New Mexico Kids! Nov/Dec 2023

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Vol. 32 / No. 6

FREE

November/December 2023

New Mexico Kids! Family Magazine

TM

Holiday Gift Guide pg 8 Santa Fe Teen Center pg 12 Help Kids Navigate Grief at the Holidays pg 16 Albuquerque Kids! Calendar pg 20 Santa Fe Kids! Calendar pg 20 Kids' Coloring Page pg 6 School Directory pg 32

PresleeAnn Andazola, 9


Dear New Mexico Kids! readers, As many of you already know, New Mexico Kids! came under new ownership as of September 1. We’d like to introduce ourselves not only as New Mexico Kids! publishers but also as native New Mexicans and sisters. We are Ashley Conner and Dana Benjamin. We are not new to local publishing. Since January 2022, we have also owned Prime Time, north-central New Mexico’s premier magazine for ages 50 and older. For more than 10 years prior, we not only provided photography and design for the monthly, but also for its associated products and publications - the Family Caregivers Resource Guide and the Prime Time 50+ Expo, our annual health fair. So, we know Prime Time well and are excited to continue to provide you, our readers, with the publications and events you know and love. The content you have come to expect in New Mexico Kids! Family Magazine will remain largely the same – but with even more local news, information, and resources that will include entertainment and event listings. Mostly, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty to New Mexico Kids!. We look forward to your input on the content. Have a safe and pleasant fall season.

With appreciation, Ashley Conner and Dana Benjamin Albuquerque

2 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


Albuquerque

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 3


What's in this issue for you! Regular Features

Stories & Special Features

6: Kids' Coloring Page

7: Unleash the Hidden Power of Laughing With Your Kids 10: Get Outside: Visit the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site this Autumn 12: Santa Fe Teen Center 16: Help Kids Navigate Grief at the Holidays 30: Holiday Gift Guide 32: Directory of Schools & Academic Support Programs

14: Let's Read! 18: Kids' Crossword 20: Albuquerque Kids! Calendar 24: Santa Fe Kids! Calendar 38: Young Scientist 39: Let's Draw!

Cover Story

PresleeAnn Andazola, 9

If you would like to submit art to be considered for a New Mexico Kids! cover, please email a copy to kids@newmexico-kids.com or send a snapshot of the work to Prime Time Publishing, 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Don't forget to include your phone number!

Publishers

Ashley Conner & Dana Benjamin

Editor

Tania Soussan

Calendar Editor Fran Hopper

Customer Relations Dana Benjamin

Art Director/Graphic Designer Ashley Conner & Dana Benjamin

Contributing Writers: Jacey Blue Renner, Sarah Lyons, Aileen O'Catherine, Rachel Sams, Sandi Schwartz, and Kay Snyder New Mexico Kids! is published bimonthly by Prime Time Publishing, 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Phone 505-967-7812. Email kids@newmexico-kids.com. Copyright 2023/2024 by Prime Time Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Locally and Women Owned. Printed by the Santa Fe New Mexican with soy-based recyclable inks. The Publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertiser’s message or that of the guest writer/ columnists or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

4 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 5


Kids' Coloring Page

6 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


Unleash the Hidden Power of Laughing With Your Kids

Santa Fe

By SANDI SCHWARTZ Sometimes life can be tough. Whether we are feeling anxious about current affairs or dealing with a health issue, something as simple as laughter — believe it or not — can help us persevere.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao

As adults, we tend to get bogged down with our to-do lists and stresses of daily life and forget how beautiful it is to let loose and have a good laugh. Unfortunately, most adults do not laugh enough. In fact, one study found that healthy children may laugh as much as 400 times per day, but adults only laugh 15 times per day.

If we stop for a moment and observe our children, they are probably laughing and playing freely without the weight of the world on their shoulders. We can learn so much from them when it comes to being lighthearted. It is so important that we raise them in such a way that they will continue to experience fun and laughter throughout their lives. We can create a positive environment for them to grow up in by stopping once in a while to have a laughing fit together.

(continued on Page 8)

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ENGAGING New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 7


Unleash the Hidden Power of Laughing With Your Kids (continued from Page 7) Why Is Laughter So Important? Science shows us that laughter really is like medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing is one of the easiest ways for us to reduce stress and anxiety in our lives. Laughing transforms our body and mind in so many amazing ways, boosting positive emotions like happiness, peace and humor. When we laugh, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex of our brain is activated. This releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that allow us to experience pleasure and satisfaction. Laughing also reduces our stress response because the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline) are lowered. We feel energized since we take in more oxygen-rich air when we laugh. Finally, laughing relaxes our muscles, which soothes tension from stress. In fact, a good laugh can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. The muscles that help us smile also affect how we feel. When we use these muscles, we trigger a part of our brain that improves our mood. One research study involved having participants hold a pencil in one of three ways to get them to make certain facial expressions without telling them exactly what they were doing. The first group held the pencil sideways in their mouths to force a smile. The second group stuck the pencil in lengthwise to force a frown. The last group, serving as the control group, held the pencil in their hands. Participants were then asked to watch cartoons and rate how funny there were to them. The group with the sideways pencils (the “smiling” group) had higher funny ratings than the lengthwise group (the “frowning” group). The control group scored between the other two groups. This study showed how smiling can really make a difference in how we perceive the world around us.

Laughing with our kids is so special because it builds a bond with them. These joyous moments create a more uplifting environment at home. What’s really fun is that laughter tends to be contagious, so before you know it your whole house could be giggling up a storm. Finally, the best part of laughing is that it’s completely free and always accessible without any side effects (except for maybe a few aches in your side from laughing so hard). So, how can we laugh more with our kids? Here are 10 ideas to get you rolling (on the floor): • Start a laughing contest to see who can make the other person laugh first. • Play fun games like charades, Twister, Pictionary and Headbanz. • Read joke books and websites, then share your favorites with each other. • Create funny stories using Mad Libs or play "telephone". • Have a family talent show and see who comes up with the funniest routine. • Dress up in silly costumes. • Watch a comedy television show or movie together as a family. • Talk in a silly language like pig Latin. • Keep a collection of funny quotes and pictures that you can bring out anytime to get everyone laughing. • Try laughter yoga with your kids. Created by Dr. Madan Katari in 1995 in Bombay, India, this yoga practice combines breathing exercises and stretching with laughing. Sandi Schwartz is a multi-award-winning environmental author and freelance journalist.

Laughter also is beneficial because it can change how we look at a situation. A silly moment can offer a healthy distraction from negative emotions like anger, guilt and stress. It sure is hard to feel negative when you are cracking up! It also gives us a more lighthearted perspective when faced with challenges and helps us view such events as positive opportunities as opposed to threats. Next, laughter builds resilience, the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of stress. When children are resilient, they are braver, more curious, more adaptable and more able to attain happiness and success. Additionally, resilience can help cushion us from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression because it improves our ability to cope, according to the Mayo Clinic. Laughter plays a huge role in how we handle adversity by allowing us to escape from our problems for a little while. By teaching our kids to laugh even in times of pain, we are giving them a key tool that will help them be more resilient as they grow older.

8 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Leyla, age 10


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New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 9


Get Outside: Visit the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site this Autumn By JACEY BLUE RENNER Nothing compares to autumn in New Mexico. That crisp season where the azure blue clarity of the skies competes openly with the scent of our beloved roasting green chiles. That first day of sweater weather, pumpkin patches and the Balloon Fiesta (and breakfast burritos!) give us all the seasonal feels. As our late summer blossoms into fall, replete with fiery

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changes to the leaves and landscape, grab your pumpkin spice latte and head outside the Albuquerque city limits for a little bit of regional history and a lot of natural serenity. The Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site, just beyond the Sandia Ranger Station off N.M. 337 in Tijeras, is tucked amongst the juniper and spruce of the Cibola National Forest. Among what remains of pueblo dwellings that potentially housed up to 250 residents, visitors will find evidence of both ceremonial sites and artifacts. The site also boasts a quaint museum, home to many historic and active exhibits, including a hands-on weaving station, a potsherd sorting exercise and a mano and metate corn grinding learning experience. The museum and its exhibits seek to exemplify the traditional pueblo lifeways, past and present, shining light on their significance throughout New Mexico and on the pueblo peoples who resided in this area 700 years ago.

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In addition to the museum, visitors can enjoy seasonal pumpkins, corn and yellow beans in the native gardens and a small gift shop. Art and history lovers will enjoy a mural depicting the Tiwa world during the time of occupation at the Tijeras site by contemporary Native artist Deborah Jojola of Isleta and Jemez Pueblos. The self-guided ⅓-mile interpretive trail is open daily from dawn until dusk. Following the footsteps of the village people where they worked and slept over 700 years ago, the trail creates a window into what Ancestral Pueblo life may have looked like. Pro tip: Depending on the season of your visit, find native wildflowers and grasses in bloom along the path. Local favorites like Indian paintbrush, verbena, blue grama grass and Woods’ rose often dot the trailside landscape. A monthly lecture series on regionally relevant topics is hosted by the Friends of the Tijeras Pueblo and held at 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month.

(continued on next page)

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Get Outside

(continued from previous page)

Whether you visit as part of your historic pilgrimage along The Turquoise Trail, your interest in regional history or as part of an homage to Native American Heritage Month which falls in November each year, your visit and donations make New Mexico sites like these sustainable. If you go: The museum is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. FridaySunday. For docent-led visits or tours, contact (505) 281-3305. For more information, visit www.friendsoftijeraspueblo.org.

Santana, age 5

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New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 11


Santa Fe Teen Center By TANIA SOUSSAN By the middle of October, the new Santa Fe Teen Center had been open for less than three weeks, but Emanuel Tahhahwah already was spending time there every day. “It’s a cool place to just chill, make new friends, get away from your problems,” said the 15-year-old. “It takes your mind off stuff.” The center’s gym with its indoor basketball courts and six hoops is a big draw for Tahhahwah and other teens who meet for pickup games or play in tournaments organized by the center on Thursdays. The teen center opened at 6600 Valentine Way on Santa Fe’s south side in late September after more than a decade of community advocacy, fundraising and planning. By midOctober, it was drawing in 40-50 teens a day. The 17,000-square-foot complex is packed with things teens love, including indoor volleyball and basketball courts; a gaming room with Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and VR Nintendo Switch as well as ping pong, an arcade game and more; a fitness center with circuit workout equipment; an indoor-outdoor performance stage just waiting to host a battle of the bands; an art room filled with supplies where teens already are crafting; a fully equipped commercial kitchen; a computer lab; and a quiet area with beanbag chairs and space for studying and tutoring. Outside, a turf area offers a place to play giant outdoor games while the patio has tables and chairs. “This is a space that I think all of us wish we could have had growing up,” said Complex Manager Ziarra Kirksey. “We're trying to make sure we hit on everyone and everything.”

maker space where there already is a sewing machine and a planned print making workshop by the Alas De Agua Art Collective. In addition, a 10-week esports program will kick off in November to teach teens the backside of gaming. For now, staff is using the kitchen to make snacks for the teens who are always hungry, but it could be used in the future to prepare full meals or offer cooking classes. “As they get out of school, they're always hungry,” Kirksey said. Some kids don’t have parents at home in the afternoon and come to the center right from the bus after school. Others show up later to work on their basketball skills or get in a workout. The teens have really been hitting the fitness center, Kirksey said. “We’re getting everyone,” she said. “It’s pretty cool to see. It’s cool to see them coming out and having a place where they feel comfortable. …The demographic is wide and diverse with different needs.” There’s even a laundry room where teens can use the washer and dryer or just learn how to do laundry. Although it’s a drop-in center, there are some structured activities, including art programs on Tuesdays, a book club and tutoring on Wednesdays, volleyball and basketball tournaments on Thursdays and food art projects such as spooky cupcakes on Saturdays. (continued on next page)

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Tahhahwah said that in addition to playing on the indoor basketball court, he and his friends enjoy the game room with its air hockey and video games as well as simply a place to be together. The center is free to all teens 12 to 18 years old who register. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 12-6 p.m. Saturdays, but that could change as administrators gauge what works best for the teens. For registration, current hours and more information, go to santfenm.gov/teencenter. The Santa Fe Teen Center was made possible by $1.1 million in state funding for planning and design work, plus another $5 million from the city and $6.8 million from the state for construction. Input from Santa Fe teens, families, and residents over the last 10 years informed the planning along with information from the 2015 and 2017 city Youth Summits and a 2019 study conducted by the nonprofit Earth Care. The city’s goal is to make the teen center a safe, welcoming, engaging and youth-led space where teens can socialize, explore new opportunities, implement programs and develop an interest in personal growth and youth development. City plans call for partnerships with community organizations and local businesses to produce a robust range of services designed to meet the needs of all Santa Fe teens. Kirksey has plenty of ideas and aspirations for the center. She hopes to turn one of the multipurpose rooms into a multimedia art space with a music recording studio and video editing capabilities. A second multipurpose room is a future

12 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

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(continued from previous page)

For teens who want to get away from activity, the quiet room is “like a meditation suite,” Kirksey said. The center’s areas of focus are fitness and recreation; education and technology; leadership, service and civic engagement; life skills, prevention and wellness; and arts and culture. Kirksey hopes to offer resume writing and job interview help, financial literacy courses by Del Norte Credit Union, sex education and drug use prevention speakers, and storytelling programs.

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Let's Read!

These book reviews were written by Christine Laffler's 4th Grade Students Quizzes for Rebel Girls Author: Rebel Girls Publisher: Rebel Girls Ages: 7 years and older “Quizzes for Rebel Girls” is a great book full of fun quizzes that you can take to get to know yourself better. It also teaches you about famous women and the amazing things they did. If you like learning about women's history and all of the amazing women around us, then you will love this book. Here is an example of one of the quizzes: It’s a rainy Sunday and none of your friends are around to play. Bummer! What would you do? a) Whip up marvelous muffins, like Chef Prue Leith b) Write powerful verses, like poet Amanda Gorman c) Conduct an experiment, like engineer Paige Brown d) Practice cartwheels, like gymnast Simone Biles By Kaia L.G., 10

they will become some of the world's best astronomers! The astronomers will then tell stories about the wonder of our galaxy like Professor Raman Prinja does in this book! By Adrian C., 9

The Loud Librarian Author: Jenna Beatrice Illustrator: Erika Lynne Jones Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Ages: 4-8 years This is an amazing book! I liked it because I can relate to it. In real life, I am loud just like the main character, Penelope. I try to talk quietly but I talk loud anyway. I just can’t help it. This book shows how Penelope has everything it takes to be a librarian except that she is SO loud that a spaceship can hear her in outer space! In the end, she finds a more productive way to use her loud voice. Read it to find out how. By Atticus B., 10

Ramen for Everyone Author: Patricia Tanumihardja Illustrator: Shiho Pate Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Ages: 4-8 years This is a great book. It talks about having to go through trial and error when you try something new. It shows that sometimes you have to try a unique way to get things right. And even if it doesn't go the way you want it to, you can still fix it by trying something new. This is also a great book for ramen lovers, because it shows creativity and culture. I hope you enjoy it. By Kaia L.G., 10

Wonders of the Night Sky Author: Professor Raman Prinja Illustrator: Jan Bielecki Publisher: Aladdin/Beyond Words Ages: 8-14 years This book is out of this world! I recommend it because its illustrations are very interesting, vibrant and detailed. The book is also very informative. It’s awesome for kids who are curious and want to learn more about constellations, stars and other objects in the night sky. I recommend this book to every kid in the world. It will teach kids about astronomy and then maybe

14 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Gloria’s Promise Author: Jaqueline Weitzman Illustrator: Robin Glasser Publisher: Random House Studio Ages: 4-7 years Persist, work, smile. These three words describe this book. Gloria is a ballet dancer who wants to try to get into a ballet school but falls down in class. She goes home thinking that she can't make it but the next day she is accepted. I think the moral of the story is to follow your dreams and don't give up, no matter what! So much detail was put into the words and the illustrations in this book are amazing. By Ellie C., 10

Farm Boots Author: Lisl H. Detlefsen Illustrator: Renee Kurilla Publisher: Feeding Minds Press Ages: 3-6 years This is an amazing book. It is a great book for learning all about working on a farm in every season and what kind of boots might be needed. The book shows all the boots you would need to work on a farm at any time of year. It also shows that anyone can work on a farm. This book describes what you do on farms. The illustrations in this (continued on next page)


Let's Read!

These book reviews were written by Christine Laffler's 4th Grade Students book are great. There is so much detail. If you ever need to find a boot for a certain season, let Farm Boots inspire you! By George M. 10 My Baba’s Garden Author: Jordan Scott Illustrator: Sydney Smith Publisher: Neal Porter Books Ages: 4-8 years This is a great picture book for kids 4 to 8 years old and older! The illustrations are unique and vibrant. They are also a good example of the abilities of the illustrator, Sydney Smith. Her paintings kind of look like collages – like painted paper layered on top of one another. But it’s actually watercolor! They’re amazing. This book is about a boy and his Baba (grandmother), who doesn’t speak a lot of English. But he can still communicate with her. Baba lives in a house right next to her garden and chicken coop until she has to move in with the boy. In the beginning of the book,

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there’s a note from the author, Jordan Scott, that talks about his own Baba. It says that she was born in Poland, where she and her family lived. They suffered greatly during World War II. This book is about her. By Alicia, O.H.10 Remember Author: Joy Harjo Illustrator: Michaela Goade Publisher: Random House Studio Ages: 4-8 years This book is a poem written by America’s 23rd poet laureate, Joy Harjo, and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade. It is a beautiful tale of life with beautiful illustrations. The story and idea behind it are magnificent. It shows how we are all connected and reminds us to remember to look for the beauty and wonder around us. If you are ever lucky enough to read this book, I promise you will love it! By Matias R., 10

Albuquerque

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 15


Help Kids Navigate Grief at the Holidays By RACHEL SAMS Is your family facing this year’s holiday season after the death of an important person in your life? It might seem scary to discuss that as a family. But talking openly with your kids about grief is one of the best ways to help them through the holidays, says Veronica Flores, bilingual program manager at The Grief Center. “Taking their suggestions into consideration and making decisions together as a family is really important,” Flores says. The Grief Center, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit organization that serves children and adults experiencing grief from a death, has resources to help. The center holds a free all-ages “Grief in the Holidays” workshop for individuals and families. This year’s event will be Nov. 29. Participants need to register in advance online at griefnm.org/event/grief-duringthe-holidays-workshop. During the workshop, participants will create luminarias with electric candles to honor their person. The participants will also make memory candles and decorate them with images of things the person they lost enjoyed. In addition, participants will create “gift boxes,” which family members can fill with cards, meaningful items and things their loved one would have enjoyed. They can open the boxes when the holiday arrives. “Sensory activities really open up a person,” Flores said. “That movement triggers something in the brain that says this is a safe space, I’m being creative.” But even if you can’t attend the workshop, The Grief Center has tips to help you and your family through this holiday season. • Talk about your holiday traditions and what you do and don’t want to change. Some families will find comfort in beloved rituals like lighting luminarias, cooking a Thanksgiving turkey or going to the River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark. Others might decide to seek solace in a new tradition, like taking a vacation during the holidays The only right answer is the one that’s right for your family. • Acknowledge all that your family members are feeling. Grief can show up as sadness, anger, anxiety and more. It’s important for everyone in your family, especially children, to have the chance to name what they’re feeling and be reassured that it’s OK. • Ask what they need. What makes your kids feel safe when they’re sad? Do they want you to sit with them quietly? Do they need to talk? Do they need time set aside every day to express themselves through play? • Have a plan. Before a holiday gathering, talk about who will be there, what might happen and what kind of questions people might ask about your loss. Have a code

16 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Photo by Jordan Whitt During a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains our son had a challenging moment but he sought and found comfort in the arms of his mom.

word your child can say to let you know they’re feeling overwhelmed and need to take a break or go home. • Find your support system. Grief can make us feel alone, but everyone experiences it at some point. Friends and family who have been through loss can help. So can resources like the free support groups at The Grief Center. While it can be challenging to face the holidays after the death of an important person in your life, talking about it and seeking support can help you grow closer as a family. Rachel Sams is a nonprofit consultant and member of The Grief Center’s marketing committee. A former journalist, she has called Albuquerque home for 14 years.

Grief in the Holidays Workshop When: November 29 Where: The Grief Center, 4125 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque What: An all-ages in-person workshop for families and individuals navigating grief during the holiday season, with activities and time to reflect. For more information: griefnm.org or (505) 323-0478


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Kids' Crossword

Let's Party! A page for kids' party places, entertainers, services and supplies! "Let's Party!" ads cost $150 plus tax for each 2" x 2" space. To place your ad in our next issue, ad and payment are due by November 30. For more information call 505-967-7812

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Answers on Page 33 18 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


Albuquerque

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Albuquerque

Albuquerque & Santa Fe

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New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 19


Albuquerque Kids! Calendar By FRAN HOPPER

Our calendar is as accurate as possible, but times, places & dates of events can change, so be sure to call ahead. Events listed are child- and teen- appropriate to the best of our knowledge. As families have different ideas of “age appropriate,” we encourage you to confirm that any activity you attend is appropriate for your child. To have your events listed for free in our next calendar, fill out our calendar form at newmexico-kids.com or send date, time, place, cost, description of activity, sponsoring organization and contact phone to kids@newmexico-kids.com. The deadline is Dec 4 for listings in the Jan/Feb calendar. Listings are not guaranteed due to space limits. Phone numbers have a 505 area code unless otherwise noted.

NOVEMBER

ARTS & CRAFTS Nov 2, Dia De los Muertos Inspired Skull Painting, 3:30-4pm. Color a plaster skull inspired by this holiday; all ages, limited to 40. Free, South Broadway Library, 1025 Broadway SE, 764-1742, abqlibrary.org. Nov 4, Gratitude Crafts, 10:30-noon. Share thanks for the coming holidays with crafts to decorate your home and room. Free, San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull SE, 256-2067, abqlibrary.org. Nov 4, 11, 18, 25, Family Art Workshops, 1-2:30pm. All ages can enjoy projects with a variety of art mediums, materials supplied; child- and adult-friendly. Included with admission, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov. CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Meditation for Kids, 10-11:30am. In this fun class, children build inner strength and confidence by developing good qualities with a short meditation, teaching and activities to increase patience, respect, giving and kindness; ages 4-10, masks required. By donation, Kadampa Meditation Center NM, 142 Monroe NE, 292-5293, meditationinnewmexico.org/calendar. CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Toddler Time, 9-10am. Explora opens an hour early on Mondays for caregivers and toddlers to enjoy early childhood exhibit areas, story time and a music jam. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us. Nov 7, Arte Poquito, 10am. A 45-minute program for ages up to 4 years that cultivates creativity through the exploration of Hispanic/Latine arts and culture. Free, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org. Nov 11, Sensory Friendly Time, 9-10am. A low-sensory hour with special adaptations for quieter visits including limited attendance, noise & light reduction and calming spaces for breaks. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1 Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us. Nov 16, 3rd Thursday: Grace, 5-8:30pm. Live music and performances, hands-on art activities for kids and adults, gallery exhibits open for viewing, food & drink. Free, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov/artsculture/ albuquerque-museum/events/3rdthursday-grace. NM Dept of Cultural Affairs has information about NM museums, historic sites and other institutions. Find information about free admission days for kids and on certain days of each month, newmexicoculture.org. DANCE Nov 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26, Indian Pueblo Cultural Dance Program, noon. Pueblo communities celebrate

seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance that connect ancestors, community and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator. Included with admission, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo.org/culturaldance-program. Nov 19, Rhythm Of The Yuletide Dance, 1pm. World-champion Irish dancers and Irish musicians perform in traditional and current Celtic styles with inspired choreography and holiday music. $25-$69, Popejoy Hall, UNM, 203 Cornell NE, 277-9771, popejoypresents.com/events/detail/ rhythm-of-the-yuletide-dance. Nov 25, 26, “The Nutcracker Ballet,” 7pm, Sat; 2pm, Sun. The NM Ballet Company will be joined by the NM Philharmonic and current stars of the Santa Fe Ballet and NYC Ballet to present this holiday classic. $11-$58, Popejoy Hall, UNM, 203 Cornell NE, 925-5858, newmexicoballetcompany. com/events/the-nutcracker-at-popejoy-hall. EXHIBITS Nov 3, First Friday Fractals, 6 & 7pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature and zooms through complex mathematical fractals; for ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/events/firstfriday-fractals. Nov 3, Fractals Rock!, 8 & 9pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of fractals in nature with less talk and more rock. Included are more 3D fractal zooms (which can make some people motion sick) and less little explanation; ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/events/firstfriday-fractals. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Nov 3-4, Indigenous Life Celebration & Youth Powwow. This family-friendly event features interactive activities promoting culture, language and heritage; see website for full schedule. Free, Civic Plaza & ABQ Convention Center, 1 Civic Plaza, 768-3307 and KiMo Theater, 423 Central NW, 768-3544, cabq.gov/office-of-equityinclusion/events/indigenous-lifecelebration-youth-pow-wow. Nov 3-5, NM Jewish Storytelling Festival. In person and on Zoom: workshops, storytelling, storytelling concert and a special program for families and children. Free-$36, Nahalat Shalom, 3606 Rio Grande NW, abqjew.com/calendar.php. Nov 4, Craft Fair, 9am-3pm. More than 60 vendors, all with hand-crafted items. Free, Rio Rancho UMC, 1652 Abrazo NE, 892-0404, rrumc.net. Nov 4, Scandinavian Festival, 10am4pm. Featuring Scandinavian food, Norwegian and Swedish folk art,

20 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Scandinavian dance performances and a kids’ craft corner. Free, St John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE, facebook.com/scandiabq. Nov 11, ABQ Doll & Toy Show, 10am3pm. Vendors from three states sell antique, vintage and modern dolls, toys, action figures and Teddy bears. $5, Grace Church Gym, 6901 San Antonio NE, ABQ, 508-0351, dolls-4u.com. Nov 11, Albuquerque Dia de Los Muertos Parade, noon-10pm. The parade and festival will begin at NHCC; the parade will start at 7pm and end at Civic Center and a second festival will be held at Civic Center from 6-10pm. Music, a parade, concessions and arts & crafts. Free, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th NW, Civic Center, 1 724-4771, nhccnm.org. Nov 11, Crane Festival, 9am. An allages, family-friendly festival with live music, storytelling, nature-themed carnival performers, hands-on activities and free paletas; please register. Free, Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW, ampconcerts.org/event/421721/ crane-festival. Nov 11, Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony, 10am-noon. Show support from the side-lines and enjoy floats, marching bands and veteran groups. Parade participation is open to everyone - there is no fee to enter. Free, Veterans Memorial Park, 950 Pinetree, Rio Rancho, 891-5015, rrnm.gov/activenet. Nov 17-18, Discovery Festival 2023, 9am-2pm. Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts a festival to introduce local students to STEAM businesses and job opportunities through interactive activities and discoveries. Students can learn STEAM concepts straight from industry professionals and see how STEAM is used in their careers. Manuel Lujan Lr. Exhibit Complex, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, discoveryfestnm.org. Nov 18, Bandelier Holiday Bazaar, 10am-4pm. An arts and crafts fair featuring more than 50 vendors and crafters as well as student-made art; a jump rope team and food trucks. Free, Bandelier Elementary School Cafeteria and Gym, 3309 Pershing SE, BandelierBazaar@gmail.com. Nov 18, Breakfast with Santa, 10amnoon. Join Santa for breakfast, kids can do a craft as well as write their letter to Santa and drop it in the mailbox to be delivered to Mr. Claus; ages 3+. Each parent and child must register to attend. $10/person, Cabezon Community Center, 2307 Cabezon SE, Rio Rancho, rrnm.gov/activenet. Nov 18, Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival, 9am-4pm. Join the annual arts and crafts show and visit more than 45 vendors and find something for everyone. Free, Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande SE, Rio Rancho, rrnm.gov. Nov 18, Tellabration: A Worldwide Celebration of Storytelling, 4-7pm. Family-friendly, nature-based

storytelling; all ages. Food trucks will be onsite and storytellers stay after their performances to meet listeners. Free/$5, ages 12+, Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center, 4920 Rio Grande, Los Ranchos, 306-4476, tellabration. eventbrite.com. Nov 18-19, The Annual Placitas Holiday Market, 10am-5pm. The market will have events at seven sites located on or near Highway 165 with art, crafts, food and drinks to benefit community groups and charities. See website for locations and details, 453 Highway 165, 867-3355, placitasholidaymarket.com. Nov 24-26, Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival Holiday Show, 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. Juried fine art and crafts, live music and performances, food and drink. $10 day pass/$15 festival pass (3-day admission)/free 12 and under, Lujan Exhibit Complex, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, 222-9700, riograndefestivals.com LIBRARY EVENTS Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Read to the Dogs, Story Times, Crafts, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com. Nov 1, Dia de los Muertos Celebration, 5-7pm. Join for a memorable evening of celebration. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org. Nov 8, LEAP Into Science: Do You See What I See?, 1-3pm. Light bounces, or reflects, off of smooth shiny surfaces in predictable ways. In this workshop, children and families will enjoy using mirrors to bounce light all over the room and to see around corners. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org. Nov 9, Program a Path Through a Maze, 3:30-5pm. Join in programming a path out of the maze. Free, South Broadway Library, 1025 Broadway SE, 764-1742, abqlibrary.org. Nov 21, 4th and 5th Grade Battle of the Books Meeting, 5:30-6:30pm. The Library has a Battle of the Books team for 4th and 5th graders who love to read and want to meet other kids who also love to read. The program encourages NM youth to read highquality literature, have fun and compete by demonstrating their knowledge of books. Free, Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE, RR, 891-5012, riorancholibraries.org. Nov 21, “Daisy Sniffs Out Nature,” Book Reading, 10:30-11:30am. Join local writer and nature illustrator for a reading of this children's picture book that introduces kids to ecosystems; books will be available for purchase. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org. Nov 25, Letters to Santa, all day. Children can drop off letters to Santa at a special post box and will receive a letter back. No postage needed, please (continued on next page)


Albuquerque Kids! Calendar include child’s name and address to receive a response letter. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central NW, 768-4320 and Main Library, 501 Copper NW, 768-5141, abqlibrary.org. MUSIC Nov 1, AMP Concerts: The Rudy Boy Experiment, 5-6pm. SW blues and rock band, The Rudy Boy Experiment, hails from ABQ and specializes in swinging dirty blues with a true rock 'n’ roll feel. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org. Nov 4, Sandia Mountain Dulcimers: Sweet Sounds of History, 1-2pm. This is a group of players with a passion for Mountain Dulcimers. Their mission is to promote and preserve this versatile instrument - join and get introduced to it and experience a variety of styles of music from traditional to contemporary. Free, South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta SW, 877-5170, abqlibrary.org. Nov 7, The Piper Jones Band, 2-3pm. The band performs a unique blend of Scottish pipes, Irish bouzouki and voices lifted in song. They play original instrumentals and authentic, traditional tunes from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Galicia, plus the American region of Appalachia. Free, Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE, 291-6260, abqlibrary.org. Nov 12, Music Student Benefit Concert for UNM Children’s Hospital, 1 & 3pm. Music students from around NM will perform to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. Free/donations accepted, Berna Facio Professional Development Center, 3315 Louisiana NE, nmschoolofmusic.com. Nov 18, Guitar NM: Sol De La Noche, 2-3pm. The band’s debut album, “Al Natural,” has placed them as one of the top modern Latin bands in ABQ. Free, San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull SE, 256-2067, abqlibrary.org. Nov 24, NMPAS Winter Solstice Concert, 7pm.The 2023 Winter Solstice concerts feature two major works by Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as motets and choral settings by Cherubini, Gibbons, F.J. Haydn, Holst, Liszt, Reichardt and Victoria. St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montaño NW, 474-4513, nmpas.org. Nov 26, NMPAS Winter Solstice Concert, 5:30pm. Two major works by Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as motets and choral settings by Cherubini, Gibbons, F.J. Haydn, Holst, Liszt, Reichardt and Victoria. St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montaño NW, 474-4513, nmpas.org. Nov 29, AMP Concerts: The Rudy Boy Experiment, 5pm. SW Blues and rock band, The Rudy Boy Experiment from ABQ, performs swinging dirty blues and rock 'n’ roll. Free, Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 291-6264, abqlibrary.org. Nov 30, Concerts @ the Library: EQNX, 6-7pm. EQNX is a jazz group that plays music from all genres; Jazz, Funk and Latin - they primarily play a hard bop style of jazz using a modern take to

explore contemporary music. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org. SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS Nov 6, 7, 10, Explora “School’s Out Camp,” 9am-4pm. Investigation, discovery and hands-on fall fun for grades K-2 (ages 3-5), to get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, art and math by covering topics like “Light and Shadow,” “Our Amazing Bodies” and Raceways and Roadways. $85/$95 non-member single day, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/schools-out-camps. Nov 7, Election Day Camp, “Forensic Fiends,” 8:30am-3:30pm. Campers grades K-6 can step into the mind of a detective and use the same techniques for solving mysteries. Examine personal DNA, lift fingerprints, test and match synthetic blood samples, investigate a crime scene and recreate a victim’s face with clay over a model skull. Children should bring two snacks, a lunch and a refillable water bottle. Free before- and after-care starting at 7:30am and ending at 5:30pm. $70 members/$75, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org. Nov 10, Veterans Day Camp, “Engineering Your Imagination,” 7:30am-5:30pm. Campers can construct machines, devices and gadgets found in pop sci-fi as well as the real world. Explore water wheels, windmills and apparati from popular science fiction sources. Children should bring two snacks, a lunch and a refillable water bottle. Free beforeand after-care starting at 7:30am and ending at 5:30pm. $70 members/$75, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org. Nov 20, 21 Thanksgiving Break Day Camps, “Flying High in the Sky” and “Rockets! Rockets Rockets!,” 8:30am-3:30pm. Children should bring two snacks, a lunch and a refillable water bottle. Free before- and aftercare starting at 7:30am and ending at 5:30pm. $70 members/$75, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org. Nov 20-22, Explora School’s Out Camp, 9am-4pm. “Feel the Pull,” grades K-5; “Forensics Lab,” grades 5-8, Mon; “Patterns & Puzzles,” grades K-5; “Sewing with Circuits,” grades 5-8, Tue; “Making & Tinkering,” grades K-5, “Art From Scratch,” grades 5-8, Wed. $85/$95 non-member single day, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/schools-out-camps. SCIENCE & NATURE Nov 4, Cosmic Carnival and Star Party with TAAS, 1-10pm. A worldclass program that brings science to the community with a portable planetarium, a field of telescopes and family activities including Rainbow in the Night Sky, All About Comets and Making a Pocket Solar System. Stop by the Explora table to get your hands on “space.” Free, Open Space Visitors Center, 6500 Coors NW, 768-4950, cabq.gov.

Nov 4, Outdoor Field School: Uncovering Archeology, 9am-noon. Middle-school youth ages 11-14 can explore and learn about the natural world through fun, hands-on science outdoors hiking and learn to use field microscopes, binoculars, maps, compasses, diameter tapes and thermometers. $10, Tijeras BioZone Education Center, 15600 Central SE, 768-4950, cabq.gov. Nov 4, The Language of Birds!, 10:30am-noon. Birds are constantly telling who they are and what they are doing. In this talk for any audience, listen in on the pillow talk of a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds, and learn their secret signals when they have found food. Free, Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NW, 344-7240, rgnc.org. Nov 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, Saturday & Sunday Guided Bird Walks, 8:3010am. Join a volunteer naturalist and fellow birders for a guided walk; limited to 12, please register. $3 parking/day use fee, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org. SPORTS Nov 23, 22nd Annual Turkey Trek, 9am. Kids 1K Fun run and costume contest, 5K run & fitness walk supporting Locker 505. Tingley & Central, See website for details, tcrproductions.com/tt23reg. STAGE Nov 1-5, ” The Lion King,” various times. This landmark musical event brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure. Popejoy Hall, $40-$70, 203 Cornell NE, popejoypresents.com. Nov 3-5, 10-12, 16-17, 18-19, “Camelot,” various times. An idealistic young King Arthur hopes to create a kingdom built on honor and dignity, embodied by his Knights of The Round Table. His ideals, however, are tested when his queen, Guenevere, falls in love with the young Knight, Lancelot, and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. ABQ Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW, 242-4750, albuquerquelittletheatre.org. Nov 18, NM Young Actors: “OZ!,” 1:30 & 4:30pm. A musical adaptation of Frank Baum’s classic tale “The Wizard of OZ.” $16/$14 ages 12 & under, ABQ Journal Theatre, NHCC, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org/event/newmexico-young-actors-oz. STORYTELLING Nov 9, “Animal Tales” with the BioPark, 10:15-11:15am. Kids can enjoy a reading of an animal related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for the kids to meet. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org. Nov 15, “Animal Tales” with the BioPark, 10:15-11:15am. Kids can enjoy a reading of an animal related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for the kids to meet. Free, South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta SW, 877-5170, abqlibrary.org. Nov 18, Storytelling Under the Cottonwood, 10:30am-noon. Hear wisdom tales told by storyteller Dianne

Rossbach. $3 parking/day use, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org. JUST FOR TEENS Nov 1, Digital Expression Through Game Design, 5-6pm. Use HTML, CSS and Javascript to build an interactive digital story. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us. Nov 1, Teen Creative Writing Club, 3:30pm. Hone writing skills, bust through writer’s block and enjoy snacks and good company. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org. Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Tutoring Thursday, 4-6pm. Drop in tutoring sessions for ages 13-19. Get help improving grades, studying for finals or the AP/IB exam. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW. 600-6072, explora.us/events. Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Work Sessions at X Studio, 6-8pm. Get help with writing a resume, applying for a scholarship, or figuring out financial aid. Join for collaboration, mentorship, and wrap-around assistance. Drop-in support for ages 13-19. Free, Explora,1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us. Nov 3, D&D Interest Meeting, 4-4:45pm. If you are interested in joining a new D&D campaign, meet the Game Master and prepare to join a seven-session adventure. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org. Nov 3, 10, 17, Crafternoon, 4-6pm. X Studio members and teens ages 1319 can join for rotating crafts, ASMR and good vibes. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Nov 8, Teen Anime Club, 3:30-4:30pm. Join like-minded fans for themed food and activities; for ages 13-19. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org. Nov 15, Teen Advisory Group, 3:30-4:30pm. Earn volunteer hours while making the library a great place for teens. Help plan programs and recommend library material; for ages 13-18. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org. Nov 15, WeTech Digital Expression Through Game Design, 5-6 pm. Teens use HTML, CSS and Javascript to build an interactive digital story. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Nov 28, Teen VR Gaming, 4-6pm. Play on the library’s virtual reality gaming computers; registration required; ages 13-18. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org. ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS Nov 3, Kids Night Out, 6-10pm. An evening of safe recreational activities while parents enjoy a night out; for ages 6-14, dinner provided. $12 per child, Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise NW, bernco.gov. (continued on next page)

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 21


Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Nov 3, Science on Tap: Theranostics in Cancer Care, 6pm. Dr. Gregg Franklin will discuss how radiopharmaceuticals are transforming cancer care; 21+. $10, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, nuclearmuseum.org/cart/science-ontap-november-3-2023. Nov 9, Holiday Food and Drink Pairing, 5:30-7pm. Craft a pine cone door hanger while learning how to pair holiday foods with favorite drinks. A non-alcoholic cocktail will be demonstrated and served. Ages 18+, limited to 15, please register. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org. Nov 10, Kids Night Out, 6-9pm. Parents can enjoy a night out while the kids enjoy a night of fun and safe recreational activities including games, roller skating and dinner. Grades K-8. $5, Mountain View Community Center, 201 Prosperity SE, 314-0297, bernco.gov. Nov 17, Explora Adult Night: “Ancient Science,” 6-9pm. Delve into ancient science, enjoy music from Jamie M Harrison, the ABQ Astrological Society and treats from Three Sisters Kitchen and The Munchie Truck; 18+ only. $11, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/programs/adult-night. Nov 17, LPCC Kids Night Out, 6-10pm. Recreational games, field trips, dinner and more. $12 (field trips additional), Los Padillas Community Center, 2117 Los Padillas SW, 468-7600, berco.gov. Nov 17, Rock 101 Parents’ Night Out: Movie Night for Students, 5-8pm. During this opportunity for parents to have a night off, students will watch a music-related movie, eat popcorn and snacks and play a few games. Rock 101 @ Covenant, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 9315 Candelaria NE, 226-0632, rock101nm.com FOR TEACHERS Teacher Resources: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History offers a list of resources for teachers in general science, energy, chemistry, nuclear science and atomic history/ nuclear proliferation, nuclearmuseum. org/educate/for-teachers/teacherresources. Nov 2, Rolling, Rolling EC Teacher Workshop, 10am-noon. What can be discovered about how everyday shapes roll? Roll up and down and all around in this workshop. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Nov 16, Crazy About Chromatography EC Teacher Workshop, 2-4pm. A virtual workshop for early childhood educators, librarians and out-of-school time providers (2 CEU hours). Investigate colored markers, food coloring and candy to see what unexpected colors each contains. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/ events. Nov 16, 17, NM Young Actors: “OZ!,” School Performances, 10am & 12:30pm. A musical adaptation of Frank Baum’s classic tale. $6, ABQ Journal Theatre, NHCC, 1701 4th SW, 821-8055, nhccnm.org/event/newmexico-young-actors-oz.

Nov 27-30, NM Young Actors: “Stuart Little,” Touring to Schools. With his mighty courage, kind heart and sharp wit, this mouse charms everyone he meets — except Snowbell the Cat. Call 821-8055 to book, nmyoungactors.org. ALSO OF INTEREST Nov 4, Last Corrales Growers Market, 11am-1pm. Providing community access to sustainable sources of locally grown food. Free, 500 Jones, Corrales, corralesgrowersmarket.com. Nov 4, Last Downtown Growers’ Market of 2023, 8am-noon. Locally grown produce, locally raised meats, eggs, honey and local NM small businesses. Free, Robinson Park, 801 Copper NW, downtowngrowers.org. Nov 5, Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle, 9:30-11:30am. NM Animal Humane’s largest party and fundraiser with a 5K Dash without a canine companion, 5K Dash with a canine companion and 1-mile dawdle with or without a dog. Enjoy a sunrise stretch, a costume contest, Top Dog Trivia, and limbo contests. Virtual events are also available. Free-$40, Balloon Fiesta Park, 9401 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, runsignup. com/Race/Info/NM/Albuquerque/ Dawdle. Nov 10, Piano Illusions with Igor Lipinski, 7 & 8:30pm. Polish-born Igor Lipinski reimagines the piano recital in a thrilling, mystifying and hilarious evening of music and magic in a concert that features music-related sleight-of-hand treks and delves into illusions created in the music itself. $15 adults - includes one child or student/$10 seniors and students, Berna Facio Professional Development Center, 3315 Louisiana NE, nmschoolofmusic.com. Nov 10-12, Jurassic Quest, noon8pm, Fri; 9am-8pm, Sat; 9am-7pm, Sun. Walk among a large herd of photorealistic dinosaurs with hands-on activities, education and a scavenger hunt. Animatronic dinos from large predators to playful babies will be displayed in realistic scenes that roar and move. $19-$36/free under age 2, ABQ Convention Center, 401 2nd NW, jurassicquest.com Nov 11, Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony, 10am-noon. Show support from the sidelines and enjoy floats, marching bands and veteran groups. Free, Veterans Memorial Park, 950 Pinetree, Rio Rancho, 891-5015, rrnm.gov. Nov 15, Bible Storytime, 9:3010:30am. Preschool and homeschool (to age 11) group with Bible stories, songs and activities. Call 861-5400 to RSVP and directions. Nov 15, Paint Night Fundraiser for The Grief Center, 6:30-9pm. This event is in honor of National Children’s Grief Awareness Month to raise funds to benefit free programs. Twenty five percent of ticket and drink sales will be donated to The Grief Center. Space is limited; registration required; all ages. $40.74, Kelly Jo Designs by Wine, 6829 4th NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, 341-1883, griefnm.org/event/paint-night. Nov 21, Fundraiser Pie Party to Benefit The Grief Center, 6-9pm. Stop by to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy

22 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

refreshments and music and receive a pie with a donation to the Center. Please RSVP, Hotel ABQ, 800 Rio Grande NW, 843-6300, griefnm.org/ event/pieparty. Nov 24, Skate Night, 6-8pm. Kids can enjoy music, snacks, games and skating; socks required, dinner provided. $5, Mountain View Community Center, 201 Prosperity SW, 314-0297, bernco.gov. Nov 29, Grief During the Holidays Workshop, 6-8pm. Created to help grieving children, teens and adults navigate the holiday season in a way that makes sense for them. The event will provide a space to plan for and commemorate those who are absent from us during the holidays. Free, The Grief Center, Center for Hope and Healing, 4125 Carlisle NE, 323-0478, griefnm.org/event/grief-during-theholidays-workshop. Children’s Hour provides weekly educational and entertaining public radio programing and podcasts for listeners of all ages, created by and for kids and families, ChildrensHour.org, 89.9fm KUNM. New Mexico Farmers’ Markets have ever changing information. Find the most up-to-date info at farmersmarketsnm.org/find-a-market.

DECEMBER

ARTS & CRAFTS Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Art Workshops, 1-2:30pm. All ages enjoy projects with a variety of art mediums, all materials supplied; child and grown-up friendly. Included with admission, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov. Dec 6, 13, 20, Holiday Crafts, 6-8pm. Bring the family to make holiday gifts. Free, ABQ BioPark, 2601 Central NW, 848-7180, cabq.gov/artsculture/ biopark/events/holiday-crafts. Dec 13, Ornament Making, 3:30-5:30pm. Make a lasting memory for the holidays to use yourself or give as a gift. Ages 9-17, materials provided. Free, Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 291-6295, abqlibrary.org. Dec 16, Gingerbread People, 3-4pm. Decorate a gingerbread person any way you want, then eat it or take it home. Supplies limited, first come, first served. Free, Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 291-6295, abqlibrary.org. CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Dec 3, 10, 17, Meditation for Kids, In Person, 10-11:30am. In this fun class, children build inner strength and confidence by developing good qualities with a short meditation, teaching and activities to increase patience, respect, giving and kindness; ages 4-10, masks required. By donation, Kadampa Meditation Center NM, 142 Monroe NE, 292-5293, meditationinnewmexico.org/calendar. CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS Dec 2, Meet A Scientist, 10am-1pm. Meet local scientists and learn how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics are used throughout the city. Included with admission/free for members/children under 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, Explora.us.

Dec 4, 11, 18, Toddler Time, 9-10am. Explora opens an hour early on Mondays for caregivers and toddlers to enjoy early childhood exhibit areas, story time and a music jam. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us. NM Dept of Cultural Affairs has information about NM museums, historic sites and other institutions. Find information about free days for kids and on certain days of the month, newmexicoculture.org. DANCE Dec 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 23 & 30 & 31, Indian Pueblo Cultural Dance Program, noon. Pueblo communities celebrate seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance that connect ancestors, community and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator. Included with admission, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 8437270, indianpueblo.org/cultural-danceprogram. Dec 2, 3, The “Nutcracker,” by The NM Ballet Company, 7pm, Sat; 2pm, Sun. The NM Ballet Company will be joined by the NM Philharmonic and current stars of San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet to present this holiday classic. $11child/$14-$65 adults, Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell NE, 2924245, newmexicoballetcompany.com Dec 9, 10, Magnify Dance Ensemble: “Christmas Joy,” 2 & 6:30pm, Sat; 2pm, Sun. Awaken your heart with the true spirit of Christmas in dance with more than 65 classically trained dancers who present a collection of moving and inspirational classical ballet, jazz and contemporary dance performances choreographed to traditional and contemporary Christmas music. $34/$40, $2 discount for students, seniors and members, ABQ Journal Theatre, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org/event/magnify-danceensemble-christmas-joy. Dec 12, “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” 7-9pm. Be transported by the magic of jawdropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. $40+, Kiva Auditorium, ABQ Convention Center, 768-4575, 401, 2nd NW, nutcracker.com/tickets/ Dec 15, Mariachi Christmas, 7:30pm. Ring in the season with swirling dresses and trumpeting music. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Mexico with rich mariachi music and traditional ballet folklórico. $39-$65, 203 Cornell NE, 277-9771, popejoypresents.com/ events/detail/mariachi-christmas-23. Dec 15-17, “Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment,” with Festival Ballet, 7:30pm, Fri, Sat, Sun; 2pm, Sat & Sun. This holiday classic transports viewers to territorial NM in the late 1800s with added elements of NM’s traditions including Spanish dancers, SW snakes and western Victorian-era costumes. A live orchestra performs during the performance. $12-$49, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, festivalballetabq.org. (continued on next page)


Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Dec 16, 17, 22, 23, “The Nutcracker,” by The Ballet Repertory Theatre, 2 & 7pm, Sat; 2pm, Sun; 2 & 7pm Fri; 1pm, Sat (with Nutcracker Tea to follow). The Ballet Repertory Theatre presents this holiday tradition full of mischievous mice, dancing treats and a sprinkle of snowflakes. $22-$30, KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, 768-3522, cabq.gov/artsculture/kimo/events/ upcoming-events. EXHIBITS Dec 1, First Friday Fractals, 6 & 7pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature and zooms through complex mathematical fractals; for ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/events/firstfriday-fractals. Dec 1, Fractals Rock!, 8 & 9pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of fractals in nature with less talk and more rock. Included are more 3D fractal zooms (which can make some people motion sick) and less little explanation; ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/events/firstfriday-fractals. Dec 7-Jan 4, “Gourdeous Gourd Art.” NM Gourd Society has decorated gourds by wood burning, carving, painting and adding embellishments. Art forms include decorative bowls, ornaments, spirit dolls, teapots, lamps and vases. Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165 Placitas, 8673355, placitaslibrary.com/event/ exhibit-new-mexico-gourd-society, NewMexicoGourdSociety.org. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Dec 1, City of Rio Rancho Winterfest 2023, 5-9pm. Residents will gather for a parade in front of City Hall, enjoy food trucks, photos with Santa and fireworks. Free, 2516 King NE Rio Rancho, 891-5015, rrnm.gov/calendar. Dec 1, Holiday Craft & Plant Fair, 9am4pm. Enjoy arts & crafts from more than 35 vendors: food, wreaths, poinsettias, succulent bowls and more. Free, ABQ Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE, 296-6020, albuquerquegardencenter.org. Dec 1, Old Town Holiday Stroll ABQ Museum, 5-8pm. The museum stays open late with holiday-inspired work of art, usic, and gallery tours. Free, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov/artsculture/ albuquerque-museum/events/oldtown-holiday-stroll. LIBRARY EVENTS Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Read to the Dogs, Story Times, Crafts, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com. Dec 2, The Polar Express Pajama Party, 2-4pm. Watch “The Polar Express'' at the library while wearing pajamas and enjoying hot cocoa and cookies while you watch. Free, Main Library, 501 Copper NW, 768-5141, abqlibrary.org.

Dec 10, Craft Supply Exchange, 1-4pm. Bring your excess craft supplies like ribbon, yarn, beads and paper to swap or donate. Free, Cherry Hills Library, 6901 Bartsow NE, 857-8321, abqlibrary.org. MUSIC Dec 2, NM Women’s Chorus, 1-2pm. The chorus is committed to providing opportunities for women to create music together, join them for a concert of inspiring music. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org. Dec 2, Roust the House / Rock 101 Performance Night, 7-9pm. Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, 268-0044, outpostspace.org. Dec 2, Sandia Mountain Dulcimers: Sweet Sounds of History, 2-3pm. This is a group of players with a passion for Mountain Dulcimers. Their mission is to promote and preserve this versatile instrument; be introduced to the instrument and experience a variety of styles of music from traditional to contemporary. Dec 5, AMP Concert: Wendy Rule, 6-7pm. Wendy combines elements of gothic, folk, world, ambient and cabaret music, and crosses over into Pagan and New Age categories. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org. Dec 17, Band League Show #2: Battle of the Bands Rock 101 @ Covenant, 5-8pm, The Historic Lobo Theater 3013 Central Ave NE, rock101nm.com/bandleague. Dec 17, DRUMLine Live! Holiday Spectacular, 3pm. Mixing holiday favorites with the show-stopping performance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band, DRUMLine takes an unforgettable journey through charttopping Christmas classics. $25-$65, Popejoy, 203 Cornell NE, 277-9771, popejoypresents.com/events/detail/ drumline-live-holiday-spectacular. Dec 31, Opera Southwest: New Year’s with the Opera!, 2:30pm. A fun variety show featuring Opera SW recent performers, the ABQ Youth Symphony and the Opera SW Chamber Orchestra. $50/$60/$70, ABQ Journal Theatre, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org. Dec 22, 11th Annual Night of Carols, 5:30-7:30pm. Rock 101 @ Covenant, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 9315 Candelaria NE, 226-0632, rock101nm.com. SCHOOL BREAK CAMP Dec 22, Explora Grades K-2 Winter Break Camp: “Chime Time, Hot and Cold.” For more info and to register, visit website. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW. 600-6072, explora.us/winter-camps. Dec 22, Explora Grades 3-5 Winter Camp: “Energy and Motion of Animals, Art in Motion.” For more info and to register, visit website. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/winter-camps. Dec 22, 26-29, “Science is Everywhere” Winter Break Day Camps, 8:30am3:30pm. Single-day camps are divided into multi-age collaborative experiences. Topics include “Engineer

It!,” “All the Slime!,” “Games! Strategy! Math,” “Paper Palooza” and “Solar System Exploration.” Children should bring two snacks, a lunch and a refillable water bottle. Free before- and after-care starting at 7:30am and ending at 5:30pm. $70 members/$75, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org. Dec 26-Jan 5, Explora Pre-K Winter Break Camps. “Beautiful Science,” Patterns in the Winter,” ‘Toy Builders,” and “Musical Explorers.” For more info and to register, visit website. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora. us/winter-camps. Dec 26-Jan 9, Explora Grades 5-8 Winter Camps. Intro to ‘zines, screen printing, bacterial art, airbrushing and pinstriping. For more info and to register, visit website. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, , explora.us/ winter-camps. SCIENCE & NATURE Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, Saturday & Sunday Guided Bird Walks, 8:30-10am. Join a volunteer naturalist and fellow birders for a guided walk; limited to 12, please register. $3 parking /day use fee, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org. STAGE Dec 3, NM Young Actors: “Stuart Little,” 1:30 & 4pm. Stuart Little is one mouse who charms everyone except Snowbell the Cat. $12 ages 12 & under/$14 adults, South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE, 848-1320, nmyoungactors.org. Dec 9, NM Young Actors: “The Bully Plays,” 1:30 & 3:30pm. A collection of short plays that will challenge, inspire, enlighten and help confront the issue of bullying in a constructive and creative way; recommended for audiences ages 12+. $14, The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle NE, 821-8055, nmyoungactors.org. STORYTELLING Dec 7, “Animal Tales” with the BioPark, 4:40-5:30pm. Kids can enjoy a reading of an animal related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for the kids to meet. Free, Main Library, 501 Copper NW, 768-5141, abqlibrary.org. Dec 16, “Animal Tales” with the BioPark, 11am-noon. Kids can enjoy a reading of an animal related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for the kids to meet. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8801 Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org. Dec 16, Santa Storytime and Reindeer Crafts, 2-3:30pm. Storytime with activities and crafts to celebrate Rudolf and friends, as well as Christmas treats. Ages 3+, materials provided, registration required. Free, Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo NE, 291-6260, abqlibrary.org. Dec 16, Storytelling Under the Cottonwood, 10:30am-noon. Hear wisdom tales told by storyteller Dianne Rossbach. $3 parking/day use, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org.

JUST FOR TEENS Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Crafternoon, 4-6pm. X Studio members and teens ages 13-19 can join for rotating crafts, ASMR and good vibes. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 2, Roust the House/Rock 101 Music Academy Performance Night, 7-9pm. Local teen bands, soloists, from punk rock to classical piano to singersongwriters and spoken word artists perform. $3, Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, outpostspace.org/ outpost-performance-space/schedule. Dec 5, Teen Manga & Graphic Novel Book Club, 5-6:30pm. Chat about a favorite manga or graphic novel, talk about which characters are your favorite. Read, share, draw; ages 13-18. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org Dec 6, 20, WeTech Digital Expression Through Game Design, 5-6 pm. Teens use HTML, CSS and Javascript to build an interactive digital story. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 7, 14, 21, 28 Tutoring Thursday, 4-6pm. Drop in tutoring sessions for ages 13-19. Get help improving grades, studying for finals or the AP/IB exam. Free, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW. 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 26, Teen VR Gaming, 4-6pm. Play on the library’s virtual reality gaming computers; registration required; ages 13-18. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org. ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS Dec 1, Kids Night Out, 6-10pm. An evening of safe recreational activities while parents enjoy a night out. Ages 6-14, dinner provided. $12 per child, Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise NW, bernco.gov. Dec 7, Happy Arte Hour, 6-8pm. An artistic fun event for adults in a relaxed social setting. Hang out with friends, go on a date night or come solo and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Drinks and snacks available for purchase; please pre-register: 256-2261, elenad.baca@dca.nm.gov. Free/$5+ donations encouraged, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org. Dec 8, Kids Night Out, 6-9pm. Parents can enjoy a night out while the kids enjoy a night of fun and safe recreational activities including games, roller skating and dinner. Ages K-8. $5, Mountain View Community Center, 201 Prosperity SE, 314-0297, bernco.gov. Dec 18, “Escape to Pemberley,” 2-3pm, 4-5pm, 6-7:30pm. Enjoy a Jane Austen Escape Room: Find your way through and on the way reveal the love stories these characters were meant to live out in 60 minutes. Up to three hints are provided. Registration is required and limited to 8 per session; ages 16+. Free, Cherry Hills Library, 6901 Barstow NE, 857-8321, abqlibrary.org. (continued on next page)

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 23


Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Dec 22, LPCC Kids Night Out, 6-10pm. Recreational games, field trips, dinner and more. $12 (field trips additional), Los Padillas Community Center, 2117 Los Padillas SW, 468-7600, berco.gov. FOR TEACHERS Teacher Resources: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History offers a list of resources for teachers in general science, energy, chemistry, nuclear science and atomic history/nuclear proliferation, nuclearmuseum.org/educate/forteachers/teacher-resources. Dec 1, NM Young Actors: “Stuart Little,” Touring to Schools. With his mighty courage, kind heart and sharp wit, this mouse charms everyone he meets - except Snowbell the Cat. Call 821-8055 to book, nmyoungactors.org. Dec 2, 3D Printing Teacher Workshop, 10am-noon. For beginners and intermediates - Discover the fun behind 3D printing by exploring the possibilities of filaments using simple tools and software and learn how to incorporate them into activities. Participants are eligible to receive a classroom visit on 3D printing activities for their students. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 7, Oceans of Possibilities EC Teacher Virtual Workshop, 10am-noon. A virtual workshop for early childhood educators, librarians and out-of-school time providers (2 CEU hours). Bring clouds, rain and oceans to you, explore a paper mountain watershed and engineer an acequia. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 7, 8, NM Young Actors: “The Bully Plays,” Touring to Schools. A collection of short plays that will challenge, inspire, enlighten and help confront the issue of bullying in a constructive and creative way; recommended for audiences ages 12+. Call for bookings 821-8055, nmyoungactors.org. ALSO OF INTEREST Dec 1, Old Town Holiday Stroll, 5-9pm. Local performers, The Lighting Ceremony and shopping. Free, Old Town ABQ, cabq.gov/artsculture/ historic-old-town/old-town-holiday-stroll. Dec 1-2, Outdoor Live Nativity, 6-7pm. Enjoy the narrated story of Christ’s birth with animals, music and refreshments. Free, Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 12701 Indian School NE. Dec 9-10, Holiday Market at the ABQ Railyards, 10am-4pm. Enjoy 150+ vendors selling food, crafts, art and body products. Free, Rail Yards Market, 777 1st SW, facebook.com/ events/244536511847320. Dec 15, 11th Annual Night of Carols, 5:30-7:30pm. Rock 101 Headquarters @ Covenant, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 9315 Candelaria NE, rock101nm.com/band-league. Dec 17, Remembrance Ceremony, 3-5pm. This ceremony is a time for adults and children to grieve in the comfort of others and remember their person who died. This ceremony includes music, readings, 4-candles ceremony and sharing of names and memories. There will be time to socialize afterwards; please register. The Grief Center, 4125 Carlisle NE, 323-0478, griefnm.org/event/ remembrance-ceremony. Dec 24, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Lobo Theater, 10am. See the movie on the big screen; come early for a full brunch buffet. $10 movie/$21 brunch, The Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central NE, facebook.com/ events/80855078403436. Dec 29, Skate Night, 6-8pm. Kids can enjoy music, snacks, games and skating; socks required, dinner provided. $5, Mountain View Community Center, 201 Prosperity SW, 314-0297, bernco.gov. Dec 31, “Noon Year’s Eve” For Families, noon. Children join for balloons, experiments, music, and a raffle that is sure to get you in the spirit for 2024. We’ll even have a special guest to help us count down to the new year! You will need to reserve your space for this event ahead of time, we will not accept walk-ins the day of as this is a capped event. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events. Dec 31, Opera SW: New Year’s with the Opera, $50-$70. A variety show featuring Opera SW performers, the ABQ Youth Symphony and the Opera SW Chamber Orchestra. ABQ Journal Theatre, NHCC, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org. New Mexico Farmers’ Markets have ever changing information. Find the most up-todate info at farmersmarketsnm.org/ find-a-market.

Vincent, age 6

24 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar NOVEMBER

ARTS & CRAFTS Nov 3, Fine Art Friday with Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, 2-4pm. Exploration into the arts with guest facilitators and hands-on activities. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 9898359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 3, First Friday at Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 5-7pm. Celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month with music and art by visual artist Adrian Wall. Free, NM residents, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org. Nov 3, Nature Party: Upcycled Rag Rugs, 3:30-5pm. A monthly program exploring sustainability for kids; all materials provided. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Nov 5, Family Art Making, 10am-noon. Families can join fun artmaking, explore the galleries to find inspiration and have light snacks. Free for NM residents, Plaza Building, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org. Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, After School Art, 3:30-4:30pm. Practice creative skills with themed art sessions. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org. Nov 9, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, at the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Nov 16, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, at the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. Nov 17, Friday Afternoon Art: Paper Marbling and Book Making, 2:30-4:30pm. All ages, all supplies provided. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. Nov 30, Throwback Movie: “Ratatouille” [G], 5:30-7:30pm. Popcorn and hot cocoa provided, bring blankets and pillows. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. CULTURAL CENTERS AND MUSEUMS Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Wee Wednesdays, 10:30am. Parents and toddlers enjoy discovery with story time and play. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 9, Thursdays Are Yours, 4-6pm. All visitors can enjoy immersive exhibits for free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 10, Community Day at the Garden, 9am-5pm. Free for NM residents and students, SF Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org.

Nov 12, Family Fun Day: Get Up and Grow!, 10:30am-2:30pm. In honor of the new exhibit, “Rooted in Place,” celebrate nature and community through hands-on art making and storytelling; encouraging kids and families to interact with art. Free, (includes admission), Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org. Nov 18, Gus on the Bus!: Puppets and Printmaking on the Plaza, 10am-2pm. Tour the Baumann exhibit onboard the Wonders on Wheels mobile museum, learn how to manipulate a marionette and make one, you can also make a color woodblock print. All ages, free (does not include admission), NM Museum of Art, Plaza Building, 107 W Palace, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org. Nov 24, Final Friday: Art Scavenger Hunt, 5-7pm. Visit the show “Shadow and Light” and test observation skills with a scavenger hunt that will ask you to look closely and think. Free, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Plaza, 476-5063, ncartmuseum.org. DANCE Nov 3, First Friday: High School Performing Arts Initiative with the NM School for the Arts Dance Department, 5-7pm. A collaboration between the dance department and the Choir and Strings Ensemble. Free, NM Museum of Art, Plaza Building, 107 W. Palace, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Nov 3, STEM Pathways for Girls, 8:30am-3:30pm. A full day of handson STEM workshops, a keynote speaker, STEAM fair and raffle prizes. Open to girls and non-binary students in 5th-8th grades. Priority is given to students in Northern NM. $25 non-refundable (registration fee can be waived based on need), SF Community College, 570-5402, stemsantafe.org/programs/stem-pfg. LIBRARY EVENTS Area Libraries offer activities like Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup!, Game Time, Chess, AfterSchool Clubs, Story Time, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafelibrary.org, vglibrary.org. Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Yoga and Movement for Kids, 10:30am. Join for children’s yoga, joyful movement and kinesthetic creativity; all ages have fun getting bodies moving. Children must be accompanied by an adult, mats provided but if you have one, bring it. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Nov 4, 18, Parent and Tot Creative Movement, 10-11am. This gentle intro class for children and a caregiver utilizes a curriculum based on child development theories and discovery of dance through play. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org. Nov 7, 14, Wags and Words, 6-7pm. Children can practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a furry friend; for early school-aged children; call during or email to sign up: (continued on next page)


Santa Fe Kids! Calendar mkatencio@santafenm.gov. Dogs are from the SF Animal Shelter Pet Outreach Program. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org. Nov 8, Family Read-In, 5-7pm. Wear pajamas, bring a blanket and stuffed animals, and join for a cozy night of reading together with hot cocoa and popcorn (and therapy dogs!). Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. MUSIC Nov 24, NMPAS Winter Solstice Concert, 7pm. Two major works by Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as motets and choral settings by Cherubini, Gibbons, F.J. Haydn, Holst, Liszt, Reichardt and Victoria. Artistic Director Franz Vote leads members of the NM Bach Society and Orchestra in this program of music for the holiday season. Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel 50 Mount Carmel, 474-4513, nmpas.org. SCIENCE & NATURE Nov 2, Homeschooler Seeds & Sprouts Field Trip, 10am-12pm. Homeschoolers receive free admission to the museum and can join the Seeds & Sprouts Extended Program. Free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Animal Meet & Greet, 12:30-1pm. Learn about the museum pets and see them eat their lunch. Say “hi” to Cornelius (Corn snake), Bisquick (Tortoise), Fafnir (Lizard) and Loki (Mexican Black Kingsnake). Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Seeds & Sprouts, 10:30-11:30am. Kids explore nature from fun in the backyard to inhouse programming. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 4, 11, 25, Science Saturday, 2-4pm. Science fun for all ages with experiments and activities. Included w/ admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 4, 11, 18, 25, Saturday Morning Guided Birding, 8:30-9:30am. Join a volunteer docent for guided birding around the gardens and ground. 1800 Upper Canyon, randalldavey.audubon. org/events/saturday-morning-guidedbirding-27. STORYTELLING Nov 2, Fun with Firefighters, 1-2pm. Join the SF Fire Department for story time and a visit to their fire truck. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Nov 3, Santa Fe Public Library Story Time & Craft at Meow Wolf, 10am. Meow Wolf, 1352 Rufina Circle, 395-6369, meowwolf.com. Nov 6, 20, Elements of Art: Storytime at the Museum Library, 10-11am. Children ages 3-5 can learn about a basic element of art through story, song and craft with concepts like color,

line and form. Free, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org. Nov 12, Santa Fe Public Library Story Time at Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 11am. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org. Nov 15, Fire Safety Story Time with Firefighter Jeff, 10:30-11:30am. Learn about fire safety with this special guest from the SF Fire Department. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. JUST FOR TEENS Nov 1, 8, 22, 29, Teen Lounge, 1:30-3:30pm. A safe space for teens to decompress after school with art supplies, homework tables, laptops & WiFi board games, tea and snacks. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4863, santafelibrary.org. ALSO OF INTEREST Nov 10, Trash Fashion and Costume Contest, 7pm. Part of the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival. The trashion show is a creative competition using recycled materials to create a wearable garment. $8-$20, Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy, 603-0558, recyclesantafe.org. Nov 10-12, 24th Annual Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, 5-9pm, Fri; 9am-5pm, Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun. The market is dedicated to showcasing artwork created from discarded materials and includes an art market, adult and student juried art exhibits and makeand-take art activities. $5, Fri or Trash Fashion Show Ticket/Free, Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy, 603-0558, recyclesantafe.org. Nov 23, Atalaya School Turkey Trot 5k Race and 1k Kids’ Fun Run, 6-11am. More than 450 runners participate in this fundraiser. See website for details, atalayapta.com/turkey-trot. Nov 24, Holiday Tree Lighting, 3-8pm. Enjoy music and song, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the tree - all in true NM style. Free, Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln, santafe. com/holiday-tree-lighting-on-the-plaza.

DECEMBER

ARTS & CRAFTS Dec 1, Fine Art Fridays, 2-4pm. Exploration into the arts with guest facilitators and hands-on activities that encourage children to explore their creativity. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Dec 1, First Friday at Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 5-7pm. Free, NM residents, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org. Dec 3, Family Art Making, 10amnoon. Families can join fun art-making; explore the galleries to find inspiration and have light snacks. Free for NM residents, Plaza Building, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org. Dec 14, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes.

Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 21, Family Crafternoon: Solstice Lanterns and Farolitos, 3:30-5pm. Learn to make your own Solstice lanterns and Christmas farolitos. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 21, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. Dec 28, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafelibrary.org. Dec 28, Throwback Movie Night: “The Muppets Christmas Carol” [PG], 5:30-7pm. Popcorn and hot cocoa provided. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS Dec 1, First Friday: Art Scavenger Hunt, 5-7pm. Take a fresh look at works from the permanent collection and get to know the museum better. Free, NM Museum of Art, 107 W. Palace, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org. Dec 6, 13, 20, 27, Wee Wednesdays, 10:30am. Parents and toddlers enjoy discovery with story time and play. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Dec 10, Family Fun Day: Snow Place Like Home, 10:30am-2:30pm. In honor of the new exhibit “Rooted in Place,” celebrate nature and community through hands-on art making and storytelling while encouraging kids and families to interact with art. Free, (includes admission), Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org. Dec 16, Holiday Open House, NM Museum of Art, 11am-4pm. Explore the galleries and create holiday crafts. Enjoy performances by SF’s young musicians with the SF Youth Symphony Association and watch a holiday marionette show. Free, NM Art Museum, Plaza Building, 107 W Palace, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org. Dec 29, Final Friday: Shadow and Light Scavenger Hunt, 5-7pm. A wide scavenger hunt to help see the exhibit “Shadow and Light” in new ways. Answer all of the questions and receive a small prize. Free, NM Art Museum, 107 W Palace, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org. Dec 31, Community Day at the Garden, 9am-5pm. Free NM residents and students, SF Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org. DANCE Dec 1-3, “Nutcracker on ‘The Hill.’” A community Production combining a traditional Nutcracker performance with the history of the Manhattan project. Email office@ danceartslosalamos.org with

questions. Duane Smith Auditorium, 1300 Diamond, Los Alamos, danceartslosalamos.org. LIBRARY EVENTS Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup, Game Time, Chess, After-School Clubs, Story Time, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafelibrary.org, vglibrary.org. Dec 2, Winter Open House, 2-5pm. Crafts, refreshments and jazz. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. Dec 5, Kids’ Nature Party: Krampus Masks, 3:30-5pm. Explore children's folk traditions about Krampus and make a nature-inspired Krampus mask! December 5th is the night when Krampus and St. Nicholas visit both well-behaved and naughty children in Europe. Hot cocoa, treats, and all craft supplies provided. Free, La Farge, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 6, Hanukkah Story Time, 10:30-11:30am. Join special guest Miss Michele to learn about Hanukkah traditions and make a Hanukkah craft. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 8, Family Read-In, 3:30-5:30pm. Read and rate books for the Children’s Book Council. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafelibrary.org. Dec 12, Family Read-In, 5-7pm. Wear your pajamas, bring your own blankets and stuffed animals, and join for a cozy night of reading together with hot cocoa and popcorn (and therapy dogs!). Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 13, NM Desert Chorale Pop-Up Carols, 5:30-6pm. The Santa Fe Desert Chorale Pop-Up Carols series brings beautiful voices to get listeners into the holiday spirit. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. Dec 16, Family Gingerbread House Making, 2-3pm. Come make a miniature gingerbread house out of graham crackers, icing and candy; all supplies provided. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. Dec 16, Parent and Tot Creative Movement, 10-11am. This gentle intro class for children and a caregiver utilizes a curriculum based on child development theories and discovery of dance through play. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org. Dec 16, Saturday Afternoon Movie: “The Polar Express,” 4-6pm. Popcorn and hot cocoa provided. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafelibrary.org. Dec 19, Family Gingerbread House Making, 2-3pm. Come make a miniature gingerbread house out of graham crackers, icing, and candy; all supplies provided. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafelibrary.org. Dec 22, Family Gingerbread House Making, 2-3pm. Come make a (continued on next page)

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Santa Fe Kids! Calendar miniature gingerbread house out of graham crackers, icing and candy; all supplies provided. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. MUSIC Dec 2, “An Arctic Odyssey: Concert 1,” 6-7pm. Running Start Orchestra, Ruidoso Chamber Orchestra and Red River String Quartet. $15, Christ Church Santa Fe, 1213 Gaspar, sfysa.org/ upcoming-events.html. Dec 2, Mariachi Christmas 2023, 7pm. Featuring traditional Mariachi music and folklorico dancers performing holiday music in Spanish and English. $29-$45, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org. Dec 3, “An Arctic Odyssey: Concert 2,” 3-4pm. Performing Ensembles: Prelude String Orchestra, Intermezzo String Orchestra and Cochiti Cello Choir. $15, Christ Church Santa Fe, 1213 Gaspar, sfysa.org/upcoming-events.html. Dec 3, “An Arctic Odyssey: Concert 3,” 5:30-7pm. Performing Ensembles: Valencia Viola Choir, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra. $15, Christ Church Santa Fe, 1213 Gaspar, sfysa. org/upcoming-events.html. Dec 4, Santa Fe Concert Band Holiday Concert, 7pm. An evening of holiday and classical favorites. Free, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org. Dec 7, Kings Return Christmas, 7:30pm. A unique, harmonizing group turned internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B will perform arrangements from their 2021 Christmas release, among others. $25-$39, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org.

Dec 10, The SF Symphony presents “Sounds of the Season,” 4pm. An afternoon of holiday pops and winter favorites featuring a side-by-side collaborative performance with the SF Youth Symphony Association. $25+, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org. Dec 13, NM Desert Chorale Pop-Up Carols, 5:30-6pm. Enjoy beautiful voices and get into the holiday spirit. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafelibrary.org. OPEN HOUSE Dec 16, NM Museum of Art: Holiday Open House, 10am-5pm. Join for a day of performances by the Jazz Project along with music, crafts and holiday cheer; enjoy the gallery for free. Free, NM History Museum Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org. SCIENCE & NATURE Dec 2, 9, 16 Saturday Morning Guided Birding, 8:30-9:30am. Join a volunteer docent for guided birding around the gardens and grounds.Upper Canyon, randalldavey.audubon.org/events/ saturday-morning-guided-birding-27. Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, Science Saturday, 2-4pm. Science fun for all ages with exciting experiments and activities. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, Santafechildrensmuseum.org. Dec 7, Homeschooler Seeds & Sprouts Field Trip, 10am-noon. Homeschoolers receive free admission to the museum and can join the Seeds & Sprouts Extended Program. Free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989- 8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org Dec 7, 14, 21, 28, Animal Meet & Greet, 12:30-1pm. Learn fun facts about the museum pets and see them eat their lunch. Say “hi” to Cornelius (Corn snake), Bisquick (Tortoise),

Kit, age 3

26 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Fafnir (Lizard) and Loki (Mexican Black Kingsnake). Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Dec 7, 14, 21, 28, Seeds & Sprouts, 10:30-11:30am. Kids explore nature from fun in the backyard to inhouse programming.. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS Dec 18-22, 26-29, Wisefool Winter Break Camp, 9am-3:30pm. Camps for ages 7-12 with any level of experience can learn stilt walking, trapeze, juggling, aerial fabric, clowning, acrobatics and puppetry. $400, Wisefool, 1131 Siler Rd B, 992-2588, wisefoolnewmexico.org. STAGE Dec 16-17, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, “The Nutcracker,” 2 & 7:30pm, Sat; 1 & 5pm, Sun. Join Clara on a festive carousel trip around the world and celebrate the holidays with ballet, flamenco, Chinese ribbon dance and circus artists. $36$114, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org. Dec 16-17, “The Nutcracker,” 2 & 7:30pm, Sat; 1 & 5pm, Sun. Join Clara on a trip around the world and celebrate the holidays with ballet, flamenco, Chinese ribbon dance and circus artists. $36+, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org. Dec 19, A Celtic Family Christmas, 7:30pm. The holidays become a family affair when married fiddle duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy invite their children onstage for an unforgettable night of holiday fun. $49$75, Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco, 984-8759, lensic.org.

Dec 24, Santa Fe Farolito Walk, 6-11pm. The walk incorporates thousands of flickering votive candles in paper bags, lining historic neighborhood streets and adobe walls on Christmas Eve. Free, Canyon Road, santafe.com/santa-fe-farolito-walk-oncanyon-road. Dec 31, New Year’s Eve on the Plaza, 8am-noon. A community celebration highlighted by the rising of a Zia symbol, live music, bonfires, hot cocoa and fireworks. Free, Santa Fe Plaza, santafe.com/new-years-eve-on-the-plaza. STORYTELLING Dec 7, Fun with Firefighters, 1-2pm. Join the SF Fire Department for story time and a visit to their fire truck. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org. Dec 13, St. Lucia Story Time, 10:3011:30am. Join special guest Miss DJ to celebrate St. Lucia Day by exploring Swedish yuletide customs and making a St. Lucia craft. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. JUST FOR TEENS Dec 6, 13, 20, Teen Lounge, 1:303:30pm. A safe space for teens to decompress after school with art supplies, homework tables, laptops & WiFi board games, tea and snacks. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4863, santafelibrary.org. ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS Dec 2, NMSA Application Workshop, 9am. NM School for the Arts accepts applications from incoming students in grades 9-12 from across the state through an annual admissions process in one of the school’s five core arts disciplines: Creative Writing and Literature, Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. Free, 500 Montezuma, 670-0074, nmschoolforthearts.org/ admissions-overview.

Desiree, age 8


Albuquerque

Albuquerque

LOTTERY ADMISSION

PUBLIC ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL 6TH -12TH GRADE

IMPORTANT DATES Lottery Opens 1/2/24 Prospective Student Open House 1/25/24 Lottery Closes 2/16/24 New Student Orientation 3/22/24 VISION: HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS WHILE PURSUING EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMING ARTS

+505-830-3128 www.paparts.org

Albuquerque

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 27


Kids' Art

Ava, age 8

Draxtin, age 11

Aerin T., age 6 Ashby, age 8

Anna, age 6

Maisie, age 2


Santa Fe

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 29


Holiday Gift Guide 2023 By Kay Snyder I Love You Baby Bath Book (birth and older) This book by Mudpuppy starts off with six pages of wildlife drawings in black-and-white. But once baby places the book in water, vibrant colors appear. Great for bath time fun as well as fostering a love for reading early on. $9.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe. Winsome Gentleman Apparel (birth and older) This line of adorable clothing for boys was born when a local mother became frustrated with the limited options of clothing for boys in our stores. Winsome Gentleman offers fun and fashionable apparel for boys ages infant through preschool, including some dapper sports coats for those holiday pictures. Prices vary at winsomegentleman.com. Oombee Cube (10 months and older) Oombee Cube from Fat Brain Toys is all the fun of a shape finder without the worry of losing the shapes or stepping on them with bare feet. On each side of the cube, babies find a different shape to plug into its place. The shapes have strings attached so they can’t get lost. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, so if the shapes find their way into baby’s mouth (and what are the chances they won’t?), there is nothing to worry about. $24.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe. Busy Garden Trio (12 months and older) Toddlers develop fine motor and problem-solving skills with Busy Garden Trio by Petit Collage. This toy offers three activities in one: spinning the flower, sliding the bee and stacking the owl on the mushroom. All are beautifully-colored with waterbased paints so they are safe for little ones. $32 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. Dancing Butterflies Pushing Toy (12 months and older) Remember the plastic popping ball toy that toddlers push as they learn how to walk? Dancing Butterflies offers the same satisfaction for babies as they make the butterflies flit about with every push. But, unlike its plastic counterpart, this toy is made from the sustainably-forested wood Hape has become known for. $32 at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. Gonge Riverstones (2 and older) If the weather is too cold to go outside and play, bring the large motor skill development inside with Gonge Riverstones. These non-slip rubber “stones” give children a safe place to balance and jump. Each of the 6 triangular blocks in this set provides a different level of steepness and difficulty. And since they can be picked up and moved, the path of difficulty for children can be adjusted as coordination improves. $63.82 on amazon.com. Haba Wobbly Tower Stacking Game (2 and older) Haba takes block-stacking to the next level with this stacking game. The base of this toy is curved, making it a challenge for children to stack the ten circular colorful blocks. In order for the blocks to be stacked according to the template cards provided, little ones will need to experiment with balance and gravity. $20.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe. Hand2Mind Mindful Maze (3 and older) Perfect for a calm down corner, these easy-to-hold mazes help children manage their emotions as they trace a nature-inspired finger path and are prompted to practice breathing techniques. These mazes can also be filled with small loose items such as rice or beans for an even richer sensory experience. $10.58 on amazon.com. .

30 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Locally-Crafted Bears & Bunnies (3 and older) These bears and bunnies are as special as they are colorful because they are crafted right here in New Mexico. Perfect for peeking out from a stocking or gift bag. $15 (bears) and $16 (bunnies) at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe. Bizyboo Hide ‘n’ Seek Busy Bag (3 and older) Need a few moments of quiet in the car or out in public? Hide ‘n’ Seek Busy Bags contains beads that hide 17 tiny objects that children search for through the clear plastic window. The beads and objects are contained in the soft Bizyboo characters that correspond with the objects they are hiding. For example, Blaze the firetruck Busy Bag hides items such as a fire extinguisher, a flame and a fire hydrant. Each of 12 characters comes with a card of the hidden items so children know what to look for. Busy Bags are also small enough to fit in a purse or bag. $19.99 for two bags on amazon.com. Train Letters (3 and older) Motor skills and reading skills unite with these letter train toys. Children learn letter recognition and spelling as they combine these wooden letters to make a word train. What a fun way to learn to spell their name! These trains are made in the USA and are compatible with wooden train tracks from other popular sets. $6 per letter at Moon Rabbit Toys. Sensory Wiggle Caterpillar (3 and older) The Sensory Wiggle Caterpillar just might be the cutest fidget toy available. Made from a rainbow of plastic disks, this 7-inch bug wiggles and clatters in children’s hands as they shake and play with it. Great for kids who love to fidget. $4.95 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. Robot Pet Shop (5 and older) Children can make their own motorized pet shop while they learn mechanical engineering skills with Robot Pet Shop. This kit includes all the pieces to create eight animals (rabbit, owl, cat, turtle, chameleon, sloth, panda, and French bulldog) as well as a read-along adventure book about the animals. $30 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque. SilaiWali Dolls (6 and older) These beautifully-intricate dolls are made by Afghan women refugees in New Delhi from the leftover scraps from mass clothing manufacturers. If that’s not amazing enough, each doll also comes packaged in their own bed, complete with a pillow and blanket. Prices range from $40-$55 at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. Ooze Labs Big Box of Science (6 and older) Calling all slimy science lovers! With this science kit by Thames & Kosmos, children use science to create five different substances: snow, crystals, glow-in-the-dark slime, thermocolor slime, and Oozebleck, a mysterious substance that is rigid with force but liquid without it. A 20-page manual guides kids through these experiments as well as several more. Common household items such as water, scissors and kitchen tools are needed. $28.99 at ¡Explora! The String Doll Gang (6 and older) These keychain dolls by Kamibashi are reminiscent of the corncob dolls of old, but, with choices like Albert Einstein and Ham the Astrochimp, these dolls are much more fun! $11 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque. (continued on next page)


Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Mukikim E-Bird (8 and older) We are all familiar with remote-controlled cars or planes, but what about remote-controlled birds? Mukikim’s E-bird allows children to guide a bird through the air, complete with the flapping of wings. Each bird can fly up to 90 feet and charges in about 15-20 minutes through a USB cord. Green parrot or blue pigeon available. $26.95 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

Painting Pendulum (14 and older) Nearly everyone who has visited ¡Explora! Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque has experimented with the pendulum (and physics) to make artistic designs as the pencil swings back and forth over a large sheet of paper. Now children have the opportunity to continue their creativity at home with Painting Pendulum by Newton’s Lab. Assembled pendulum measures 18” x 15.5”x 9”. $12 at ¡Explora!

Circuit Clay (8 and older) Circuit Clay by Klutz combines the fun of clay sculpting with learning about electricity. This set includes four colors of conductive clay, one block of white insulating clay, 20 LED lights, a battery pack, some fun paper punch-out shapes to add a little flair to children’s creations, and a book of instructions on how to create objects such as rockets, robots, or stars – just in case inspiration might be needed. $24 at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Tosy LED Flying Disc (teen) Is this a flying disc? Yes. Is this an average flying disc? Not with its 36 LED lights and motion sensors! Tosy LED Flying Disc encourages teens to enjoy some time outside and away from their devices. With its waterproof cover, it can even be enjoyed in the snow. $31.99 at amazon.com.

Crystal Hedgehog (8 and older) Similar to a Chia Pet but more educational, Crystal Hedgehog gives children the opportunity to create a hedgehog by growing crystals for the “spines.” Kit includes everything that is needed to grow the crystals within one day: gypsum base, container, stirring stick, instruction manual, and, of course, the hedgehog. $15 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque. Free Fall (8 and older) From the makers of Gravity Maze, Free Fall takes the challenge of getting the marble into the correct block even further. In this version, players place the blocks around a frame to build the maze. Then they flip and turn the maze to get the marble to the target. Free Fall can be enjoyed by several players working together or can be played alone. $34.99 on amazon.com Hydraulic Boxing Bots (10 and older) Children use water to power their boxing champs in this educational toy by Thames & Kosmos. As they build the two robots in this 327-piece set, preteens learn STEM concepts such as physics and engineering. Once the robots are built, hydraulic controls are used to jab and punch until robot heads fly and points are awarded on the included scoreboard. $49.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe. Folk Art Decoration Kits (preteen - teen) For many New Mexicans, decorating for the holidays is a fun family tradition. These kits offer beautiful décor based on folk art designs featured in our state’s own Museum of International Folk Art. The kits available include Day of the Dead, Fanciful Folk Art Animal, Folk Art Holiday, Folk Art Milagro and Asian Zodiac. Each decoration is made of unpainted plywood and can either be displayed as is or can be painted before assembling. $22-$38 at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe or at metiostudio.com. Rubik’s Connected (preteen-teen) Finally, a Rubik’s Cube that can be solved! This colorful block by GoCube looks just like the original Rubik’s Cube. However, this one connects to youngsters’ phones or tablets via Bluetooth to lead them through the steps to take to finally beat the cube. The GoCube app also includes options to play various minigames and even battle other “cubers” worldwide. $79.95 at amazon.com.

Book Suggestions by Page 1 Books

Board Books (babies – preschool) Instead of moons, babies say good night to familiar creatures and places of New Mexico in Good Night New Mexico by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper. In Yeti Baby!, a Hazy Dell Flap Book by Elias Barks, babies lift the flaps to enjoy a festive trip through a wintery forest with a baby Yeti. All little ones (and adults) who love the silly fun of Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton will also enjoy Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!, a holiday book where familiar animal friends get a little wild with their fa la las. Picture Books (3 – 7) Hattie helps again in Hattie Harmony: Opening Night, the sequel to the New York Times bestselling book Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective. This colorful book by Elizabeth Olsen and her husband Robbie Arnett follows Hattie as she helps her friends manage their anxieties before a school play. Another fun book from the ¡Vamos! Series by Raúl the Third, ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read features Little Lobo and his friends who visit the Guadalupian Library for the joy of finding just the right book for each of them. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is a fun-to-read book full of the beloved silliness of taco-loving dragons who spice things up when they eat too much peppery salsa. Early Readers (4 – 8) In José and El Perro by Susan Rose and Silvia Lopez, children are introduced to Spanish with the story of José and his new dog. José is confused why his dog doesn’t understand his commands until he realizes the dog needs to be taught the commands in Spanish. Book #1 of the Dragon Girls series, Azmina and Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara introduces the legend of the Dragon Girls, three girls who learn from the Tree Queen in the Magic Forest that they can transform into beautiful dragons with powerful abilities. But they must use these abilities to fight the Shadow Sprites who are always trying to steal the forest’s magic. Shannon Hale turns expectations upside down in The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink when Prince Valerian, who loves the color pink, swoops in just in time to help Princess Magnolia restore the decorations for the upcoming ball at the Flower Festival after an angry emu destroys them. (continued on Page 33)

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 31


Directory of Schools & Academic Support Programs Santa Fe:

Fayette Street Academy, 830 Fayette St.,

SF, NM 87505. Phone: 505-982-3396; Email: info@ fayettestreetacademy.org; Website: fayettestreetacademy. org; Ages: 5-12; Enrollment: ~42; Average Teacher/Student Ratio: 1/5; Cost: $10,500. For over 43 years, we have offered high quality, individualized education with a small studentto-teacher ratio. Our scholar citizens, ages 5-12, are divided between a kindergarten and 3 multi-age classes, based on levels of neurological development. Our curriculum is constructed to match these different stages. Piaget was correct when he said children are not simply little adults, they actually perceive the world in different ways at different ages. We hope you will come tour our wonderful campus in Santa Fe! Fayette Street Academy is currently discussing enrollment for the coming year, for all classes.

Little Earth School, 321 West Zia Rd., SF, NM 87505.

Phone: 505-988-1968; Email: Carolyn@littleearthschool. org; Website: littleearthschool.org; Contact: Carolyn Brandi, Director. Grades: Age 2-Elementary School; Maximum Enrollment: 58; Established in 1978, Little Earth School provides a successful program of academic excellence for children preschool through elementary. Children learn through an integrated, developmentally appropriate and experiential curriculum which includes art, music, Spanish, yoga, environmental and multicultural studies and which emphasizes respect for self and others. Tuition assistance and before and after care available.

Santa Fe Girls' School, 310 W Zia Rd, Santa Fe, NM

87505. Phone: 505-820-3188;Email: info@santafegirlsschool. org; Web site: https://santafegirlsschool.org/; Contact: Rosie Williams, Co-Director. Grades: 6-8; Enrollment (No.): 45; Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7; Cost: $16,200; Dedicated to middle school girls, the Santa Fe Girls’ School cultivates discerning minds, strong voices, and emotional wisdom through substantive academics and authentic student-teacher connections. Our thoughtful academic curricula engages our

students’ curiosity and excellence; our small class size ensures that each student's abilities, challenges and accomplishments are recognized by her teachers. Our graduates go on to the public and private high schools of their choice as academic and social leaders. Financial Aid; Before & After Care. Enrichment programs: Self-defense, electives.Call or email to schedule a visit.

Academic Support Programs:

Santa Fe Children's Museum, 1050 Old

Pecos Trail, SF, NM 87505. Phone: 954-303-4028; Email: hhausman@santafechildrensmuseum.org; Website: santafechildrensmuseum.org; Contact: Hannah Hausman, Executive Director. Open Wednesday – Sunday, Cost: Admission: $7–$12 with discounts and FREE Thursday afternoons (4 pm-6 pm). Winter Explorers Camp- Winter Wizards: Dec. 18–22 & Artic Animals: Dec. 27– 29 The Museum provides ongoing educational programming, including complimentary virtual and in-person field trips, graband-go kits, in-person STEAM camps, and weekly programs.

Albuquerque:

1st Class Learning Center, 5111 Homestead

Circle NW, Abq, NM 87120. Phone: 505-898-5702; Email: 1stclasslearningcenter@gmail.com; Website: 1stclasslearningcenter.com; Contact: Leann C Gordinier, Owner/Director. Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Years Old. Mission Statement: To provide a learning environment that is safe, enjoyable, interesting and peaceful for all children, their families and community. We believe in our curriculum where each child develops according to age and capacity, having the freedom to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually without any pressure. We also believe children learn best when rules and limits are clear and consistent. Most importantly, we believe that children learn best by staff members who create an atmosphere that is loving, warm, caring and friendly by which all children feel accepted, safe, and a part of 1st Class Learning Center. Financial Aid; Before & After Care. Enrichment program: FOCUS and NM Pre-K. Reasonable childcare for 6 weeks-12 years old. ECECD subsidized care is also available, and we do not charge sales tax. Discounts are also available. We have an age-appropriate curriculum. We serve nutritional meals mandated by CACFP. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have their background clearance. Staff also takes childcare training mandated by the ECECD. – NOW HIRING!

Albuquerque Academy, 6400 Wyoming Blvd. NE,

Photo from Little Earth School, "Nurturing life-long learners who will work to build diverse, just and peaceful communities."

Abq, NM 87109. Phone: 505-828-3208; Email: admission@ aa.edu; Website: aa.edu; Contact: Melissa Seligman, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management. Grades: 6 - 12; Enrollment: 1,185; Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:7; Cost: $27,066 (2023-24 full tuition amount); Accredited by: Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). We believe that children’s lives change when their natural passion for learning is nurtured and transformed into habits of lifelong learning and reflection. Albuquerque Academy commits itself to this mission and continues to evolve, keeping pace with the needs of tomorrow. What will your child accomplish when (continued on Page 34)

32 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Middle Grade (8 – 12) Percy is back for his senior year of high school in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan. Before he can receive his three letters of recommendation for college, however, he must complete three quests, including aiding Zeus’s cup-bearer in finding the Greek god’s goblet. In City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab, Cass finds she has the ability to pull back “the Veil” between the living and the dead and enter into the other world. During a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, however, Cass meets another girl with the same ability and she realizes the city of ghosts is more dangerous than she thought. Inspired by actual events, Odder by Katherine Applegate tells the story of an otter named Odder who is injured by a great white shark while playing in Monterey Bay, California. Odder can never live in the ocean again but must stay in a coastal wildlife rehabilitation center after recovering from her injuries. After the center rescues an orphaned otter pup, Odder must decide if she can help the pup learn to live a life in the ocean that she can never have again.

Young Adult (12 – 18) Legendborn by Tracy Deonn tells the story of 16-year-old Bree who, after losing her mother in a car accident, enters into an early college summer program where she encounters a world of magic with the descendants of King Arthur and his knights. Legendborn intertwines the legend of King Arthur with modern themes such as dealing with racism and grief. In Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angline Boulley, 18-year-old Daunis has never felt like she fits in anywhere being half-native Ojibwe and half-white. When she witnesses her friend’s murder, she is thrust into an FBI investigation of a new deadly drug. As secrets unfold, Daunis must grow into a strong Ojibwe woman who does what’s best for her community. Since princesses can’t inherit material wealth, Princess Camembert disguises herself as Count Camembert in The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, a graphic novel by Deya Muniz. Her disguise might be discovered, however, when she starts to fall for the beautiful Princess Brie. Congregation Albert Early Childhood Center

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Directory of Schools & Academic Support Programs they can dive deeply into their passions with the support of our dedicated teachers? We invite you to learn more about Albuquerque Academy, and we look forward to learning more about you! Financial aid is available. The Academy has a wide array of extracurricular activities – from sports teams to clubs. Applications for Fall 2024 are available at aa.edu/admission/. December 7, 2023: Grade 6 early decision applications due. February 8, 2024: Regular admission applications due.

Amy Biehl High School, 123 4th St SW, Albuquerque,

NM 87102. Phone: 505-299-9409; Email: aphilipbar@ abhs.k12.nm.us; Website: www.amybiehlhighschool.org; Contact: Aldis Philipbar, Development Director. Grades: 9-12; Enrollment (No.): 300; Teacher/Student Ratio: 18:1; Cost: 0; Accredited by: New Mexico Public Education Commission. Amy Biehl High School was founded in the spirit of Amy Biehl, a young scholar dedicated to social justice and service. We graduate diverse learners and leaders who demonstrate the intellectual, social, and ethical habits to improve their communities. Our graduates are civic-minded, college-bound, and career-ready. We are a free, public charter school that focuses on scholarship and service, requiring that every student participate in service activities throughout high school, pass college classes, and design and complete a 100-hour senior-year service project. Enrichment programs: Amy Biehl High School offers a variety of after-school clubs, engagement and intervention electives, college visits, and more!

Albuquerque School of Excellence, 13201

Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87112. 505-312-7711; Email: npetersen@abqse.org; Website: www.abqse.org; Contact: Nancy Petersen, Enrollment Coordinator. Grades: K-12; Enrollment (No.): 1000; Teacher/Student Ratio: 16:1; Cost: NONE. Before and After Care. Albuquerque School of Excellence is an Independent Public Charter School. ASE is a STEAM-based school largely focused on academic preparation for college. ASE has been recognized as a 2022 Blue Ribbon School. We are A Rated by NMPED and are in the process of becoming the first school of Character in NM. Please reach out to our Enrollment Coordinator for more information and to get a tour of our campus. clubs, engagement and intervention electives, college visits, and more!

Bosque School, 4000 Bosque School Rd., Abq,

NM 87120. Phone: 505-898-6388; Email: admission@ bosqueschool.org; Website: bosqueschool.org; Bosque School is a college preparatory school educating students in grades 6-12. At the heart of Bosque School is a supportive, welcoming community in which our commitment to academic excellence and whole-education child education prepares our students for the challenges of college and equips them with the skills to excel in all aspects of life. Our intentionally small class sizes allow our passionate and dedicated teachers to establish meaningful, individual connections with each student and serve as mentors as they guide them throughout middle and high school. We challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and encourage them to take risks, create, and try new things. This mindset ensures that our students are prepared for life after high school, instills in them a lifelong

34 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

passion for learning, and gives them the confidence to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

Congregation Albert Early Childhood Center, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Abq, NM 87110. Phone: 505 883-0306; Email: ecc@congregationalbert.org; Website: congregationalbert.shulcloud.com. Contact: Dale Sides Cooperman, Director of Early Childhood Education. Ages: 2-kindergarten; FOCUS accredited. Welcome to Congregation Albert’s Early Childhood Center, established in 1982. Our 5 Star accredited early learning environment strives to make your child’s first school experience a happy and secure one. We offer a positive foundation for all future learning, creating that joyful, lifelong learner, where our students learn that education is both fun and important. We believe in sustaining a culture of inquiry, with licensed early childhood educators who partner with families and children, and where together we listen, wonder and reflect. Committed to providing an emergent and inspiring learning environment for a diverse population of young children, we provide classes for two through five year olds and an accredited kindergarten where Jewish culture, values and holidays are gently integrated. We are play-based and child-centered, supporting the uniqueness of our students and families. Joyfully, we welcome all families and all faiths. Call and inquire about full or part time choices. Limited scholarships may be available. Come learn, play and grow with us!

Eastern Hills Christian Academy, 3100 Morris St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Phone: 505-294-3373; Email: schoolboard@easternhillsca.com; Website: goEHCA.org; Contact: Hollie Brooks, Administrator. Grades: Preschool-8th; Enrollment (No.): 100; Teacher/Student Ratio: Preschool/ Pre-K 1:8, K-8th 1:10; Cost: $5,540 - $8,890. Accredited by: ACSI, Cognia, NMPED, ECECD. Describe your school, college or tutoring center & include special features in no more than 75 words: For over 50 years, EHCA has provided Preschool8th grade children a Christ centered education that equips and inspires them to serve God and impact their world. We prepare each child for their future through an education where God's word is studied, Christian character is developed, and academic excellence is pursued. Our students discover and explore their passions through a variety of enrichment classes and electives, after-school programs and competitive elementary and middle school athletics. Financial Aid/Before and After Care. Enrichment programs: Spanish, Music, Art, PE for all. Additional MS electives covering variety of topics. Set up your personal tour today and see how your child can learn and succeed in a loving environment where expectations are high. Escuela del Sol Montessori, 1114 7th St. NW,

Abq, NM 87102. Phone: 505-242-3033; Email: office@ edelsol.org; Website: escueladelsol.org; Contact: Elizabeth Marcilla; Administrative Director. Grades/Ages: 18 months thru 8th grade; Enrollment: 200; Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:6 Toddler, 1:12 Primary, Elementary & Jr. High. Accredited by American Montessori Society, National Council on Private School Accreditation. Escuela del Sol Montessori is an independent not-for-profit school that provides the best

(continued on next page)


Directory of Schools & Academic Support Programs educational conditions to engage and nurture every child’s innate passion to learn. Fundamental skills are integrated into an interdisciplinary program to nurture creativity and enthusiasm for learning while fostering critical thinking and social responsibility. Learning in an environment of kindness, courtesy, self-respect, and consideration for others is crucial to moral development, a sense of dignity, and academic success. Scholarships/Financial Aid; Before and After Care. Enrichment programs: Spanish, Music, Art, Gardening. On-site chefs provide delicious & nutritious lunches & snacks.

Holy Ghost Catholic School, 6201 Ross Ave.

SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Phone: 505-256-1563; Email: holyghost@hgcsabq.com; Website: www.hgcsabq.com; Contact: Nichole Dominguez-Chavez, Principal. Grades: pre-k to 8; Enrollment (No.): 130; Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:13; Cost: $5,600; Accredited by: Western Catholic Education Association. Holy Ghost Catholic School has a long tradition of providing a high-quality education for all students. To keep this tradition, Holy Ghost Catholic School is always looking to the future to ensure that we are providing and equipping our students with the best tools to succeed. As a result of these efforts, Holy Ghost Catholic School is now the first and only pre-k to 8th grade Catholic school in the state of New Mexico to receive a National Certificate for STEM Excellence. Scholarships/Financial Aid; Before and After Care. Enrichment programs: music, library, computer technology, Spanish, art, STEM, after school clubs (sports, chess, choir, guitar) We offer military, family referral, and multiple student discounts, as well as tuition assistance to those who qualify.

by: National Lutheran School Accreditation. For 100 years Immanuel Lutheran School has been producing graduates who are confident, caring, and well-prepared for the next step in their educational journey. ILS has been nationally recognized as its students test above national averages. Traditional values and Christian character are taught by certified teachers in all academic classes. Call today for your Educational Success Consultation with the principal to see how your child will blossom in the Immanuel Lutheran School family! Financial Aid/ Before and After Care. Immanuel Lutheran School offers Spanish, PE, music (band and choir), art, and Bible time in all grades throughout the year. MATHCOUNTS is offered to all 6-8 graders. Our students participate in the National History Day Competition, Science Fairs, Geography Fair, as well as an Annual Spelling Bee. Athletica and after-school clubs, including weekly youth groups, round out your child’s success academic.

Manzano Day School, 1801 Central Ave.NW,

Abq, NM 87104. Phone: 505-243-6659; Email: evillegas@ manzanodayschool.org; Website: manzanodayschool.org; Contact: Emily Villegas, Director of Admission and Financial Aid. Grades: Pre-k through 5th; Enrollment: 460; Teacher/ Student Ratio: 1/10; Cost: $13,305 - $16,990; Accredited by: ISAS and NM Department of Education. Manzano Day School, founded in 1938, is an independent, nonsectarian elementary school dedicated to innovative child-centered education, (continued on Page 36)

HOPE Christian School, 6731 Palomas Ave NE,

Albuquerque, NM 87109. Phone: 505-822-5399; Email: admissions@hcsnm.org; Website: HCSNM.org; Contact: Roxann Vineyard, Director of Enrollment Management. Grades: PreK-3 - High School; Ages: 3-18; Enrollment (No.): 1450; Teacher/Student Ratio: Preschool 12:1; K-12th 20:1; Cost: $5,276 - $10,789. Accredited by: ICAA, AdvancEd (Cognia), and NMPED. HOPE Christian School is a nondenominational, independent private Christian school in the NE Heights of Albuquerque serving students aged 3 - 18. HOPE has three campuses along Palomas Ave NE, including Preschool/Elementary, Middle School, and High School. (A brand NEW HIGH SCHOOL facility is breaking ground this summer!) HOPE offers Advanced Academics, Award-winning Drama & Arts, and Championship Sports - with a Full Athletics Program from 1st grade - all approached from a Biblical worldview. Scholarships/Financial Aid, Before and After Care. Enrichment programs: After School Clubs, Music Education, Athletics & more. Despite being the largest Christian school in Albuquerque, HOPE is known for its close-knit community. A brand NEW HIGH SCHOOL facility is breaking ground this summer!

Immanuel Lutheran School, 300 Gold Ave. SE,

Albuquerque, NM 87102. Phone: 505-243-2589; Email: admissions@immanuelabq.org; Website: immanuelabq. org; Contact: Michelle Aragon, Admissions Director. Grades: 2 years - 8th grade; Teacher/Student Ratio: 1/15; Accredited

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New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 35


Directory of Schools & Academic Support Programs excellence in teaching, and Joy in Learning® to prepare children for a life of discovery and community involvement in our diverse world. Applications for 2024-25 are now being accepted. Financial Aid; Bus Service; Before and After Care.

why the future goes to Sandia Prep. Apply for the 2023-2024 school year at sandiaprep.org.

New Mexico International School, 7215

Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Abq, NM 87104. Phone:

Montgomery Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Phone: 505-503-7670; Email: registrar@nmis.org; Website: nmis.org; Contact: Carmen Farello, Registrar. Grades: K-8; Enrollment (No.): 400; Teacher/Student Ratio: 15:1; Cost: Free public school; Accredited by: APS and International Baccalaureate. NMIS is a K-8 public charter school. Our instructional program focuses on language development. Our target students are native English speakers that we immerse in a Spanish program starting in Kinder, and then we add Arabic in 4th grade. We are one of three International Baccalaureate elementary programs in New Mexico. We have a strong fine arts program with Suzuki violin, viola, cello and bass, as well as a vibrant visual arts course. We have student athletics in grades 5-8. Before and After Care. Enrichment programs: Chess, Arabic, Student Council, Athletics

North Valley Academy, 7939 4th Street NW, Los

Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM, 87114. Phone: 505-998-0501; Email: jgeldmacher@nvanm.org; Website: nvanm.org; Contact: Julie Geldmacher, Head Administrator, Grades: PreK-8th; Enrollment (No.): 260; Teacher/Student Ratio: 18:1; Accredited by: NM State. North Valley Academy is a public charter school, serving grades K-8, with a Health and Wellness focus located in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. NVA offers unique opportunities, including outdoor experiences, cooking classes, gardening, and dance. Before and After Care: Yes; Enrichment programs: PE, Art, Photography, Mentoring, NDI, Cottonwood Gulch

Sandia Preparatory School, 532 Osuna Rd. NE,

Albuquerque, NM 87113. Phone: 505-338-3007; Email: admission@sandiaprep.org; Website: sandiaprep.org; Contact: Ray Nelson, Director of Admission. Grades 6–12; Teacher/ Student Ratio: 1/7; Enrollment: 522; Accredited by National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). Sandia Prep is an independent, college preparatory school. Your student will take meaningful risks in a supportive community while learning who they are and who they want to become. Through a blend of contemporary and traditional education, your student will think creatively, critically, and without limits. They will grow in confidence and resilience as they navigate the world. Our cohesive community means no one goes overlooked or unnoticed. "Small by design” means greater opportunities for each student to grow as a leader. Forty percent of our students receive need-based financial aid. Enrichment Programs: The Center for Learning Excellence (CFLE) at Sandia Prep offers academic services to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students. It is our philosophy that all attending students should be afforded opportunities to succeed academically. The Center for Learning Excellence offers Academic Coaching, Accommodation Plans, Study Strategies Support, ACT/SAT Standardized Test Accommodations, and community tutors. Visit us today to see

36 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023

Academic Support Programs:

505-600-6072; Website: explora.us; Contact: Reservations Manager. All ages. Scholarships. Explora offers educational enrichment programs for children, families, teachers, schools, and community organizations, serving tens of thousands of students annually. Educators trained in inquiry-based learning offer programs fostering the joy of learning that encourages curiosity and builds critical thinking skills through creative science, technology, engineering, art, and math investigations. These include Growing a Scientist™ for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 and their adult companion(s); Science to Grow On™ for Grades K-3 (parent participation is encouraged); Home School Exploration Series for Grades K-8; and more. Other learning enrichment programs include Winter, Spring and Summer Camps for Grades PreK-teens, Single day "School's Out" Camps during APS days off for Grades K-5, and Birthday Parties with science activities for ages 2 and up. We also offer professional development for teachers and early childhood providers. Some of these include a Continuing Education Certificate for 2 competency hours.

Huntington Learning Center, 8201 Golf Course Rd.

NW, Ste. B-3, Abq, NM 87120. Phone: 505-797-3073; Contact: Sohale Mufti; Website: huntingtonlearning.com. Grades: K-12; Days/Hours: Monday to Saturday. Year after year we continue to offer children, ages 5-17, supplemental instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, phonics and related areas, as well as SAT/ACT test preparation. The positive encouragement of our staff and certified teachers, combined with individualized instruction based on our diagnostic testing, is what we believe sets us apart and continues to make our program a success.

Tutor-Me, 5528 Eubank NE, Ste. 6, Abq, NM 87111.

Phone: 505-307-4170; Contact: Sandra Akkad, Founder. Website: mytutorme.com. Register now! Ongoing online and in-person tutoring. Focusing on K-12. Homework Help. Tutor-Me is a premier learning center that offers a hands-on approach when helping students. We stimulate & motivate while enriching and helping our students. Tutor-Me provides a safe, conducive and nurturing environment. We offer classes in all Math, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Phonics, English, Science, standardized testing, PSAT, ACT, SAT and more. We also have classes in Spanish, French and Arabic. We offer a free trial. Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mytutorme.

EHCA kindergarteners performing at the school's 50th Anniversary Celebration this past August.


Albuquerque

Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE GIRL CHOIR "FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE TO SING"

Open House

Thurs, Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 215 Locust St NE, ABQ

art. history. people.

Make Albuquerque Museum your Classroom! Museum School, Winter 2024

Art classes for children ages 3 to 14 Weekday, Afterschool and Weekend classes Classes begin January 10

Albuquerque

Preschool Adventures in Art (ages 3-6 and their grown up) Thursdays

Youth Studio

(ages 6 – 14) Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays For more information and to register cabq.gov/museum-school

Grades 2nd - 12th No Auditions Required Learn More at

abqgirlchoir.org

Albuquerque Museum

2000 Mountain Road NW (in Old Town) 505-243-7255 • albuquerquemuseum.org

Albuquerque & Rio Rancho

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 37


The Young Scientist By AILEEN O'CATHERINE

Magnets seem like magic wands with special powers. Magnetism’s force is invisible, like gravity. Magnets pull things toward them, even objects that are not nearby. That magnetic force has a lot of uses and can be found in everyday objects. Magnets hold your refrigerator door closed. We use magnets on our refrigerators to hold up notes that tell us when to visit the dentist. Magnets store information on the hard drive of your computer. Magnets found naturally in the Earth are called lodestones and are made from a mineral called magnetite. When lodestones were first discovered, they were used to make compasses. A compass’ magnetized needle aligns itself to north and south when suspended. The magnetized end of the needle points due north, no matter which direction the compass is turned. The ancient Chinese made magnetic compasses thousands of years ago. In the last century, scientists have learned a great deal about how magnets work because much has been learned about atoms. Atoms are tiny particles made of neutrons and protons in an atom’s nucleus or core and electrons that orbit the nucleus. An atom’s electrons can join and move to create an electric current that becomes a magnetic force. Magnets we often see are bar magnets, small metal bars. Magnets have two ends, called poles, north and south. When one magnet is near another magnet, their opposite ends attract and move toward each other. A magnet’s north pole will attract another magnet’s south pole. The north end of one magnet will repel the north end of another magnet. Opposite poles attract, and like poles repel or push away. If you were to cut a bar magnet in half, you would get two magnets, each with a north and a south pole. A magnet’s magnetic field, or the area where it is magnetic, stretches out beyond the magnet itself. The Earth is a giant magnet packed with a core of molten rocks made of iron and nickel. When the Earth turns, the material

Albuquerque

Photo by YY Teoh

inside its core churns and creates an electric current. That current creates the force that is the Earth’s magnetic field. This field, called the magnetosphere, stretches out into space. When the Sun’s energetic particles, called solar wind, move toward the Earth, they interact with the magnetosphere. This is what causes auroras in the sky — the aurora borealis or northern lights in the north and the aurora australis or southern lights in the south. The Earth has geographic poles at its north and south ends. It also has magnetic poles at the north and south of the planet, close to its geographic poles. The Earth’s magnetic poles move all the time, at a rate of about 43 kilometers (27 miles) per year. The north end of any magnet points toward the Earth’s north pole because the Earth behaves like a giant magnet. The English scientist William Gilbert wrote in 1600 that the Earth was a giant magnet, and he conducted experiments to prove his theory. In the 1800s, the scientist James Clerk Maxwell studied electricity and magnetism to publish the theory of electromagnetism. Some materials are more likely to be affected by magnetism than others. Iron acts as a temporary magnet if it is put near a magnet. It loses its magnetism as it moves away from the magnet. If you rub a paper clip against a magnet, its metal also retains a temporary magnetic charge. Materials such as iron alloys and rare-Earth metals make more permanent magnets.

Avery, age 10

38 • New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023


Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Albuquerque & Belen

Let's Draw!

Become a published artist! Create your own drawing below and mail or email it to Prime Time Publishing: 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102; kids@newmexico-kids.com. Some drawings will be selected to illustrate future issues! Please include your name, age and hometown.

Speech, Language and Occupational Therapy Speech, Language and Occupational Therapy

We Need to Talk and More! Therapy provides fun, child & family centered speech, language and occupational therapy to the Albuquerque community. To call for more information: (505) 675-0689 Website: weneedtotalkandmore. com Find us on Instagram: @weneedtotalkabq Facebook: We Need To Talk and More, LLC

New Mexico Kids! • November/December 2023 • 39


C H R I S T U S S T. V I N C E N T P R I M A RY C A R E

Keeping You Healthy At CHRISTUS St. Vincent, we are always committed to providing the best and safest healthcare to you and your family. From routine check-ups or vaccinations to acute illnesses – we are always ready to care for you and your loved ones. Visit us in one of our five conveniently located Primary Care locations. Adult & Family Care Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors 465 St. Michael’s Dr. Suite 230 Santa Fe, NM 87505

Family Medicine Center Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors 2025 Galisteo St. Santa Fe, NM 87505

Arroyo Chamiso Pediatrics Offering Pediatric Care for newborns through18 years of age 465 St. Michael’s Dr., Suite 200 Santa Fe, NM 87505

Pojoaque Primary Care Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors 5 Petroglyph Circle, Suite A Pojoaque, NM 87506

Entrada Contenta Health Center Offering Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Urgent Care 5501 Herrera Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87507 Call (505) 913-DOCS (3627) to schedule your primary care appointment today. We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Presbyterian Health Plan, Aetna, Cigna, CHRISTUS Health Plan, Humana, TRICARE and United Healthcare. Please consult with your health plan.


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