting news with kids around the state. Your passport to adventure awaits inside the pages of Bear!

Here are a few ways to beat the heat this summer!

CEI AMREC __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ MIMIWGNS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ICOAVANT __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ RAYBRIL __ __ __ __ __ __ __ IEC GATSINK __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ SAINTUMON __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ EMOIV RHEATTE __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

ip! r T d a Ro r e m m u S y M

Can You Find It

In Arizona? Our state has some beautiful and amazing destinations to visit. Circle the ones you can find in Arizona.

Which Water Hose? See if you can help Boomer find his way to the pool through the water hose maze.

START Sydney Grand Canyon Jerome Chase Field Montezuma’s Castle Nat. Monument Eiffel Tower London Bridge Nogales White Mountains Petrified National Forest Niagra Falls Prescott Kartchner Caverns Flagstaff Vancouver San Francisco Peaks Meteor Crater

June 2013

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

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More Family-Friendly Events to Make Your Summer Fun! LEGO KidsFest, July 12–14 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Check out Bear’s Back Cover for details and to win tickets! Harry & the Potters, a kid’s first rock concert is live—and FREE—at Burton Barr Central Library, June 22, 6-8 p.m. Special Movie Screening for “Despicable Me 2” on June 27. Enter to win screening passes online at: BearEssentialNews.com/ contests Sesame Street Presents: The Body Exhibit opening June 30 at the Arizona Science Center! Watch for online contest to win Breakfast with Elmo! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show on Earth “Built to Amaze!” at the US Airways Center June 26–July 1 Win tickets, page 14.

G e t the S coop T h i s S u m m er! What are YOU doing this summer? Going to any ball games, cool camps or interesting vacation destinations? Write about your adventures for the newspaper! Young Reporters write for Bear Essential News. Joining this free program is easy. Go to BearEssentialNews.com and click on the Young Reporters tab for the sign up form and more info. Summer is an awesome time to start! Report for me,

Boomer Bear

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30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

www.bearessentialnews.com

June 2013

Search for Summer Fun! C I S U M V O L U N T E E R I N G B P

A O M Z W L E T T E R W R I T I N G H

M S G O D E H T K L A W P I C N I C O

P R V O V B B X W T U O K R O W T E T

S E A G N I T C E L L O C G U B R N O

R V C U K U E R E M U S E U M S O O G

SUMMERTIME! (given) DANCING SWIMMING WATERMELON CAMPS COOKING BIKE LEMONADE SNOW CONE SPORTS DRAMA MUSIC BOARD GAMES VACATION BUG COLLECTING ZOO READING

Y O A E S U M M E R T I M E ! C P C R

Y P T S M E O P A C O O K I N G E W A

L E I R L N E T A K S R E L L O R O P

I E O O A A Q U A R I U M W S W E N H

M L N D D A N C I N G N I M M I W S Y

A S E S T R O P S E M A G D R A O B G

F H O R E A D I N G N I V I D R A M A

SLEEPOVERS POEMS WORKOUT DIVING MUSEUMS ROLLERSKATE LETTER WRITING MOVIEMAKING REPORTING NEWS FAMILY ART AQUARIUM PHOTOGRAPHY PICNIC WALK THE DOG VOLUNTEERING

Boomer’s A

Summer Fun! Cool Word Scramble

re you ready for a fun-filled, mind-expanding Summer?

Here are a few ways to beat the heat this summer!

ip! r T d a Ro r e m m u S y M

Can You Find It

In Arizona? Our state has some beautiful and amazing destinations to visit. Circle the ones you can find in Arizona.

Which Water Hose? See if you can help Boomer find his way to the pool through the water hose maze.

June 2013

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

Page 11

Boomer Bear

Bear essential news for kids!

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June 2013

G with BOOMER! L B

What’s on Your Mind? From Pizza to Presidents, Boomer Wants to Know WhatYou Like/Dislike and Hope for the Future.

Have a New Kid by

Friday! by Dr. Kevin Leman

A column to help parents with their kid’s attitude, behavior and character

Click on “BOOMER’S BLOG” at

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Black Mountain BMX Races Every Friday & Saturday Night Sign ups–6:30—7:30 pm Races starts at 8:00 pm

Wed. Night Practice 6:30—8:30 pm

Interested in quality family time, sportsmanship & racing action? Give BMX a try!

Rent a bike! Just $5 a night!

Beginner Clinic! Every Monday, 6:30–8:30 pm • Call for details Race once without a membership. Must wear long sleeved shirt, long pants, helmet and tennis shoes.

Keep Your Children Safe Around Water! Adult Supervision Active and Undistracted (Not reading, on the phone or visiting with others) Swim Lessons Every child should learn to swim by 3rd Grade. Research shows if they don’t, they likely never will. Lifejackets (Coast Guard Approved-properly fitted) All children should wear a lifejacket around water until they know how to swim. “Lifejackets are the car seat for water”

Kool Kids

Free swim for boys and girls 17 & under at select Phoenix public pools.

Call (602) 534-6587 For locations: www.phoenix.gov/parks Made possible by these fine sponsors:

Parenting A Growing Family You’ve gotten the nest ready for a new baby—brought out the crib, filled the drawers with tiny socks and shirts and talked to your child or children about what to expect with this new bundle of joy. But if you are like a lot of mommies expecting a second or third or fourth or beyond, you might be feeling some pangs of concern. I have had many women tell me that they worry about changing the family dynamics. They wonder if they will have enough love, time and energy for this new addition. Know that many expectant mothers have experienced those exact same feelings. When you have that little firstborn, you devote so much time and attention to them that it’s hard to imagine adding another to the mix, for several reasons. No. 1: the exhaustion factor. Having a newborn can mean 24-7 exhaustion. Plus you now have a realistic idea of how exhausting—emotionally and physically—this parenting thing can be. You know what’s in store. The worry over having enough time for each child is real. But somehow, it almost always seems to work out. No. 2: the love factor. You will have enough love and enough attention and enough desire to care for and take care of this new little gift of life. I think it exemplifies what love and a family is all about. Trust me, as the dad of five kids, you love them all, but you do love them differently. You love them differently because they are different people. I have to admit to you that the first thought I had when my secondborn came into this world, as I was holding her in my arms, was that she didn’t look like her firstborn sister. Now why should she look like her firstborn sister? But it is a natural inclination that a parent has when they are about to have the second child. In some ways it makes you realize how different—and how precious—each is. These feelings are all very normal, and are to be expected. Enjoy this new baby. I won’t tell you to keep busy because you are going to be more than busy. But just remember, as you start this journey with your new baby, parents are the ones who leave an indelible imprint on their children’s lives. Just be a good parent and you will end up with great kids. Next month: Your marvelous middle child. Dr. Kevin Leman is a Tucson psychologist and author of more than 30 best-selling books. His latest is “The Way of the Wise: Simple Truths for Living Well.” Read his parenting blogs at www.birthorderguy.com.

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

June 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

Celebrate World Oceans Day June 8th, 2013 It’s a day to honor and explore the oceans and its habitats. Did you know that all rivers and streams will run into the ocean? Even our local Arizona waters will find their way to the sea, which means there are things we can do here in the desert to protect the oceans of the world. This year, SEA LIFE Arizona is partnering with Whale and Dolphin Conservation to help protect the Northern Atlantic right whale. To find out how you can help the right whale and other ocean creatures, please visit www.visitsealife.com/Arizona/news-and-events

E A

B D A

There are five oceans that surround the continents. Can you name the oceans in the map above? A ___________________ B ___________________ C ___________________ D ___________________

Word Bank: Arctic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Antarctic Ocean

New Jellyfish it ib h x E y r e v o c is D Now O pen! Marvel at more than six fascinating species of 40+ jellyfish, creating the largest collection of these mysterious creatures in the state. Fun ways to celebrate World Oceans Day • Visit the aquarium • Spend a day at the beach • Explore the ocean from a library • Create a poster of sea creatures

E ___________________ Answers: A. Pacific Ocean, B. Atlantic Ocean, C. Antarctic Ocean, D. Indian Ocean. E. Arctic Ocean

For more information call

480-478-7600

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June 2013

Continued from page 9

Taylor Swift Shines in ‘Red’ Tour by Reporter Danielle Wing, BASIS Tucson On May 29 I saw… TAYLOR SWIFT IN CONCERT! I know, so epic! When we drove into the parking lot we saw her trucks. They were so, so, so cool. They have her picture on the side and they say Taylor Swift Red Tour. Before I went in to see Swift play, there were like four radio stations and a crowd of screaming people. That’s usually a good sign, so I went to go see what it was. This guy from a radio station was tossing free Taylor Swift T-shirts, CDs and bracelets! I got a “Red” CD, so after the concert I downloaded it to my iPod. After that I went inside. We found our seats, and then Joel Crouse, one of Swift’s openers, started to play. He was really cool. Then Ed Sheeran played. He is a really good rapper. There was a break, then it goes dark again and this sign says “RED.” It starts flashing, then her band plays, and then you see her—it was so cool! First she played “State of Grace,” then she played “Holy Ground” and then “Red.” When she played “You Belong With Me” it was not the normal version. It was like totally ’60s. Swift was in a red dress and red gloves, and she did this dance move that my mom said was the swim. Her backup singers also were decked out in red dresses and gloves. In the middle of the concert she has Ed Sheeran come out again and they both perfom “Everything Has Changed.”

Between songs Swift said that when she was a kid she never had 13,000 people who wanted to hang out with her on a Wednesday! She said that when she chooses the places to go on tour, she thinks back to her previous tour. She says Glendale was a really crazy crowd that knew all the words to the songs and were screaming all the time. My favorite song that she played was “We Are Never Getting Back Together.” It was so cool. There was confetti everywhere. She was in a sparkly red circus outfit and her dancers were in tutus. It was really fun. I’m just sad that it’s over.

How Can We Use the iPads? by Reporter Domenico Lopez, Roadrunner At Desert Sands Middle School we have new iPads but have never used them. Most students and some teachers don’t even know we have them. Many teachers who do know about the iPads don’t know how to use them in their classes. I asked teachers how we could use the iPads. “We can use them for research and a library for our books, and even to store information, documents and files about our classes,” Duane Phifer points out. Kimberly Chupp adds, “If we use them, then students will have a better understanding of how to get information and how to use the current technology.” Those are just some ways the iPads could benefit us. “The iPads are easier to use and to move around,” she says. Then I asked some students what they think will happen if they bring the iPads from home to school. Jocelyn says, “If you bring your own the other students will steal it or break it.” Paul agrees with her, saying, “They will steal or break it.” Can the iPads be used in class? Jocelyn says, “They can be used to replace paper, white boards and calculators.” Paul thinks we could use it in math as a calculator. Teachers and students both agree that we should start using the iPads in class. Adviser: Heather Jancoski MORE SCOOPS! page 16 ➧

Cinemabillia Quiz

! Kids How Are You at Movie Trivia?

PARENTS!

KIDS!

Test your knowledge and then test your parents. Match the movie with the star who had the leading role. Then, enter to win tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “Built to Amaze!”

Hunger Games Transformers Ironman 3 Monte Carlo Harry Potter Pirates of the Caribbean The Karate Kid

Daniel Radcliffe Jaden Smith Shia LaBeouf Selena Gomez Robert Downey Jr. Johnny Depp Jennifer Lawrence

Cool Hand Luke Mary Poppins Trading Places Casablanca Lawrence of Arabia Love Story Patton Chinatown

Julie Andrews George C. Scott Jack Nicholson Humphrey Bogart Paul Newman Peter O'Toole Ryan O'Neal Eddie Murphy

Win a Family 4-pack of tickets to

US Airways Center • June 26 - July 1 HURRY! Deadline: June 20, 2013

Cinemabillia Quiz Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City: _____________________ ZIP: _________ Phone: _____________________ Grade: _____ Parent’s Email: __________________________ Parent’s Signature: _______________________

(Winners by random drawing)

Mail to: BEN/MOVIES 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

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June 2013

He’s wise, he’s cool and he’s ready to respond — write to Boomer Bear at Bear Essential News for Kids 1037 S. Alvernon Way, #150 Tucson, AZ 85711

He’s wise, he’s cool, and he’s ready to respond! Dear Boomer, I’m not that happy that school ended, but you have to move on. Luckily I passed my grade! Since summer started, I’ve been reading your news for camps and sports and stuff like that. I was wondering if you could give some ideas, locations to play softball? Your Sporty Friend, D.C. Dear D.C., While I love summer, I’m also sorta sad when school ends. Our summer camp guide is a huge hit with our readers young and old. I didn’t see anything specifically for softball, though. The Sun Devils just finished a great season, and your parent can call 480-965-3973 for the Sun Devil Summer Camp. Enjoy your summer & stay hydrated, Boomer Bear Dear Boomer, I think it would be cool if I could interview you for my article, but between school and other things, I don’t have time. Do you think I could do the interview online? Your friend, C.V. That’s a new one, C.V., I’m usually the one doing the interviewing! Personally, I think I’d be a great bear to interview—I’m witty, friendly and have an interesting job. I’m also the coolest polar bear in the desert! Any of my Young Reporters or fans who want to ask me questions can do so through Boomer’s Blog at BearEssentialNews.com or write me here at Letters to Boomer. You can email me at boomer@bearessentialnews.com or send me a letter to 1037 S. Alvernon Way, Suite 150, Tucson, AZ 85711. I can’t wait to answer your questions! Your buddy, Boomer Bear Dear Boomer Bear, I love your paper. I love all the coupons and sweepstakes.

But what I love most is the front page! Hey, did you know that the Preview Event for the LEGO KidsFest is exactly one day after my birthday? Have a wonderful day.

or e-mail your letters to boomer@bearessentialnews.com

or is otherwise miserable because of a bully at school. To help, the Attorney General’s Office is working with Bear Essential to bring kids and families “Bully Breakers” during the school year! This new program gives the latest news when it comes to bullying prevention and gives great online resources for you and your parents. Thanks for caring, Boomer Bear

(Sorry, I can’t draw bears!) Sincerely, D.D. Hey, D.D.! I’m absolutely thrilled that you get so much outta Bear Essential News. I love finding all the hidden items on the front page, too. The LEGO KidsFest coming to the Valley July 12–14 is a HUGE event. Yes, we have $2 Off coupons for each ticket you buy online. Use the coupon code BEN13 when your parent visits LEGOkidsFest.com. But what really rocks is our contest to win a Family 4-Pack to the LEGO KidsFest’s VIK (Very Important Kid) Preview Event on Friday, July 12. See the Back Cover or go online to BearEssentialNews.com/ contests.php. Hope you win. Good luck! Boomer Bear Dear Boomer, I think kids and adults need to step up to bullying because it’s not right that kids suffer through something so hurtful and painful. I don’t think it’s fair that kids don’t look forward to school because of these ridiculous people (who bully). Your friend, N.B. Dear N.B., You’re right—everybody needs to step up to bullying! It isn’t fair that a kid has a hard time concentrating

Dear Boomer, To help make our schools safer, I think we should make anyone who comes in sign in or out at the front office. The secretary has to make sure that everyone is recognized by a camera and that they take a fingerprint and scan it. This might help because they will know who is at the school so we know if anyone in the school is really a criminal. Also we should make sure that all the doors stay locked every time you enter and exit any doors. Sincerely, D. A. Wow, D.A.! You’ve certainly given this important safety issue a lot of thought. I like your approach to solving a problem. Thanks for sharing your ideas! Stay safe, Boomer Bear Dear Boomer, I have wondered do you like Out of Africa Wildlife Park? Thank you, T.P. Hi, T.P.! Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a fascinating place to learn about lions, tigers, bears and all sorts of other animals. If you’re thinking about going with your family or friends, check out page 4 for an awesome coupon off of regular admission for up to five visitors!

Read LETTERS TO BOOMER to younger readers to enhance their Common Core experience. Bear readers also can practice their letter writing!

Roar-r-r-r! Boomer Bear

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Preventing a Common Problem by Reporter Toby Sherman, Ashland Ranch Cassidee gets teased, Jagar gets called fat, Tanner is thrown off his bike. All these hurtful, painful things are things that kids do. WHY? Grace gets punched, Alex admits to being a bully and hates the fact. Kids often bully for attention or to make others feel their pain. A lot of them have problems at home or have been bullied. It can be caused by anyone having a problem and not knowing how to solve it. Or maybe they’re just plain jealous. There are many ways to keep yourself from being a bully. And if you are being bullied ASK FOR HELP. There are plenty of ways to take your anger out on things other than people or animals. Punch a pillow, listen to music, play a sport you love, explain your situation to a well-known adult. There are many ways to help yourself after being bullied or when you want to take out your anger on something. Even crying or writing down everything that happened helps. If you feel that you’re being bullied discuss it with an older family member or teacher at your school. It helps to let out all the stress. Don’t be afraid that you may be tattling. If someone is hurting you mentally, physically or any possible way or doing something continuously just to annoy or make you feel bad that is bullying. Tell an adult. If you feel that you’ve been a bully, a lot of the same things apply to you. Ask a parent or teacher what you should do. Explain what you think makes you think of yourself as a bully. Try some stress relievers or try apologizing to someone you think you might have bullied. Explain what you’re apologizing for—that way they can understand. Plenty of kids have been bullied—whether it was verbal or mental—but it’s our job to stop it. So don’t stand down. MORE SCOOPS! page 17➧

Be a Young Reporter! & write for

Bear Essential News! Sign up for the free Young Reporters Program (for kids grades 3– 8).

Print out the YR forms online at

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Or call toll free 1-866-NEWS KID if you need forms mailed to you!

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June 2013

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driving through the town of Sweetwater, Texas, when it hit him. “I called up Fred and said look this name up! Does anyone have it?” As luck would have it, the name was available. “We had to come up with a name quickly…We had our first music video ready to go, and we still didn’t have a name,” Stallcup added. by Reporter Bailey Todd, Liberty Elementary The band has been on the road for several Country music came thundering into Arizona April 4 as Country months. When asked what has changed in their Thunder opened in Florence, Arizona. This was the first year in the lives over the past year, they all agreed they festival’s history that it sold out. That means 25,000 people came to see four don’t get to see their families as often as they used to. They also no longer eat days of performances. The festival is famous for bringing in top country singers as much fast food, which the band agreed was a good thing. as well as up and coming artists. Without a doubt, the most promising new band “We met after many years of failing and doing things the wrong way. That’s to hit the industry is Sweetwater Rain. Sweetwater Rain is made up by Danny the way we learned,” Rivera said. “If I had been discouraged every time things Rivera on lead vocals, lead guitarist Fred Stallcup and bass player Thomas Hewlett. didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to, I probably would not be here, so I’m The band came up with its name because of its love for rain. “We wanted to glad I kept going.” have rain in our name” said Rivera. “We tried every combination we could think The band reflected what it was like to hear their song on the radio for the first of! We even thought about calling ourselves the ‘Rain-Bros,’” he chuckled. The time. “We were at a gas station...I started high fiving people in the gas station,” band is full of jokes. When asked where they came up with their name, Rivera Rivera said. “We were hugging each other on the bus,” Stallcup added. asked, “Is there a town called Sweetwater in Arizona?” I told him no, but there is Their hard work is paying off. Sweetwater Rain is heading out on the road a road in Phoenix…so Rivera quickly changed his story and said, “While I was this year. The band has two songs out currently, "Starshine" and “Pray For Me.” driving down Sweetwater Road in Phoenix…” Actually, it wasn’t until Rivera was MORE SCOOPS! page 18➧

Sweetwater Rain Adds Lightning to Country Thunder

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UltrtaStar Contest Value: $80 2/3 Page(Contest for kids 16 & under)

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June 2013

Continued from page 17

SUMMER IS HERE! by Reporter Emma Suttell Highland Lakes School Summer is here for most of the kids in the Valley. The only question is, what are you going to do this summer? Most of us have lots of ideas, but eventually you might run out of things to do. I have a solution. Summer camp! Summer camp may sound like it is just working all day and wasting time, but it is actually a fun experience that you will NEVER forget. I have been going to summer camp ever since the summer after third grade. I go to a Girl Scout camp called Willow Springs. It is really fun and focuses on the arts as well as traditional camp activities. If you can’t think of any camps to go to just look at Bear’s Summer Camp Guide! It lists lots of day camps, weekend camps, and sleep away camps. Day camp is where you only go to camp during the day and your parents pick you up before it gets dark. If you are younger or it is your first time at camp you might want to look at this option. Weekend camp is where you normally stay overnight at the camp for the weekend and do really fun things day and night! Sleep away camp is what I go to each summer. I stay at the camp for the whole week overnight. We get up early in the morning and do really fun activities ALL DAY! They serve you all the food also. Sleep away camp is like a home away from home. If you like the idea of summer camp and don’t have much to do this summer, make sure to look at Bear’s Summer Camp Guide and talk to your parents. Good luck and have fun!

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June 2013

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Are You Ready for LEGO KidsFest? It Arrives in Phoenix Next Month! ow can you take your love of LEGO and the LEGO building and engineering experience to a whole new level? You and your family can attend LEGO KidsFest! It will be in Phoenix for the first time July 12–14 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. There will be five fun-filled sessions, but sessions can sell out so get your tickets in advance! Kids will love this giant LEGO extravaganza. There will be millions of LEGO bricks, life-sized models and displays, and hands-on activities including construction zones, Creation Nation, LEGO Art Gallery and LEGO Master Builders. The traveling LEGO expo will cover 3 acres! There will be race ramps, a LEGO Games Arena, LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Friends. The five sessions are 9 a.m. to 1:30 on June 13–14, and 3 to 7:30 p.m. June 12–14. Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for kids. You can get $2 off each ticket when you use the code BEN13 before June 21. Tickets are available online at www.LEGOKidsFest.com.

Harry and the Potters Rock the Library hat if Harry Potter quit the quidditch team and started a punk rock band? His band could use the power of rock and roll as the ultimate weapon against evil! You don’t have to imagine it— just head to the library and see Harry and the Potters. Get ready to rock with Harry and the Potters June 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burton Barr Central Library. It’s a kid’s first rock concert, and it’s fun for the entire family! Hailed as the founders of the wizard rock genre, the band has released three full-length albums and played over 500 shows in places around the world. Burton Barr Central Library is located at 1221 N. Central Ave. For more information, visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

See the Circus, Learn About the Body, Celebrate Father’s Day & More ids, there are a lot of great activities happening in the Valley this month. Whether you love an exciting three-ring circus, want to learn more about your body, or want to celebrate with good old dad! June 8: The Phoenix Zoo’s summer evening event, Prowl & Play, will let guests experience the Zoo in a whole new light…or dark! This event offers unique and exciting activities in the cool evening hours. Admission is $8. New this year, you can get a pass to all three Prowl & Play nights (June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10) for just $15. For more information, visit phoenixzoo.org. June 16: Rawhide invites you to treat dad to a delicious steak dinner. For $19.99 per person, you’ll get a 14-oz peppercorn crusted ribeye, a baked potato, roasted garlic corn on the cob, Texas toast, a house salad and a cornbread muffin. The regular dinner menu is also available from 5 to 9 p.m. For reservations, call 480-502-5600 x1204. June 20-30: East Valley Children’s Theatre presents “Huff ‘n Puff The Story of Three Pigs.” Come join us for some cool fun at the Mesa Arts Center Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse Theatre, at 1 E. Main St. Tickets may be purchased at the Mesa Arts Center Box Office, online at www.mesaartscenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500. June 21: Be one of the first to see the new show “Jeremy Jackrabbit Recycles the Can.” The Great Arizona Puppet Theater brings the picture book to life at 2 p.m. at the Burton Barr Central Library. For more information or to find other summer events, visit www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org. June 26–July 1: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus brings an amazing new show to US Airways Center. Built to Amaze! will delight audiences young and old with aerialists, animals and, of course, the fabulous and funny clowns. Showtimes and tickets can be found at www.ringling.com. June 30–Sept. 2: Sesame Street Presents: The Body is a great way to learn with your Sesame Street friends. Get to know what’s under your skin at this exhibit at the Arizona Science Center. It’s sponsored by JP Morgan Chase and Orkin Pest Control. For information, visit www.azscience.org. Look for a way to win Breakfast with Elmo and exhibit tickets in the July issue of Bear Essential News!

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