Sacramento Parent February 2017

parent February 2017

HELPING KIDS BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

MEET EMMA, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR...

Dental Health FAQs with the Experts sacramentoparent.com

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Empowering Parents Building Futures ENROLL TODAY! HorizonCharterSchools.org 916.408.5200

» Homeschool » Independent Study » Virtual Learning » Enrichment Classes

Free, accredited, K-12, public charter school with a 24-year history of supporting home study 4

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on our cover

parent February 2017

At just eight-years-old, local third-grader, Emma is one of the youngest authors to write a fairytale book! Learn how she did it on page 18, and be sure to add her book, “The Fairies of Waterfall Island: The Search for the Missing Crystal,” to your must-read list.

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 24 YEARS

contents

photographer: Kelly Barr www.KellyBarrPhotography.com

FEBRUARY 2017

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18

departments 11 FUN FINDS

features 15 Helping Children Form

Friendships

Sweet Picks for Your Valentine

13 CAMP

23

Are you Prepared?

18 NEXT DOOR

42

Meet Emma, Published Author by Age Eight!

33

around town 34 CALENDAR Sweet Happenings

So, What Exactly is a Charter Public School?

38 SHOWS

Asking the Experts your Dental Health Questions

39 EXHIBITS

Productions You’ll Love Showing HeART!

40 HUMOR ME

FOR PARENTS ONLY! Confessions of an Ex-Tooth Fairy

33

Loving a Child with Special Needs

special advertising section 25

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FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

Annual Guide to Public, Charter & Homeschools

BYERS GYMNASTICS CENTER

Call or go to our website to see our schedule of classes.

WWW.BYERSROSEVILLE.COM sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017

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FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

One of the coolest things about my career is that my kids are totally into it! They love to hear all about what’s going on at Sacramento Parent and who’s going to be in the magazine each month. They are full of ideas and inspiration, too!

co-publisher | SUE LETO COLE co-publisher | SHELLY BOKMAN editor | SHANNON SMITH assistant editor | CHRISTINE QUARRY art directors | PATRICE VAN DAM, Studio PR

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com

photographer: Kelly Barr www.KellyBarrPhotography.com contributing writers: Michelle Kopkash | Pam Molnar Jan Pierce, MEd | Christine Quarry Meagan Ruffing | Shannon Smith

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Raychell Sarcomo raychell@sacramentoparent.com Lindsay Trenz lindsay@sacramentoparent.com Cheryl Waples cheryl@sacramentoparent.com

BILLING QUESTIONS

Shelly Bokman | (530) 888.0573 shelly@sacramentoparent.com

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FAMILY PUBLISHING, INC. Sacramento Parent Magazine Subscription Rate: one year, $30 PO Box 598 Auburn, CA 95604 p (530) 888.0573 f (530) 888.1536 sacparenteditor@gmail.com | www.sacramentoparent.com

So, it was no surprise to see my nine-year-old, Daphne’s face light up when I was talking with her about Emma and her recent book release. Daphne was totally in awe of Emma’s accomplishment as a third-grader and can’t wait to read the book. I think that’s exactly what we’ll do this month—cuddle up and each pick a new book to read! This will be especially easy to do if February ends up even half as wet as last month was!

Speaking of last month, we had honed in on private schools in January and now it’s time to pull Charter and Homeschools into the spotlight. All in all, our region is rich in opportunity when it comes to education, with many excellent schools in many of our districts. Stay tuned for preschools and childcare in March and if you missed something, you can always find it online at SacramentoParent.com!

Warmly,

Shannon & the Sac Parent team

Sacramento Parent magazine is published monthly by Family Publishing, Inc. It is available free of charge at over 1,000 locations throughout Greater Sacramento.

Sacramento Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photos from our readers. Sacramento Parent is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.

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Locations in: Carmichael Citrus Heights/Fair Oaks Elk Grove Orangevale Sacramento Shingle Springs Sp

Montessori Trained & CA Credentialed Teachers Optional Before/After School Care

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Localidades: Carmichael Citrus Heights/Fair Oaks 2 Sites Elk Grove Orangevale Sacramento Springs Shingle Sp

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Maestros con credenciales y extrenamiento Montessori Cuidado opcional para antes/despues de la escuela

fun finds

We

By Christine Quarry

these Sweet Gifts!

Roses are red, violets are blue…here are some sweet Valentine’s Day gift ideas your favorite cuties will cherish from you!

1. Coloring Wallpaper

Are your kiddos into the coloring craze? Now those beautiful colors can cover your wall, but not the paint! Six feet wide and three feet tall, simply unroll and the kiddos can have a coloring ball! $34.90 | www.Etsy.com/listing/473216610/

1.

2. Custom Mini Tin Mailbox

Fall in love with mini, personalized mailboxes! Pretend mail play with your littles this Valentine’s Day and leave them notes in their new personal mailbox. Or, have them take it to school as a safe way to store their Valentines. $8.99 | www.Etsy.com/listing/489339226/

2.

3.

3. DIY Heart Play Dough Making Kit

Each kit comes with 3 various sized heart-shaped cookie cutters and food grade, pre-measured ingredients. And, if you wish to create scented play dough, it includes two essential oils and two food colors to make your play dough pink, rose scented and purple, lavender scented. All ingredients come sweetly nestled inside a decorative gift box, making it perfect for that special someone. $22 | www.Etsy.com/listing/216555000/

4.

4. Everything Emoji Pencil Top Erasers

A great school Valentine alternative to handing out candy! This whimsical group of round erasers is the same as found on the iphone, android and other mobile devices and includes all the favorites. The package comes with 18 emoji faces that fit most standard school or office pencils perfectly. $15.99 www.Amazon.com/Everything-Emoji-Emoticons-Accessory-Colorful/dp/B01FY7L17O/

5. Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Surprise your Valentine with a delicious treat from award-winning, local chocolatier, Ticket Chocolate in Loomis. You’ll have your loved ones 5. talking with this tasty hot chocolate on a stick topped with fun, colorful and nostalgic conversation hearts! $15 | www.TicketChocolate.com

6. “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”

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Great date night! This popular off-Broadway musical celebrates that contemporary conundrum known as the “relationship.” Traveling through dating and waiting to commitment and marriage, from the agonies of the in-laws to trips in the family car, this episodic musical pays tribute to both the trials and triumphs of love. $27-$37 | www.SacTheatre.org/shows/now-change/

7. Love Bandit Raccoon Plush

Sure, candy and flowers are great, but you can’t cuddle them! So, enter to win this soft and cuddly raccoon from Aurora Plush Toys, to keep you company this Valentine's Day! 7. $15 | www.AuroraGift.com

WIN IT!

8. Zing Air Hunterz Z-Curve Bow

8.

If your sweeties aren’t into Cupid, this bow and arrow set should keep them busy.

Designed with safety in mind, it has foam and suction cup arrows that accompany the bow. $18.95 | www.Amazon.com/gp/product/B003O85K2S/ sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 11

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Prepare Your Child…and Yourself for Camp!

By American Camp Association®

For parents, the most heart-racing, adrenaline pumping moments happen when you let go and watch your child try something on his or her own. The moment the training wheels come off, the first trip down the driveway on the skateboard, the first time our children ride the school bus—these are more than just memories, these are critical moments that define growth and change. For many families, the first time they send their child to camp is one of the biggest let go, hold your breath, and watch them soar moments in childhood.

In today’s world of hightech kids and families who have a constant connection to each other, it’s essential to take the time to emotionally prepare for camp.

It is, of course, important to prepare the first-time camper, but families need to make sure that Mom, Dad, younger siblings at home—virtually everyone—is ready to adjust to camp life. To help ease firsttime families into the camp experience, take a look at the following tips provided from the American Camp Association® (ACA).

Parents: As parents, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of camp. Remember that separation is natural, necessary, and inevitable— what better place to have that first experience than in a caring and nurturing environment designed specifically for children? Parents can also focus on the amazing benefits of camp, an experiential education like no other teaching of valuable survival skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.

“The greatest gifts that parents can give their child are independence and resiliency,” said Peg Smith, ACA’s former chief executive officer.

“Parents should remember that by choosing camp, they are giving both.”

coming separation. Before the eldest child leaves for camp take a picture of your children together that the sibling can keep in their room or carry around. Remind your children about the communication they can have with each other through letters and postcards.

Siblings: Bob Ditter, fami-

contact the camper if they are interested in sending letters and care packages—but, make sure they are aware of any communication policies the camp may have, (i.e. no phone calls or restrictions on what can be sent in a care package). In addition, an in-

ly therapist and one of the nation's leading experts on camp, cautions it is likely that the child left at home will experience separation anxiety and truly miss his or her sibling. To help them prepare, be sure to talk about the up-

Other family members: Be sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming experience. Let family members know how to

creasing number of camps are using websites to display photos or video during the camp session. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues Survey, 75 percent of responding camps indicate that they post photos or videos to a website for families to view. Forty-five percent indicate that they post information, photos, and videos to social media outlets like Facebook. Families should be sure to ask camp directors about these options.

Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer. By sending a child to camp, families are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. By taking steps to mentally prepare for camp, families not only keep from getting “kid-sick” for their camper, but they can stay positive about the camp experience—which goes a long way toward helping first-time campers adjust to life at camp. And just like taking off the training wheels, the moment families see their camper radiating confidence and joy they will feel that burst of pride and gratitude that they allowed their child this experience.

For more information about preparing for the summer camp experience, or to find a camp, parents can visit www.ACAcamps.org. This online resource for families includes expert advice, information on health and safety, and ACA’s searchable database of over 2,400 ACA-Accredited® camps. © 2017 American Camp Association, Inc. sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 13

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Helping Your Child Build Friendships

By Jan Pierce, MEd

For many kids, building friendships comes as naturally as breathing in air or waking up in the morning.

For others, the process is filled with landmines of fear, anxiety and discouragement. Experts agree that friendship-building is a skill—it can be learned.

THE POPULAR KIDS Popular children, those successful in making friends, have strong pro-social skills.

They show caring for others, often wanting to share something with them or help them in some way. They have strong verbal skills, so they can carry on conversations.

They’re able to curb their own selfish or aggressive behaviors and instead, are good at understanding the feelings of others, seeing others’ perspectives. They’re able to make good choices to help avoid arguments or problems.

In general, children will reject those they perceive to be aggressive, disruptive, irritable, bossy or selfish. The negative character traits raise a red flag: there could be trouble ahead for those who spend time with that person. But they gravitate toward those with positive social skills, knowing they’ll be appreciated, be safe and have fun with that person.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? How can you help your child improve friendship-making

skills? What can you do at home to model healthy interpersonal relationships? How can you support your child without intruding and undermining confidence?

If your child is one who struggles with making new friends, there are simple ways to help sidestep relationship landmines. Here are four ways you can empower your children to navigate the often murky waters of friendship-building.

DEVELOP POSITIVE SOCIAL SKILLS Help your child develop those necessary positive social skills such as empathy, cooperation, problem-solving and clear communication. Begin now to model and discuss ways to be a friend.

Help your child notice when others need help and offer to give it. Practice talking through a problem to find ways to cooperate. Notice when someone is hurting and say kind words to them. Model a kind act or giving a compliment. Often, just one kind word or action makes all the difference in building a friendship. Practice will help your child react appropriately in real-life settings.

ROLE PLAY One of the most powerful methods of changing behavior in children is found in role-play. When children are involved in acting out ways to cooperate, or what to do when a problem arises, the results are amazing. Role-playing can be done by physically acting out a scenario or through the use of puppets or dolls. Either way, your child is empowered to be part of the solution. Try it, you’ll be pleased with the results.

OFFER PLAY OPPORTUNITIES Children need many opportunities to practice their friendship-making skills. They need repetition to master cooperation, or negotiating a solution to a problem as it arises in their play situations. Invite another child to have lunch at your home or plan simple play dates in your community. Be sure to allow lots of unstructured play time in which children can pretend play.

Be nearby to guide and redirect when help is needed.

STAY BALANCED A good sense of humor is a wonderful character trait for both adults and children. Life isn’t perfect and friendships may bear a few battle scars. Children need to learn that conflict is a part of life. Thus, learning to resolve conflict is a real opportunity for personal growth. Making and continued on page 17 sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 15

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Friendships continued from page 15

keeping friends is a lifelong pursuit—it won’t be mastered in one day. Build on your child’s strengths. Compliment him when he does well and listen to her when she wants to talk about her friendship ups and down.

You can’t make friends for your children, but you can model, train and redirect behavior in ways that support the skills they need to build healthy, happy relationships.

Role Play Questions to “Break the Ice” and Problem-solve in Friendship-building.

Ask:

Do you want to play cars? (dolls, any other game or activity)

That’s a cool bike. Can I ride with you?

Why don’t you ask Cameron for help with your cars?

How do you think that made Audrey feel?

Can you think of another way to solve the problem?

I like your American Girl. Do you want to play dolls together?

Shall we ask Johnny to play with us?

I wonder if we can make a road for our cars in the sand?

I’m sorry I got angry. Can we try again?

Let’s let Sara play with us. She looks sad.

Skill: Initiate Compliment Cooperation Empathy Problem solve Compliment Cooperation Initiate Problem solve Empathy

Some of the ideas in this article were gleaned from: Friendship Me! 10 Awesome Steps to Fun and Friendship by Laura J. Buddenbert and Alesia Montgomery, Boys Town Press.

How Parenting and Family Life Affect Peer Relationships, Gwen Dewar, PhD at www.ParentingScience.com.

Early Experiences Count: How Emotional Development Unfolds Starting at Birth, Dr. Ross Thompson, UC Davis.

Jan Pierce, MEd, is a retired teacher and freelance writer who specializes in articles about parenting, education and family life. She is the author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read, available online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Carden School of Sacramento

A Distinctive Alternative in Classical Education “In the top 10 percent of High Schools in the Nation” – US News and World Report

In the top 10 percent of California Academic Performance Index Rankings

The Natomas Charter School shall be nonsectarian in its programs, admissions policies, employment practices and all other operations, shall not charge tuition, and shall not discriminate against any pupil on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability.

sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 17

next door

Meet Emma

A Young Author with a Brave Story of Her Own Written by: Michelle Kopkash

Photography by: Kelly Barr www.KellyBarrPhotography.com

Some people are born with the heart of a champion. Others develop endurance and resolve over time. Emma Sumner, an eight-year-old from Folsom, is one of those girls whose innate temperament mimics that of a Disney heroine—extremely brave, extraordinarily determined, focused and of course, kind-hearted. Having just seen the latest Disney classic, “Moana,” I couldn’t help but relate Emma’s sweet and courageous spirit to Disney’s newest leading lady.

And much like the quintessential plot of a Disney film, Emma’s story comes with 18 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

an all-star supporting cast who encourages her along the way: her mother and father, Taylor and Sean Sumner, her little sister, Lexi and a number of other closeknit family members.

What started with a nightly reading routine with her father and frequent library trips, became a love for reading and writing. This passion for literature, combined with her champion-like heart, quickly blossomed into a fairy tale of her own.

By the time Emma entered second grade at Gold Ridge Elementary School in Folsom during the 2015/2016 school

year, she decided it was time to write a book. And, while it’s understandable that Emma became motivated to reach for this goal—her father had just authored two books of his own—her ability to follow-through with the idea is what makes this story exceptional.

In August of 2016, Emma published her first book, “The Fairies of Waterfall Island: The Search for the Missing Crystal.” It had taken her just one school year to complete the 10,000-word manuscript, which, shortly after publication became Amazon’s No. 1 best-seller in its category.

“Initially, I was working on my own book and she wanted to write with me,” explains Sean, who, in addition to being a self-published author is also a full-time physical therapist at UC Davis Medical Center. “I wanted to make sure she was ready to write a book, so I challenged her to write 150 words with four characters and told her to come back to me. If she completed the task, I’d know she was serious and I’d take the steps to help her.

That night, Emma came back with 170 words and ten chapters worth of material. I knew she was really serious about this, so we moved forward with the formal writing process.”

Having completed training through an online school called, Self Publishing School, Sean was able to successfully coach Emma using the methods he had recently learned to launch his own books. He set up a series of small assignments with rewards attached to the completion of each task to help move Emma’s goal along.

“Emma and I started spending time together every Saturday morning to work on her book,” recalls Sean. “We would block off an hour of time and head to Panera Bread to discuss her game plan, review her progress and discuss her story line. Emma loved the small challenges I set for her along the way. Whenever she finished a few chapters, we would have a reward based on the book. For instance, instead of playing a video game we would find an illustrator online to create one of her characters.”

next door As an added benefit, Emma learned a tremendous amount of new skills while working on her book. “My favorite part was learning how to use an online thesaurus and Google Docs. I was especially happy to become better with my computer skills,” says Emma. She also learned how to interact directly with a number of adult professionals including her editor.

With all of this in mind, Emma shares that self-publishing a book is not as hard as it sounds. “If I can do it, so can you,” states Emma humbly.

What’s more, Sean says that the time the two spent together was an incredible bonding experience. “We spent great quality time together every week.

I learned a lot about Emma’s emotions through her characters and what she wanted out of life as we discussed her book. Sometimes we wouldn’t write a lot.

We’d just talk over a hot chocolate. That was our time together. It was an excellent experience,” Sean explains sentimentally.

In fact, Emma never missed a beat with her other activities despite the extra time requirement and learning curve typical of a first-time author. She maintained excellent grades throughout the school year, landed a spot in the school musical, “The Music Man,” hula danced with a performance group and took a gymnastics class every week. She also participated in the school spelling bee and math competition. continued on page 21

“If I can do it, so can you.”

sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 19

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next door

Meet Emma continued from page 19

So what makes a person this gung-ho about life and ready to conquer challenges? Her family has a few ideas. “One of the things that comes to mind is that she is brave,” says Christina Gunn, Emma’s aunt and publicist for the book. “Emma is not afraid to fail. She’s not afraid of falling or afraid of being embarrassed and when she makes up her mind to do something, she does it. She is a very brave little girl.”

Emma is also the type of person who doesn’t quit, which is a crucial trait of a champion. “Emma has such a determination in her. Her focus is incredible. I remember when she was four-years-old, wanting to learn how to hula hoop one day. She practiced outside in the summer heat from morning until afternoon. By the end of the day, she was able to hula hoop up and down our street. She came in, her face flushed and sweaty from the heat and said, ‘I did it!’ She did it allright!,” Taylor exclaims.

Emma’s can-do attitude is so contagious that even her five-year-old sister, Lexi, has become inspired to write a book. “My sister already has the story line down and has the pictures and everything,” says Emma. “I’m proud of my sister.”

And like most outstanding individuals, she also has a heart for those in need.

After cultivating a close friendship with a former neighbor who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Emma decided to donate 100% of the proceeds from the first three months of her book sales to Autism Speaks, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for people with autism.

As for her future plans? Emma intends to make her book into a series. “I have the idea already for the second book. This time, I’m going to plan it out more as I write,” she thoughtfully comments.

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she takes a moment to consider before she replies, “I want to be an author, a dancer, a teacher…and an artist.” With a vivacious, steadfast heart and a supportive family like Emma’s, she’s sure to go far in life.

“This experience has taught me to give your children more credit, and that any goals or dreams are attainable, even if it sounds crazy at first,” Taylor adds.

“Self-determination is one thing, but with the right tools to encourage and support them, they will become little girls and boys with self-worth.”

For more information on Emma’s books, the writing process and her plans visit www.EmmaLovesBooks.com. You can also visit www.Self-PublishingSchool. com to find out more about the training that Sean completed before becoming a self-published author.

Michelle Kopkash is a local freelance writer. She’s got two spunky kids and loves being in nature with her family. Visit her website at www.michellekopkash.com to view her writing portfolio, services and blog. sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 21

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So, What Exactly is a Charter Public School?

Charter public schools give parents and students another choice in their education. In Sacramento County, there are over 50 charter schools educating nearly 30,000 students. Sacramento County charter public schools offer a range of options for parents and students, including: college prep, Spanish-immersion, performing and fine arts, Waldorf-methods, vocational education, and more.

Charter schools…

…are public schools.

…they serve ALL students.

…are excelling academically.

…are tuition-free.

…encourage parents to be involved at school and at home.

Explore your education options, starting with the Sacramento Parent Guide to Public, Charter and Homeschools included in this issue!

The information above was provided by the California Charter Schools Association. For more information about CCSA and to find a charter school near you, visit www.ccsa.org/schools/.

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2017 2017 GUIDE GUIDETO TO PUBLIC, PUBLIC, CHARTER CHARTER + + HOMESCHOOLS HOMESCHOOLS California Montessori Project The California Montessori Project (CMP) is a TK-8 public charter school network consisting of seven campuses, located in Sacramento, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Elk Grove, and Shingle Springs. The Montessori approach focuses on the development of the whole child, while providing a rigorous academic program. Utilizing hands-on materials and experimental learning, CMP promotes a community where children are respectful of others, take responsibility for their actions, and develop a love of learning.

www.CaCMP.org 916-971-2432

Es una red de escuelas publicas charter TK - 8 en Sacramento, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Elk Grove, Shingle Springs. Provee un programa academico rigoroso, una comunidad respetuosa, responsable con amor al aprendizaje.

Choices Charter School Choices Charter School is a Personalized Learning Public Charter School. We are a FREE public school option for families who seek a partnership with school in the educational process. We provide a choice of one-on-one teaching, virtual and classroom learning, and independent study programs. Our teachers are accredited, class sizes are small, with free tutoring available in all subjects 5 days/week. Flexible class schedules, arts and music programs, and much more.

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Gateway Community Charter Schools

www.GCCcharters.org 916-286-5129

GCC provides high quality public charter school options at 18 campuses throughout the Sacramento region. We serve over 4,300 students within 7 unique educational options including: a K-8th grade college preparation academy, a 9-12th grade high school, three K-8th grade schools with an International Baccalaureate (IB) focus, and 2 community based schools with a blended learning model serving K-12th and 7th-12th grade students for credit recovery, acceleration, vocational, and career/work force development.

Golden Valley Charter School Golden Valley offers a unique and highly interdisciplinary curriculum based on a deep understanding of the developmental stages of childhood. Here, learning is embedded in storytelling, movement, arts, music and direct experience of natural phenomena. The goal is to help students develop to their highest potential so they will one day actively create and participate in a vibrant, healthy society that serves the good of all. K-8, Tuition-Free, Public, Waldorf Schools.

www.GoldenValleyCharter.org 916-987-6141 sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 25

Innovative New, Public, Tuition Free, K-8 Charter School GROWTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS (GPS) GPS Students • Learn to Do in a project based, hands-on learning environment • Learn to Learn through personalized plans • Learn to Be with a focus on social, emotional skills Small, safe school with 14:1 student to teacher ratio—opening August 2017 at 9320 Tech Center Drive in Sacramento, CA near the La Riviera, Rosemont, Tahoe Park and Rancho Cordova communities. Currently enrolling Kindergarten and first grade.

Learn More www.growthps.org | info@growthps.org | 916.802.0649

More Choices More Support More Confidence Enroll Today!

HorizonCharterSchools.org 916.408.5200 Free, accredited, K-12 public charter school 26 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

Growth Public Schools Growth Public Schools (GPS) is a new, innovative, public, tuition-free K-8 charter school located at 9320 Tech Center Drive in Sacramento, near the Rosemont, La Riviera and Rancho Cordova communities. GPS is a small, safe school with 14:1 student to teacher ratio, opening Fall 2017 for students in grades K-1. GPS students will experience a project based, hands-on learning environment with personalized plans.

www.GrowthPS.org 916-802-0649

Horizon Charter Schools

www.HorizonCharterSchools.org 916-408-5200

A free, public, TK-12 charter school founded in 1993, we provide a variety of learning options, from home and independent study to virtual learning, plus enrichment classes including: karate, gymnastics, dance, acting, ceramics, horsemanship and more! We offer parent workshops and support and bring families together for meet-ups, study trips and other activities. Horizon provides more student funds than many local charter schools–up to $2800 per student. Enroll today!

Options for Youth Public Charter Schools Options for Youth is a tuition-free, public charter school serving grades 7-12 that will help your child get more than just a high school diploma. Our guided, individualized learning program will prepare your child for a successful post-secondary education. Flexible class schedules, math tutors, small class sizes, one-on-one instruction, and A-G courses ensure that your child gets the attention they deserve and need, in a safe environment.

www.ofy.org 888-389-9992

Rocklin Academy Family of Schools Our charter schools are continually the top performing academic schools in the region! Our three elementary campuses offer the 1:1 iPads for learning Program and nationally-acclaimed Core Knowledge Curriculum in grades TK-8. Our high school includes college-preparatory, Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum required for all students in grades 9-12 and extra curricular and athletic programs. We are public, tuition free and open to all students.

www.RocklinAcademy.com 916-778-4544

San Juan Unified School District Learn about our high-quality, innovative early childhood education and elementary offerings, including Artful Learning at Ottomon Elementary; science and engineering at Pasadena Avenue Elementary, Montessori at Cottage Elementary, dual immersion at Thomas Edison Language Institute and the International Baccalaureate Early Years Programme at Thomas Kelly Elementary.

We’re lowering class sizes in grades K-6. Find out how we can best meet your child’s needs!

www.SanJuan.edu 916-971-7700 sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 27

APPLY NOW

for your chance to attend one of California’s top performing charter schools!

FAMILY OF SCHOOLS PUBLIC, TUITION-FREE EDUCATION OPEN TO ALL! ROCKLIN ACADEMY TURNSTONE AND MEYERS — Offering the nationally–acclaimed Core Knowledge Curriculum in grades K-6 at two Rocklin campuses, Rocklin Academy is one of the highest-performing schools in the region!

ROCKLIN ACADEMY GATEWAY — Our newest campus offers the same great curriculum at a convenient location off of Highway 65. Grades TK-8 are being offered for the 2017-18 school year.

WESTERN SIERRA COLLEGIATE ACADEMY — WSCA offers

a college-preparatory curriculum for all students in grades 7-12.

This dynamic middle/high school offers rigorous AP classes, after school sports and extracurricular activities.

NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

ROCKLINACADEMY.COM

Visions In Education

VIRTUAL A VE C O

Y EM AD

ELK GR

www.VIEDU.org 877-971-7037

Visions In Education Charter School is a California public school, offering FREE Home-School, Online High School and Independent Study Programs for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten through 12th grade students. Visions combines personalized learning programs and a one-on-one relationship with a credentialed teacher. Visions provides standards-based curriculum, tutoring, lessons, field trips, computers and serves students in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo counties. Space is limited, enroll today.

Elk Grove Virtual Academy EGVA is an innovative, online, tuition-free, k-8, public school. Students receive an individualized, challenging curriculum and social enrichment opportunities, supported by certified teachers. Together we empower your student for life!

http://blogs.egusd.net/egva/ | 916-399-9890

John Adams Academy (JAA) Northern California’s only Classical Leadership Education charter network with campuses in Roseville, Lincoln and El Dorado Hills. TK-12, fully WASC Accredited, JAA is restoring America’s heritage by developing servant leaders through principle-based education centered in classics and great mentors. www.JohnAdamsAcademy.org | 916-780-6800

ROCKLIN INDEPENDENT CHARTER ACADEMY

Promoting a progressive, developmentally-based, student-centered community of learners.

(916) 632.3195

3250 Victory Drive Rocklin, CA 96765

NOW ENROLLING! Space is limited.

www.RICA.RocklinUSD.org sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 29

30 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

Natomas Charter School Striving to provide quality education by providing several educational programs that meet the needs of a diverse group of learners.

www.NatomasCharter.org | 916-928-5353

Rocklin Independent Charter Academy Rocklin Independent Charter Academy is a free, public K-12 charter school offering a unique blend of home study, online courses and on-campus classes.

http://rica.rocklinusd.org/ | 916-632-3195

Sacramento Valley Charter A charter school with strong community support and participation that provides a rigorous, standards-based curriculum and individualized support for all children.

www.SacValleyCharter.org | 916-596-6422

St. Hope Public Schools St. Hope (SHPS) Public Schools is a public charter school system providing students with a high-quality, rigorous college preparatory education. All five schools have one mission at its core: COLLEGE. www.StHope.org | 916-649-7910

sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 31

CCHAT coordinates & refers as appropriate with physicians, other health professionals, school personnel and those involved in hearing aid fittings to ensure your infant’s total hearing healthcare needs are met.

We inform referring physicians and professionals of audiologic evaluation results and recommendations a s well as coordinate professional services as required.

Make outpatient appointments by calling 916-361-7290 www.cchatsacramento.org

32 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

Hey Mom & Dad, You’ve Got This!

By Meagan Ruffing

As the parent of a child who has special needs, I have been in many situations where people have meant well in their response to something; but rather, left me feeling like a mess. I have learned a thing or two over the past eight years in raising my son and have come up with a list of thoughts and sayings to help take the sting out of someone else’s well-intentioned words. Take a look.

Scenario: Child is throwing a tantrum in store.

Child’s Response: As you know, this tantrum might be a reaction to a sensory overload and your child cannot process everything going on around him. Or, your child might be having an age-appropriate all-out tantrum because he did not get the toy he wanted. It happens. He’s a kid.

Well-Meaning Stranger: I say well-meaning because my first thought is that this person means well. I cannot choose how this person will respond, but I can choose to believe they are coming from a good place. This mindset helps me with my response, should they choose to say something to me or my child. Usually this person starts with the stare. The stare is when they are gawking, mouth open, no words coming out, and looking at the child and then at you as if to say, “What is wrong with your kid and are you going to do something about it?”

My Response: Depending on the situation, I both ignore the stranger and move on, or I address the stranger with something quick-witted. Sometimes I say, “Can I help you? You’re staring.” This usually throws the person off and they don’t know what to say. The point is not to be mean or rude in your response, but rather, to bring attention to the fact that they may not realize their behavior is in fact, mean and rude.

The truth is, a lot of people just don’t know. A lot of people just don’t understand why our children react the way they do and that’s okay. If all you’ve ever known is your own child’s reaction to things, it’s normal for someone to look at you as if they’ve just seen something out of the ordinary. It’s not normal for someone to shame you, or your child for their behavior. I usually don’t give this behavior the time of day, unless they are authentic in truly wanting to understand why my child is having a hard time processing something.

Your job is hard enough in taking care of someone who needs extra help. It is not your job to educate others as well.

You can if you want to. But, your primary responsibility is helping your child live within the context of their life and to set them up for success. These situations are also teachable moments. My son and I have seen several instances where someone’s child was acting out of the norm and I have always used these situations to help him understand it’s not polite to stare and sometimes kids have a hard time explaining what they’re feeling. It’s been a great way to show him first-hand love.

his ear. Or the moment when he was hitting you and instead of yelling at him, you held him close and told him it was going to be okay. Or the moment when one of his friends left him out because they thought he was weird, so you distracted him by playing a game of football or Pokémon. You’ve got this mom. You’re doing a great job and you are exactly the parent your child needs.

You can get more uplifting and positive encouragement from parenting journalist Meagan Ruffing when you subscribe to her free newsletter at www.MeaganRuffing.com.

GoDandelion.com your link to special needs resources and articles

One of the hardest things about raising a child with special needs is the feeling of being different; as the parent. There is no handbook in how you should react.

There is no set of instructions on how to pick yourself up day-after-day from the stares, dirty looks, and comments. There is me, though, who is here to tell you it will be okay. The more acceptance and love and understanding you bring to the situation, the better off this world will be. And someday, your child will grow up and he will remember these moments— the moments when you held him close and whispered, “I love you so much,” in sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 33

calendar

! y r a u r b e F

With love in the air this month, we’ve got a round-up of heart warming fun for you and your little cupids! Love isn’t the only thing going around this month, so look close!

We recommend confirming events before you go.

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted.

See our full calendar listings at www.sacramentoparent.com.

1 WEDNESDAY Science Club: Atomic Science 4pm at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Kids ages 8 to 12 and their families are invited to explore science concepts and create original projects with a variety of tools. This month, build a model of an atom out of a variety of materials while learning about atoms and their parts.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents their touring production of Twelfth Night. This heartfelt comedy follows the journeys of castaway twins who are separated in an unfamiliar land full of lovesick suitors and mischievous revelers. It also includes walk-on roles where audience volunteers get into the act and a postshow Q&A with the cast.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

2 THURSDAY Art Lab 12pm at Busy Kidz, Folsom Bring your little one for exploration and expression with Jessica and the BusyKidz Family! Infant and toddler art is an excellent way to create shared art with a group of kids and families working together.

608-8850 | www.BusyKidzFolsom.com

3 FRIDAY Daddy & Me Valentines Dance 6pm at CSD Gym, El Dorado Hills It’s a tradition...15 years in the making, with two dances to choose from. Dads and daughters get dressed up for a night full of memories complete with dancing, photos, and a dessert bar. Photos of the event will be available for purchase, pre-registration required.

933-6624 | www.ElDoradoCSD.org Father Daughter Dance 6:30pm at Community Clubhouse, Fair Oaks Bonjour! Enchante! Dance the night away under the City of Lights at the annual Father Daughter Dance put on by the Fair Oaks Youth Advisory Board. With a City of Lights, Paris theme; enjoy light refreshments, music and more! Profes34 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

sional photos by Spectrum Photography will be available for an additional fee. Typically sells out, so purchase your tickets early!

966-1036 | www.FairOaksPark.org Ogling Raptors and Sparrows 9am at Salmon Falls Ranch Join Point Blue Central Sierra biologist Alissa Fogg on this rugged hike to Salmon Falls Ranch to find soaring raptors, wintering sparrows and perhaps, even spy a bobcat. This is an advanced hike of 4 miles elevation gain. Ages 10+ welcome. Rain cancels. Call for meeting location. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

530-621-1224 | www.ARConservancy.org/ Activities

4 SATURDAY “A Queen & Her Prince” Mother Son Dance 2017 4pm at Pins N Strikes, Elk Grove Bigger and better than last year, in a much larger venue with a pre-event dinner and photo hour! Enjoy dancing, dinner, entertainment, games, prizes, hula hoop contest, plus a fashion show. Brought to you by T-Mo Entertainment & The Center for Fathers and Families. All ages welcome!

208-7638 | www.AQueenAndHerPrince2017.eventbrite.com Ground Squirrel Day! 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Groundhog Day has passed; it’s time to celebrate some of our own local ground dwelling critters! Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the Nature Preserve to learn about our not-so-bushy-tailed neighbors.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sacramento Museum Day 10am at more than 25 Museums in Sacramento Sacramento Museum Day is proudly presented by Sutter Health and Bank of America. To the delight of the greater Sacramento area community, participating local museums will offer free or half-priced admission. Many of the museums are within walking distance of each other and easily accessible via public transportation. In addition to offering free or reduced cost admission, many of the destinations are

offering special activities during Sacramento Museum Day. www.SacMuseums.org Valentine’s Cards and Cookies 2pm at Ella K. McClatchy Library, Sacramento Make a Valentine’s Day card or a Valentine’s cookie for your favorite sweetheart, or make both! All materials, cookies and decorating items provided.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

5 SUNDAY Nighttime Hunters 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Uncover the mysteries of owls; what they eat, where they sleep, how they find food and more!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.org Science Sundays All day at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova Join Team Leo for science activities and experiments throughout the day! www.SacKids.org

6 MONDAY Tales to Tails 6pm at Downtown Roseville Public Library Is your child a shy reader? Children can gain confidence by reading to friendly library dogs.

This program is for children ages 6 to 12.

774-5221 | www.Roseville.ca.us

7 TUESDAY Family Storytime 10am at Ella K. McClatchy Library, Sacramento Join the library every Tuesday for books, songs, stories and fun. Miss Lindsey and her guitar always make this story time a fun event. Everyone is welcome to stay for the stay and play activity of the day. Recommended for ages 0 to 5.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

8 WEDNESDAY Beary Special Valentine Playdate 5pm at Sacramento Children’s Museum Rancho Cordova Beary Special Playdate is a monthly event for special needs children and their families. Join in to enjoy all the Museum activities, light refreshments, and special Valentine’s activities and treats.

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org

calendar Chocolate Tasting Party for Teens 3:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by sampling different kinds of chocolate and choose your favorite.

Make cool cards, too! This free program for teens requires registration!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Valentine’s Crafts 3:30pm at Elk Grove Library Join the library to make Valentine cards and more! All ages are welcome.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

9 THURSDAY Hearts and Crafts 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Join the library in making salt dough hearts, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Open to kids and their adults.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Preschool Playgroup 10am at Utility Exploration Center, Roseville Inspire your child to be a future Planet Protector! Drop in on the 2nd Thursday of the month for free hands-on crafts, fun and discovery. Created specifically with young children in mind, this program offers engaging and age appropriate activities introducing ways to care for our environment. Drop in anytime from 10am to noon, no registration necessary!

746-1550 | www.Roseville.ca.us

10 FRIDAY Art From The Heart 6:30pm at the Blue Goose Event Center, Loomis Find the perfect Valentine gift at the 4th Annual “Art from the Heart.” This fundraiser celebrates and supports “A Touch of Understanding” and its twenty years of delivering a message of acceptance and respect for people of all abilities.

791-4146 | www.AtOuArtFromTheHeart.org Fenix Drum & Dance Black History Month 4:30pm at Franklin Community Library Elk Grove Celebrate Black History Month with Fenix Drum and Dance Ensemble. Travel from Africa to the United States and to the Caribbean through interactive music, dance, and storytelling.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Valentine’s Cards & Creations 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Get ready for Valentine’s Day by making your own cards to give your special Valentines. Then make your own Valentine’s art out of buttons, pipe cleaners, pompoms and other fun decorations.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Valentine’s Drop-off Night at the Museum 5pm at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova Who doesn’t need a little child-free time to sneak away for date night near Valentine’s Day? Drop your children off at Sacramento Children’s Museum in their pajamas for a night of Museum play, and Valentine’s themed snacks, crafts, and activities. Dinner will be served.

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org

11 SATURDAY Celebrate Black History Month 11am at South Natomas Library, Sacramento Local artist Elika Bernard will host a fun event for families featuring African-American storytelling, mask making, and drum playing!

Afterward, magician Forrest Barnes will delight the crowd with his show featuring amazing inventions by African-American inventors.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Celebrate Valentine’s Day! 10am at Lakeshore Learning Store, Roseville Explore the joys of caring during this day of kindness! Make a Valentine mailbox and a kindness catcher, write a personalized book about kindness and listen to hourly stories on acceptance, respect, emotions and more.

774-4304 | www.LakeShoreLearning.com

Get your kids in the groove of fruits and vegetables by booking a class today!

For our lesson and class schedules, visit our website!

Community Day 11am at Sacramento Adventure Playground Free! Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items.

The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play!

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Duck, Duck, Goose 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Winter is a great time to see waterfowl along the American River. Join a naturalist on a guided walk to look for herons, ducks, geese and other birds along the river. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the Nature Center! All ages welcome.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.org Owl Be Your Valentine 11am at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Head to the zoo and make a special Valentine for your favorite zoo animal. They provide the materials, and you provide the creativity and love!

351-3527 | www.FolsomZooFriends.org Race for Justice Valentine Run 8am at Country Club Plaza, Sacramento The Race for Justice Valentine Run is a family friendly event featuring a 1.8 or 4-mile run, fitness expo, awards ceremony, entertainment, refreshments, and kids activities. The Valentine Run is presented by Legal Services of Northern California.

551-2164 | www.RaceRoster.com/events /2017/10634/ race-for-justice-valentinerunwalk-4mi18mi Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival 8am at Sacramento State (CSUS) Music Recital Hall The Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival is a fun educational experience about America’s early musical form also known as “Hot Jazz,” for student jazz combos, as well as a showcase for the performing groups. Tickets also include clinics,

100% All Natural Products Same Day Service Peace of Mind Prevention

Deanna Fox 916-220-9994 sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 35

calendar jazz workshops, and an evening concert.

970-5100 www.SacJazzFoundation.org/tjybf/ Teddy Bear Tea Party 10am at Fair Oaks Library Bring your favorite teddy bear and join the Library for “tea” and cookies, story time, and a “beary” special craft project. Space is limited, so reserve a space asap. Free for ages 3 through 8.

867-2202 | www.FairOaksPark.org

12 SUNDAY Critter Corner- Valentine’s Day Edition!

1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Get eye to eye with one of our loveable slimy, scaly, or feathered residents! Express your love for the animal residents as you construct handmade Valentines to be displayed on their enclosures. $1 suggested donation for each Valentine displayed.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net I Heart Sacramento Zoo 9am at Sacramento Zoo Bring your valentine to a special, I Heart Sacramento Zoo day organized by the Sacramento Zoo Teen volunteers. The event features valentine-themed animal enrichments, informative talks and activity tables (all included with general admission).

808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org

14 TUESDAY

15 WEDNESDAY Teens Celebrate Black History Month 3:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Paint with the library in the style of Jacob Lawrence, an African-American artist known for his powerful portrayal of African-American life.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

16 THURSDAY Tales of Br’er Rabbit 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Watch the traditional African American tales of Br’er Rabbit brought to life with humor, large table-top puppets, a live banjo and singing! Br’er Rabbit may be small, but he has his wits. That doesn’t keep him out of trouble, but does tend to get him out of it, once he gets into it. When he comes up against the likes of Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear, it turns out they are no match for the clever rabbit. All ages welcome.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

17 FRIDAY Creative Art Class 3:30pm at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova Join SCM staff to create a themed art project!

All materials are provided and the class is included with admission to the Museum.

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org Friday Family Flicks 4pm at Southgate Library, Sacramento Head to the library for a fun family movie; “Storks”! Free popcorn will be provided.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

18 SATURDAY

Home School Day: Lots of Love 12pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Crocker with stops at lovey-dovey artwork from the collection. Join the museum in the studio for a papermaking workshop where students will make handmade paper, perfect for crafting a beautiful valentine. Included in the day’s events are a complimentary sweet treat of punch and cookies.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Liv On Project 7:30pm at Crest Theatre, Sacramento The Liv On Project came to fruition the way many of the best collaborations do; via a series of conversations between friends about what matters most in life: love, loss, hope, and healing. Join Olivia Newton-John, Amy Sky, and Beth Nielsen Chapman. All three have endured profound, life-altering losses. They will share a collection of songs that help lift the hearts of others going through hardship, whatever the cause.

476-3356 | www.CrestSacramento.com 36 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

African Drumming with Tyehimba Kokayi 1:30pm at Pocket-Greenhaven Library, Sacramento

Tyehimba Kokayi, a faculty member of Sacramento State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, is a multicultural artist who teaches West African drumming and dance. Kids and families will see and hear a musical demonstration of some of the drums played, and if time allows; may even be able to play them.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Birding for Families 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Bring the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and our special guest guides from the Sacramento Audubon Society.

Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars, or they can loan you a pair.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.org Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Rooster 11am at Hiram Johnson High School, Sacramento This gala celebration of Year of the Rooster features a lion dance, martial arts, ethnic entertainment, crafts, community exhibits, food vendors, and children’s games. This is the 20th

year of celebration by the Chinese New Year Culture Association.

397-1959 | www.cnyca.net/php/ Where the Wild Things Are with the Sacramento Philharmonic 1pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Calling all wild things! Join the Sacramento Philharmonic as they perform the classic story, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Then stay to join the wild rumpus march, make wild things masks and monster slime, and view the different instruments used in the Philharmonic’s telling of this tale. Costumes are encouraged!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

19 SUNDAY Day of Remembrance 10am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento In conjunction with the opening of three exhibitions celebrating the vast and rich culture of Japan. The Crocker will present 7.5 hours of continuous programming commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United States’ Executive Order 9066 during World War II, requiring the imprisonment of all Americans of Japanese ancestry.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Leave it to Beaver 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Explore the adaptations of these amazing animal engineers and take a walk to look for beaver signs in the Nature Study Area.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Science Sundays All day at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova Join Team Leo for science activities and experiments throughout the day! www.SacKids.org

20 MONDAY President’s Day 10am at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Fairytale Town will be open for play on Presidents Day, weather permitting. Holiday admission is $5.75 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Children ages 1 and under are free.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

21 TUESDAY After School Science Club 4pm at Southgate Library, Sacramento Do you like to investigate, create and get messy?

Join the afterschool science club and explore fun, hands-on science activities. Kids in grades K-8 welcome.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org ExplorAbility 8am at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova ExplorAbility is an early-morning program for children on the autism spectrum, ages three to five. With a maximum of 20 participants per session, the ExplorAbility program offers opportunities for children to participate in small group sessions within a structured program,

calendar featuring Sacramento area professionals from a variety of disciplines. Registration is required.

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org

22 WEDNESDAY Baby Bloomers Story Time 10am at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova This interactive story time is specially tailored for the Museum’s youngest visitors: infants and toddlers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join their little ones as they read stories, sing songs, and participate in other early literacy activities.

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org From Africa to the Americas with Fenix Drum 3:30pm at Elk Grove Library Fenix Drum and Dance Company present a special all ages program to celebrate Black History Month. Travel from Africa to the United States and to the Caribbean through interactive music, dance, and storytelling!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

23 THURSDAY Stories and Art 1pm at Folsom Public Library Slightly longer stories, songs and fingerplays shared in this storytime program for children ages 3 and up. Simple art activities for preschoolers follow this 30-minute storytime, too!

355-7372 | www.Folsom.ca.us

24 FRIDAY Free Friend Friday All day at the World of Wonders Museum, Lodi Bring a friend for free every last friday of the month for hands-on discovery for all ages!

209-368-0WOW www.WowScienceMuseum.org Minecraft Gaming 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Like building and creating new worlds in Minecraft? Join the library for an afternoon of Minecraft gaming! Each player will be given their own computer to battle with friends on library servers or build new creations in creative, survival, or hardcore mode. Players of any level of experience are welcome.This is a school-aged and teen program.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Music & Movement 10am at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova Get up and DANCE to the music with SCM every Friday!

638-7225 | www.SacKids.org

25 SATURDAY African Princess (and Superhero) Party 2pm at Ella K. McClatchy Library, Sacramento Put on your best princess (or superhero) outfit and celebrate Black History Month with the library by joining this African Princess Party.

Fenix Drum and Dance Company will entertain

you with African stories, songs, dances, snacks and drumming for everyone!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Autism-Friendly Family Movie 10am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join a special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. “Typical” toddlers and preschoolers are also welcome. This month watch “The BFG” (2016). They’ll have healthy snacks, the lights will be slightly up, the sound will be slightly down, and kids don’t need to remain seated while enjoying the movie.

There will also be lots of fidget toys available.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Celebrate Black History Month, African Masks 2pm at Southgate Library, Sacramento Led by an Instructor from the Crocker Art Museum, participants will make a mask inspired

by African art. All ages welcome.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bash!

3pm at Lakeshore Learning Center, Roseville Kids have a brilliant time as they hop, craft, and even rhyme! Enjoy rhyming activities and gross-motor games plus hourly readings of Dr. Seuss classics and one-of-a-kind bookmark crafts.

774-4304 | www.LakeshoreLearning.com Nature Explorers 10am at the Sacramento Zoo Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm. They will be reading stories, playing, and exploring the wonders of the natural world with a new topic each month. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Story Time 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join a Naturalist for some tantalizing tales of creatures, people, and nature.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Tabletop Day at the Library 2pm at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Teens and adults, ages 13 and up bring your deck-building, model action, roleplaying, and other tabletop games to the library’s Community Room. All levels and types of gamers are welcome.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

26 SUNDAY 6th Annual Getty Owl Run and Walk 7am Crocker Park, Sacramento Join in for the 6th Annual Getty Owl Run/Walk.

This event includes a 1/4 mile kids run, 5K, and 10K run along the Sacramento River Walk in downtown Sacramento. All funds raised goes to Getty Owl Foundation, a local nonprofit that serves for spreading awareness for and supporting families affected by spinal muscular atrophy.

476-3977 | www.gettyowl.org

Herbal Medicine Making Sunday, February 26th 12-2pm Many people don’t know what to do with the herbs they have collected or purchased. In this class herbalist Candis will teach you how to make herbal honey blends, pastes, tinctures, oils, and salves. Ages 12+ welcome. Please call for meeting location (Coloma area) and to sign up. Cost: $10/members, $15/non-members 530-621-1224 www.ARConservancy.org/Activities Pipevine Preview 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Learn about this oddly beautiful California native that’s the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. Join a Naturalist on a hike to see if any “Dutchman’s Pipe” is blooming in the Nature Study Area!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sketch It 11am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery each month. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

28 TUESDAY Drum and Dance with Joy 4pm at Martin Luther King Jr Library, Sacramento A joyous drum and dance circle tailored for children, families or adults in celebration of Black History month.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Pajama Storytime 7pm at Folsom Public Library Children and their families are invited to share stories, songs, and rhymes together Tuesday evenings in the Picture Book Room. Bring your favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal and enjoy the best of children’s literature shared in a fun and relaxed setting. Pajamas welcome, but not required. Intended audience is ages 2 to 6, but all ages are welcome.

355-7200 | www.Folsom.ca.us Story and Craft Time 11:30am at Busy Kidz, Folsom They will be reading a story followed by a coordinated group activity or craft. Join in for some imaginary learning and hands-on creativity. All ages welcome!

608-8850 | www.BusyKidzFolsom.com Tuesday Tutoring 3pm at Folsom Public Library Folsom Library Volunteers help students in grades 2-8 complete homework assignments, review math facts and practice reading. Free, drop in program.

355-7200 | www.Folsom.ca.us

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calendar/shows

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted

Crazy For You

February 10-18 at Valley Springs Church, Roseville The story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s New Yorker whose dream in life is to dance. Despite the serious efforts of his overbearing mother and bossy fiancée, in the end Bobby achieves his dream. Memorable Gershwin tunes include “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” 623-4343 | www.Facebook.com/cytsacramento

Dino-Light: A Glow-in-the-Dark Adventure

February 26 at Mondavi Center, Davis In Dino-Light a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the curious dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. 530-754-2787 | www.MondaviArts.org

Disney’s Mulan Jr.

February 3-5 at Sacramento Theatre Company Based on Disney’s Oscar-nominated film, Disney’s Mulan Jr. is a heart-warming celebration of culture, honor, and the fighting spirit. With hit songs and a story packed with action, humor, and heart, Disney’s Mulan Jr. brings ancient China to life with a modern sensibility. 443-6722 | www.SacTheatre.org

Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment

February 16-20 at Golden 1 Center Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen and the crew of Disney Pixar’s Cars race across the ice. Dive into adventure with Ariel and The Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom. The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the Disney Pixar’s Toy Story gang escape Sunnyside Daycare in their most daring adventure. Plus, enter the wintery world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love comes from within. 928-0000 | www.Golden1Center.com

Hansel & Gretel

February 11-25 at Chautauqua Playhouse Join the Chautauqua Children’s Theatre for a production of Hansel and Gretel. 489-7529 | www.CPlayhouse.org

Lenaea High School Theatre Festival

February 10-12 at Harris Center for the Arts One of the nation’s largest and oldest theatre festivals of its kind, welcoming 60 west coast high school theatre programs, with over 1,000 students expected to attend. The festival provides workshops from professional theatre artists and faculty members, and feedback to all student performances of one act plays, monologues, scenes, songs and designs. 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Love Letters by A.R. Gurney

February 10-14 at Sutter Street Theatre, Folsom Andrew Makepeace Ladd, III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards that evolve to something much more romantic. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. 353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

RENT

February 2-5 at Harris Center for the Arts RENT opened on Broadway in 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer; it won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for Best Musical. RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists—a timeless celebration of friendship and creativity. 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Shrek the Musical

February 24-March 5 at Harris Center for the Arts Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Irreverent fun for the whole family, proving that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

The Enchanted Forest and The Firebird

February 4th at Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theatre, Folsom Presented by Hawkins School of Performing Arts, journey through a moonlit forest, dense with trees and underbrush, where woodland creatures and spirits wistfully dance and play. Hear the mysterious sounds of wildlife and catch a glimpse of Little Red Riding Hood and other storybook characters in the Enchanted Forest. 355-1900 | www.HawkinsSchool.com 38 FEBRUARY 2017 sacramentoparent.com

calendar/exhibits

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted

Designing the 21st Century Art Museum Through April 23 at UC Davis Design Museum Featuring photographs, drawings, scale models, and prototypes associated with the design process for the recently opened Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art on the campus of UC Davis.

530-752-6150 | www.Arts.UCDavis.edu Into the Fold: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection Through May 7 at Crocker Art Museum Highlighting the diversity, creativity, and technical virtuosity of 20th- and 21st-century ceramic artists working in Japan. The show features artists whose work is inspired by traditional themes, as well as those who work in or are influenced by the avant garde.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org JapanAmerica: Points of Contact February 12-May 21 at Crocker Art Museum A major exhibition organized by the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University that surveys the role that international exhibitions and world’s fairs have played in artistic exchanges between these two cultures. Focusing on Japan’s place in major international exhibitions held on the American continent from 1876 onward, and finishing with a look at the first World’s Fair held in Osaka in 1970, this assembly of more than 100 works examines the influence of Japanese aesthetics on painting and printmaking, ceramics, metalwork, graphic design, advertising, bookbinding, and illustration.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Leonardo Da Vinci: Machines in Motion Exhibit February 6-September 4 at Aerospace Museum of California, McClellan On display for the very first time in California, guests of all ages will be fascinated by the dramatic and interactive, international traveling exhibit. Forty impressive machine replicas will be on special display, occupying nearly 9,000-square foot of space inside the Museum. All of the hands-on machines are based on Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary designs and innovative notebook drawings that have been meticulously constructed by a modern team of scientists and craftsmen in collaboration with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence, Italy. In addition, a da Vinci themed PlayZone will also be available for young children to inspire creative learning.

643-3192 | www.AeroSpaceCa.org Woodcut Prints of the High Sierra February 1-11 at Davis Arts Center A solo exhibition of work by Tom Killion, strongly influenced by the traditional Japanese ukiyo-ë style Edo Period masters Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshigue, the exhibit will feature landscape prints including treescapes, coastal and mountain views.

530-756-4100 | www.DavisArtsCenter.org MUSIC

PARTY

WHAT WOULD AN EXTRA $500$1,000 PER MONTH MEAN FOR YOUR FAMILY?

LANGUAGE

Love is in the Air Exhibit Through February 14 at Artists’ Collaborative Gallery Many new and lovely art items have made their way into the Artists’ Collaborative Gallery that will remind you of love and happiness with the upcoming Valentine season. Remember your loved one with a beautiful purchase of jewelry, 3D artists, or 2D wall work.

444-7125 | www.ArtCollab.com

Birthday Parties, Grand Openings & Other Events!

• Balloon Twisting • Parties For All Ages

Happy Valentine’s Day! Award Winning Balloon Artist!!!

(530) 662-5882 www.DillyDallyTheClown.com dillydallytheclown@yahoo.com

COUNSELING

Music therapy can help promote the development of: • speech and communication • motor skills • social skills • cognition and learning skills • self-expression and creativity

Accepting new clients for individual and group services. Contact us today for a free over-the-phone consultation.

916.905.0217 www.MelodyTreeMT.com sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 39

humor me

Confessions of an Ex-Tooth Fairy

By Pam Molnar

ively meant exclus is le ic t r a is ked WARNING: Th , or have wor w o n k o h w s t for paren y. the Tooth Fair directly with Parents wear many hats—comforter, teacher, disciplinarian—but, only a few of them are as fun as the Tooth Fairy.

When I imagined our lives with children, I thought about my role as the Tooth Fairy.

I knew which parts I would keep from my own childhood and dreamt of ways that I could make the character even more magical.

I remember the excitement of the Tooth Fairy’s first visit to our house. She wrote a sweet note explaining how things worked in the “Land of the Lost Tooth.” Next to the note, my daughter found a silver coin left for a special first tooth and a new dollar bill, saved for such an occasion. My daughter proudly showed her younger siblings what the Tooth Fairy had left for her. They all stared at the coin as if it was the Hope Diamond and my daughter placed it in her jewelry box for safe keeping.

As planned, the Tooth Fairy took the tooth back to the “Land of the Lost Tooth” and carefully placed it in an envelope with my daughter’s name and the date. Mission accomplished.

Soon, our other children started losing their teeth. They got the same note, coin and treatment for their first tooth. Every tooth thereafter was collected before the Tooth Fairy retired for the evening and each tooth was given the same care as the first one.

About five years after the Tooth Fairy’s first trip to our house, something changed.

She didn’t leave notes anymore, she stopped putting dates on the envelopes and sometimes, she didn’t come for the tooth until right before the kids woke up. One time, she left four quarters instead of a dollar bill. How lame!

What happened to the magical character in my dreams?

When I discussed this with the Tooth Fairy in the bathroom mirror, all I heard were bad excuses—working mom, traveling husband, exhausted from carpools and coming up with dinner ideas. To make matters worse, she claimed that she was overwhelmed with the two extra kids we added to her route. The Tooth Fairy even suggested that our kids were eating hard candy as they were losing teeth at an alarming rate. I was appalled!

Things went downhill from there. By the time my youngest child started losing his teeth, his sisters started working for the Tooth Fairy. She often came to our house unprepared and had to ask the girls to borrow singles in order to pay for their brother’s tooth. At the end, a lost tooth would sit in the Tooth Fairy pillow for

a couple of days. I lied for the Tooth Fairy and told my son, “You lost the tooth too late in the day, and you weren’t on her schedule last night” or “She sent me a text and said she was running behind and would pick the tooth up while you were at school.”

Sadly, my son believed me—until he didn’t believe anymore. The Tooth Fairy was out of a job. At our exit interview, I asked the Tooth Fairy how she thought we did. She told me that the kids will remember the good things, like the silver coin and the notes. Yes, but what about the quarters and the forgotten teeth, I wondered. The Tooth Fairy told me that they will remember those, too. One day, they will be the one holding the wand and fairy dust and it will be a reminder that the Tooth Fairy is only human.

Pam Molnar is a former Tooth Fairy and mother of three. Thankfully, their memories of the Tooth Fairy have not been tainted by her shortcomings.

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Q&A With Dental Care Experts In honor of Dental Health Awareness month, we went straight to the experts with some of the topics parents are curious about when it comes to their child’s dental health needs. From when to plan your first visit to what to do about a wiggly tooth—we’ve rounded-up advice from the professionals right here!

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST AND WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO ELIMINATE ANY FEAR OR ANXIETY ABOUT THEIR FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST? “We recommend children visit us when their first tooth arrives or by their first birthday. We believe when kids grow up enjoying the dentist, healthy teeth and gums will follow. We’ve set up a different kind of dental practice that delivers fun, not fear. So your kids get stress-free dental visits and beautiful, giggly smiles!”

-Kids Care Dental and Orthodontics “Our main concern is to provide extraordinary dental care in an interactive, fun and safe environment for your child. There exists a complex ecosystem of bacteria in our mouths and for this reason it is fundamental children are seen by a dentist early in age. This will help set a great foundation for strong, shiny and healthy teeth.”

-Make a Smile Team HOW LONG SHOULD KIDS BE BRUSHING AND WHEN SHOULD THEY START FLOSSING? “It is best for children to brush twice a day for a duration of 2-minutes each time with fluoridated toothpaste and floss before going to bed. Fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth resistant to acid.”

-Make a Smile Team “We recommend using a two minute timer for brushing teeth twice daily. Any time two teeth are in contact, they should be flossed daily.” -Smile Gallery Pediatric Dentistry CAN YOU RECOMMEND HEALTHY SNACKS FOR HEALTHY TEETH? “Whole apples are naturally vitamin rich and provide sugar balance and antibacterial properties to the teeth and body. However, apple juice contains mostly sugar and acid, making it one of the primary causes of tooth decay in children.” -Dr. Cindy Weideman, Weideman Pediatric Destistry & Orthodontics “Fresh fruit and raw vegetables (oranges, pears, apples, broccoli, celery), low or non-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), and grains (bread, baked tortilla chips, unsweetened cereal).” -Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care “A diet rich in healthy snacks for healthy teeth are plentiful. We recommend plenty of water, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, carrots, celery and almonds as healthy options for a healthy smile.” -Smile Gallery Pediatric Dentistry DOES MY CHILD NEED FLUORIDE, AND WHY? “Children older than six months need supplements if their drinking water does not contain the ideal amount of fluoride. Fluoride supplements taken by infants have been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50%. Dosages are based on age and the amount of fluoride in the drinking water.” -Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT A WIGGLY BABY TOOTH THAT IS BOTHERING MY CHILD, IS IT BEST TO PULL IT OUT OR WAIT FOR IT TO FALL OUT? “Any time your child is experiencing dental discomfort, it is best to consult with your Pediatric Dentist.”

-Smile Gallery Pediatric Dentistry “When possible, it is best to let the tooth fall out on its own, the natural way, to avoid unnecessary pain and/or gum infections.” -Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care

Have more questions, or is it time to schedule a visit? Here’s where you can reach the experts.

Capital Pediatric Dentistry www.CapitalPD.com 916-476-3972

Kids Care Dental www.KidsCareDental.com 844-616-KIDS (5437)

Smile Gallery Pediatric Dentistry www.SmileGalleryKidsDDS.com 916-782-5503

Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care www.MyChildrensChoice.com 916-529-4974

Make A Smile www.MakeASmile.com 916-365-9553

Weideman Pediatric Destistry & Orthodontics www.SacChildrensDentist.com 916-962-0577

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Our well-trained staff specializes in making every visit comfortable for young children, and we offer a gentle approach to kids with special needs.

Schedule your baby's first dental appointment at tooth's first eruption and prior to their first birthday.

7916 Pebble Beach Drive, Suite 101, Citrus Heights, CA PH 916-962-0577 | FAX 916-962-0584 FOLLOW #TEAMWEIDEMAN | @WEIDEMANDENTAL

www.sacchildrensdentist.com sacramentoparent.com FEBRUARY 2017 43

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