Bear Essential News for Kis

KIDS, PARENTS, TEACHERS!

ESSENTIAL NEWS

®

February 2013 • Tucson Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

In this Picture: Find Cupid’s arrow, the word LOVE, Lincoln’s hat, a snake, a Mardi Gras mask, an apple, Washington’s ax, a broom, a candy heart and the word PREZ.

PARENTS

FEATURE

NEWS

We Love to R ead!

Tackling G un Violence? Book Fest almost Here Fun & Family!

Local celebs share their faves. Spotlight on the Netherlands News Highlights page 5 Pages 12 & 13

NEWS & more news kids can use! pages 7, 15, 18 & 20

Great events for all ages page 17

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

2

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 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

GET CONNECTED with the latest from Bear Essential News on Facebook!

• News • Contests, • Events • Family Happenings

Visit: facebook.com/bearnews Volume 34 Issue 6 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.

Sponsored by:

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

speaker from the Arizona-Sonora Dear Boomer, how to read or write or do you have Desert Museum will talk about It’s not good for someone to feel people write for you? Does it take lots environmental and science reporting! bad, especially if someone is calling of time to make a single newspaper?

Evidently, some bears (like me) you bad names. It makes you feel bad Do you have a lot of other Young about yourself so you don’t want to go Reporters? Do you like your job at Bear can read and write. It takes our staff weeks to create each edition. to school.

Essential News?

Bye, E.G. I actually have hundreds of Young Sincerely, D.J. Reporters throughout Arizona, and Thanks, D.J.!

Dear E.G., working with kids like you makes I’m glad you responded WOW— my job great! to my blog question: Why do you’re both kids (and adults) need to step See you there! Boomer Bear a fan of my up to bullying? And I think newspaper you’re exactly right—students Dear Boomer, AND you’re who are bullied by nameI need your help! I’m in fifth a Young calling or in other ways often grade; I’m 10, and I’m the shortest, Reporter for end up not wanting to go to youngest and have the smallest shoe it! Congrats school. This is so unfair and size (in my class). on having can cheat the person out of Somebody asked me my shoe your stories developing love for learning. size.

Then that person told her printed in Bear Check out my feature on friend, and that girl made fun of me.

Essential News. bullying online! It’s under I’m scared to tell anybody my shoe Kids in Bear Fun Activities, front size—I’m scared they’re going to grade 2–8 cover art for January 2013.

For the AZ SciTech Festival, Young tease me!

What should I do? can join the Kids—if you have something Reporters and kids who’d like to Thank you, M.B. program sign up can learn about science to say about bullying, and environmental reporting at a at Young Hey, M.B.! visit Boomer’s Blog at special Young Reporter Night at Reporter Night.

Sometimes it’s not easy being BearEssentialNews.com.

Peter Piper Pizza on Broadway As part of the the youngest of the bunch or Let’s end bullying! Boomer Bear on Feb. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. It's AZ SciTech different from the rest in some free—see details to the right.

Festival, we’re other way. Personally, I think Hello, Boomer, celebrating science with a special it’s our differences that make us I love your newspaper—it’s so YR Night (Thursday, Feb. 21 from 4 to interesting. Being a polar bear, I interesting to read it.

6 p.m. at the Peter Piper Pizza across wear size 14 extra, extra, extra, I’ve been published in the paper a from Park Place Mall).

Mad Science extra wide shoes—the biggest ones few times, and it feels great because will do demonstrations, and a at my school. other people can read my stories.

Are you real? I’m wondering because You’re special to me!

Read LETTERS TO BOOMER to younger readers to enhance their bears don’t know Common Core experience. Bear readers also can practice their letter writing! Boomer Bear

Large Specialty & Medium 1-Topping Pizza

Learning Patterns Maria draws this pattern of figures.

Please Call 1-520-792-9930 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.

Web Address: www.bearessentialnews.com Printed with recycled newsprint.

ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

ONLY

$

18

*Additional charge for Stuffed Crust Pizza or extra cheese. Delivery areas and delivery charges may vary. Not valid with any other offer or special. Expires 3/18/13

Draw the next figure in Maria’s pattern.

PIZZA HUT

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

3

4

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with

FREE Children’s exams and x-rays!

Save the Date!

Monday, June 24, 2013 Tucson High School

IG! B e • Culture—Music b o t g and Entertainment n i o • Museum Exhibits • Books g s • Free resources for educators i s Thi Fairforeducators.com

Featuring: • Lighthouse Projects—Teachers presenting their exemplary units, projects and lessons that integrate the Common Core Standards

February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Bring your child in for a Free Exam and x-rays Call for an Appointment Today!

(520) 797-9524 Offer good for all of February 2013.

Hiremath Family Dentistry www.hiremathfamilydentistry.net *New Patients Only ** Good for February 2013 Only

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Obama Rolls Out Gun Violence Plan WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the shadow of the deadly shooting at a Connecticut elementary school in December, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden recently presented their plan to reduce gun violence in America.

“I asked Joe (Biden), along with members of my Cabinet, to come up with some concrete steps we can take right now to keep our children safe, to help prevent mass shootings, to reduce the broader epidemic of gun violence in this country,” President Obama said at a special White House gathering on Jan. 16.

Biden’s task force came up with a broad, 23-step plan. A few of these steps, the president put into effect by signing what’s called an executive action or order.

But other steps would need to be passed by Congress.

On Dec. 14, a mentally ill gunman STORMED into Sandy Hook Elementary and killed 20 first-graders and six adults. This may be the most tragic in a string of mass shootings in the United States. Just two years ago in Tucson, a gunman killed six people and wounded 13, including former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head but survived.

“I’m going to do my part…giving law enforcement, schools, mental health professionals and the public health community some of the tools they need to help reduce gun violence,” vowed the president.

But many Americans, mostly gun enthusiasts,

President Oba ma signs an ex ecutive action in hopes of cu rbing gun viol ence.

photo courtesy of

the White House

February 2013

don’t agree with the president’s approach. Many are concerned that some of these steps, including a ban on military-looking semi-automatic assault rifles and limiting the number of bullets that semi-automatic weapons can hold break citizens’ right to bear arms that are protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

It’s a heated argument. On Jan. 30, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on reducing gun violence. People on both sides of the debate, including Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired astronaut and Navy officer Mark Kelly, and the head of the progun group, the National Rifle Association, voiced their concerns.

Giffords opened the hearing. “Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying—too many children.

We must do something,” she said.

NRA chief Wayne LaPierre spoke a bit later. The NRA wants existing gun laws to be more strictly enforced and feels that armed guards at schools would help. The group sees the issue of such gun violence as a problem of an inadequate mental health-care system.

“Law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals. Nor do we believe the government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families,” LaPierre said.

Cyclist Armstrong Admits to Cheating After years of denying that he used performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) on his way to becoming the most famous cyclist in the world, Lance Armstrong finally admitted that he cheated.

In an Oprah Winfrey interview, Armstrong carefully answered some very tough questions from Winfrey. “It’s too late for probably most people—and that’s my fault. I viewed this situation as one big lie that I repeated a lot of times,” Armstrong explained in his much-hyped interview that aired on Winfrey’s OWN TV network on Jan. 17 and 18.

AP/Wide World Photos Armstrong became famous for his endurance cycling, winning an amazing seven Tour de France races after overcoming cancer.

The Tour is a grueling 2,200-mile, three-week sum-

mer bike race that covers much of France. For years, rumors about him using PEDs swirled around cycling’s most successful athlete ever.

But in October, Armstrong’s world started to collapse when the U.S. Anti-doping Agency came out with a 200page report documenting his cheating and cover-ups.

The agency banned the champion from the Olympics forever and accused him of getting his Tour de France teammates to cheat, too. Uncharacteristically, Armstrong didn’t put up a legal fight to appeal the ruling and was stripped of all seven Tour wins.

“I know the truth. The truth isn’t what was out there.

The truth isn’t what I said,” Armstrong continued telling Winfrey. “This story was so perfect for so long….You overcome the disease (his cancer), you win the Tour de France seven times. You have a happy marriage; you have children. I mean, it’s just this mythic perfect story, and it wasn’t true.”

He isn’t the only cyclist caught using PEDs, also called “doping.” For decades, the sport has earned a bad reputation for widespread cheating. According to Armstrong, he just went along with it, became part of it and did nothing to stop it.

Bear essential news for kids!

5

Queen Abdicates Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced on Jan. 28 that she will step down from the throne at the end of April. The popular Dutch monarch says she’ll abdicate the throne and let her son Willem-Alexander take over as the ceremonial head of the country.

Beatrix is one of the longest reigning monarchs in Europe. She just turned 75, making her the oldest ruler in Dutch history.

“Responsibility for our country must now lie in the hands of a new generation,” Beatrix said in a televised speech.

For the Dutch monarchy, abdicating the throne is not at all unprecedented. Beatrix,

Netherlands Facts Capital: Amsterdam Currency: euro Area: 25,803 sq. mi.

Population: 16,407,491 Language: Dutch Exports: machinery & equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

North Sea ✪

Amsterdam

NETHERLANDS Germany

Belgium

known as Bea to many of her subjects, has ruled since 1980 when her mother Juliana abdicated. Juliana’s mother, and Beatrix’s grandmother, abdicated in favor of her offspring before that. Willem-Alexander will be the Netherlands first king since Willem III died in 1890.

Beatrix was regarded as a calm influence on her country during times of turmoil. Her reign began in tough economic times when there was rioting in capital city of Amsterdam.

In recent years a popular politician and filmmaker were assassinated. Tragedy has touched her personal life, too. Last year her second oldest son, Friso, was caught in an avalanche and has been in a coma since then.

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. Mark Rutte has served as its prime minister since October 2010. The country is located at mouths of three major European rivers—the Rhine, Maas and Schelde. It is bordered by Belgium, Germany and the North Sea. Holland is a region in the western part of the country. The term Holland is often used to refer to the whole of the Netherlands.

The Dutch have a saying: “God made the Earth, but the Dutch made Holland.” The Dutch started building dikes 800 years ago. Almost half of the country lies below sea level and more than 1,491 miles of dikes shield the low, flat land from the North Sea. Without the dikes 65 percent of the country would be flooded!

6

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Hands on Horsemanship & Riding Lessons!

Fun for all levels.

Self-defense, bully prevention, child abduction prevention plus strength, agility and coordination training.

Call today to more register or for out b a information classes and s! birthday partie

6 WEEKS

$99 Hurry, limited time offer!

Foothills

South Oro Valley

219–0880 Between Ina & McGee

North Oro Valley

877–7767 La Cañada & Naranja Next to Peter Piper Pizza

Teen & Adult Classes Available!

577–9090

Rodeo Riding Camp February 21 & 22 Thursday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ages: 5 – up Register early. Space is limited • Horsemanship • Riding Lessons • Barn Chores • Pony School

Scenic New Location!

In the foothills of the Tucson Mountains

• Riding Lessons • Camps • Birthday Parties A variety of packages available

Swan & Sunrise across from McDonalds

Eastside Location

722-1608 Broadway & Houghton in the McDonalds Plaza

Sarabande Academy of Riding 6405 W. Ina Rd. info@sarabandeacademy.com

(520) 907-3965

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

The Book Festival Is Coming Soon!

by Reporter Katelyn Boynton, Ironwood Elementary I love to read, so I’m very excited that the Tucson Festival of Books is almost here! The festival will be at the UofA on March 9 and 10.

Last year at the festival I saw a few authors including Megan McDonald and Gary Hogg. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about writing and books.

This year I’m excited about visiting the children’s section.

All the vendors have cool items to give away including free books. You can get information on specific booths and authors at tucsonfestivalofbooks.org. The website also has a list of stage activities. I’m looking forward to seeing the Irish dancing and meeting local authors. Most activities are free, but there are a few that you have to buy a ticket for.

See all of you at the festival! Check out next month’s Bear for the festival’s pull-out guide of children’s activities.

Small Scale Skirmish

by Reporter Gabe Villa, Desert Sky MS

On Jan. 24, I was invited to the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures on Camp Lowell.

I attended the Artists Reception for “Small Scale Skirmishes: Battles From Imagination and Reality.”

While I was there, I interviewed artist Dave Brown and asked him about his miniature pieces. He told me it takes him quite a while to finish a piece—up to a year!

With his creations, Brown wants to show how bad war is and the destruction of it. The museum asked him to bring six pieces for this exhibit. He has been making miniatures since a young age. He also has a gallery for his drawings and paintings. “From a distance it may look like something different and simple, but when you take time to look at it, it has many other details that show its true self,” he explained.

I highly recommend visiting the museum of small scale art with large imagination!

Be a young reporter!

Join us at Young Reporter Night Thursday, Feb. 21 4 to 6 p.m. at Peter Piper Pizza across from Park Place Mall.

Call 792-9930 to find out more.

Hope for Animal Shelter

by Reporter Ian Britanik Manzanita Elementary

Hope Animal Shelter is a nokill animal shelter. Their mission is to make the animals feel good and have a safe and cozy stay. Hope makes whatever comes in the door feel welcome, and the staff makes sure that the animals have plenty of food and water.

Last summer they received 33 new kittens. They arrived in boxes and even plastic bags! The only way to provide for these animals is through fundraising events and kind donations throughout the year. They have a garage sale early in the year where 100 percent of the money collected goes to the animals. Another big and fun event is the Arts and Crafts sale they have in November every year.

It all started when I got my kitten, Salem, from Hope Animal Shelter. He was so wonderful that I thought I should do something in return. So I went to the garage sale fund raiser in February 2012 and I sold some of my toys and my bike. That event was a huge success as the overall total was over $1,000 for the animals. They need money because cats and dogs are constantly arriving at the shelter.

If you would like to bring home a cat or a dog friend, Hope Animal Shelter is a great place to adopt. Or you can make a donation online at their website or drop it off at their location at 2011 E. 12th St. For more information on their ongoing fundraising events and current animals and news go to their website: hopeanimalshelter.net. Pets make great friends for kids, don’t you think?

MORE SCOOPS! page 15 ➧

Bear essential news for kids!

‘Jacob’ and ‘Emily’ Are Most Popular Names

7

by Reporter Portia Cooper Carden of Tucson If your name is Jacob or Emily, you are not alone. These are the most popular names for children born from 2002–2007 in Arizona and the entire United States.

Children born during this period are now elementary school students.

Jake Dickinson, a third grader at Legacy Traditional School, says that he noticed Jacob was a common name even before he started elementary school, “I remember having two Jacobs in my preschool class, and there were only eight kids in the class.”

David Dodge, the principal of Jefferson Park Elementary School in Tucson Unified School District, which closed in 2010, reported name popularity can affect classroom assignments.

“If there were four or more students with the same name, I would assign some to different classrooms,” Dodge says.

Teachers use a variety of strategies to identify students with the same name, such as nicknames and initials, according to Dodge.

While kids with less common names may enjoy being unique, they may spend a lot of time correcting mispronunciations and explaining how they got their names.

My name, Portia (pronounced Por-sha) is rare. People often think my parents named me after Porsche cars, but I am named after a clever character in a play written by William Shakespeare.

If your name did not make the top 10 list below, you can find out how popular it is on the U.S. Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov).

Top 10 Male and Female Names of Current Arizona Elementary Students (Born 2002-2007) Rank Male Name Number Female Name Number 1 Jacob 3,660 Emily 2,706 2 Jose 3,645 Ashley 2,261 3 Angel 3,426 Isabella 2,244 4 Daniel 3,414 Emma 2,101 5 Anthony 3,316 Mia 1,950 6 Michael 3,165 Samantha 1,926 7 Jesus 2,995 Madison 1,925 8 Joshua 2,892 Alexis 1,793 9 David 2,790 Alyssa 1,726 10 Luis 2,657 Abigail 1,659

8

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

What do you want for your birthday?

Magic Please!

Invite Patrick the Magician and his live bunny to your next party!

• Balloon Twisting • Hilarious Comedy • Lots of Audience Participation • Your Child is the Star of the Show

• Appearing Rabbit at Every Show • Goody Bags Available • Themed Shows • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Call today for more info

520-991-9308

Call today for more information Birthdays, School Events, Office Parties & More!

FREE GIFT for Birthday Child

www.magicplease.com

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

325-6991 • In-Office Sedations & Hospital Dentistry • Orthodontic Care/Braces • Cosmetic Bonding & Sealants

Mark D. Maklin, D.M.D., P.C. Member, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

• Preventive Care from Birth to Teens • Professionally Trained Staff • Over 23 Years in Tucson

Across from the Tucson Medical Center (between Craycroft & Rosemont)

2370 N. Wyatt Drive • Suite 110

Grab Some Friends

and get to Skate Country! t the Check ou our on calendar r all fo Web site s! the detail

www.skatecountry.com 7980 E. 22nd St.

298-4409

5 Clip this coupon for

$1.00 OFF a 32 oz Icee.

Expires 3/7/13

For FREE!

Bring in this coupon and get FREE admission for up to 5 skaters.

Valid Mon. thru Thr. 4–6 pm, Fri.-3–5 pm. Not valid for birthday parties or with other offers. Please limit coupon use to 1 per person per week. Not valid for groups or day care providers.

SKATE RENTAL EXTRA Expires 3/7/13

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Be a Reporter for Your School!

Come to Bear’s Monthly Young Reporter Night!

Thursday, February 21 • 4– 6 pm Win a FREE Reporter Digital Recorder & More!

• Get off to a good start!

• Official Young Reporter kits • Be published and get on TV

at Peter Piper Pizza 5925 E. Broadway (across form Park Place Mall)

Special Science Focus: Guest Speaker Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Robin Kropp:

Environmental & Science Reporting Sponsored by

FREE Pizza & Drinks for Young Reporters & Young Reporter Wannabees.

For information: 520-792-9930

Expires 3/15/13

Expires 3/15/13

Bear essential news for kids!

9

10

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Free Admission & Free Parking!

Presented by TM

March, 9–10, 2013 • UA Campus • Stop by Bear Essential News’ booth and create a video for Bear’s popular website!

• Get your FREE BOOK at the Free Book Booth in the Children’s Area

“He can’t wait for his weekly indoor swim lesson!”

• More info in Bear’s March issue!

Don’t miss: • Story book character Breakfast, 8 a.m., Saturday • American Girl Tea Time, 10:30 a.m., Sunday Events at the UA Student Union Memorial Center, North Ballroom.

For more details, visit UAbookstores.arizona.edu/festival

Tucson’s Tucson’s Premier Premier Indoor Indoor Swim Swim School School

520-877-SWIM 520-877-SWIM (7946) (7946) www.demontswim.com www.demontswim.com

2850 W. Ina Rd. #130 N.E. N.E. corner corner on on Ina/Shannon Ina/Shannon

Video Gaming Parties Play the newest games and systems in our upgraded game room and new 3D TV.

Largest Gaming Screen in Tucson—108” wide!

Nintendo Wii, X Box 360, Playstation 3 & more.

Choose from a variety of games: Be an Athlete, be a Soldier, be a Racecar Driver or a Rock Star— be anything!

Play by the hour or rent for a party!

KatanaGames.net

908-6648

Williams Center 5420 E. Broadway, #230

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

11

Sponsored by

Hey, Kids! My name is Howie Javelina and I want to show you how you can have a lot of what you want by being an All Star at Hughes. Let me show you how to save and be smart with your money.

If you’re under age 18, you can be in our Howie Javelina All Stars or Hughes Teen Scene youth club. All new kid’s accounts receive a free gift. Join Today!

Kids K–12 Join for FREE!

Connecting Kids with College

www.ClubArizona.org

(520) 794-JOIN (800) 253-8245 www.hughesfcu.org See “Youth & Money” and Googolplex” on our website for games and activities * Certain restrictions apply.

Federally Insured by NCUA

Page 12

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

W

February

Love to READ! E

Local Celebs Share Their Faves!

Jonathan Rothschild Tucson Mayor Best Loved Books as a Kid: Babar series (by Jean de Brunhoff), “If I Ran the Circus” and other Dr. Seuss books Best Loved Books Now: “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power” (by Jon Meacham), historical novels “Growing up in Tucson, I just read from the time I was 5.

The first book I read was ‘Go, Dog, Go!,’ and from that point on I just read my whole life,” shares Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, who’s a voracious reader.

Mayor Rothschild took office just over a year ago and wants to encourage Tucson kids to read more. His education task force is taking steps to ensure that all third-graders are reading at grade level by third grade and also seeks to cut dropout rates in our schools.

“I’m initiating a Mayor’s Reading Challenge,” where you can sign up and track what you read at MayorRothschild.com, Mayor Rothschild explains. Kids who achieve certain reading goals will be invited to the mayor’s office and receive recognition for their accomplishment.

Melinda Cervantes

Lindsey Connor

Pima County Library Executive Director

Higley Unified Teacher of the Year & AZ Ambassador for Excellence

Best Loved Books as a Kid: “Yertle the Turtle & Other Stories” (by Dr. Seuss), “Anatole” (by Eve Titus) Best Loved Books Now: “My Beloved World” by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, professional/ leadership books by Jim Collins like “Good to Great” “I was one of those under-the-cover-with-a-flashlight-atbedtime readers,” new Library Director Melinda Cervantes remembers. Growing up in Ohio, reading was a pleasure for her, especially on cold winter days. She really loved the fun and independence of visiting her local public library.

“Having a neighborhood library is a wonderful thing. It’s a rather magical place. It’s not your home; it’s not your school; it’s a place where you can be with other kids; it’s a place where you can EXPLORE. It’s often the first time a child is given a card to actually carry and be responsible for,” notes Cervantes. For Love of Reading Month, the library is teaming up with the mayor and Pima County School Superintendent Linda Arzoumanian to hand out 10,000 library cards to kids!

Cervantes says some great additions to the library are under way—visit www.library.pima.gov.

John Huppenthal Superintendent of Public Instruction Best Loved Books as a Kid:: The Hardy Boys series, Reader’s Digest family magazine Best Loved Books Now: “The Stand” by Stephen King; research papers on education, economics and philosophy Early on, young John Huppenthal learned the importance of reading. His mom would take him to his neighborhood library near South Tucson. “I just really enjoyed going to the library. Mom took us there every single week, and we’d come out literally with books from our fingertips to our chin,” Huppenthal says. And as the superintendent of schools, he’s still an AVID reader.

He wants all kids to read more and says developing kids’ reading skills needs to start early. “Above all, we find that the typical fifth-grader is reading five minutes or less a day. We have to get that number up to (at least) 20 minutes a day—reading is everything. It’s one of the few things that’s really correlated with academic gains,” Huppenthal emphasizes.

Best Loved Books as a Kid: Angelina Ballerina (by Katharine Holabird), Nancy Drew series, “Goodnight Moon” (by Margaret Wise Brown) Best Loved Books Now: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, thriller novels by James Patterson “I really believe that education is the biggest gift you can give a child,” emphasizes Lindsey Connor, Higley Unified’s Teacher of the Year. She’s also one of the top teachers in the state! Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, “I was very DRAWN to books and how there are so many different genres. There was always something that you could connect with,” Connor recalls.

A beloved seventh-grade math teacher at San Tan Elementary, Connor uses creatively written books to help her students embrace math. “Math doesn’t need to be this cut and dry study. So we try to build in a whole bunch of different activities for the students to experience math with. One of the ways is by reading books that have to do with the math concepts (that we’re learning),” she explains.

Bill Viner Chairman and Co-founder, Tucson Festival of Books and President & CEO, Pepper-Viner Homes Best Loved Books as a Kid: “Adventures of Tom Sawyer” “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (by Mark Twain), “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (by L. Frank Baum), The Hardy Boys series Best Loved Books Now: Mystery-thrillers by authors like T. Jefferson Parker and Thomas Perry It’s the state’s biggest, brightest and best bookfest—the Tucson Festival of Books. Chairman Bill Viner helped found this reading extravaganza five years ago. This free event happens March 9-10 at the UofA and expands its fun for kids and teens this year. Children’s horror writer R.L. Stine will be one of about 450 visiting authors. “One of the biggest things is R.L. Stine will receive the Founders Award—he’s the first children’s author that we’ve given the award to.

He’s gotten so many children to read. He’s sold over 400 million books,” Viner explains.

“Kids can come and enjoy all sorts of reading and books and educational tools,” Viner notes.

There’s a huge children’s area with lots of exhibitors, fun activities and a book giveaway for kids and teens. Families will love the Literary Circus. The very hands-on Science City has expanded, and you can learn about Botball in the Women’s Gym! Next month, Bear will run a special pull-out section of all the children’s happenings for the bookfest. The festival and parking are free. Visit TucsonFestivalofBooks.org for guest authors and more info. See Festival details on pages 4, 6, 7 & 22.

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

Page 13

Fall In Love with a Book!

Great Books from the Common Core Standards Grades K–1 “Are You My Mother?,” by P.D. Eastman “Green Eggs and Ham,” by Dr. Seuss “Pancakes for Breakfast,” by Tomie DePaola Read Aloud Stories “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,”

by L. Frank Baum “A Story, A Story,” by Gail E. Haley

Grades 2–3 “My Father’s Dragon,” by Ruth Stiles Gannett “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” by Patricia MacLachlan “The Raft,” by Jim LaMarche Read Aloud Stories “The Cricket in Times Square,”

by George Selden “Bud, Not Buddy,” by Christopher Paul Curtis

Grades 4–5 “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett “Tuck Everlasting,” by Natalie Babbitt “M.C. Higgins, the Great,” by Virginia Hamilton “Zlateh the Goat,” by Isaac Bashevis Singer “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,”

by Grace Lin

Grades 6–8 “Little Women,” by Louisa May Alcott “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,”

by Mark Twain “The Dark Is Rising,” by Susan Cooper “Dragonwings,” by Laurence Yep “Eleven,” by Sandra Cisneros

Page 12

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

W

February

Love to READ! E

Local Celebs Share Their Faves!

Jonathan Rothschild Tucson Mayor Best Loved Books as a Kid: Babar series (by Jean de Brunhoff), “If I Ran the Circus” and other Dr. Seuss books Best Loved Books Now: “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power” (by Jon Meacham), historical novels “Growing up in Tucson, I just read from the time I was 5.

The first book I read was ‘Go, Dog, Go!,’ and from that point on I just read my whole life,” shares Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, who’s a voracious reader.

Mayor Rothschild took office just over a year ago and wants to encourage Tucson kids to read more. His education task force is taking steps to ensure that all third-graders are reading at grade level by third grade and also seeks to cut dropout rates in our schools.

“I’m initiating a Mayor’s Reading Challenge,” where you can sign up and track what you read at MayorRothschild.com, Mayor Rothschild explains. Kids who achieve certain reading goals will be invited to the mayor’s office and receive recognition for their accomplishment.

Melinda Cervantes

Lindsey Connor

Pima County Library Executive Director

Higley Unified Teacher of the Year & AZ Ambassador for Excellence

Best Loved Books as a Kid: “Yertle the Turtle & Other Stories” (by Dr. Seuss), “Anatole” (by Eve Titus) Best Loved Books Now: “My Beloved World” by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, professional/ leadership books by Jim Collins like “Good to Great” “I was one of those under-the-cover-with-a-flashlight-atbedtime readers,” new Library Director Melinda Cervantes remembers. Growing up in Ohio, reading was a pleasure for her, especially on cold winter days. She really loved the fun and independence of visiting her local public library.

“Having a neighborhood library is a wonderful thing. It’s a rather magical place. It’s not your home; it’s not your school; it’s a place where you can be with other kids; it’s a place where you can EXPLORE. It’s often the first time a child is given a card to actually carry and be responsible for,” notes Cervantes. For Love of Reading Month, the library is teaming up with the mayor and Pima County School Superintendent Linda Arzoumanian to hand out 10,000 library cards to kids!

Cervantes says some great additions to the library are under way—visit www.library.pima.gov.

John Huppenthal Superintendent of Public Instruction Best Loved Books as a Kid:: The Hardy Boys series, Reader’s Digest family magazine Best Loved Books Now: “The Stand” by Stephen King; research papers on education, economics and philosophy Early on, young John Huppenthal learned the importance of reading. His mom would take him to his neighborhood library near South Tucson. “I just really enjoyed going to the library. Mom took us there every single week, and we’d come out literally with books from our fingertips to our chin,” Huppenthal says. And as the superintendent of schools, he’s still an AVID reader.

He wants all kids to read more and says developing kids’ reading skills needs to start early. “Above all, we find that the typical fifth-grader is reading five minutes or less a day. We have to get that number up to (at least) 20 minutes a day—reading is everything. It’s one of the few things that’s really correlated with academic gains,” Huppenthal emphasizes.

Best Loved Books as a Kid: Angelina Ballerina (by Katharine Holabird), Nancy Drew series, “Goodnight Moon” (by Margaret Wise Brown) Best Loved Books Now: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, thriller novels by James Patterson “I really believe that education is the biggest gift you can give a child,” emphasizes Lindsey Connor, Higley Unified’s Teacher of the Year. She’s also one of the top teachers in the state! Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, “I was very DRAWN to books and how there are so many different genres. There was always something that you could connect with,” Connor recalls.

A beloved seventh-grade math teacher at San Tan Elementary, Connor uses creatively written books to help her students embrace math. “Math doesn’t need to be this cut and dry study. So we try to build in a whole bunch of different activities for the students to experience math with. One of the ways is by reading books that have to do with the math concepts (that we’re learning),” she explains.

Bill Viner Chairman and Co-founder, Tucson Festival of Books and President & CEO, Pepper-Viner Homes Best Loved Books as a Kid: “Adventures of Tom Sawyer” “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (by Mark Twain), “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (by L. Frank Baum), The Hardy Boys series Best Loved Books Now: Mystery-thrillers by authors like T. Jefferson Parker and Thomas Perry It’s the state’s biggest, brightest and best bookfest—the Tucson Festival of Books. Chairman Bill Viner helped found this reading extravaganza five years ago. This free event happens March 9-10 at the UofA and expands its fun for kids and teens this year. Children’s horror writer R.L. Stine will be one of about 450 visiting authors. “One of the biggest things is R.L. Stine will receive the Founders Award—he’s the first children’s author that we’ve given the award to.

He’s gotten so many children to read. He’s sold over 400 million books,” Viner explains.

“Kids can come and enjoy all sorts of reading and books and educational tools,” Viner notes.

There’s a huge children’s area with lots of exhibitors, fun activities and a book giveaway for kids and teens. Families will love the Literary Circus. The very hands-on Science City has expanded, and you can learn about Botball in the Women’s Gym! Next month, Bear will run a special pull-out section of all the children’s happenings for the bookfest. The festival and parking are free. Visit TucsonFestivalofBooks.org for guest authors and more info. See Festival details on pages 4, 6, 7 & 22.

30 YEARS OF BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR KIDS!

Page 13

Fall In Love with a Book!

Great Books from the Common Core Standards Grades K–1 “Are You My Mother?,” by P.D. Eastman “Green Eggs and Ham,” by Dr. Seuss “Pancakes for Breakfast,” by Tomie DePaola Read Aloud Stories “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,”

by L. Frank Baum “A Story, A Story,” by Gail E. Haley

Grades 2–3 “My Father’s Dragon,” by Ruth Stiles Gannett “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” by Patricia MacLachlan “The Raft,” by Jim LaMarche Read Aloud Stories “The Cricket in Times Square,”

by George Selden “Bud, Not Buddy,” by Christopher Paul Curtis

Grades 4–5 “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett “Tuck Everlasting,” by Natalie Babbitt “M.C. Higgins, the Great,” by Virginia Hamilton “Zlateh the Goat,” by Isaac Bashevis Singer “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,”

by Grace Lin

Grades 6–8 “Little Women,” by Louisa May Alcott “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,”

by Mark Twain “The Dark Is Rising,” by Susan Cooper “Dragonwings,” by Laurence Yep “Eleven,” by Sandra Cisneros

14

Bear essential news for kids!

February 2013

www.bearessentialnews.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Continued from page 7

Mt. Lemmon Is Great Fun!

by Reporter Odalys Catalan, Arizona Virtual Academy Recently I had the wonderful experience of going to Mount Lemmon for the first time! That day there was 18 inches of snow!

On the ride up we experienced a very scenic drive as saguaro cactus, prickly pear and other desert plants lined Catalina Highway. As we got closer to the top, large pine trees and interesting rock formations welcomed us. We were in awe of the rock formations, snow on the mountains and the plants. We also saw many campsites with RVs, tents and trailers.

It was great to see people of all ages getting outdoors and having fun!

They were having snowball fights, building snowmen and making forts. It was interesting to see signs warning about bears. We even saw some wild turkeys!

We drove to the little town of Summerhaven. The cabins were gorgeous.

They looked like they were built with Lincoln Logs! Children and their parents were sledding down the slopes on neon plastic sleds. There was a general store, gift shop, lounge and community center. We took a look at the Ski Valley ski lodge, a place with even MORE snow. There was a very steep, snowy slope with a ski lift. Suddenly—WHOOSH—a snowboarder came by!

Many skiers breezed by while snowboarders did stunts. It was an amazing sight! We saw many, many people waiting in line for ski tickets. We crossed the street to see the Iron Door restaurant, which has a colorful history. I especially enjoyed the giant fire place at the Grub Stake patio café. It was gorgeous!

We went to a closed street that leads to the UofA’s Mount Lemmon Observatory. Many people were sledding down the slippery, snowy slope. On our trip home we stopped for an epic snowball fight!

MORE SCOOPS! page 18 ➧

Bear essential news for kids!

Tucson Cinderella Youth Development Scholarship Pageant

March 23, 2013 Pima Community College Proscenium Theatre 2202 West Anklam Rd. • Tucson Open for babies (0–2), Boys—Prince Charming competition (0–12) and Girls 3 to 26 years • Fabulous awards and prizes for all contestants! All participants receive a custom Cinderella trophy.

• Cinderella teaches communication skills, self esteem, self confidence, modeling, talent development, sportsmanship and manners.

FREE

No Obligation Workshop KU Studios, 6066 N. Oracle Rd.

Feb. 5th at 6 p.m. or March 5th at 6 p.m.

For more information please contact Tucson Directors Dee Roberts 520-574-2470 or La Tosha Maynard 520-850-2498 Tucsoncinderella@yahoo.com or Tucsoncinderella.com

Celebrate your birthday with a Birthday Blast Party at

6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 296-2366 www.golfnstuff.com plus tax

Just $17.50 per person gets you...

• 2 hours UNLIMITED use of Laser Tag, Bumper Boats, Go Karts & Miniature Golf • 4 Arcade Tokens • Party area with Party Hostess (50 minutes) • 1 small soda • Invitations • Pizza Available

Call today to reserve your party at 296-2366

10% OFF any Monday–Thursday Party

New Ticket Twister!

Birthday boys and girls: Try your luck in our new Ticket Twister ONLY at Golf-N-Stuff!

FREE Golf Pass! (with the purchase of another at the regular price) 36 Holes of the World’s Finest Miniature Golf • Arcade • Wet n’ Wild Bumper Boats • Skee-ball • Indy Go Karts • Batting Cages Laser Tag • Group Rates

Expires 3/15/13

15

16

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Teacher of the

MONTH!

Parents, faculty & students—nominate a teacher today!

Nominate Your Teacher Teacher name: _______________________ School: _______________________________ Your name: ___________________________ Grade: ______ Phone: _________________ email: _________________________________ Why is your teacher great? ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Office Hours:

Blaker Loves to Paint; Asks Students to Paint with Words Jacque Blaker teaches fifth grade at Tucson Country Day School. This is Blaker’s ninth year at TCDS and her 12th year teaching. She grew up in Willcox, Ariz., and says she decided to become a teacher shortly after starting a family.

Blaker loves to read and write. When she is outside of the classroom, Blaker likes to play golf, paint landscapes, and read books by authors like Tom Clancy and Karen Kingsbury.

Blaker says writing was a favorite subject in school, and now it is her favorite subject to teach. She likes to launch her students on a mental journey, then go along for the ride.

“I like to get them to use their imaginations and pretend they are going to a place,” says Blaker. This writing exercise lets students “use lots of descriptive words so that they’re taking me there with the words that they’ve used,” she explains.

When describing their teacher, Blaker’s students use the words: nice, funny, cool, kind, helping and caring.

Mon. 7 am–2 pm, Tues 7am–6pm, Wed. 7am–6pm, Thurs 9am–3 pm Friday and Saturday appointments available.

“My teacher is great because she makes me laugh and she is always in a good mood,” writes Alana.

“She always helps us out,” adds Emily, “and she pushes us to try our hardest every day.”

Blaker encourages students to strive for their personal bests.

“I tell them all, always to be their best,” Blaker says, noting that effort is what’s important. The final result “doesn’t have to be an A...failures are okay if you’ve done your best,” she says.

Send your nomination to Bear Essential/Teacher of the Month 1037 S. Alvernon Way #150 Tucson, AZ 85711 You can also fax nominations to 792-2580 or e-mail renee@bearessentialnews.com.

2 Convenient Locations: 10550 N. La Cañada Dr., Ste. 110 (Oro Valley) 5747 E. 5th St (5th Street & Craycroft)

www.DrJAW.net 747-JAWS (5297)

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

&

Kidical Mass Invites Families for Ride t’s time to get your bicycle and helmet and join other cyclists for a fun, free morning ride through the city streets. It’s called Kidical Mass and it’s happening Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.

Kids and families can participate in a tour of the Mercado, Barrio Hollywood, Menlo Park Neighborhood and more. Then they’ll gather at the Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, to head out on a fun, slow-paced ride.

There will be bike decorating, giveaways and treats before and after the ride. Kidical Mass is sponsored by Living Streets Alliance and El Grupo Youth Cycling.

Please RSVP with the number in your party by sending an email to info@livingstreetsalliance.org.

If you miss the February fun ride, there will be another Kidical Mass event on March 23. It will start at Catalina Park (4th Avenue & 2nd Street) at 10 a.m. For more information about the Kidical Mass fun rides, visit www.livingstreetsalliance.org.

I

International Wildlife Museum Is 25— You’re Invited to the Party! he International Wildlife Museum is celebrating a big birthday, and you’re invited! The museum is commemorating 25 years with a big party on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event will have entertainment, arts and crafts, games, prizes, food, face painting, photos and more. The Reptile Specialists will be on hand presenting live reptiles from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. You can even try your hand at spin art, a basketball shoot, the Frog Fling, skeeball or visit a petting zoo! There will be a special admission price of $3; members get in free.

The International Wildlife Museum is at 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd. For more information, visit www.thewildlifemuseum.com or call 629-0100.

T

Bookworms Love Books & Gardens! oin the Bookworm Club and enjoy family story time the first Saturday of each month at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Young visitors will enjoy books read aloud in the Children’s Discovery Garden as well as a related hands-on activity or craft. Becoming an official Bookworm is easy—just join us at a meeting of the Bookworm Club.

The activities are included with Gardens admission.

Children ages 2–5 can become Garden Geckos in special parent/child classes offered on Friday mornings

J

starting next month. The Garden Geckos program will introduce young children to the wonders of the natural world through exploration at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Each week will include outdoor time as well as a variety of activities including stories, crafts and songs.

The first class for the Garden Geckos—“Buggin’ Out”—is scheduled Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., March 15 to April 5. The session is $50 for both parent and child or $40 for members.

To find out more about the Tucson Botanical Gardens programs, visit www.tucsonbotanical.org or call 326-9686.

For more information, go to BearEssentialNews.com.

Send event info to calendar@BearEssentialNews.com

Bear essential news for kids!

17

More events online at BearEssentialNews.com

Arizona Renaissance Festival Begins; Royal Court Commences This Month he Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace is celebrating 25 years of cheers—Huzzah! The 30-acre faire, resembling a 16th century European village, opens its gates Feb. 9.

Kids and families will enjoy non-stop entertainment presented on 12 stages every event day. There is comedy, music, dancing, circus performers, jousting knights on horseback, and much more!

Kids especially love the people-powered rides, including Da Vinci’s Flying Machine and the Slider Joust. Be sure to take on the challenge of the Dragon Climbing Tower, the maze and the archery range, too.

The always popular jousting shows have performances three times a day.

Cheer on your favorite knight as he and his noble steed charge into battle.

Eat hearty when you grab a steak-on-a-stake or a turkey leg, or try the meat pies or tempting desserts.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays and Sundays, and Presidents’ Day, Feb. 18, rain or shine through March 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Festival is located at 12601 E. Hwy 60 in Apache Junction. For more information, visit www.royalfaires.com/arizona.

T

18

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Continued from page 15

Birthday Party Packages!

“Standard” Party Package ONLY

$799 Per child

“Deluxe” Party Package ONLY

$999 Per child

INCLUDES:

INCLUDES:

1 hour 45 minutes Reserved & Decorated Party Tables with Host/ Hostess Services

1 hour 45 minutes Reserved & Decorated Party Tables with Host/ Hostess Services

Large 1-topping pizza for every four participants

Large 1-topping pizza for every four participants

1 drink per child (unlimited refills) 20 Game Tokens for birthday child 10 game tokens for each guest Party Invitations Personalized Mylar balloon for the birthday child Build your own 7" 1-Topping Pizza for the birthday child

1 drink per child (unlimited refills) 40 Game Tokens for birthday child 20 game tokens for each guest Party Invitations Personalized Mylar balloon for the birthday child Build your own 7" 1-Topping Pizza for the birthday child “Happy Birthday to Me” Autograph T-Shirt & Marker for the birthday child.

Add Goodie Bags to either package for $2.00 per child

Book your Party Online at www.peterpiperpizza.com

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

LUNCH BUFFET MON.– FRI. 11 AM–2 PM

$5.49 PER PERSON

$3.99 KIDS 10 AND UNDER

Ages 2 and Under FREE

Irvington & I-19.........................434-8000 Oracle & Limberlost.................888-5520 Ina & Thornydale......................744-1111 Oracle & Magee........................575-0770 Silverbell & Speedway.............624-7475

5925 E. Broadway (across from Park Mall)...886-5566 Old Spanish Trail & Harrison...........722-4400 22nd & Alvernon........................ .......790-4232 12th & Ajo Way.................................. 624-1111 Valencia &12th................................... 889-0600

Eating for Heath—and Fun!

by Reporter Maleah Santa Cruz, Centennial Elementary Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. That means you’re more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven’t tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Being active is good for you—it can make you feel good, improve your health and is a great way to hang out with your friends. You can get up and ride a bike or run, be healthy and strong and have fun. You can play sports! You can be in cross country or play football to get fit and have fun!

Making good choices on the food you eat also feeds your brain.

Get your friends, and tell them, too. It’s nice to be healthy, active and strong.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days

by Reporter Aidan Frye, Satori School If you didn’t get a chance to see this movie at the theater, now’s your chance to rent or own it!

This movie, based on a popular series of books by Jeff Kinney, is about a middle school boy named Greg Heffley. He wants to have the perfect summer by: 1. Playing video games; 2. Hanging out with Holly Hills, and 3. Doing both at the same time! But things do not turn out as planned.

The movie is likable. Greg’s character is funny and the things that happen to him could happen in real life. Not to give anything away, but someone, not saying who, loses something really important when falling off the high dive!

One frustration about the movie is that most of the bullies don’t get in trouble.

Greg handles the bullies pretty well though. Movie watchers will get great tips on how to handle situations with bullies.

MORE SCOOPS! page 20 ➧

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

W

hether walking to a friend’s house, to school or around the town, children need to know how to navigate streets safely. Pedestrian injury remains the second leading cause of unintentional injuryrelated death among children ages 5-14.

Drivers, parents and kids can all do their part to keep our streets safe for child pedestrians.

Test Your Pedestrian Safety Knowledge!

Set a Good Example • Cross streets at a corner. Use signals and crosswalks when they are there.

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

• Look left, right and left again before crossing.

• Walk across streets. Don’t run.

• Walk on sidewalks or paths.

• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Rules for

KIDS

• Teach kids all of the safe walking rules to follow.

• Never allow kids under age 10 to cross streets alone.

• Tell kids never to run into the street for any reason.

• Make sure kids use direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

• Teach kids to cross 10 feet in front of the school bus, never behind.

Look for TMC at the Festival of Books— March 9 & 10

4

5

W Y

6

1 1

F T

U W

F C

B

K 3

T

4

B

G R

ACROSS 1. You should cross the street with an _____ until you are at least ten years old.

2. The safest place to cross the sttreet.

3. What should you always do first before crossing the street?

4. Look left, right, ___________ .

5. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the edge of the road, ________ traffic.

6. Avoid playing in the ___________ .

DOWN 1. Always choose the ___________ route.

2. On a multi-use path, move over for people on _________ .

3. Stop for any cars backing out of ___________ .

4. You should understand and ________ all traffic signs and signals.

Source: Children’s Hospital and Health System

2

Word Bank

BIKES SAFEST STOPLIGHT DRIVEWAYS SHOES FACING LIKE OBEY ADULT SIGNS LEFT RIGHT CROSSWALKS STOP STREET NIGHT

Across: 1. ADULT, 2. CROSSWALKS, 3. STOP, 4. LEFT, 5. FACING, 6. STREET Down: 1. SAFEST, 2. BIKES, 3. DRIVEWAYS, 4.OBEY

PARENTS

Complete the puzzle by answering the clues ACROSS and DOWN. Use the word bank to help you.

Each answer has a connecting letter 3 to another 2 clue. Some C letters are filled in to help you get V started.

19

20

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Continued from page 18

COMING TO A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU —

Save the Eagle Day

Celebrate Arizona's Science and Technology Wonders

Feb. 6 thru March 17, 2013 Visit

azscitechfest.org

For details about the events below or other activities in your area!

Learn about Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

by Reporter George Ballenger, Holladay Intermediate Magnet Save the Eagle Day brings awareness to the near-extinction of the magnificent eagle. Every year Save the Eagle Day is celebrated on Jan. 10.

This holiday aids public awareness of the predicament of the bald eagle, which is the national bird of the United States. The way to acknowledge Save the Eagle Day is by protecting them and their environment. Often people donate to a wildlife sanctuary. They sometimes turn to government officials to support ecological fortification of waterways to help eagles. Another way people recognize this day is by planting trees and maintaining them for eagles to alight.

On this day people are thankful for being able to watch these marvelous birds flying so beautifully high in our skies. More than 70 species of eagle reside in the world. Many other endangered species of birds aren’t as lucky because of illegal poaching and habitat loss. In the latter part of the 20th century, eagles were in danger of extinction. On June 28, 2007, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne removed the bald eagle from the “Threatened and Endangered Species” list.

Adviser: Rebecca Ballenger

Over 350 organizations statewide have partnered together to offer a series of hands-on activities, workshops, conversations, debates, stunning exhibitions, concerts, guided walks and tours. JOIN US! Other offerings include :

The Tucson Girls Chorus Celebrating our 28th Season

OPEN Enrollment

Feb. 9, 13, 16 & 23 Mad Science at the Library (Mission, Eckstrom-Columbus, Sahuarita & Joyner-Green Valley Branches). Enjoy fun, interactive science-oriented programs for families. Locations and times vary by date. See registration details online.

Feb. 9, 16 & 23 • 10–11 a.m. Science Saturdays at Bookmans. All Tucson locations will host a science event for kids. It could be a science experiment gone mad, a craft or a fun demonstration.

Now through February 28, 2013 Scholarships are available.

Please contact our office for an appointment.

Parents must accompany girls.

Feb. 12 & 14 Arizona Renaissance Festival Student Days—Age of Discovery, Exploration and Navigation! Learn about the past, present and future implications of maps and geography.

Feb. 16 • 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. Family SCIFest at the Children’s Museum Tucson. Children of all ages will experience exciting hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, and families will discover innovative K–12 STEM student projects and school programs. Free Admission.

March 9 –10 (Sat. & Sun.) Science City at the Tucson Festival of Books. Explore hands-on activities, exhibits, lectures and shows about the exciting worlds of science and technology. Learn about science in daily life and UA research advances.

Join Us!

(520) 577-6064 • www.tucsongirlschorus.org

4020 E. River Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718

Enrolling Now for Fall 2013–’14!

We develop community, creativity and critical thinking.

• A multiple intelligences, individualized program • Age 21/2 through 1st grade • Nurturing environment • Low student-teacher ratios

OPEN HOUSE • February 26 Kindergarten—First • 5 p.m.–6 p.m.

Charter 2nd–8th grades • 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 from 4– 6 p.m. for a very fun and special Young Reporter Night to learn about science & environmental news reporting. Free pizza and kids drink for Young Reporters and YR wannabees who attend!

Located at Peter Piper Pizza, 5925 E. Broadway,

across from Park Place Mall

• Integrated, thematic curriculum • Offering arts, science, languages, math, computers and gardening • Charter School for grades 2 through 8 Academic “A” rating by Arizona Department of Education

Call Now to Schedule Your Visit

887-4003 Rates and info at www.satorischool.org A Non-Profit Organization

A non-profit organization

3801 N. 1st Avenue

creative education for gifted and inquisitive children

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Central Arizona Project (CAP) is a modern aqueduct system that stretches 336 miles across the state. CAP delivers water from the mighty Colorado River to where it’s needed in Arizona.

KIDS & FAMILIES —Welcome to Bear’s water conservation page. Water means life to all of us desert dwellers.

In fact, water is Arizona’s most precious natural resource, and using it wisely is everybody’s responsibility!

Studying Our Water Future When it comes to providing the water that we count on in the West, the Colorado River is irreplaceable.

The Colorado and its tributaries (streams and smaller rivers that feed into this major river) provide water to nearly 40 million people, irrigate 5.5 million acres of crops, support at least 22 Native American tribes, 7 National Wildlife Refuges, 4 National Recreation Areas and 11 National Parks. Central Arizona Project (CAP) carries water from the Colorado to where it’s needed in the state. Hydroelectric power from the Colorado helps to meet our power needs in the West, and the river supports some of Mexico’s water needs as well.

Seven Western states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming—contain portions of the sprawling Colorado Basin.

The Big Study: Will There Be Enough Water for the Growing Demand?

Over the next 50 years, will the Colorado River be able to meet the Basin States’ growing demand for its water?

That’s one of the big questions looked into by an important study called the Colorado River Basin Water Demand and Supply Study, or “Basin Study” for short.

The three-year study cost $5.5 million and was just completed. Such a big study looking into our water future

requires a lot of people working together—climatologists and other scientists, water providers, tribal and population experts, environmentalists, etc.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the seven Basin States, water providers like CAP, tribes and other stakeholders of water from the Colorado River supported the Basin Study.

With populations in the West growing, experts project the demand for water in the Basin States will continue to grow.

Unfortunately, the increased demand is expected to exceed what the Colorado will be able to provide. And the numbers seem to get worse if there are droughts or other climate changes that reduce the water supply of the Colorado. The differences between the water supply and the demand are called imbalances.

But the Basin Study includes steps that might be taken to help correct these IMBALANCES. They include steps to conserve (not waste) water and augmentation projects, which add to the water supply. Such steps will take a lot of effort and teamwork between the Basin States, the federal government, water suppliers, Native American tribes and others who rely on the Colorado River.

More Ways to Learn About Water!

Info and artwork from the “Discover the Waters of Arizona” booklet. This column is a collaborative effort between CAP and Arizona Project WET.

How Do You Conserve Water?

Bear essential news for kids!

WE

our Supporters!

Check out this issue of Bear Essential News for all they have to offer plus educational columns with news and information on a variety of topics.

Let them know you love them, too!

Arizona State Parks Biosphere 2 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Childrenʼs Museum Tucson City of Tucson Parks & Recreation Crisis Response Network DeMont Family Swim School Dr. JAW Orthodontics Dr. Maklin Pediatric Dentist eegee's Fire Truck Adventures Funtasticks Golf Nʼ Stuff Hiremath Family Dentistry Hughes Federal Credit Union Katana Games Magic Please Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures NextCare Urgent Care Peter Piper Pizza Sarabande Riding Academy Satori Skate Country Tucson Botanical Gardens Tucson Girls Chorus Tucson Medical Center UA Bookstore UA Presents Vantage Bowling Centers

List three ways you and your family can cut down on water use or save water!

1. ____________________ _______________________ http://ag.arizona.edu/arizonawet/

For more water-related information, please visit:

www.CentralArizonaProject.com or call toll free: (888)

891-5795

2. ____________________ _______________________

3. ____________________ _______________________

21

Bear Essential News Serving Kids ,Parents and Teachers for over 30 years! www.bearessentialnews.com

22

Bear essential news for kids!

February 2013

See the March issue of BEAR for a complete pull-out section for Science City, and Book Festival youth activities.

www.bearessentialnews.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Bear essential news for kids!

Call 520-626-8122 for information on facility accessibility.

Or visit: http://skycenter.arizona.edu/programs/public/youthnights

Mention LEO and Bear Essential News for a special offer when you reserve your Field Trip at Biosphere 2!

Call 520-626-8792 or vist: http://mirrorlab.as.arizona.edu/tours

Tucson’s Largest Laser Tag Arena!

This 3 level maze is 5,200 sq. ft. of indoor fun for an experience you won’t forget!

Your Fieldtrip Headquarters!

Make your reservations TODAY! Teachers play FREE! 221 E. Wetmore Rd. Just east of Tucson Mall

• (520) Open daily 10:00 a.m. Hours subject to change.

For specials and promotions visit us online

888-4653

www.funtasticks.com Birthday Packages all include an Arcade Play Card, Food, a Drink plus Rides.

Get 25% Back

for your school or organization with our fundraisers

Expires 3/15/13

Expires 3/15/13

Expires 3/15/13

Text PLAY to 63975 to win a Birthday Party!

Winner to be drawn monthly.

Funtasticks Website

Funtasticks Facebook

23

24

Bear essential news for kids!

www.bearessentialnews.com

February 2013

Where can you find what’s hot in Summer Camps?

KIDS, PARENTS, TEACHERS!

ESSENTIAL NEWS

®

Register to win a FREE week at the camp of your choice!

SUMMER CAMP FESTIVAL 2013 Saturday, March 16th 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • FREE Admission at

• 6503 E. Tanque Verde

Get the latest information on camps throughout Arizona!

Camps for every budget and interest will be here—all in one location!

Camp discounts & giveaways available only at this event!

Register to win great prizes from Summit Hut, Bookmans, REI and more!

• Golf Specials • Specials and Give-A-ways • Games and magic • Horses and farm animals for you to meet • Jumping castle & the Triangle Y Rock Wall • FREE Raffles and giveaways ...And much more for the whole family!

Go to www.BearEssentialNews for more info.

Join us for a Day of Fantastic Family Fun! See You There!