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July 2013
Make Your Movie Night Modern Breakfast Bounty Send Kids Back To School Well-Fed
Conservation
How Flint Hills Discovery Center is Taking Education To a New “Green” Level
N A T I O N A L
NOW OPEN!
Included in general museum admission, free for Members.
T R A V E L I N G
E X H I B I T
300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203 • Details at www.exploration.org
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july 2013
Inside this issue... 6
Conservation: How Flint Hills Discovery Center is Taking Education To a New “Green” Level
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Make Your Movie Night Modern
11
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
12
WFM: Product Picks
14
Breakfast Bounty: Send Kids Back To School Well-Fed
Cover Photo courtesy of Rob Mikinski
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Do you know a child, teen or an adult with a disability that struggles learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle? This Camp Can Help
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July 15 – 19, 2013 At the Wichita Ice Center 505 W. Maple Street, Wichita KS
For an application or more information contact:
iCan Bike Camp In Wichita, call 1.316.942.6300 Outside Wichita, call 1.800.479.6861 E-mail tstarns@ilrcks.org Go Online at ilrcks.org to download an application Applications must be received no later than June 21, 2013.
Special Thanks To:
Camp Schedule: Session 1: 8:30 am - 9:45 am Session 2: 10:05 am - 11:20 am Session 3: 11:40 am - 12:55 pm This session is FULL
cari@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com
www.exploration.org 316-660-0620
Session 5: 3:35 pm - 4:50 pm
Camp Fee: $125
Hosted by:
300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203
Empowering people with disabilities.
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Cari Fischer
Register Today!
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Vice President of Sales & Marketing
PLUS:
/ExplorationPlace
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Advertising inquiries contact:
For kids who love aviation, take off with Flight Crew and Pilot Training Camps, June 24 - 28.
3033 W. 2nd St. North • Wichita, KS 67203
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Eric and Christy Clark
Session 4: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Empowering people with disabilities.
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Publishers
For Kids Entering Grades 1 - 12
Topics include: dinosaurs, robotics, science magic, splashdowns and more!
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published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465
Summer Camps Start Monday, June 3
Weekly camps: • engage curiosity • promote creativity • enhance scientific knowledge • and most of all are fun! Lose the Training Wheels – Wichita
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Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
Doctor’s Orders With summer approaching and school coming to an end, it might be a good time to consider having your teenagers wisdom teeth evaluated. Wisdom teeth are removed to correct actual problems or to prevent future problems such as irritated gums, infection in association with impaction, or even crowding. Usually in younger people, the wisdom teeth’s roots are not fully developed and the jaw bone is not as dense making removal easier with decreased recovery time. So consider a proactive approach and see if current or future issues can be prevented by visiting your local dentist.
What’s Virtual School?
vir·tu·al school noun An online learning environment that gives students and families the ability to structure an educational experience that is both flexible and challenging
Maize Virtual Preparatory School offers a tuition free option for K–10 Kansas students. Using the world-renowned Calvert curriculum, your child has access to a comprehensive course of study that is:
Virtual – blends the online experience with traditional texts Classic – reading, writing, math, scientific exploration, historical research, and art
Want to advertise with us? Contact Cari at cari@wichitafamily.com
Flexible – fits your family’s schedule and your child’s pace Easy-to-use – step-by-step daily lesson plans Visit maizevirtualprepschool.com/events to register for free, fun and informative family events.
To learn more or to enroll call (316) 462-8800 or go to: MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com
The Quest for
Conservation How Flint Hills Discovery Center is taking education to a new “green” level.
Photos by Rob Mikinski 66 wfm wfm
W
hen most people think of the Kansas terrain, they think . . . FLAT! For those of us who have been raised here, we know this is far from the truth. The beautiful Flint Hills of our state consist of majestic rolling hills and endless beauty as far as the eye can see. Most people don’t realize that the Flint Hills in Kansas are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. We are the stewards of the last 4% of tallgrass prairie in North America. The Flint Hills are so much more than just grass, rocks and cows. In Manhattan, Kansas, a collection of volunteers, elected officials, consultants, contractors, and citizens have come together to introduce, and educate visitors to the area about this amazing ecosystem in a very unique way. A $24.5 million dollar project was in the works, and would change how everyone saw the Flint Hills.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center The Flint Hills Discovery center opened in April of 2012. The new three story facility houses both permanent and temporary exhibits along with an Immersive experience that will stimulate all of your senses. The immersive experience theatre plays a 15 minute presentation throughout the day titled “Tallgrass Prairie: Tides
of Time.” “It truly brings the experience to life for our visitors,” says Pamela Kulokas, outreach and membership coordinator. The show not only tells the story through sight and sound, but also through innovative special effects. The Flint Hills Discovery Center recently was awarded an LEED (Leadership of Energy and Environmental design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The internal structure of the building was built with the ecosystem in mind using top of the line heating and cooling technology as well as a complex green roof consisting of
soil, gardens and terrace’s. This beautiful building doesn’t stop at being green themselves, they also practice what they preach. From now until September 8th, visitors can “join the quest to go green,” with the temporary exhibit, conservation quest now showing in the second-floor gallery.
Conservation Quest Conservation Quest is a brilliantly interactive exhibit is designed to teach children and their families about conservation and the impact that we, ourselves, are making in our own homes.
Conservation Quest was created by Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Ct., with major funding from The Foster Family Fund, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, Northeast Utilities Foundation, New York Mercantile Exchange and Newman’s Own Foundation. Youth and their families will learn about energy - what it is, where it comes from, how we use it and why it’s so important to use it wisely. Visitors will see for themselves how simple actions can make big differences for families, communities and the planet.
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Families can gain knowledge by exploring the following:
Be a Consign ista Clean out your kids’ closets and come raid ours!
Kid’s Closet Connection children’s consignment sale
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2013 Wichita, KS Sale
Holiday Inn Convention Ctr Kellogg and Rock Road
Free Consignor Fee
If you sign up by: 08/25/2013 For more details email:
Wichita.KS@kidscloset.biz
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Find ways to save with lights, electricity and recycling
• Explore solar, wind and hydropower •
Connect circuits to power up lights, radios and fans
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See how much electricity your family uses compared to others
• Take the interactive green challenge • Learn about the future of energy
thoughtful choices about energy use to help protect the planet and promote healthy living. It’s focus it to spread the word of how energy is produced and how you and your family can use it wisely. Conservation Quest was designed and produced using environmentally friendly building materials and practices. It’s green design matches that of the Flint Hills Discovery Center by using features throughout the exhibit such as Eco-friendly graphics, and Eco-resin used instead of plexiglass. Though it’s focus is on educating children, even adults will find Conservation Quest a fascinating way to learn about energy sources, energy use at home and around the world, climate change, environmental health, stewardship, conservation and the future of energy.
“Not only is the exhibit fun to interact with, but it’s also teaching kids important lessons about conservation that will help them save energy in their own homes. That Flint Hills Discovery Center is open translates to dollars saved for families 363 days per year making it the and a cleaner, greener planet for perfect weekend, or even day trip everyone,” said Jared Bixby, curator for your family. For more information of education, Flint Hills Discovery about the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Summer Day Camp RESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILI- Center. and Conservation Quest visit www. Greater WiChita YMCa TY HONESTYRESPECT CARING RE- The exhibit was designed to deliver flinthillsdiscovery.org, or call (785) 587energy conservation 2726. SPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT important YMCA day camp is the place to be this summer! Kids learn life skills, develop CARING RESPONSIBILITYHONESTY messages, inspiring visitors to make relationships, and have fun in a safe RESPECTCARINGRESPONSIBILIenvironment with caring staff. TY HONESTY RESPECT CARINGRENow featuring new & expanded pool, SPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT horse camp, lake, nature center, and CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESmore at Camp hyde! YMCA camps are offered at Camp Hyde TY RESPECTCARING RESPONSIBILand 8 citywide locations. ITY HONESTY RESPECT CARINGRESPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT Download your camp guide at ymcawichita.org/camp. CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILSIGN UP TODAY ITYHONESTYCARINGRESPONSIwww.facebook.com/wichitafamilymagazine Income-based pricing is available. BILITYHONESTYRESPECT CARING 8 wfm RESPONSIBILITHONESTY RESPECTCARINGRESPONSIBILITY HONE-
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(Family Features) It’s that time of year again when the year’s biggest movies begin invading theaters. But big movies can also mean big lines and big bucks. Sometimes, it’s just more convenient and affordable to have a movie night at home. Hosting an at-home movie night can be even more fun than taking a trip to the theater if you make it a “Modern Movie Night.” Here are some tips to help put a new spin on a movie night at home: Plan Ahead – The official Redbox mobile app lets you browse movies and reserve them for pickup, right from your phone. You can even see which boxes have your favorite movies. Pick the closest box and a copy will
be reserved for you. Let’s Make A Deal – Enjoy a delicious, cool Mars Ice Cream treat while you watch your movie. Mars Ice Cream is providing a code for a free one-night DVD rental from Redbox printed on the inside of specially marked packages of Snickers, Twix, M&M’S and Milky Way ice cream bars. Spruce Up Your Snacks – One of the best things about the theater experience is the delicious snacks. But you can make what you eat at home just as good by putting a modern spin on old favorites. For example, once your popcorn as cooled, add M&M’S to give it a colorful, delicious new look. Digital Movie Buzz – Don’t just plop on the couch for the evening.
Get together with family and friends and enjoy some digital fun before the movie starts. Guess The Movie app or MovieCat challenge you with quizzes and classic movie questions. You can even compare your own review of favorite movies with scores from Rotten Tomatoes. If the flick is a bust, live tweet funny commentary while you watch or write your own movie reviews at moviequotesandmore.com. Try playing the popular movie trivia game SceneIt or play Charades using Vine video clips. You can also checking out cast info on the IMDB app. End the evening with a movie discussion and your house may become everyone’s favorite home theater.
Visit us online at wichitafamily.com
Make Your Movie Night Modern
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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools Changes to 2013-2014 enrollment process The Wichita Public Schools is implementing a new student information system which will require changes to the enrollment process for this year. The online system that the district has used is no longer available, and for the most part, WPS will be going back to a paper and pencil process for the 2013-2014 school year.
Jeff Arellano, P.E. teacher at Gardiner Elementary, was named Kansas’ Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor of the Year.
Parents can complete some enrollment forms prior to going to the school by going to www. enroll.usd259.org. The combined ‘Common Enrollment Forms’ will allow parents to complete, print, sign the forms and then deliver them to the school at enrollment. Parents will have to obtain a new ParentVUE account to access the new system. Because of the sheer volume during enrollment, many schools may opt to not create the ParentVUE accounts until sometime after enrollment. Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions regarding the new enrollment process. Enrollment is July 29 – Aug. 1. The Wichita Public Schools will have consistent enrollment times at all schools to make it more convenient for parents who enroll multiple children at different schools. The enrollment times are: July 29: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 30: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 31: 12 – 7 p.m. August 1: 12 – 7 p.m.
Gardiner teacher named FUTP 60 Advisor of the Year Jeff Arellano, P.E. teacher at Gardiner Elementary, was named Kansas’ Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor of the Year. He received the award by encouraging students to eat healthy foods and to get plenty of exercise. The Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Football League and the Midwest Dairy
Council, encourages students to be active at least 60 minutes per day and to eat Healthy Foods. Arellano was introduced as the Program Advisor of the Year during the Fuel Up to Play 60 Youth Reward Training Camp at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
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product picks Summer means travel! Here are some amazing products to help make your warm weather vacations a little easier.
Britax Pinnacle 90 Booster Seat Many car seats these days are equipped with the LATCH system, however, many caregivers are unaware that there are weight limits associated with this system. The new Pinnacle 90 car seat from Britax, and the ClickTight installation system, allow parents to use the seatbelt in their vehicle to tightly and correctly secure their seat without worrying about their child’s weight! Speaking of weight, this seat will grow with your child up to 120 pounds!! (www.target.com $369.99)
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CableKeeps These days, many of us travel with our numerous electronics. This also means . . . numerous charging cables. Keep your iPhone and iPad chargers neat and organized with CableKeeps. The cute fish design slips right onto your charger and the tail clip keeps the cord tight and secure. (www.nicebydesign.com $16.00)
Quik Shade Pet Kennel
Traveling with a pet can be a pain. No need to drag along a bulky kennel anymore! The Quik Shade Pet Kennel folds compactly into a travel bag and takes up little room in your luggage. The shaded top, and hammock style bed, offer a cool and comfortable place to rest. (quikshadepets.com $39.99-$59.99)
Sidekick Child Carrier Diaper Bag
Bubble Bum Perfect for travel, this inflatable booster seat packs easily into your luggage for convenient use when you arrive at your final destination. Even better, this safe and convenient booster seat is inexpensive and easy to find! (Target $39.99)
If you are tired of your diaper bag and child carrier getting tangled during travel, then the Sidekick is a necessity! Carry everything you need, INCLUDING your little one, right on your hip! This secure and convenient carrier also has a removable carrier flap for use when your baby outgrows the carrier. (www.gogobabyz.com $125.00 and up)
Our Generation R.V. Seeing You Camper We can’t leave our our little friends this summer! Fully equipped with a bed, kitchen, refrigerator, and even little stools, your little girls’ best friend is sure to camp in style with this luxurious, and adorable camper. Fits 18” Our Generation dolls. (www. target.com $60.00)
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cheese, shredded 2 medium tomatoes, chopped Other toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, chopped avocado Warm oven to 200°F. Prepare all condiments of your choice for the tacos: cheese, tomatoes, avocados, etc. Cover and set aside. Wrap tortillas in foil, place in oven to warm through.
(Family Features) Getting kids back to school each morning can be exhausting and feeding them a good, hot breakfast often gets put on the back burner. Start them out right with easy, wholesome meals full of the protein necessary to fuel their day. A protein-rich breakfast — one that includes lean ham or pork sausage — reduces daily hunger, increases daily fullness, improves morning blood sugar control and leads to less latter-day snacking, according to a recent study by the University of Missouri. That means teenage boys and girls who chronically skip breakfast have a new, tasty weapon in the fight against obesity. Studies show
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as many as 20 to 30 percent of adolescents in the United States skip breakfast, which is a habit associated with excess body weight. Keep breakfast well-balanced by packing it full of protein; using only egg whites; reducing fat intake with Johnsonville’s breakfast chicken sausage with 50 percent less fat; and rounding out the meal with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Think you have no time for breakfast? Try recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, served as grab-and-go, or stored in the freezer and microwaved as needed. Use a slow cooker to prepare dishes before bedtime
and your family will wake up to house filled with the delicious aromas of a freshly-prepared breakfast. For more great breakfast ideas, visit www.johnsonville.com/ recipes. Breakfast Taco Bar Servings: 7 to 10 14 6-inch Mission® Super Soft Tortillas flour tortillas 2 12-ounce packages Johnsonville breakfast sausage links, cooked 12 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cups cheddar
Cook sausage according to package directions. Transfer to baking dish, cover and keep warm in oven. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat add oil. When oil is hot add eggs and allow to cook until the bottom is just set. Pull edges to center and allow uncooked eggs to flow to bottom and continue cooking until done but still moist. Transfer eggs to a baking dish, cover and keep warm, until ready to serve. To assemble, fold warm tortilla in half and fill with a spoonful of scrambled eggs, two sausage links, top with cheddar, and toppings of your choice.
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We’re the REAL deal! 2011 WICHITA FAMILY MAGAZINE’S
ARDS ICE AW
S’ CHO
READER
Thank you for all your support!
(316) 794.8954 Westside of Wichita in Goddard